I AM...

a bilingual occupational therapist from Carpentersville, a working class community of Mexican migrants and their families. My own parents migrated to the United States from Durango and Guanajuato. Spanish is my first language. 

When I was 13, the village board of Carpentersville attempted to pass an English-only ordinance. Even at that young age, I knew it was a direct attack on the mostly Spanish-speaking population in my town. While this event hurt me deeply, it ignited my commitment to justice. 

Before becoming an OT, I worked with children as a childcare provider, camp counselor, and tutor. I was also deeply involved in immigrant rights organizing, most notably as a member of the Student Access Bill Coalition, now known as the Illinois Rise Act which became law in 2019.

I was so happy when I received my acceptance letter from the University of Illinois at Chicago, one of the best occupational therapy programs in the country. Since graduating in 2021, I have provided services at schools and in early intervention. I am also a teaching artist with the National Museum of Mexican Art’s CASA program. Collectively, I have over 14 years experience working with children. 

In my free time, I enjoy making art, cuddling with my pets, and reading graphic novels.  As a queer Mexicana, I bring my lived experiences into my therapeutic practice to create genuine connections.