How did you get involved in Humane Education?

My journey in the field of education has spanned many years and embraced a diverse range of experiences across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. My passion for nurturing children and uplifting the community has been the driving force behind my career. I've had the privilege of serving as a preschool director, inspiring young minds as a hip-hop and art teacher, and supporting students as a guidance counselor in a public school.

Six years ago, I stumbled upon the world of humane education, and it felt like a spark had ignited within me. This incredible field perfectly weaves my love for animals, my dedication to children, and my commitment to community service, creating a fulfilling pathway that resonates deeply with who I am.

When I first stepped into my role, I was a one-person show, but through dedication and teamwork, I transformed it into an incredible department. I know that many humane educators dream of expanding their programs in our field, especially since so many organizations struggle with the resources and funding to achieve more accessibility and programming for their communities. For this, I am truly grateful to my organization.

Together with my amazing team, we've made a real difference—impacting over 600 children between January and October of 2026 alone! And that impressive number doesn't account for the first quarter of the year, when my shelter was a crucial support disaster shelter for our cities affected by the Eaton Fire. We've truly created something special!

How did you become involved with APHE?

My first year at this job was a significant learning experience. I had really wanted to attend that year's conference, but I was unable to. Then COVID-19 struck, and everything was shut down. I was quite disappointed, but I was thrilled to attend my first conference once the situation improved. It took place in Minneapolis, and I truly enjoyed my connections with fellow educators. It was inspiring to realize that many of us were navigating similar challenges in our profession. This shared understanding brought me relief and clarity, shaping the ambitious goals I envisioned for the future programs I aimed to create.

What do you feel are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of working in Humane Education?

The most challenging aspect of our work in animal welfare is gaining visibility in the field. Although we play a vital role, our efforts are sometimes overlooked. There is an ongoing need to enhance our understanding of animals and to improve processes and ideas related to their welfare. Unfortunately, meaningful conversations about these topics are often delayed and not effectively communicated to educators. This hinders our ability to share a more progressive message with children, families, and future community members.

Without awareness, we struggle to foster connections, which broadens the gap between our missions and values. This makes it increasingly difficult to engage communities that can support development in schools and beyond. Furthermore, it requires us to adopt new beliefs and perspectives regarding the treatment of both domestic animals and wildlife. Additionally, budget cuts in schools and related programs pose a significant barrier, as insufficient funding prevents many initiatives from reaching their full potential. Fortunately, at Pasadena Humane, we actively create scholarship programs to make our onsite programs more accessible to those who truly seek to be of service to our animals.

The most rewarding part of this job is witnessing the community's connections with the animals. We consistently remind the children and the community that our focus is on the animals. These programs are not just for the students' enjoyment; they aim to foster a deeper understanding and compassionate connection with each animal. We emphasize the importance of reading animal body language, service work and recognizing that the world includes all of us, not just individuals. Those who understand this concept keep coming back, and that's the best compliment a teacher can receive.

What projects or programs are you currently working on?

We are constantly exploring new and creative ways to fulfill our mission of "leading the way toward a compassionate and caring community for all animals." We are excited to develop a new off-site art-centered program for students affected by the Eaton Fire. Though still in its early stages, our goal is to launch it at a local school by January 2026. This initiative will involve offsite visits with children profoundly impacted by this year's fires, providing them with meaningful experiences that emphasize social emotional learning while they connect with our animals. At the end of the program, we will celebrate with an art show that will showcase the children's time spent learning about all the wonderful animals in our community.

What is your hope for the future of Humane Education?

I am passionate about Human Education and hope this field continues growing. The compassion and understanding it inspires is significant. Children today often struggle with connection, and participating in programs focusing on the natural world provides the community a greater opportunity to love and show kindness to all living things around them.

Do you have any interesting fun facts?

I am an avid vinyl collector. In my earlier days, I would DJ at local clubs and parties. Today, I continue to cherish my extensive record collection, striving to buy less vinyl, though the passion still drives me. My journey also led me to be a hip-hop teacher for many years. While it's no longer my main focus, music and art remain the essence of who I am.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

I enjoy gardening and grilling and am obsessed with my dog. I spend a lot of my time taking her with me wherever I go. Her name is Foxy Lady, and adopting her from Pasadena Humane was my best decision ever. I also have a passion for ceramics and hot yoga. Consistently challenging yourself is the best thing you can do for your health. Yoga is demanding and sometimes painful, but it is incredibly rewarding as well.