Home: New York, NY. Age: 46. Birthplace: Bogota, Colombia. Profession: Special educator and school leader. Organization: Association to Benefit Children - Keith Haring School. Title: Program director. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: Hunter College; Tufts University.
Current project: Supporting families and children as they acclimate to school and separation for the first time. Latest contribution to others: Assisted a migrant mother, who has a child with special needs enrolled in my program, to secure employment in the U.S. Recent travel or adventure: With my family to England and France. Recently viewed and recommended: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
Moral compass: Would I feel proud of my actions and words, if someone I cared about or respected was observing my behavior. What is your greatest joy? Spending time with family and friends. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Stand-up comedians. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Experiences, such as going out to eat dinner or doing a special activity with my family. How do you relieve stress? Going to the gym regularly. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Good travel companions.
What was your first paying job? Sales associate at HMV. What was your favorite college course? Art (early to mid-20th century). What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Google Maps or Apple Maps. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Being adopted by two very loving parents.
What message do you want to send out into the world?
Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect, regardless of ability.
What widely held belief do you reject? People with autism do not desire social connection. What mega-trend most concerns you? Artificial intelligence.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My parents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a fashion designer. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Hanging out with my family, eating at our favorite restaurants, and spending time with our two cats and one dog. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be so critical of yourself.
Personal mission: Empower and uplift parents on the journey of raising a child with special needs. Favorite quote: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye” (The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry).
