I have been a theatre educator for 25 years. After earning a BFA in Musical Theater from the Boston Conservatory, I received a Dodge Fellowship for Outstanding New Teachers. My passion for education is deeply inspired by my parents' escape from an oppressive communist regime in Cuba. Teaching in Elizabeth, my hometown, allows me to connect with a largely immigrant population facing similar challenges. Living in this community gives me a strong sense of responsibility for my students, focusing on teaching empathy and resilience through the arts and empowering them to find their voice. Since 1999, I have directed over 30 plays and musicals at Elizabeth Public Schools, earning awards from the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards and Montclair Theatre Awards. I have served in various roles, including director, producer, technical director, vocal director, and orchestral conductor. I expanded our program to include bilingual productions, such as Botánica by Dolores Prida and Yerma by Federico Garcia Lorca. I earned an MA in Theatre at Montclair State University and have served as drama teacher, dance teacher, chorus teacher, and Department Chair, mentoring new educators. Throughout my career, I’ve advocated for improved facilities, currently overseeing the renovation of a black box studio theater—a decade-long effort. I coordinate a program with the Elizabeth Youth Theatre Ensemble, enabling students to create social justice-focused theatre through summer employment.