Qualifications

Trauma-Informed Communication

One of my strongest professional skills - I would probably argue the most important skill- is the ability to communicate through a trauma-informed lens. Over the years, I have witnessed countless unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and crises that could have been prevented if people had a better understanding of how trauma influences behavior, decision-making, and relationships.

Trauma-informed communication recognizes that every person carries experiences that shape how they perceive safety, trust, authority, and connection. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with this person?" I approach interactions with curiosity and respect, asking, "What may have happened that is influencing this response?" This mindset helps create environments where people feel heard, respected, and empowered.

My approach incorporates principles and techniques such as:

Psychological and emotional safety
Active listening
Reflective listening
Validation and acknowledgment
Trust-building and transparency
Empathetic communication
Collaboration and shared decision-making
Empowerment, voice, and choice
De-escalation strategies
Conflict resolution
Motivational interviewing
Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
Strengths-based communication
Cultural humility
Compassionate inquiry
Restorative practices
Boundary-setting with empathy
Emotional regulation and co-regulation
Solution-focused conversations
Resilience-centered coaching
Peer support principles
Relationship-centered leadership
Curiosity over judgment
Recognizing trauma responses versus intentional behavior
Avoiding re-traumatization
Building trust through consistency and predictability

By applying these principles, I have consistently helped prevent situations from escalating into crises. My focus is on creating environments where people feel safe, respected, heard, and empowered rather than controlled. This approach has significantly reduced the need for restrictive interventions and physical restraints while improving safety, trust, engagement, and long-term outcomes.

I believe that when people feel understood, they are more likely to collaborate, communicate effectively, and make positive choices. By fostering psychological safety, trust, transparency, collaboration, and empowerment, I help individuals and teams navigate challenges with dignity, respect, and lasting success.

ESL Educator

I previously worked as an ESL educator for over five years, supporting refugee and newcomer populations through programs funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). In this role, I used psychologically informed teaching practices and the VARK learning framework to meet learners where they were and adapt instruction to a wide range of learning styles.

Over the course of my work, I supported thousands of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, each with their own goals, challenges, and educational needs. That experience reinforced a belief that continues to guide me today: language creates opportunity. Through language, learners gain access to independence, self-advocacy, and a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar and often complex world.

This chapter of my career shaped how I approach learning, communication, and service. It remains a meaningful part of my professional foundation and continues to influence the work I do now.

Technical Background

I bring a strong foundation of professional experience shaped by both hands-on work and career development programs. During my time at MTTI Tech, I developed technical skills, discipline, and a strong work ethic that prepared me for fast-paced, performance-driven environments. I had built upon previous technical knowledge and learned to use tech lingo.

Additionally, through Year Up United, I gained valuable job training and exposure to corporate settings. Year Up United provides intensive career training programs and access to opportunities at top companies for young adults. This experience strengthened my professional communication, workplace readiness, and ability to adapt to diverse teams and high expectations.

Together, these experiences helped shape my professionalism, accountability, and commitment to continuous growth.

Before I was a Teacher

When I first came to Texas, I spent several years working in security, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of demanding roles, including as a K9 handler and surveillance monitor. This period was foundational for me; it drilled into me the importance of good documentation.

The main objective of my role was to command a strong presence on site and conduct periodic patrols (both on foot and in vehicles with my K9 partner) to deter incidents and ensure the safety of people and property.

Earlier in my career, I worked as an automotive technician. After a workplace tragedy (the loss of another tech) I realized my relationship with the trade had changed. That moment pushed me to step in a new direction and focus on work that feels more meaningful and people-centered.

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