Hola! I am a bilingual researcher and educator born and raised within the border of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, and El Paso, Texas. I am passionate about researching and understanding the connections between cultures and languages. My academic journey began with a master’s degree in Communication Studies from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where I delved into the intersection of the yoga practice and interpersonal communication. My thesis project centered on researching the connection between these two areas, highlighting the potential for personal and communal growth.

Following my master’s, I completed my doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Rhetoric and Writing Studies from UTEP. My dissertation project was a culmination of my deep-rooted interests, involving a mixed methods study that introduced mindfulness interventions into the college classroom. Grounded in theories of multimodality, I positioned mindfulness as an embodied multimodality that can be harnessed as a powerful learning tool in the college classroom.

My research interests are diverse and reflect my commitment to holistic education and social justice. They encompass contemplative literacies, multimodal literacies, wellness literacies, critical race theory, and feminist theories, among other areas. I believe in the power of knowledge to drive change, and these interests reflect my dedication to making a meaningful impact.

My career has led me to my current role as an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at El Paso Community College. Teaching and sharing my knowledge with the diverse student body in this vibrant border community is a role I cherish.

One of my driving passions is to bring the skills and insights I’ve gained in academia back to my community. I firmly believe that practice is often more impactful than theory. As a result, I actively volunteer in various organizations. I’m honored to serve as the President of the Board of Directors at the National Alliance on Mental Illness in El Paso, Texas. My commitment to mental health advocacy is a core part of my identity.

In essence, I’m a bilingual, bicultural academic deeply connected to my borderland roots. My work as a qualitative researcher and educator, alongside my dedication to mental health advocacy, reflects my ongoing mission to bridge gaps and uplift the communities I hold dear.