The journey into education for Carmen was by way of parent volunteering. When her children were in elementary school this former probation officer found a new avenue to pursue working with others while balancing family life as part of the school system. Carmen has well rounded school experience. She worked in Title 1 at one of the elementary schools in her district and in Special Education at the high school as a paraeducator prior to her current position as Office Manager. Previously Carmen also worked as a substitute paraeducator in the elementary, middle and high schools in her district.
What truly sets Carmen apart are her interpersonal skills. She has an innate ability to connect with others, whether it be the students she strives to serve or various colleagues and the community beyond. Carmen engages with those around her in effort to build relationships with families for a more meaningful experience in her work. Carmen has voluntarily participated in interview training offered by her district and sat on numerous job interview panels. As the most senior Office Manager, Carmen has been asked to train several new hires. She has served as co-President of her bargaining group and been on the Health and Safety Committee during the pandemic. Carmen was awarded the 2022 Excellence in Education Award, recognized "as an employee that advances the mission of their district through exceptional performance of their role in supporting each student in achieving their full potential".
