About Us

Rafael and I have been married for 27 years. We have three children Elena 23, Vanessa 21, and Vincent 19. I was born in Ulysses Kansas in 1968. I attended Dodge City Community College and transferred to Wichita State University.

• Graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Heath Science (Pre-Med) and a Bachelor in General Studies. 
• 2001 Masters of Science - Early Childhood Special Education through Fort Hays State University.
• 2005 ESL endorsement through Newman University.
  

I had originally wanted to be a doctor. However, life had different plans and I fell in love with working with children with disabilities and their families. I worked in the Early Childhood Special Education Field for over 20 years. I am starting my 5th year at Dodge City High School. I am The ESL SLIFE (students with limited or interrupted formal education) teacher.

I have been a member of St. Cornelius for almost 19 years. I have served as a Vestry member for two terms. I was the Children’s Education Director for approximately 10 years. I have organized fundraisers that have funded 3 Youth Pilgrimages to the United Kingdom. I also supervise the St. Cornelius Parade Floats for the Parade of Lights Parade and Dodge City Days Parade. In 2020 I was chosen to represent St. Cornelius at the Episcopal Church Planter’s Conference in California. This conference helped our church establish Latino Ministries. I have also represented St. Cornelius at our Diocese Conventions on a few occasions. I have served on the Rector Search Committee two times.

I am honored to serve as a vestry member for St. Cornelius! My family is blessed to be members of St. Cornelius' Episcopal Church. 

St. Cornelius Episcopal Church has been an integral part of my life from the very beginning. My earliest memories are of a foundation being laid by attending Sunday services as well as various church activities with my parents and sisters, in the company of a devoted church congregation. Later, that same foundation was provided for my own children. To this very day, being a member of St. Cornelius has been a rich experience that I'm very thankful for.

Professionally, after a career of more than 36 years in education, I am fully enjoying retirement. I continue to serve on the altar guild, vestry, and as a lector at St. Cornelius.