My journey into this work began in 2010 while teaching in a teacher education program at the University of Idaho. Prior to that, I taught middle and high school in Austin, Texas, where I discovered a passion for supporting future educators. As I began teaching a course on how to reach diverse learners, I became deeply interested in how cultural background and identity shape classroom dynamics.

During my time as a public school teacher, I was never taught to reflect on how my instruction, materials, or classroom management might be influenced by unexamined assumptions. I didn’t want future teachers to miss this critical lens, so I pursued a Ph.D. in Education focused on relationship-centered teaching practices.

Since then, my work has centered on building bridges across cultural experiences and fostering connection. Alongside my university teaching, I was invited to speak in the medical school, law program, and first-year seminars—engaging a wide range of learners in developing more inclusive, responsive practices. Most recently, I’ve spent over six years designing and delivering professional development for educators and anti-bullying workshops for students. These workshops have focused on strengthening relationships, encouraging respectful communication, and supporting the navigation of diverse perspectives in school communities.

Today, with over 20 years in education and deep experience in intercultural understanding, I founded MEC to help schools and educators create positive learning environments where educators and students build stronger relationships, communicate positively across differences, and create classrooms where everyone feels they belong.