April 22   this week, I had the privilege of presenting on behalf of the Refugee Educational Support Program (RESPite) at LAUSD’s District-wide Homeless Liaison Meeting, hosted by the Homeless Education Office. Speaking to a dedicated group of school-site professionals—including counselors, coordinators, and administrators—I shared how RESPite supports refugee and asylee students as they adjust to a new educational environment. I emphasized the importance of early identification and collaboration with school staff to ensure no student is overlooked. One area I was especially passionate about highlighting was our literacy workshops for parents. These workshops not only support language development, but also empower families to better understand and engage with the U.S. school system, helping them become strong advocates for their children. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this work and continue building bridges of support for our newcomer communities.

Honored to be chosen for An Award as a SHEroes  

  I’m happy to be one of the featured speakers at an upcoming panel discussion hosted by the Child and Adolescent Alumni Chapter at CSUN, titled "Working with Children, Adolescents, and Families in Various Settings." The event will take place on May 3, 2025 , from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the CSUN Reseda Annex . This panel brings together CSUN alumni professionals from diverse fields who work closely with children, adolescents, and families. We’ll be sharing our experiences, insights, and discussing career opportunities in our respective areas of work. It’s a great opportunity for students, alumni, and community members to learn more about the impact of our professions and explore possible career paths. I look forward to contributing to this important conversation and connecting with fellow alumni and future professionals in the field.