As a proud Alameda native and mother of three, I have a deep love for our island community. My passion for working with children began at the age of 12 when I started Kamp Kara, a summer program where my friend and I organized activities such as park outings, arts and crafts, and games for local kids. What started as a simple babysitting endeavor quickly became a meaningful way to engage and inspire young minds.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Child Development from California State University, Sacramento followed by a Special Education credential and a Masters degree in Special Education. With 24 years of experience in education, I have dedicated much of my career to working with children with special needs. Over the past three years, I have expanded my focus to support the entire student population, ensuring that all children receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive.
I joined Otis Elementary School after my oldest daughter completed kindergarten, and for the past 15 years, I have served in various roles within the Alameda Unified School District. After spending 12 of my 15 years in AUSD as an Inclusion Specialist, I now serve as the Intervention Lead/Instructional Coach, helping to create equitable learning opportunities for all students.
Kamp Kara has always been a passion project—an extension of my love for working with children and my deep connection to this community. Whether through summer camp experiences, engaging activities, or fostering inclusive environments, my goal remains the same: to create a space where all children feel valued, supported, and inspired to learn. I am excited to continue this journey, nurturing the growth and success of every child I have the privilege to work with.