What path led you to school health work?
Back in 2002, my sister Leonor was working at the West Seattle Teen 
Health Center as the Patient Coordinator, and I visited her a few times and was able to see the relationship she had with the students and admired how she handled everything. She had told me there was a position at the Ballard Teen Health Center so I applied! Twelve years later here I am (minus 1 year I was off on maternity leave.)
What do you like best about your job?
Being able to help our students. I enjoy building relationships and being someone they can trust to direct them to the help they need. Leaving at the end of the day knowing I helped even just one student makes me happy. I love working with the students, no matter what the situation one comes in with. I am always here to help!
What is a big challenge?
I think one of the biggest challenges in my job is being able to juggle everything that happens at the front desk! Ballard is a huge school and our teen health center is located centrally off the commons. It is a poppin’ spot! I have to be on my toes at all times. Even if it is chaos, that could be the time someone walks in that truly needs help and I always want anyone that walks in here to feel safe and welcomed!
What is something unusual that most people don’t know about you?
I got pregnant while I was taking classes and working my way to nursing school. Most people think two kids later that I have given up on school. But what most people don’t know is I still plan to continue. Luckily I have an amazing husband who completely supports my decision!
KING COUNTY SCHOOL HEALTH 