I am the mother of a first grader attending Emerson School in the Phoenix Elementary #1 District. I have served as President of the Parent Teacher Organization, a member of the site council, and an am an active supporter of PECTA. As a researcher and PhD in Education I believe that parent involvement in our public schools is critical and that public schools are the key to student success. Born and raised in Arizona to working class parents I attended public schools. I benefited greatly from having a diverse group of teachers and peers. I found my love for education in the classroom as a high school student. I taught Kindergarten after finishing my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. I am keenly aware of the obstacles many of our teachers face. My desire to serve the community has led me to volunteer internationally, foster 9 children as a licensed provider, serve as elected chair for the local moms’ organization and my neighborhood children’s committee, and develop an in-home play-based preschool.