Actor, Intimacy/Director, Poet, Playwright - Artist

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Educator

educator

Education philosophy

My education philosophy is that learning is a communal endeavor that fosters confidence, responsibility, and curiosity in learners at every stage of life. A truly equitable and student-centered approach values diverse experiences, nurtures critical thinking, and creates spaces where individuals feel a deep sense of belonging. Honoring the expertise of educators and the lived knowledge of learners strengthens our communities, ensuring that education remains a dynamic, evolving force.

I received my BFA in Theatre Education from the University of Texas at Austin and have attended numerous facilitation trainings, earning certifications in various pedagogical approaches. With over 12 years of teaching experience—including integrated STEM/Arts instruction, Trauma Informed Care instructions, training arts professionals and educators, and a consent-based teaching process rooted in my certification as an intimacy director—I am committed to holistic, interdisciplinary learning. My teaching is deeply inspired by the Xinachtli pedagogy, which is based on Maya, Mexica, and Coahuiltecan philosophy and knowledge. Developed over the past 30 years by Maestro Carlos Aceves, co-founder of the Raíces del Saber Xinachtli Community School, this pedagogy emphasizes the interconnectedness of knowledge, land, and cultural heritage. Through the Xinachtli Institute, I have engaged with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers to deepen my understanding of education as a relational practice—one that draws on learners’ cultural heritages, existing knowledge bases, and the wisdom embedded in the natural world. Whether in physical or virtual spaces, my goal is to foster transformative learning experiences that cultivate creativity, honor identity, and empower individuals to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and purpose.

Educator at the Indigenous Cultures Institute and member of the TĀNKO INSTITUTE

 

Take Me to Your Liter

 Age: Middle School

The following lesson utilizes Drama Based Pedagogy to enhance the students' ability to convert metric units.

Facilitator trained in Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process

At the 2024 National Latinx Theatre Commons I facilitated and taught the Liz Lerman Critical Response Process through a Latinx lens for over 300 participants. Click the button above for a sample lesson plan and a facilitation rubric I utilize in my education practice.

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Exploring and Creating Narratives for the Systems of the Body

Age: High School

The following lesson utilizes Drama Based Pedagogy to explore the different systems of the body and their cellular structure.

Higher Education teaching experience at Yale, Case Western Reserve, Kent State, University of Texas at Austin, AATE, KCACTF and more.

 

Story Drama: Rainbow Fish

 Age: Elementary School

The following lesson is a story drama based on the book The Rainbow Fish; exploring different cultures/social groups and the effects of assimilation.