
Position: Behavior Intervention Specialist
What led you to your current position? I enjoy the possibility of designing and evaluating interventions based on the conditions where and when the behavior occurs. I think that conflict opens opportunities to foster relationships and collaborate with students and their community on new systematical alternatives to reduce distress (anxiety), and consequently, disruption.
What inspires you to do this work? I work with elementary grade students, so every day, there are moments of joy and silliness. These guys are creative, resilient, funny, and intelligent. My inspiration comes from my students’ experiences and my work colleagues’ support to keep myself be innovative.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? I believe that behavior results from the relationship between the student and his/her community; “the student is the community, and the community is the student.” In these terms, the behavior is not an isolated problem; it is a community responsibility. In these terms, I’m currently teaching all students how to regulate their passions/emotions to better judge when conflict arises. Finally, on November 2nd, the school staff, students, and I created a space to honor and remember how much we love our deceased friends and families by setting a community ofrenda for the “Día de Los Muertos.”
Share something unique about yourself: I was born in Mérida, Yucatán, a town situated near Chicxulub – google it, something about dinosaurs will surprise you. Around 10 years ago, while I was living in Mexico, I had to go to urgent care in a Mexico City hospital due to significant respiratory issues. I came into the hospital and let know the front office person I was having difficulties breathing. She only asked for my ID and a contact person to call if I needed to be hospitalized. Then she said to wait in the waiting room. No more than 10 minutes in the waiting room, I was called to see the physician. To make this story short, I received medicine through a mechanical nebulizer, X-Ray, and a second visit with another medical specialist, all on the same day. I paid the equivalency of 15 dollars and without having insurance. If it is possible in Mexico, it is possible in very wealthy countries.