A Celebration of Service Through Literacy

Receiving this Plaque of Recognition from Lions International District 204 is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It symbolizes not only my personal journey but also the collective effort of so many who believe in the power of literacy to transform lives.

One of the greatest joys of my service has been hosting our monthly Saturday Story Time, alongside my dedicated Co-Chairs, Lion Mae Mendiola and Lion Anabel Tudela Nhabz, as we work together to inspire a love of reading and strengthen family literacy.  Each gathering—filled with stories, songs, and hands-on literacy activities—has opened doors for families to connect, learn, and grow together. Watching children’s eyes light up as they listen to stories, and seeing parents and grandparents engage in building a culture of reading at home, affirms that literacy is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to every child who found confidence in reading aloud, every parent who embraced literacy as a bridge to bonding, and every Lion who gave their time, heart, and energy to make these programs possible. Together, we are planting seeds of knowledge, empathy, and imagination that will grow far beyond the walls of our story sessions.

As I reflect on this honor, I am reminded of the Lions’ motto, “We Serve.” Literacy is one of the most powerful ways we can serve—because when we help someone read, we help them unlock opportunities, dreams, and a brighter future. I am grateful for the chance to serve through literacy and will continue to dedicate myself to empowering families, one story at a time.

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs Community Saturday Story Time - Sept. 6, 2025

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs Community Saturday Story Time on September 6, 2025, via Zoom or in person at the Hagatna Public Library.  Register at https://bit.ly/lionsclubreading We look forward to seeing you there! 🦁📚🚤😃

🌟 Honoring 50 Years of Progress in Special Education 🌟

I am proud to have participated in the Golden Foundations: 50 Years of Progress, Advocacy and Access Special Education Symposium. This experience has deepened my commitment to empowering every learner, strengthening inclusive practices, and honoring the vital role educators play in transforming lives.

Attending these sessions—Effective FBAs and Meaningful BMPs, Turning IEPs into Powerful Instruction, Data Collection & Progress Monitoring, Inclusive Practices, Discipline & Gender: One Size Doesn't Fit All, and Think Skill, Not Will—truly reignited my passion for transformative education. Each experience challenged me to see beyond compliance and into the heart of student growth, equity, and empowerment. I walked away with not just tools, but a renewed mindset: to lead with empathy, teach with purpose, and build classrooms that honor every learner’s journey.

Every Student, Every Possibility

Access and Progress in the General Curriculum participants during the Summer Teacher Academy - July 24, 2025

Attending the Access and Progress in the General Curriculum session presented by Dr. Tessie Bailey was a powerful reminder that every child deserves to belong, to grow, and to thrive. As educators, we hold the extraordinary responsibility—and privilege—of opening doors to both opportunity and achievement for students with disabilities.

This experience deepened my understanding of how high-quality IEPs, when thoughtfully designed and implemented, do more than meet legal requirements—they ignite progress. I was inspired to see how elements like specially designed instruction, related services, and individualized supports are not just checkboxes—they are lifelines to inclusion, engagement, and success.

Most of all, I leave this session believing more strongly than ever that belonging is not a bonus—it’s the foundation. When students feel welcomed, supported, and known, they are empowered to reach their full potential.

With clear expectations, evidence-based practices, and unwavering commitment, we can transform systems and uplift every learner. Together, we create classrooms where access meets purpose—and progress is possible for all. 🌟📚

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs Back-to-School Saturday Story Time - Aug. 2, 2025

Join us for the D204 Lions Clubs Back-to-School Saturday Story Time on August 2, 2025, via Zoom or in person at the Hagatna Public Library.  Register at https://bit.ly/lionsclubreading We look forward to seeing you there! 🦁📚🚤🍎✏️

Happy 81st Liberation Day, Guam!

Happy 81st Liberation Day, Guam! 🇬🇺 Today, we honor the courage of our manåmko’, the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, and the unbreakable spirit of our people. Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ for the freedom we cherish and the resilience that defines us. Biba Guåhan!

Empowered to Teach, Connected to Reach

Engaged and energized during the Schoology Courses: Basics session at the Summer Teacher Academy, July 16–17, 2025.

Malesso' Familia is all smiles at the Schoology Courses: Basics session.

Attending the Schoology Courses: Basics session presented by Raleigh Cruz was a refreshing reminder that technology, when used with purpose, can truly transform the classroom.  From customized grading tools and rubrics to seamless syncing with PowerSchool, I feel empowered to manage assessments with greater clarity and efficiency. Learning how to strategically organize weekly lessons using folders and the “Add Materials” feature gave me fresh insight on how to keep students engaged, focused, and motivated.

With updates, announcements, messages, and feedback tools, Schoology makes it easier than ever to stay connected to students and support their learning journeys every step of the way.  I leave this session recharged—with the tools, vision, and heart to make learning more meaningful, organized, and interactive for every student. 💻📚✨

Every Great Reader Begins with a Sound

All smiles during the Reading and Math for the Early Childhood Classroom session at the Summer Teacher Academy, held July 14–15, 2025.

Attending the Reading and Math for the Early Childhood Classroom session presented by Dr. Clare reminded me that the seeds of literacy are planted early—and that as educators, we hold the tools to help them grow. I was inspired by the powerful truth that phonemic awareness is not just important—it is foundational. When children learn to hear and play with sounds, we set them on the path toward reading success.

Understanding the difference between phonemic awareness and phonics clarified the importance of teaching skills in the right order: first hearing sounds, then connecting them to letters. This simple yet profound shift ensures our young learners build confidence and joy in reading.

Most importantly, I was reminded that fluency is the bridge to understanding. When children read with accuracy, rhythm, and expression, their comprehension blossoms—opening doors to imagination, knowledge, and lifelong learning.

This session reignited my purpose: to build strong, joyful readers from the very beginning—one sound, one letter, one story at a time. 🌟📚✨