What is your education background?

Bachelors from University of Arizona and Masters from ASU

What are some of your key priorities as principal?

Student learning, quality retention of teachers/staff, cultivating a positive climate and culture where students, staff, parents, and the community feel welcomed and that Cortina is a place where they are happy to come to each day because they feel valued and a part of the community.

Is there a program or initiative at your school you are particularly proud of?

Cortina prides itself on our academic success and high standards, but I am also proud of the emphasis that we place on kindness and building strong character in students. Much of our student recognition was focused on academics, but we wanted to expand on that and increase our focus on developing students who can interact with others in a supportive and productive manner as well. We do daily recognitions of students on the announcements, and we also hold quarterly assemblies to celebrate students who are role models for kindness, character, and perseverance.

What is your philosophy when it comes to working with parents and students?

It all starts with building rapport and trusting relationships with our students and their parents.

Students are the reason we are here and why we do what we do. Students need to know that the adults at school care about them and are here to support their growth and success. It is important that each child has opportunities to take academic risks, learn how to work collaboratively with others, and to build on their strengths. Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

When it comes to parents, it is important that a partnership is formed. Parents must have opportunities for communication with school staff, and they should be welcomed into the school. If an issue arises, I always try to work towards a win-win by listening, validating, and working towards a solution.

How do you emphasize character as part of the overall education being offered?

Each month we focus on a specific character trait. Throughout the month, we teach students about that trait and we center our student of the month recognitions around that trait. Our counselor also offers class lessons centered on the focus trait. Daily recognitions on the announcements for our Tiger Wall of Character are based on students who are demonstrating the traits. 

What is one thing that stands out to you about the Higley Unified School District?

Higley is a high performing district due to the quality staff/admin that each school has, as well as the strong leadership within our district office. There is a solid emphasis on our students' success and there are intentional efforts to ensure that our strategic plan is part of what we live and breathe each day with our students. These are things that make me proud to be a part of Higley.

What is one thing you wish more members of the community knew about your school?

I wish that more members of the larger community knew the value of our staff and how hard they work each day. I wish that they understood how much we strive to partner with them to create learners who are ready for success in the real world. I wish that our teachers and staff were valued enough to fully fund education and support our schools.

How has your school embraced Higley Unified Strategic Plan specifically the #higleyhelps challenge?

Our planning and decision-making is filtered through and is based on our own school mission/vision which aligns directly with the strategic anchors of the HUSD strategic plan. This has been an easy challenge for us since our clubs and student leadership groups already place a heavy emphasis on giving back and serving our community. We are excited to share all that we accomplish this year!