Candidate for
Board Member; Merced Union High School District; Trustee Area 1

I came to America when I was very young and needed to acclimate to the American culture. I had many obstacles to overcome beginning with having to learn to speak English. I understand how difficult it is to learn a new language to communicate with others and become involved in the community. I am proud to say I made that transition in a relatively short period of time and was able to successfully attend public schools from kindergarten to high school. I took advantage of special programs offered in high school to gain employment by taking ROP courses.

I began my working career as an ROP student at Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock and I have continued to be promoted throughout my 19 years at Emanuel. I have worked in several positions including patient transporter, staffing clerk and currently as an Emanuel Medical Center Staffing Supervisor. In this position I am responsible for several departments throughout the hospital.

I am also a practicing Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for American Medical Response Ambulance (AMR). I have been a practicing EMT for 15 years. I also serve on the Turlock Emergency Medical Services Association (TEMSA) as a union board member. In my EMT position I am a Field Training Officer as well as a Proctor for Mountain Valley EMS Agency. Both of these positions involve the training and testing of current and prospective EMT's. These positions give me a deeper understanding of the educational process.

With my medical background I have been involved with the Merced/Mariposa American Red Cross as an instructor. I teach Community CPR, First Aid and Adult CPR classes. I have donated items or funds to the Red Cross on many occasions for those who have been affected by flood, fire or other disaster.

I am a performance oriented person and I am confident that all of my training and experiences bring a fresh perspective to the position of Merced Union High School District Board of Trustees. As the elected trustee, I want to pursue accountability and open communications. I want to see that a more open line of communication is established between the board, the district office staff, the campus staff , the students and the parents. I want to see each person treated with respect and valued for what they bring to the process.

I have also been involved in many of the local high schools and high schools in the neighboring towns by helping to organize and perform the "Every 15 Minutes" program. I was instrumental in acquiring an ambulance company from a neighboring town, a hospital in a neighboring town and Air-Med for involvement in the production of the program. I am also involved in the local high schools with career workshops for teachers as well as for the Career Center by speaking to groups about the EMT profession in which I bring an ambulance for them to tour and ask questions.

I am a performance oriented person. Give me the opportunity to work for you by electing me to the Merced Union High School Board of Trustees.