Who Am I?

• A mother of three GUSD Armenian-Filipino students

• Public health educator and healthcare leader

• Holds a Masters in Public Health and Doctorate in Education

• A longtime resident of South Glendale (Area D)

• 25 years of leadership, governance, & policy experience

• Daughter of union / labor workers

My Priorities for GUSD

Policy Platform

1. Supporting and Retaining Teachers

I will support policies that strengthen teacher retention by investing in professional development, educator wellness, and respectful labor partnerships. This includes advocating for adequate classroom resources, supporting mentoring and induction programs, and ensuring teacher voices are meaningfully included in district decision-making. Strong educator support systems are essential to student success and long-term district stability.

2. Student Safety and Belonging

I will uphold policies that ensure all GUSD schools are safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments. This includes supporting schools as safe zones free from fear related to immigration enforcement, violence, or harassment; strengthening anti-bullying and non-violence policies; and promoting restorative and trauma-informed practices so every student feels protected, respected, and valued.

3. Healthy, Climate-Ready Schools in Trustee Area D

I will advocate for facilities and capital planning policies that prioritize student health and safety during extreme heat events, including expanding green space, increasing shade structures, and improving cooling infrastructure on campuses, particularly in Trustee Area D schools that lack adequate environmental protections. Climate readiness is a student health and equity issue.

4. Youth Empowerment and Workforce Pathways

I will support policies that expand youth leadership opportunities, career exploration, and early exposure to workforce pathways. This includes strengthening partnerships with higher education, healthcare, and local industries; supporting internships, career technical education, and mentorship programs; and ensuring students graduate prepared not only academically, but with the confidence and skills to succeed beyond high school.

5. Student Health and Well-Being

I will center student mental health as a core educational priority by supporting policies that expand access to school-based mental health services, address youth suicide prevention, reduce vaping and substance use, and integrate wellness into school culture. I am particularly concerned about the impact of potential Medicaid cuts on student services and will advocate for strong partnerships and sustainable funding to protect critical supports for students and families.

6. Fiscal Responsibility and Community Partnerships

I will bring a disciplined, transparent approach to fiscal oversight supporting policies that ensure accountability, responsible budgeting, and long-term sustainability. Drawing on my experience managing complex budgets and generating revenue, I will advocate for innovative partnerships, grants, and philanthropic collaborations to strengthen district resources while being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

7. Parent Engagement, Immigrant Families, and Long-Term English Learner Support

I will support policies that strengthen meaningful parent engagement across all communities, with particular attention to immigrant families and multilingual households. This includes expanding language access, culturally responsive communication, and family education resources so parents can fully participate in their children’s education.

I will also advocate for targeted, data-driven supports for Long-Term English Learners, including evidence-based instructional strategies, access to academic language development, and monitoring systems that ensure students are not left behind. Supporting English Learners is both an equity and accountability issue, and I will work to ensure district policies reflect high expectations, adequate resources, and culturally responsive practices.