I am a Hobbs native born in Seminole, Texas. I attended St. Helena Catholic School 2nd – 6th grade, attended public school and graduated from Hobbs High. Following high school, I earned an Associate of Arts degree from New Mexico Junior College. I subsequently obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education, with an emphasis in Bilingual Education, from Eastern New Mexico University, and later completed a master’s degree in education, also focused on Bilingual Education, at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. I later returned to Portales, NM and received an Administration Degree. Following the completion of my Master’s degree, I accumulated 45 additional credit hours from universities such as NMSU, New Mexico Highlands University, ENMU, and La Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain. My two adult children, Xochitl Thomas and Xavier Carrillo, attended St. Helena Catholic School and earned college degrees. My grandchildren, Xuri (now in 7th grade) went to St. Helena from Kindergarten through 5th grade, and Jaxon is currently in 5th grade, having been here since 1st grade. We are proud to be a three-generation St. Helena Catholic School family. I have 35 years of public education experience, including roles as a teacher and principal at Hobbs Municipal Schools (25 years), teacher and assistant principal in Artesia, and principal in Gallup for six years. I also spent five years as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Southwest, teaching Bilingual Education courses. I am currently in my third year here at St. Helena Catholic School as principal. I love what I do and I thank God for giving me this opportunity to serve our school community. I enjoy traveling and meeting new people, having visited Spain, the Netherlands, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii. I am also grateful to be part of St. Helena Catholic School, where we focus on fostering good values, morals, and faith in our students. PROUD TO BE A SAINT!!!!