As a native of Weslaco and Hidalgo County, I am the youngest of three children educated through the Weslaco Independent School System. In May of 1998 I received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg. After considering many other different occupations prior to graduating, I wanted whole-heartedly to assist the community with my education and knowledge. In October of 1998, I was hired by the City of Weslaco Fire Department EMS, which allowed me to provide prehospital care and to assist the sick, and injured within the community. Within a year of employment with the Fire Department I completed the Fire Academy and obtained my licensure in paramedicine through Texas State Technical College. Later in 2000 I was hired by Valley Aircare as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic to provide prehospital treatment both Nationally and Internationally transporting critically ill patients to higher level of care facilities.

While working with the fire department, I became an instructor in several areas giving me the ability to extend my knowledge to educate the community by offering free CPR courses. I recently, became a Coordinator through Texas Department of Health, which has allowed me to provide a Self Study "In House" Emergency Medical Technology program for EMT and Paramedic training at a lower cost for fire departments across the Rio Grande Valley.

As State Representative for District 39, I strongly support:

• Ensuring education budgets are not reduced.
• Improving health care for the Rio Grande Valley by focusing on Medicaid issues as well as indigent health care.
• Improving living conditions within colonias to include sanitation, running water and safety.
• Developing an infrastructure that will create economic opportunity for the community by boosting employment within the Rio Grande Valley.

As an active member of the community, I believe that together we can make a difference for District 39 and the Rio Grande Valley. Fresh ideas and enthusiasm are of importance to lead District 39 towards growth and prosperity.