Bringing Awareness to Artists in the Special Needs Community
Welcome Cristina Diaz as our Community Ambassador
My name is Cristina Diaz. I was born in Mexico on July 24, 1981. When I was three months old, my mother decided to come to the United States. I have been here ever since.
I grew up in El Monte with my mom and dad along with my younger sister and brother. I went to local schools: Twin Lakes Elementary, Madrid Middle School and El Monte High School, graduating in 1999. I always knew I would go to college. As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a teacher. But during my high school years, I decided I would study Psychology. I took a class my Senior year and loved the study of human behavior and mental functions. (My parents were going through a divorce.)
After I graduated from high school, I attended University of La Verne for four years graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor’s of Science is Psychology. As a Senior at ULV, I did my internship at Covina Development Center working as a Teacher’s Aide serving children with developmental delays. That experience gave me a start to where I am now.
I am currently working at Alhambra Unified School District as an Instructional Assistant. I have been working at Alhambra High School for two and half years with the Special Education Department. I LOVE the idea that I can implement techniques from my field of study, Psychology, and my passion for education by working with speical ed students. I assist students achieve their goals, along with offering academic and emotional support when they need it. Since most of the students are in a general education class trying to keep up with their disability, I, without hesitation, am there to provide services to them.
I am very exited! I have met and worked with qualified teachers that care about their job and genuinely enjoy helping students achieve their goals. They have inspired me and helped me rekindle my dream (along with my husband’s support), by encoring me and praising the work I do now as an Instructional Assistant.
I am very happy to be a volunteer in the Academy of Special Dreams providing services to our special needs community in the Arts.
It is never too late to fulfill your dream or achieve your goals!!!
what up miss Diaz i miss you every thing okay wow do you have fun in the new school you have we miss you i miss you have a great summer day and have fun in summer
Thank you very much for your great support that i like your video it cool i miss you Miss Diaz
love Kenneth Lam
Thank you very much for your great support! your time is highly appreciated! We enjoy working with you! We make a great team!
Thank you Christine for sharing your story! Your work with the special education students at Alhambra High School is awesome and I have personally witnessed what a huge difference you make in each of their lives with your great compassion in working with all the students you work with on a daily basis!
The Academy is honored and very fortunate to have you as a volunteer for our organization! Thank you so much for your time and I wish you the best of luck in pursuing your life dreams and goals! You will make a wonderful teacher someday although I believe you are already doing the work already everyday!