Twenty-three years ago, I started my journey as an educator teaching middle school in the public-school system in Brazil where poverty was on the rise. As a new teacher, I was very excited to change the reality of my students and all I could think was: "I have to bombard them with knowledge”. But I soon realized that I needed parental support to instill the development of a lifelong love of learning. In my experience as a teacher in a third world country, I saw firsthand how education and parental involvement can enable young people to overcome the adversities of poverty and build a successful life. It was then that I reoriented my career around the vision that education goes beyond giving systematic instruction, but is also a mission field to serve others, which will bring me endless satisfaction. I want to be a catalyst for change. As a parent advocate, these changes occur in many ways, such as helping parents understand the resources and services available to them to providing valuable guidance and support in their children's educational journey. The reason? Parent involvement leads to student success.

I am honored and humble to be Pinehurst Parent Advocate. Please come join us in helping your student grow academically and socially.