As a second-generation San Diego native I have been blessed to grow up in and around “America’s Finest City.xe2x80x9d The daughter of an elementary school librarian, I avoided an early call to teaching and graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in Journalism. I spent the next few years working for nonprofits, becoming a licensed massage therapist, and managing adult learners at the school’s massage clinic. My favorite part of the job was working with the students, helping them hone their craft and discover their love of healing. It was through a conversation with a veteran High Tech High teacher that ignited a fire to pursue my teaching credential. During the program I was continually drawn to work that focused on inclusive educational practices, and a desire to facilitate educational success for all students. After completing my Education Specialist (Mild/ Moderate) credential, I was fortunate to work at Greg Rogers Elementary where I taught a 2nd/ 3rd grade combo Special Day Class. During that time my students cultivated a garden from seeds, kept daily math and writing journals, and practiced important life skills to take with them beyond the classroom. It was with a heavy heart that I left my former students and school so that we could all grow and explore new opportunities. I joined the team at High Tech Elementary (HTe) for its founding year, where I learned about growth mindset, project based education and deeper learning. After two years at HTe I wanted to grow, challenge, and develop as an educator, which brought me to HTMMA in 2017. Inclusion is a call to action, and my goal when working with students is to foster an experience that promotes open communication, participation, and embraces the idea of community within the education process. As a mom myself, I understand the desire for my child to love learning, make lasting friendships, and feel that they belong. Fortunately, my son is only a toddler, so I have some time to hone my tiger-mom skills.