With the start of every new year at Rosary Academy, there are new faculty and staff. This year Rosary’s new Director of Social and Emotional Learning is Ms. Marquez. I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Marquez to introduce her to the Rosary community.

Q: Where were you born and raised?

A: I was born and raised here in Southern California.

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: I received my undergraduate degree from Cal State Fullerton and my graduate degree from Loma Linda University.

Q: What is your family like?

A: We are a fun bunch! Most of my family are teachers or work in the school setting so we talk a lot about education, the problems our students are facing and we oddly care a lot about high school sports, especially football.

Q: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

A: I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, especially my nieces and nephews. I also enjoy cooking, a good caramel iced coffee, or some relaxation time in a hammock.

Q: How did you end up at Rosary?

A: I went to Catholic school from second grade through high school. While I was in undergrad I worked at the Catholic high school I attended as a sub, Kairos leader, and cheer coach. I then went on to do school-based mental health counseling in the public-school setting but I have a real heart and passion for Catholic schools. I love the faith-filled environment and Rosary gave me the opportunity to get back into the Catholic school world.

Q: What drew you to counseling?

A:  In high school, I was often the person my peers talked to about their struggles. That was the entry point into learning that I enjoy listening to people and being a supportive person in their life. In addition, my mom was a dean at my high school and when I was in college she would often talk about how the students that were close to being asked to leave the school were the ones who were dealing with hard things and in need of resources or extra support. This led to me wanting to be a counselor in the school setting so I can connect with students before a problem gets too large and most importantly to be a trusted adult in their life who helps them see the best in themselves and to help them carry the load of their struggles.

Q: What’s your favorite color?

A: Green

Q: What’s your favorite movie?

A: I would say “Inside Out.” But if you asked me before “Inside Out” came out it would have been a tie for “The Wizard of Oz” or “The Sound of Music.”

Q: What do you feel you can bring to Rosary?

A: I hope that I can bring some extra joy and support to the students, parents, and staff. I want the Rosary community to know that my office is a safe place to come to when in need of support, a peaceful place to relax or help learning new tools to manage the ups and downs of life.

With her upbeat and positive attitude, Ms. Marquez is a great fit for Rosary’s Director of Social and Emotional Learning. If you see her in the halls, be sure to reach out, say hello and welcome her to Rosary.