Originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, Ms. Elvia Salas shifted from a child nutritionist to an English Language Learner (ELL) paraprofessional who helps students new to America.

Mrs. CC, an ELL para from elementary school, inspired Ms. Salas to make the transition.

“She helped my daughter a lot when she first got here not knowing English, so I decided I wanted to help the kids who struggle with not knowing or understanding English as well,” Ms. Salas said.

Having the opportunity to work with talented and passionate people is what Ms. Salas enjoys most about Kimmons.

“I like to see how important and how much they care about the students and their needs, and those are the kind of people who motivate me every day,” Ms. Salas said.

Ms. Salas’ favorite memory here would be the first day she met the student she was going to work with.

“I remember very well the reactions in their faces when they found out I was going to help them in the language they were familiar with,” Ms. Salas said.

Figuring out the different needs of her students is one of Ms. Salas’ biggest challenges.

¨Not all of them have the same needs, so I have to find for each and every one of them a way to help them achieve their goals,” Ms. Salas said.

Spending time with her family and friends is Ms. Salas’ favorite thing to do outside of school.

“This allows me to create lasting memories,” Ms. Salas said.