"My journey started at 'The Shop'—South Western Motors on Old Route 66, on the West Side of San Bernardino. Growing up in my family's auto repair business, I learned some of the most valuable lessons of my life: the importance of hard work, resilience, integrity, and the power of community. My father, a hard working Greek immigrant and true craftsman, showed me that no matter how complex the problem, there’s always a solution if you’re willing to get your hands dirty and think creatively."Those lessons became the foundation of my career in education. From the classroom as a teacher and coach to my role as CTE Department Chair and now as a Program Specialist overseeing College and Career Academies, every step has been guided by the values I picked up at the "Shop." I took those hands-on problem-solving skills and applied them to create pathways for students—pathways that open doors to both college and careers.I believe that the key to student success lies in connecting learning to real-world experiences. That's why I've dedicated my career to developing and managing innovative programs that empower students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st-century workforce. Whether it's building industry partnerships, crafting strategic plans, or leading educational teams, my focus has always been on creating opportunities that transform lives.Just like the engines we tuned at South Western Motors, I strive to fine-tune the educational journeys of my students, setting them up for a future where they can drive their own success. I’m not just passionate about education—I’m committed to building a bridge from the classroom to a career, helping every student discover their potential and chart their course.My story started at the 'Shop,' and those lessons from Old Route 66 continue to drive me forward.