Tell us about your job – what does a typical day look like?
There really isn’t a “typical” day, which is what I love about this work. It’s non-stop, always something new, and definitely fueled by multiple caffeine runs. My day usually includes check-ins with Cabinet, our Communications team of three, and handling everything from celebrations to crisis communication and Public Records Act requests. A big part of what I do is finding ways to highlight and celebrate our students, staff, families, and community members so their stories shine just as much as our district updates.

What do you like most about what you do?
The best part of my job is connecting with people, which are students, staff, families, and community members. When I visit classrooms, I love hearing what students have to say because their voices matter, and they remind me why this work is so important. At our districtwide events or during Superintendent awards, I get to see families and staff beaming with pride, and those moments are just as meaningful. And when I see community members show up to support our schools, it really shows how much Redlands Unified is a family. As a mom with a son in one of our schools, I carry that parent perspective with me, which makes these connections even more special.

What do you find most challenging about what you do?
The hardest part is dealing with negative stories. They may not actually be out of my control, but once they start circulating, people are often quicker to believe those than the positive ones. That’s why it’s so important for me to keep pushing out highlights and celebrations through our communication channels and events. By shining a light on the real stories of our students, staff, families, and community members, we can balance the narrative and make sure the focus stays on what truly matters.

Tell us about a project you are working on or completed that you are particularly proud of. How did it come about? What impact has it had so far?
We just wrapped up our partnership with the Redlands Chamber of Commerce through Leadership Redlands. This was our third year hosting, and it’s become such a special tradition. We coordinate events with district and school staff to showcase our programs and give community members a true inside look at our schools. This year, we highlighted projects funded by Measure D and even gave participants a chance to sample meals from our Child Nutrition Services. The day feels like a community tour and celebration, as it connects our families, staff, students, and community members in a meaningful way.

How long have you been in the profession and what was your path to school PR?
I’ve been in school PR for five years. I started at CRY-ROP as an Executive Administrative Assistant, where I managed social media, the website, and communications. When this position opened up in fall 2021, I jumped in and haven’t looked back.

I earned my undergrad in Communications with an emphasis in intercultural communication in 2010 and an MBA in Marketing Management in 2020. Before school PR, I worked in magazine publishing for four years. Now, I’m working toward my APR.

What advice do you have for new PR professionals?
You are not alone in this work, even though it might feel that way at first. I remember when I started out, it was easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated. The first step for me was pushing myself out of my shell and making real connections with people in the field. Finding colleagues who made me feel safe, supported, and encouraged changed everything. Bad days will come, but they don’t last forever, and you’ll always have people you can lean on. And if you ever need someone to be a shoulder to lean on or a thought partner, I’m happy to be that person. Most importantly, remember that your job is what you do, not who you are—your identity is so much bigger than your title.

What else would you like to share?
Be yourself. People remember authenticity more than anything else. Don’t let yourself feel overwhelmed or caught up in comparisons—everyone’s school PR journey looks different. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Building connections in this field makes the work lighter, more joyful, and so much more rewarding. If you ever need encouragement or someone to bounce ideas off of, I’d be glad to connect. We’re all in this together, every step of the way.

What are you doing to promote IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access)?
For us, it all comes back to our Portrait of a Graduate, EMPOWER. It’s our promise to students that they’ll be included and feel like they belong, that we’ll celebrate the diversity of who they are and where they come from, that we’ll focus on equity by making sure every student has what they need to succeed, and that we’ll provide access by removing barriers so families and students can fully participate. EMPOWER is really about lifting up every student and giving them the tools, opportunities, and confidence to step into their future, every step of the way.

The Redlands Unified School District (RUSD) serves more than 19,000 students at 26 schools, from TK through 12th grade, across the communities of Redlands, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, and San Bernardino. We’re led by Superintendent Juan Cabral, our elected Board of Education, and over 2,000 amazing teachers and staff. What brings us all together is a shared vision: to EMPOWER every learner, every step of the way.