In Leadership for Learning

Many people have contributed to my successful graduate school experience, and I am appreciative of each person who has walked this journey with me. My husband, Gustavo, and son, Armando, have given me time and kept me smiling during this process, and for that I am grateful. I am also thankful for the constant encouragement and support from my parents, Russ and Beth Ottens, without whom this journey would not have been possible. They have always believed in me and given me exactly what I needed. They also provided me a foundation of a deep faith in God, my source of motivation and strength in life. I am thankful to my chair, Dr. Leena Her, who has spent hours of time meeting with me, talking with me on the phone, and e-mailing me, providing invaluable feedback and helping me expand my thinking about the education of English learners and improve my writing while also sharing the new challenges of motherhood with me. Thank you for holding me to such high research standards and becoming a friend. I am also indebted to my committee members, Dr