Bobcat Stories

What's a fun or surprising fact that most people at the school might not know about you?

I played rugby in college! Not the best, but I can run. Ha!

Outside of school, how do you like to spend your free time? Any hobbies or interests you'd like to share?

Going to the gym with my husband and driving out on the westside mesa to let our dogs free run. Sometimes we join the local falconry group to see the birds hunt.

Share a brief overview of your academic and professional journey that led you to Bosque School.

I have my double bachelor’s degree from UNM in chemistry and population health. I initially worked in cancer research after doing service with AmeriCorps.  In 2021, after my grandparents got sick, I changed careers to do hands-on medicine. I took my first EMT class and worked for Albuquerque Ambulance Service.  Then I got a full scholarship to paramedic school and am a proud CNM graduate. Next, I worked at Rust, but missed the ambulance. From there, I taught for the EMS Corps while working at Isleta Pueblo EMS. I still currently serve at Isleta as a community paramedic. Then I  found Bosque School’s unique program. So here I am! 

Do you have any pets?

Too many. Two dogs, four cockatiels, one canary-wing parakeet, one conure, one severe macaw, and one electus. Plus LOTS of chickens. I work with Birds of a Feather Rescue, where I foster birds as well! 

What's one of your favorite memories or moments from your time at Bosque School so far?

Probably all the MRC meetings. It’s nice to see our youth passionate about emergency medicine. 

Can you share a specific instance where you felt a strong connection with a student or witnessed a notable "aha" moment in the classroom?

During my interview, I was taken aback by how thoughtful and smart the students are here. During one of the lunch discussion meetings about the current government shutdown, I was truly moved by how educated the students are. The level of decorum in their facilitation of conversation was truly remarkable. 

Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, or activities outside of teaching? How do they tie into your role at Bosque School?

I currently volunteer with Birds of a Feather rescue here in Albuquerque. We have over 100 birds in need of homes or that have been neglected. I also still help with EMS tutoring on the side, focusing on students who are aging out of foster care or need extra resources. This includes working with tribal EMS, particularly to mentor more tribal students. I am a strong advocate for having tribal people return to their communities to serve and teach the next generation of EMS. As much as outside help is important, our tribal students know their communities better than anyone. And I strive to push that message. I hope that at Bosque, we can push for more Indigenous voices to be heard and learn from experiences.

What would you tell a family that is considering Bosque School?

If I had children, they would be at the school. I think that shows how important this community is.

Do you have any ongoing research, personal projects, or creative endeavors that you're passionate about and would like to share?

Yes, I am 100% passionate about tribal and indigenous voices in medicine. As a Tibetan American, I cannot return to where my mother was born. I speak Tibetan fluently and have been denied entry to Tibet. But I am passionate about giving those native lands a chance at the history that was taken away from them. I am currently working with the EMS consortium for our 2026 emRIC conference. We hope to hear what other tribal nations are doing in terms of medical care.

At Bosque School, I am working to make sure MRC grows into an even larger entity. This program deserves even more recognition than it already has. We are hoping to expand and allow every student the opportunity to learn medicine. This includes connections to the College of Population Health, where I graduated from. 

If you could give one piece of advice to your students, what would it be?

Learn the Dunning-Kruger effect.