Juanita joined the Generation Citizen staff in 2017 after teaching Social Studies for five years. Her deep commitment to community-based civics began at Roger Williams Middle School in Providence, Rhode Island, where she taught GC classes for three years. Her classroom was renowned for its high-impact projects, including student-led initiatives to increase teacher diversity and address achievement gaps for English Language Learners. For Juanita, the most rewarding aspect of this work remains the long-lasting civic empowerment GC instills in her students.

Now serving as the Director of Instructional Design on the Program and Impact Team, Juanita provides pedagogical leadership to ensure all GC content meets the highest standards of quality and innovation. She oversees the development and maintenance of the GC curriculum, managing the creation of lesson plans and assessments that are engaging and responsive to student needs.

Beyond the curriculum, Juanita designs comprehensive professional development and training programs for both teachers and staff, utilizing best practices in adult learning theory to support effective program implementation nationwide. She continues to champion the teacher’s voice by managing the national Teacher Leadership Board, ensuring educators have a meaningful seat at the table for strategic and curricular decisions.

As a proud Rhode Islander, Juanita loves exploring the unique gems of the Ocean State with her family and friends.