Natalia Flores’ classroom resounds with the sounds of middle school: a student bursting through the door seconds before the bell to grab a snack or bottle of water. Two students reconciling after a fight. A parent rejoicing over the phone that their student’s academic performance is improving.
Flores works with students one-on-one or in group settings to talk through whatever is distracting them from their coursework or influencing their behavior. This can include students who’ve been in fights on or off campus or who are dealing with bullying or rumors, difficult situations at home or academic struggles.
Castro said the nonprofit wanted to better support students, but felt like they couldn’t really do so without having a presence in schools. “You can’t really help a kid — or help anyone — if you don’t understand their intersectionalities, their background,” she said. “It’s important to understand how culture is going to impact your personality, especially in a community that’s so largely Hispanic.”