Karina’s life mission is to close the academic opportunity gap experienced by students in traditionally marginalized communities. Her legacy includes recruiting and retaining teachers of color, and bearing witness to equity driven practice. She is a change maker and pioneer in helping schools repair historical harm through the Restorative Practice framework. She is currently working on completing her IIRP Certification and her doctorate. 

Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington was Karina’s first home. Together with her students, they created a new legacy for minorities and economically disadvantaged students. Karina continues to serve as a Restorative Practice Coach at Bethel School District in Washington State, and as an independent consultant. Her unwavering passion for equity in public school is tangible and transformational. She provides attainable steps to unify all members of a community, by restoring relationships and reimagining learning. She is passionate about cultivating a shared understanding. Her coaching is deeply rooted in culturally responsive teaching, anti-racist pedagogy, trauma informed, and social emotional learning.