About Elva

Elva is the youngest of three children born to parents who immigrated to the United States from Mexico. She was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, in a tough neighborhood. Her parents inculcated in her a strong belief in the power of education to overcome obstacles and become successful. She attended Cal State Northridge, earning her Bachelor’s degree in history and then continued her education to become a teacher. She taught high school social studies classes in the San Fernando Valley and also worked as a Dean and a Testing Coordinator. She loved seeing that moment when students began to make sense of new concepts.

She currently lives in a small rural town near Lancaster, California with her husband and two children, their two dogs, and flock of chickens. Her favorite things to do are to spend time with her family going camping, boating, hiking, and gardening. She loves it when it snows and rains, and especially when there is lightning and thunder. She plans to retire in a little cabin in the woods with her husband near a lake or a river.