Biography

Xochitl Alicia Cervantes-Luna

Site Coordinator, Diplomas Now
Hollenbeck Middle School

Xochitl Alicia Cervantes-Luna immigrated to the United States at the age of ten, shortly after the passing of her primary care giver, her maternal grandmother. Xochitl moved in with her mother, who immigrated to the San Joaquin Valley when Xochitl was only five years old. Xochitl began her educational career as a third grader in the town of Livingston, California, a primarily rural farm working community. Xochitl was immediately identified as a migrant student and began receiving migrant services, which Xochitl attributes to her prompt and smooth transition into mainstream curriculum. She graduated Livingston High School with a full scholarship to California State University, Fresno.

Xochitl graduated with a Masters Degree in Social Work from California State University, Fresno and attained the Pupil Personnel Service Credential with Specialization in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance services (PPSC). She has tremendous experience in the social work field as she began her professional career as a Foster Care Social Worker and shortly was promoted to a supervisory position. As a foster care social worker, Xochitl was able to connect with foster youth and many times found herself as sole advocate for her foster youth.

This year, Xochitl?s dream of working in a school setting came true. She began working for CIS-LAW as a CIS Site Coordinator in December 2009, under the collaborative effort of Diplomas Now. Xochitl currently participates in grade level meetings, Coordination of Services Team and leads the Multi-Agencies At Risk Student Task Force, also known as Community Based Organization?s Meetings where she helps identify best ways to address the needs of student?s at Hollenbeck Middle School.