Dr. Gutierrez was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She is a graduate of the University of Texas, El Paso and New Mexico State University. Dr. Gutierrez’s approach to education is to be unequivocally and unapologetically student-centered. Her focus is always centered on ensuring that students come first. Dr. Gutierrez is in her 29th year in education having begun her career as a 2nd grade teacher in southern New Mexico. She served as the Chief Academic Officer of LEEP Dual Language Academies, a startup Charter Management Organization. In that role, she learned a lot about the charter start-up process and working with foundations such as the Bellwether Foundation and New School Ventures Fund. Personally, Dr. Gutierrez and her husband focus on spoiling their fur babies Zoe, a toy Maltipoo, George, a Basset Hound, and Maxx, a Beagle. When not focused on the dogs, they enthusiastically support the Las Vegas Raiders. They are also kept very busy supporting 5 nephews and 2 nieces in all of their pursuits.