Mindy Cano: 'It feels good to give back to the community that gave to me'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mindy Cano

Bilingual Community Liaison

Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula

Mindy Cano was introduced to the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and the Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula 12 years ago when she was a parent of a kindergartener at DLAMP. After pursuing a certificate in medical office administration and working in a chiropractic office for a shop period, she soon found herself working as an attendance clerk at DLAMP six years ago. 

 

Three years ago she was promoted to bilingual community liaison. In her role, she engages with families schoolwide. She is a mainstay in the school front office and typically one of the first faces that families see when they come in.

 

“It’s very important to be that friendly face they are comfortable coming to with questions, need help or need someone to talk to,” she says. “It’s the most important thing for families to feel comfortable to come talk to us.”

Mindy was born and raised in Seaside and she states, “I’m a proud product of the MPUSD school system.”

 

As a little learner, she attended the Seaside Child Development Center, Del Rey Woods Elementary School, Manzanita (now International School of the Monterey Peninsula), King Middle School (now Dr. Martin Luther King School of the Arts) and Monterey High School

“It feels good to give back to the community that gave to me growing up,” says Mindy.

In her role she has learned a lot. Most of all, she understands it takes a lot of transparency for the school and community.

 

“Communicating with them is really important,” she says. “If you communicate with them they feel comfortable enough to come to you if they need anything.”

For example, during the pandemic, Mindy and her principal started the Wolfpack Weekly, the consistent communications sent to families each Friday. Over time, the Wolfpack Weekly has become a critical part of DLAMP and she says that it’s a way to stay ahead of what’s happening at the school.

Looking ahead, Mindy sees DLAMP growing in the upcoming move to a new campus location this fall. With the addition of a preschool, she sees the school and community growing, as well as the dual immersion program. She believes strongly in the program and is proud of the fact that students leave fluent in both English and spanish. Her students and parents inspire her each and every day.

 

“I want them to feel like DLAMP is their second home - a place where they feel heard and cared for,” she says. 

Mindy is a mom to two boys, a junior at Monterey High school and a 7th grader at DLAMP. She, her husband and boys enjoy playing and watching anything sports related, as well as taking hikes. Once her boys finish school, she hopes to return to school and pursue a college degree.