Library Team & Organizational Chart
McAllen ISD Librarians
ALVAREZ -ROGELIO RIOS This is my 20th year in education 10 of those years have been here at Alvarez Elementary. Throughout my career I have served in many different roles, school office secretary, special education assistant, classroom teacher, dyslexia teacher, reading specialist. The role that I hope to finish my education career is as your school librarian. I enjoy learning new things so I’m always eager to embrace new ideas. Spending time with family is something I enjoy doing most of my free time. Fun facts: I like to work on fixing vintage vehicles, and like to spend time farming.
CASTANEDA ELEMENTARY- JULIE TREVINO - This is my 16th year teaching at McAllen ISD and it is the district I have come to absolutely love!!! I graduated from the University of Texas Pan American with a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Minor in Bilingual. I received my Masters Degree from Sam Houston State University in Library Science. I have been a teacher in 1st, 3rd and 4th grade and have served in numerous extracurricular activities: (most recently) Campus Technology Facilitator, Robotics, Yearbook Committee Chairperson, Battle of the Books, and Spelling Bee Chairperson. This is my 3rd year as a Librarian and I feel so proud to work in such an amazing school and of course, with a wonderful group of McAllen ISD librarians. As I have gained knowledge and experience in my career, I have come to learn that reading is so essential across all contents and rewarding to a student's growth!!!! My goal as a librarian is to fulfill a child's mind and imagination with classic stories and various literatures. I want to connect stories to hands on activities and other challenges. I truly want to become that person/educator/librarian that students will remember one day and say, "Oh yes, I remember reading so and soo...." "That was my favorite book!" "I loved it when I did this or that...." I want to make an impact!!! When students come to the library, I want to make sure students remember how special our classroom/library truly was!!!! ***I am a product of McAllen ISD and to this day, I cherish the memories I have of my elementary library.
ESCANDON - Vacant
FIELDS - CELESTE LOPEZ - Mrs. Lopez, also known by her students as Librarian Lopez, is the proud librarian of Victor Fields Elementary. Mrs. Lopez teaches all students (pre-kinder through 5th grade) Digital Literacy, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and literacy skills through her daily library lessons. She has been an educator for 23 years and earned a Masters Degree in library science from Sam Houston State University in 2017 and a Bachelors Degree in English from the University of Texas Pan-American in 2001. In 2022, she was named the Campus Teacher of the Year and later became McAllen ISD's Elementary District Teacher of the Year. Librarian Lopez's passion is to develop better readers and enhance students' learning experiences beyond the classroom.She strives to help all students reach their greatest potential by teaching them how to think about themselves and the world around them.
GARZA- ELVA TREVINO - Ms. Trevino has always loved learning, technology, and the warmth and welcoming nature of libraries. Throughout her high school years, you could always find her volunteering and participating in any library sponsored activities. For as long as she can remember, she has wished to someday join this wonderful profession and share her love for reading with others. As of today, she has completed 5 years as an educator at McAllen ISD after earning her bachelor of science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Bilingual Education from Texas A&M University in 2018. In spring of 2023, she enrolled in her first library science course at University of North Texas. Today, she is the proud librarian at Garza Elementary, where she gets to foster the love of reading and technology in her students. Some of her goals are to fill her library with positivity, help students get their hands on their next favorite book, and support her community with technology. During her personal time, Ms. Trevino enjoys crafting, reading, and recommending picture books and graphic novels to friends and family.
GONZALEZ ELEMENTARY - RUBISEL (RUBY) GALVAN- I graduated from The University of Texas-Pan American in 2002 with a Bachelor's in Finance, I quickly got certified to teach, since I knew my passion was teaching others. I was a 5th-grade bilingual teacher for fourteen years, and I taught for four years as a 6th Grade ELA and Math & Science teacher. I attained a second bachelors in Communication Disorders and became a speech therapist for a year. In 2020, I graduated with my Master's in Library Science and Education Technology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. I enjoy what I do, I get to interact with and guide my students to the appropriate resources. Our library is a space to read, create, interact, and explore.
HENDRICKS - JENNIFER POWELL -After completing my degree in Early Education at UT Austin, I spent six years working as a Kindergarten teacher in the Austin area. I then relocated to New Jersey, where I dedicated a decade to serving as a Children’s Librarian and Director at a public library. My role at the library allowed me to continue my passion for teaching while gaining valuable insights into library management. Recently, I returned to the valley and felt a strong desire to get back into education where my journey began. I am thrilled to be at Hendricks Elementary, my very first school library!
HOUSTON - ELIZABETH RECINOS Mrs. Recinos has been an educator for 21 years. Born in Merced, California to a military family, she has traveled and lived in various parts of the world. After graduating from the South Texas High School for Health Professions (00’), Elizabeth chose to pursue a career in the field of Education. In 2003, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Texas Pan American while remaining on the University’s Dean’s List and participating as an officer in the UT CARES club. During her tenure as an educator, she obtained various certifications including being certified to teach Pre-kinder to 8th grade, a bilingual certification, and Librarian certification (K-12). In 2019, Elizabeth obtained her Master’s degree in Library Sciences from Texas Women’s University. She has been a librarian in Sam Houston Elementary for 3 years and was awarded the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries Grant for $5,000 in May of 2023. She currently resides in Edinburg with her husband, three daughters, and her two pets. Elizabeth enjoys reading, crafting, building, drinking coffee, and spending time with her family and friend’s, but mostly reading and coffee. Seriously…she likes to read.
JACKSON- MARIBEL CONTRERAS - Maribel Contreras is the librarian at Andrew Jackson Elementary. A graduate of Texas Woman’s University, Maribel has been in the education field for 10 years, first as a 4th-grade teacher and currently as an elementary librarian. She was named the teacher of the year for her campus in 2020-2021. She is an avid reader with a passion to spread positivity and a love of reading throughout her campus. She enjoys working with her students and colleagues, whether it be promoting literacy or enhancing their technology skills. For Maribel, the greatest joy aside from handing a student the “right” book, is being able to assist others with a smile and fill the library with laughter.
MCAULIFFE -MONICA ALCALA - Monica Alcala graduated from Texas Woman's University with a Master of Library Science in 2018. She is an experienced educator dedicated to nurturing the intellectual and emotional growth of her students. With a background in teaching at the secondary level and serving as an elementary school librarian, Monica brings a deep commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning in every child. She believes in the power of kindness and empathy, creating a safe, inclusive space where students feel valued and supported. Monica’s goal is not only to build strong academic foundations but also to connect with students on a personal level, offering them a compassionate and welcoming haven for exploration, discovery, and lifelong learning.
MILAM - MELISSA RAMIREZ - Reading is my passion. I graduated from UT Pan-American with a Bachelor's in General Studies degree with concentrations in Literacy, English, and Social Sciences. I worked with lower grade students developing foundational reading skills for several years before transitioning to middle school as a Reading Specialist. In 2017 I graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Masters in Library Science. I am proud to be the librarian at Milam Elementary where my goal is to develop a lifelong love of reading for my students and staff. I also serve as the Campus Technology Facilitator, Esports coach, and UIL coach.
PEREZ - SHARON DE GROOT - Sharon De Groot is the proud librarian at Perez Elementary School. In 2000, she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. She moved from Minnesota to begin her teaching career as an English Language Arts teacher in the Rio Grande Valley. This is her 17th year in McAllen ISD. Prior to coming to Perez Elementary, Mrs. De Groot was a 7th grade ELAR teacher at Morris Middle School where she also sponsored chess and UIL events. In 2021, Mrs. De Groot graduated with her Master’s Degree in Educational Technology and Library Science from Texas A&M University-Commerce, TX. Beginning the school year of 2021-2022, she made the leap to school librarian at Perez Elementary where she runs a thriving book club, sponsors the chess team, is the certified technology facilitator, teaches library lessons to all classes each week, and organizes and maintains a vibrant library collection. Mrs. De Groot loves and is amazed by words, enjoys and is thrilled by reading, and is fascinated with technology. She also feels tremendous joy when teaching her students and helping her Perez Pioneer family. Go, Pioneers!
RAYBURN - CYNTHIA HERNANDEZ - Cynthia Hernandez graduated from the University of Texas - Pan American with a Biology degree and began her teaching career in PSJA. The following year, she got married and moved to Laredo, Texas where she taught 7th grade science for 3 years. It was the librarian there that introduced her to Harry Potter and planted the seed of becoming a librarian. Moving back to the Valley in 2001, she worked in Edinburg for 9 teaching Chemistry and Biology before getting her Masters in Library Science from Sam Houston State University in 2009. The next 11 years were spent at an elementary school there where she enjoyed sharing her love of reading with the students and staff. Now in McAllen, Mrs. Hernandez is loving Rayburn Elementary and helping students find their next favorite book. When not at work, Mrs. Hernandez enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dogs and finding her next favorite book, too.
ROOSEVELT - SAN JUANITA (JANIE) CRUZ Hello my name is Mrs. Cruz, I have been an educator in Mcallen ISD for thirteen years. I have served as a kindergarten teacher for nine years, a second grade teacher for three years and I am the current librarian at Roosevelt Elementary. I was named teacher of the year as a second grade teacher in 2017. I have a bachelor degree in Bilingual Education from the University of Texas Pan-American and a masters degree in Library Science and Technology from the University of Houston Clear Lake. As a librarian educator my goal is to instill a love for reading and learning. I want students to want to read for fun and to make reading their hobby. Our library offers reading, research, technology, communication and collaboration skills through hands-on activities. Students learn these skills during library lessons and Makerspace activities.
SANCHEZ - BECKY JACKSON - Mrs. Jackson is going on her 28th year of being an educator. She received her Bachelor’s degree in education from University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX and her Master’s in Library Science from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. Before she became a librarian, she taught fifth grade all subjects, 7th grade math, and high school math all levels. She decided to become a teacher because she has a passion for education. She wanted to inspire students and make a positive impact in their lives. As a teacher/ librarian she teaches the students how to be risk takers, problem solvers, and take initiative in their own learning. She guides and supports the students to achieve their goals. As a librarian, she is able to reach many students by teaching them literacy skills, incorporating makerspace projects, and motivating the students to read. Her goal is to have students enjoy reading and become lifelong readers. She fills her library with positivity and love. She was a McAllen ISD Teacher of the Year in 2005 and again in 2023.
SEGUIN - DINA CARRANZA - .Claudina (Dina) Carranza has been an educator for 30 years. She has been a librarian for 20 years. She received a bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas and a masters in Library Science from Sam Houston State University. "Reading is a passion of mine. My goal is to pass on my love for reading onto my students here at Seguin Elementary." Mrs. Carranza enjoys reading, crafting and spending time with her family.
THIGPEN-ZAVALA - MAYRA RAMIREZ Mayra Ramirez is the proud librarian at Thigpen-Zavala Elementary. Mrs. Ramirez teaches all students from Pre-K 3 to 5th grade a variety of skills including reading comprehension, library skills, technology skills, digital citizenship and provides STEAM experiences. She has a Bachelor's degree from UTPA with a major in English and a minor in Spanish, a Master's degree in Early Childhood education, and a school librarian certificate from TWU. Mrs. Ramirez has brought the title of district champions in battle of the books in the 2019-2020 and 2022-2023 school year. She was named teacher of the year for her campus in 2020-2021. Mrs. Ramirez hopes to inspire the students to have a passion for reading and learning making them global thinkers and future leaders.
WILSON ELEMENTARY - EMILIA DENNETT -After graduating from McAllen High School, I received my Bachelor's of Social Work from the University of North Texas in 2003. During my first year teaching first graders, I was nicknamed "Jr. Librarian" because I loved to check in and out my students' books and read aloud to them on any and every topic that was relevant to my lessons. My life changed when my former campus librarian at Navarro Elem. Mrs. Campos, ran over to my classroom with a flyer for the Laura Bush Foundation scholarship. I was blessed to be a recipient of the Laura Bush Foundation scholarship and earned my Master of Library Science degree in 2009. I currently serve the wonderful students and staff at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. This year is my 20th year in education and my 16th year as a library media specialist. I love libraries and do believe them to be the heart of the school for all students serving as equalizers in helping to foster literacy and learning for years to come.
BROWN MIDDLE SCHOOL- JESSICA TRUJILLO This is Mrs. Trujillo’s 21st year in education. She has been the librarian at Brown for 10 years. Prior to that, she taught Pre-k, kinder, 1st and 2nd grade. Mrs. Trujillo has her Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from UTRGV and her Master’s in Library Science from Sam Houston State University. She is the Campus Technology Facilitator and the eSports Sponsor. She is an avid reader and enjoys promoting the love for reading to all her students.
CATHEY MIDDLE SCHOOL - DEBBIE RUBIO started her educational career as a 1st grade teacher in PSJA. Since then she has served as a librarian, an administrator, master technology teacher for the last 19 years. Guardian of the most magical place in school, a librarian for 14 years, Mrs. Rubio enjoys seeing the kiddos of Cathey Middle School enjoying the vast resources available in the library. She's been in education for 24 years and believes literacy should be the focal point of every school.
DELEON MIDDLE SCHOOL - YONIA MARTINEZ - Yonia Martinez, our dedicated librarian, began her educational journey in 2004, earning a bachelor's in education from Texas State University and later a master's in library science from Sam Houston State University. With 11 years as an elementary librarian, she transitioned to De Leon Middle School three years ago. Yonia's passion for audiobooks fuels students' imaginations, while her diverse roles as UIL Coach, Student Council sponsor, and tech support ensure success. She envisions our library as a place where everyone can explore, learn, and grow, fostering student ownership and the joy of learning. Yonia believes in the power of reading, creativity, and education to shape future leaders and create a brighter tomorrow for our school community.
FOSSUM - JACQUELYN MORENO - Hello there, I am Ms. Jacki or Ms. Moreno, and I am very excited and proud to be the librarian at Fossum Middle School. I am a true product of McAllen ISD; I started at Gonzalez elementary in 2nd grade, then Garza elementary for 3rd -5th. I spent time at both De Leon and Morris for my middle school years and graduated in 2010 from McHi. After that I became a substitute and then an interpreter/instructional support with the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf at Brown MS. After completing my Bachelor's degree online with Lamar University, I went back to my alma mater and taught freshmen English at McHi until 2022, while also working on my Master's in Library Science from Texas Women's University. I am beyond grateful to be where I am; I have wanted to be a librarian since I was 10 years old, due in part to all the wonderful experiences I had in our McAllen ISD libraries growing up. At Fossum, our library strives to create a space where everyone feels welcome and accepted, curiosity is explored, and questions are encouraged. I am grateful to be able to continue what my librarians did for me and provide a space not only for books and reading, but also for making things, using technology, and finding as much help as we are able to give.
MORRIS MIDDLE SCHOOL - DEANNA VILLARREAL My 31 year career in education has been split between 15 years of classroom teaching and 16 years as a school librarian. I have taught English as a Second Language in Texas Public Schools, English as a Foreign Language and English for Conversation in Nagasaki Japan, and Intensive English and English for Special Purposes at Arkansas State University. My students have exhibited various levels of English proficiency and have included an Atomic Bomb Survivor and Spouses of Government Officials, the Prince of Kuwait and the Emir's daughter, and Saudi Arabian Customs Officials.
TRAVIS MIDDLE SCHOOL -DULCE GONZALEZ - Mrs. Gonzalez began her career in Education in 2006 and has spent the last 18 years loving what she does. She graduated from The University of Texas-Pan American in 2004 with a Bachelors of Art in Communication/Journalism. She received her Masters degree in Library Science in 2016 from Sam Houston State University. She taught 6th grade English Language Arts for 10 years and has spent the last 7 years as the proud Wilson Elementary Librarian. I am now completing my 2nd year as a Travis Terrier! "I am a product of McAllen ISD and I am proud that I can give back to the district that helped shape my education. I strive to teach our students to become well rounded citizens in our society. By sharing my love of reading and STEAM I hope to show our students that our world is full of endless possibilities and their future is so bright."
ACHIEVE EARLY COLLEGE - JENNIFER VALERO - Achieve Early College librarian, Jennifer Valero, has been serving the campus since January 2021. Mrs. Valero had the pleasure to also be the librarian at Bonham Elementary and Navarro Elementary. Prior to becoming a librarian in 2016, she taught math at Travis Middle School for 16 years. Before moving to McAllen, she was a math teacher in Ft. Stockton, Texas. Mrs. Valero and husband Coach Valero at Nikki Rowe have 3 daughters. Her favorite author is Judy Blume.
LAMAR ACADEMY - ARIANA GUEL Ariana Guel is the librarian at Lamar Academy. She started teaching high school marketing and business classes with PSJA in 2009 and became the Lamar Academy Librarian in 2018. Ms. Guel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, a Master’s in Public Administration from UTRGV, and a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University. She believes that the school library is the heart of the school and should be open and welcoming to all. She has a son who attends McAllen High School. She volunteers as a VITA United Way Site Coordinator and is the Battle of the Books Sponsor.
MCALLEN HIGH SCHOOL - CINDY TIJERINA Cindy Tijerina is the librarian at McAllen High School. She is better known on her campus at Mrs. T. She studied education at The University of Texas Pan American and began her teaching career in 2004. Cindy taught kinder, 4th and 5th grades for 9 years before becoming the librarian at Hendricks in 2013. She received her Master's degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University in 2011 and was a recipient of the Laura Bush 21st century grant. As librarian, her goal is to instill a love of reading and creativity in her students. She enjoys incorporating art into her lessons and she is the one to call if you need help with anything crafty! When she isn't at work, she is the mother of two girls who keep her very busy. She enjoys spending time with her family & reading.
MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL - GISELA HERNANDEZ - A proud graduate from Mcallen Memorial High School, Mrs. Hernandez received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and then went on to receive her Masters of Library Sciences from the University of North Texas. She is the proud librarian at McAllen Memorial High School. She has been in education for over eleven years and has worked at university and private school libraries. She also taught middle school and high school social studies in McAllen ISD. She is a voracious reader herself and can often be found with her family and dog.
ROWE HIGH SCHOOL - LARISA CANTU has dedicated 34 years to education, with 26 of those years serving as a librarian within McAllen ISD. Currently, she is a librarian at Nikki Rowe High School, where her passion for fostering a love of reading and learning thrives. Larisa holds a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University and a Principal’s Certification from Region One. Her experience spans elementary, middle, and high school levels, reflecting her deep commitment to students of all ages. In addition to her role as a librarian, she also serves as the Campus Technology Facilitator, empowering students and staff with the latest digital tools. Outside of the library, you’ll often find her on the sidelines at athletic events, supporting her Rowe Cheerleaders. Larisa has proudly coached cheer for McAllen ISD for 25 years, guiding her team with the same enthusiasm and dedication she brings to her work in education.
DIRECTOR - Ann Vega has been an educator for over 35 years. She has taught in Cypress Fairbanks ISD, IDEA Public Schools, and McAllen ISD. She was a technology specialist with Region One ESC where she worked across the valley supporting teachers. She is passionate about technology and how integration should work seamlessly within all subject areas. She is a library advocate and loves how libraries have evolved. Ann is a certified Google trainer and worked to set up Google Apps for Education (now called G-Suite) at IDEA, Region One and McAllen ISD. Ann won the 2013 MVP (Most Valuable Presence) TASL Award from the Texas Library Association the 2017 The SHSU Dr. Bonnie Thorne Outstanding Service Award from Sam Houston State University, the 2021 United Way Campaign Coordinator of the Year, and named one of the 2024 EdTech K-12 IT Influencers. She is currently the Director of Digital Learning and Library Services at McAllen ISD.
