Library Team & Organizational Chart

McAllen ISD Librarians

MISD Librarians

Library Contact Information can be found here.

A Future Ready Librarian

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Makerspace

ALVAREZ -ROGELIO RIOS   This is my 19th year in education 9 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 15th 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 22 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- ROSIE CAMPOS

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 - CYNTHIA TIJERINA- Cindy Tijerina is the librarian at Hendricks Elementary. 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.

HOUSTON - ELIZABETH RECINOS Mrs. Recinos has been an educator for 20 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 - EUNICE ESPINOSA- Aloha kākou! Teaching is my passion. Born and raised in Hawaii, I began my teaching career in 1988 at the University of Hawaii as a TA in the Spanish Department as a way to pay for graduate school. This financial necessity sparked a love for teaching that has never died. After more than thirty years as a teacher librarian, I retired from the Hawaii Depart of Education and moved to the Rio Grande Valley where my husband is from. I hope to inspire in our children a love of learning that will last them a lifetime. I truly believe that books, reading, and education can uplift an entire community.

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

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 27th 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 29 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 - DULCE GONZALEZ - Mrs. Gonzalez began her career in Education in 2006 and has spent the last 17 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 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." 

BROWN MIDDLE SCHOOL- JESSICA TRUJILLO This is Mrs. Trujillo’s 20th 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 18 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 18 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 10 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 30 year career in education has been split between 15 years of classroom teaching and 15 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 -ROXANN MARTINEZ McAllen ISD librarian and media specialist, Roxann Martinez,  is a maker enthusiast with an ardor for teaching. Influenced by her love of art and new technologies, she introduces innovative applications through creativity. This is her third year presenting at TECHnovate (iPad Palooza). She is a student advocate and strong proponent of literacy programs for learners at every stage of life. One lesson she hopes her students remember: Amazing things happen when you're not afraid to try.

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 is the librarian at Lamar Academy. She started teaching high school marketing and business classes with PSJA in 2009. 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 therefore should be open and welcoming to all.

MCALLEN HIGH SCHOOL - NOE TORRES has been a librarian at McAllen High School since 1999 and has been responsible for a number of technology innovations at the campus over the years, in addition to keeping literary and library programs at the forefront of the school's focus. With over 30 years experience in education, Noe has worked for the Region One Education Service Center, South Texas College, Edinburg CISD, and Sharyland ISD. In his free time, Noe is an author, publisher, and recognized speaker on the topic of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), having written or co-written more than two dozen books about the UFO phenomenon. He has appeared on a number of nationally-broadcast television shows, including the Travel Channel’s "UFO Witness" and "Mysteries of the Outdoors," the syndicated series "Mysteries of the Unexplained," and the History Channel’s "UFO Hunters." Among the prestigious conferences at which he has spoken are the International UFO Congress in Arizona and the Roswell UFO Festival in New Mexico. He holds a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin. 

MCALLEN HIGH SCHOOL - JANELLE WHITELAW Janelle Whitelaw is a librarian at McAllen High School. Prior to becoming a librarian, she attended Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas on a softball scholarship. She then graduated from the University of Texas – Pan American in 2012 with a Bachelor’s in English. In 2013 she began a career in education teaching high school ELA with PSJA ISD. While teaching, she received her Master’s degree in Library Science in 2020 from Sam Houston State University. Mrs. Whitelaw has always had a love for reading and believes it is food for the soul. It has always been her mission to share this love of reading with her students and colleagues. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, her dog, drinking coffee, and reading.

MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL - TRACY FREY is the librarian at Memorial High School. She is in her 28th year of education. She has taught 1st, 2nd, multi-age 1st and 2nd, and 4th grade. The majority of her teaching career was teaching 4th grade writing. She has been an elementary,, middle school and high school librarian.

MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL  - GISELA HERNANDEZ

ROWE HIGH SCHOOL -  LARISA CANTU has been a librarian with McAllen ISD for 21 years and is currently one of the librarians at Nikki Rowe High School.  This is her 29th year in education and has worked at the elementary, middle and high school level. She received her Master's Degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University and her Principal's Certification from Region One. She loves working with students and sharing her love for reading and serving as the Camus Technology Facilitator.  When she's not in the library you can find her at all the athletic games with her Rowe Cheerleaders.  Larisa has been a cheer coach for McAllen ISD for 20 years.

ROWE HIGH SCHOOL -  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.  This year is my 18th year in education, and my 14th 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.

DIRECTOR - Ann Vega has been an educator for over 30 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 and the 2017 The SHSU Dr. Bonnie Thorne Outstanding Service Award from Sam Houston State University.  She is currently the Director of Digital Learning and Library Services at McAllen ISD.