Olivia Gutierrez Bolaños is the Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District where one of her responsibilities is overseeing the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program. She taught bilingual education for 11 years and was a principal for 12 years. Olivia comes from a family very similar to the students she has worked with. Her ability to create an atmosphere of “familia” within the school community and her knowledge of Hispanic culture has helped lead to the academic success of her students. Olivia has seen the GATE Spanish Parent group flourish in the district in just three years by making a few changes to better meet their needs.
