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Teenage Parent Program

What is the “Teenage Parent Program” (TAPP)?

A circle of seven babies lie on their backs, looking up with curious expressions.

TAPP is a program of the Sunnyside School District that has been offered to students since 1986. TAPP strives to reduce the prevalence of teenage pregnancies, support young mothers and fathers in creating a strong foundation for their children, and encourage students to graduate and seek further education and employment. We serve Sunnyside, Desert View and Star Academy, and district middle schools as needed. TAPP students can remain in their home school and continue with their full academic schedule of classes.

It is well-known that pregnant and parenting students are more likely to drop out of high school and live below poverty level. Children of teenage parents are more likely to have poor outcomes in school and risk serving jail time. Our program acts to prevent these difficult situations and maximize the success of not only our students but also their children.

The Mission of the Sunnyside Unified School District Teenage Parent Program (TAPP):

  • Contribute to the school district’s efforts to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy.
  • Assure that pregnant and parenting students receive the support they need to stay in school through graduation.
  • To make a referral please call (520) 545-5326

Being a Parent means…

according to TAPP students

  • “learning about strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with fear you didn’t know existed.”
  • “being able to learn and grow with your child. Being responsible and mature. Being a parent means  being your best for you and your child.”
  • “se me hace una bendición bien grande en saber que está una personita chiquita creciendo en mi. Saber que en unos meses lo voy a poder cargar, ver y tocar – me llena de emoción y felicidad.”
  • “to own up to the fact that you have a baby. Being there for your kid physically, mentally and emotionally. Being able to provide for him. Being a parent means loving your child REGARDLESS.”
  • “having to grow up a little sooner than everyone else and taking responsibility to becoming the best parent you can be.”
  • leaving all things you do as a non-parent and stepping up to the plate.

Meet our TAPP staff

I am a native of Tucson. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and I am currently working on an Associates in Early Childhood Education.  I have been enjoying my position supporting teen parents and their infants in the TAPProgram since 2013.  I am a Certified Doula, Lamaze Instructor, and also certified to instruct CPR, BLS and First Aid. Since our Garden Project began in 2021, I have become certified in Environmental Education and Life Lab.  I love to garden, the beach, riding with my husband, and hanging out with my grandchildren.

I was called to be a midwife at a young age, and completed an apprenticeship with an experienced midwife in El Paso, Texas. I’ve had the honor to attend more than 1,000 births, at home or in a birthing center. During this time I gave birth to my son and consider raising him to be my greatest joy and accomplishment.

After moving to Tucson, I got my Bachelor of Science in Human Services, and supported families in the Healthy Families and Arizona Early Intervention programs. I’ve returned to my “roots” since becoming part of the TAPP team, and I love supporting the pregnant and parenting students. Along the way I also became a licensed massage therapist and esthetician, and enjoyed pilgrimage to Spain. I hope to become a grandmother some day.

I was born in Clifton Arizona.  I have been working with children for the last 35 years. I started at Hollinger school in TUSD when my children were 5 and 6 years old going into kindergarten and first grade.  From there, I moved on to CODAC Behavioral Health Services where I worked with Children at Risk.  I moved on from there to Pio Decimo Center where I worked for 10 years, left for 4, then came back and worked there another 10 years.  That was my  home away from home.  Within those ten years I was able to earn a certificate in Early Childhood Development, an associates degree in Early Childhood Development in Applied Science and a General Studies Diploma.  I have really enjoyed my career working with pre-kinders and building a foundation for them in their education so they can continue to go on to college which some of them have. I’m very proud to say that I was a part of that. Now, I am the director of the Sunnyside Infant Center and I have enjoyed my first year here.

I have 3 years of experience in Infant Development.  I am certified in numerous classes in Early Childhood Education.  I have a business degree from Hermosillo, Mexico.  I love cooking, walking, gardening, reading and children.

I have worked in the Sunnyside Unified School District since 1990 at Los Niños Elementary, Drexel Elementary, and Sunnyside High School in the nurse’s office before my current position as secretary for the Teenage Parent Program. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends.