TAMIU-LBV Literacy Partnership

Xuesong Wang. PhD
Partnership Executive Director

Dr. Wang earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Florida. As an associate professor of education at TAMIU, she teaches and conducts research in the fields of emergent literacy and professional development in early childhood education.

Dr. Erica Guerrero
Program Director

Dr. Erica Guerrero earned a doctoral degree in Bilingual Education from Texas A&M University at Kingsville (TAMUK). She obtained a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler and a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Dr. Guerrero brings over 15 years of experience in education in the fields of bilingual and early childhood education, as well as state and College Board testing.

Dr. Guerrero is actively involved in the community. She is the 1^st Co-Vice-President of the Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Nu Chapter, an organization that promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. She also serves as Board Member for Pets Alive Laredo (PAL).

She looks forward to working with the Literacy Partnership as the Program Director and looks forward to assisting and advocating for struggling readers in our community.

Gloria Avila
Program Specialist IV

Ms. Avila is an enthusiasm educator with more than 35 years of experience. She has experience in elementary, middle school and high school. She taught at Laredo State University (now Texas A&M International University) and at Laredo College. She has had experiences in different capacities throughout her career; teacher, assistant principal, principal, and parent-involvement facilitator. She enjoys the atmosphere of a school setting and always finds ways to encourage students to continue their studies. She strongly believes that teachers can help form all students’ minds towards a successful future.

Evette Santos
Program Specialist II

Ms. Santos received a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Texas A&M International University and plans to further her education by earning a master’s degree in educational psychology. Ms. Santos has experience as a: tutor, substitute, and ELAR teacher. She is excited to work with the Literacy Partnership as a Program Specialist and looks forward to the opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact that this role will undoubtedly bring.

Sergio R. Sifuentes
Program Specialist Aide

Mr. Sifuentes has a bachelor’s degree in biology and is currently working on achieving a master’s degree in biology with an emphasis in genetics and development biology. His introduction to education occurred when he volunteered in groups such as Big Brother Big Sister which helped him guide and tutor incoming students. Mr. Sifuentes then joined the Literacy Partnership during the spring 2023 semester as a professional tutor at an LISD campus and gained an admiration for education in early childhood. He is ready to take on the responsibilities required to excel as the Program Specialist Aide.

Vanessa Wallace
Literacy Specialist

Mrs. Wallace earned her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business administration from St. Edward’s University. Her goal was to work with non-profit organizations that focused on public service within our community, which motivated her to participate in the Laredo College Alternative Certification Program and receive her EC-4^th Bilingual certification. This opened the door to a career in education and allowed her to teach bilingual students in our community. she has over 16 years of experience in education, mainly in the elementary level. She is looking forward to being a part of this literacy program that works with the school districts to promote grade level reading in the early elementary years.

G. Lety Sifuentes
Administrative Associate IV

Ms. Sifuentes is deeply motivated to help the Literacy Partnership run smoothly. Her administration experience and skills will facilitate your application process while maintaining a professional and friendly atmosphere. Lety will be your first point of contact if you would like to become a tutor.