Administrative Staff
Director: Sylvia Barrera
sylvia.barrera@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3016
Education:
Raymond & Tirza Martin High School – Laredo , Texas
Associate of Art Degree – Laredo Community College (Laredo, Texas)
Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology with Psychology as second teaching field – Texas Woman’s University (Denton, Texas)
Master of Science: Kinesiology with specialization in Athletic Administration – Texas A&M University (Kingsville)
Administrative Certification: Principalship – Texas A&M International University
Professional Experience:
L.J. Christen Jr. High – Kinesiology Teacher/Middle School Coach
Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School – Kinesiology/Psychology/P.A.L. (Peers Assisting Learning) Teacher/Varsity Head
Basketball Coach, Jr. Varsity Assistant Volleyball Coach, Assistant Track Coach.
Administration: Athletic Director / Assistant Principal
Associate Director (Intramurals) - Texas A&M International University
Director - Texas A&M International University
General Information
Born and raised in Laredo, Texas and take great pride in creating learning opportunities for students to enhance their campus experience. Education and sports have always been my passion, and Recreational Sports/Intramurals is a platform that incorporates the two. Opportunities for students to hone their leadership skills through participation, officiating and supervising generates a positive energy for our programs to ensure success.
Associate Director (Fitness & Wellness): Denise Schuster
dschuster@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3017
Education
B.A. in Exercise & Sports Sciences, Health & Exercise Promotions; Minor: Nutrition - Texas Tech University - Lubbock, TX - 2007
Associate Degree in Science - South Plains College, Levelland, TX - 2003
Professional
Aerobics Instructor - Texas Tech University - Lubbock, TX - 2004 - 2007
Intern - Cooper Aerobics Center - Dallas, TX - 2007
Certified Personal Trainer - American Council on Exercise - 2006 - Present
Certified Aerobics Instructor - American Council on Exercise 2006 - Present
YogaFit Level One and Two Training - YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide - 2006 - Present
Certified Health Promotion Director - The Cooper Institute - Dallas, TX - 2007 - Present
Coordinator of Fitness & Wellness - Texas A&M International University - 2007 - 2009
Certified Personal Trainer - National Academy of Sports Medicine - 2008 - Present
Certified Wellness Coach - The Cooper Institute - Dallas, TX 2009 - Present
AFAA Personal Fitness Trainer - 2011 - Present
Keiser Indoor Cycling Instructor - Keiser M3 Indoor Cycling Instructor Program - 2011 - Present
Associate Director (Fitness & Wellness) - Texas A&M International University - 2009 - Present
General Information
I was born in Lubbock, Texas, and have a sister and twin brother. I enjoy spending my time with family and God, reading, laughing, a great workout, FITNESS CLASSES (of course), being creative and cooking. At Texas Tech University working as a Fitness Instructor for most of my college years provided me with a stepping stone to my career in fitness and wellness. If you are interested in learning how to gain a healthy lifestyle or pursue a career in fitness, come and see us here at the Rec Center! Our Fit/Well team and our love for nutrition, fitness, wellness and helping others to learn more about it is a passion that we love to share. Come and check out the Rec, you won't regret it!
Associate Director: Roberto Hugo Garza
roberto.garza@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3019
Education
BBA in Business Administration – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX - 2010
Professional
Intramural Sports Official – Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX - 2005-2008
Facility Attendant – Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX – 2005 - 2006
Student Manager- Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX – 2006 - 2009
Facility Operations Specialist - Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX - January 2010 - August 2011
General Information
I was born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas but have been in Laredo for most of my life. I like to spend time with my family and friends whenever I am not working or in class. My goal is to one day have a masters degree in business. My interest in the field began at a national conference in Austin. It was then that I decided I wanted to make this my profession. I am excited to be part of the student success team; and a great pleasure to be part of the Recreational Sports Department. I enjoy spending time with the staff, and working out at the Rec, I hope to see you all here.
Office Coordinator: Irene Vela-Mendoza
irene@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3015
Professional:
Admissions Clerk, Office of Admissions- Texas A&M International University- Laredo, TX - 1996 - 1998
Staff Assistant, Office of Enrollment Management- Texas A&M International University- Laredo, TX- 1998-1999
Staff Assistant, Office of the Executive Director of Student Life- Texas A&M International University- Laredo, TX- 1999-2005
Staff Assistant, Office of the Associate Vice-President for Student Affairs- Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX- 2005-2006
Office Coordinator, Recreational Sports – Texas A&M International University – Laredo, TX - 2006 - Present
General Information:
I was born in Laredo, TX and have lived in Laredo all of my life. I am married and have four children. I enjoy time with my family whenever possible.
I have almost 15 years now at Texas A&M International University, but have been with the Recreational Sports department for 4 years. They have become like my second family away from home. I work with 25 of the greatest student staff, wonderful professional staff and a great boss. Rec. Sports is a growing department and I am looking forward to all the new changes and growth to come for us in the future.
Strength and Conditioning Specialist: Aaron Garza
aaron.garza1@tamiu.edu
(956) 326-3013
Education
B.A. Fitness and Sports / Minor in Health - Texas A & M International University - 2006
Professional
United States Marine Corps Infantry Squads Leader: 2nd Bn 5th Marines 81mm Mortar Platoon -1994-1999
Personal Trainer - Fuel Fitness Center - 2006-2007
Strength Training Instructor - LCC – 2008-2009
Physical Education Instructor - ECHS – 2006 – 2008
Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach/ Strength Coach - Texas A&M International University 2005-2008
Professional Basketball Player - Venados Club, Nuevo Laredo, Mexico – 2008-2009
Strength & Conditioning Specialist - Texas A&M International University - January 2010 - Present
General Information:
I was born and raised in Laredo, TX. I come from a big family; 8 brothers, 5 sisters. I am glad to be back and being part of the Dustdevil team. I’m a big basketball fanatic and hope to share my knowledge of the game to youths around town. Staying fit and being competitive is part of my nature. I also love spending my off time with my little princess, Julissa, and other nieces and nephews of course. I foresee a lot of good things coming to the university and Rec Sports as well, and I can’t wait to see TAMIU grow to its potential.