Originally from Atlacomulco, Mexico, she has lived in Grand Junction for the past 18 years. Stephani learned English by going to school and got many opportunities to help other students learn English throughout her education. In 2012 she got the opportunity to teach elementary through high school kids how to speak English in Cosanga, Ecuador, through the local non-profit, Sustainable Roots. Now she is very excited to be able to teach her native language to the kids at Juniper Ridge, which include her nieces Zahira and Gisell Miño.