Founder's Bio

Hola y bienvenidos a Social Emotional Lotería!

I'm Anna, though everyone calls me Ani—Founder and Executive Director of NeuroNurture Apoyo Educativo, LLC. With 28 years in education, including a decade as a school counselor, I'm on a mission to make learning both meaningful and personal. As a proud first-generation Latina, my Mexican heritage is the vibrant thread woven throughout my identity. Growing up, playing lotería with my family in Mexico wasn't just fun—it was a powerful connection to my roots, embracing the rich history of my parents' journey.

Raised in Garden Grove, California, I'm the daughter of immigrant parents who ventured to El Norte with big dreams and few resources. At a young age, I navigated systems as the only one in our home who spoke English. I quickly learned that these systems were not designed for people like my family. As a child, like many students who fall through the cracks, I went through my K-12 years undiagnosed with an auditory processing disorder and moderate dyslexia. Now, knowing this as an adult, I’m equipped with a deeper understanding of my learning disabilities - grateful and self-aware. I embrace the journey because it has led me here, doing what I love, surrounded by all of you.

Days after high school graduation, with one key asset—my ability to speak Spanish—I became a Bilingual Instructional Assistant in my home school district. From there, my career has spanned various educational settings in student support services. The most transformative experiences came from working with incarcerated youth and marginalized student populations in alternative settings. There, my passion for social-emotional learning was born, allowing me to see the full, resilient spirit of every child. In doing so, I became the advocate I needed as a child—a driving force in my journey.

Today, I support school counselors in Los Angeles County with professional development and technical assistance. I'm dedicated to blending research-informed and evidence-based practices with culturally relevant and responsive education. My goal? Creating materials and experiences where students of color truly see themselves reflected. Take "La Lotería," for instance—it's not just a traditional game, but a bridge between cultural heritage and social-emotional learning (SEL). By weaving SEL themes into the fabric of "La Lotería," we've crafted a fun, meaningful way for students to explore their emotions and relationships while celebrating their cultural backgrounds.

"Social Emotional Lotería" empowers students to build essential life skills—self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, decision-making, and relationship-building—all within a context that honors their cultural identity. It's about ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and connected to their own story.

¡Gracias por estar aquí!

Ani D. Heinbuch y Familia