Paula was born in Puerto Rico and raised there and in New York City. She graduated from Inter American University in San German, Puerto Rico with majors in Fine Arts and Arts Education and studied at the School of the Art Institute pf Chicago. In 1976 she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Illinois. During her 30-year career in social work she earned the equivalent of two additional Masters at the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois and St. Xavier University specializing in the fields of family therapy, child welfare, and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy.
In 1994 Paula served on the Evanston Mental Health Board, appointed by the mayor of Evanston. In 1998 she was awarded a “Those Who Excel Award” Illinois State Board of Education in recognition for outstanding contribution and service to the field of education. Since retiring after a long and gratifying career in teaching and school social work, Paula has pursued her interests in art, writing, continuing education, travel and women’s organizations. Paula is currently a member of AWIU’s Chicago chapter. In addition, she belongs to the Women’s Club of Evanston, the National Association of Social Workers, the Kenilworth Garden Arts Club, the North Shore Black Artists Group and Evanston Made.
