Raquel has over 20 years’ experience in public participation processes, strategic planning, meeting facilitation and conflict resolution processes. and collaborative technology. Previously the Deputy Director for the National Institute for Civil Discourse at The University of Arizona, she provided strategic planning guidance and operational support to the organization. She also managed the organization’s public initiatives, including the Revive Civility campaign and spearheaded development of Text, Talk, Act, resulting in over 300,000 participants engaging in text-based, small group discussions on issues facing the nation.

She also previously worked at the Udall Foundation’s U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, where she provided mediation services, integrated collaborative technologies into conflict resolution processes and conducted training for conflict resolution practitioners.

Raquel holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Maine and a Bachelor of Social Sciences from Unity College.

Laura has always felt called to work with children, and a bit later in life finally pursued a degree in Elementary Education.  Laura taught 8th grade Language Arts and Science and enjoyed the relationships she was able to develop with her students.  While teaching, Laura became aware that children today struggle with mental health issues and do not have a lot of resources at their fingertips.  After having three children of her own, Laura stepped back from the classroom, but was still seeking a way to interact with today’s youth.  Text, Talk, Act gave her an opportunity to start working with youth again, but also aid in helping young people navigate and cope with their stressors and mental illnesses through our program.

Pebbles is a three-year old goldendoodle that loves to work with kids. She received her professional facility dog training at Dog Trainer US in Peoria, Arizona. Pebbles is trained to perform service dog level commands that enhance student well-being. Her skills include giving hugs and a supporting touch, crawling to a reluctant child, and applying a calming pressure across a students’ lap. Pebbles has also been trained to identify a person in emotional distress and responds with appropriate cues to comfort that individual.

Pebbles also loves being read to and has been participating in classroom literacy programs to provide an encouraging presence for students who are learning to read. Pebbles is frequently seen at Sycamore Elementary School and is available to come to your classroom during or after Text, Talk, Act lessons.

Michelle Murguia is a graduate of Sunnyside High School and implemented various substance abuse prevention strategies starting from middle school. She has worked diligently to educate her peers, families, and communities about the harmful effects of substances. Michelle is also bi-cultural and bi-lingual and uses these attributes to benefit her community. Michelle is also currently a community development specialist at Liberty Partnerships Kino Neighborhoods Coalition (LPKNC).