LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Karina Quilantan-Garza was nominated by her colleague, Nora Galvan.

Ms. Quilantan-Garza has been a certified Texas educator for the past 10 years.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and was involved in honor societies during her early college years. She received her Master's Degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University with a 4.0 GPA.  

Ms. Quilantan-Garza works diligently as a librarian, and her passion is evident in her work with students.  Her library has been recognized locally and statewide for the presence of media virtual settings.  She leads her students in 21st Century technology and learning methods.  

Ms. Quilantan-Garza is certified as an Apple Teacher and Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE). She is certified in Google Levels I and 2, and she is also a Flipgrid Certified Educator, Common Sense Educator, Kahoot!  Bronze, Silver and Gold Certified, Book Creator Ambassador and Buncee Ambassador. Ms. Quilantan-Garza is also The Texas Library Association of School Librarians Virtual Presence Award Winner 2019 and is a committee member for TLS 2019-2020.  

Students at the Escalante library look forward to their visits.  She creates a warm and inviting atmosphere in the library, and students use it to the ultimate level.  She encourages students to be part of a school book club and other clubs that she makes available, such as technology-related groups. Her bubbly disposition creates a positive, uplifting setting.