Born and raised in Southern California, Xochitl relocated to Salt Lake City to earn a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Utah. Her career began in residential addiction recovery programs, where she supported parents in early recovery as they worked toward reunification with their children. Along the way, Xochitl discovered a deep love for working directly with children.

After earning her Social Service Worker license, Xochitl most recently served as the school social worker at a lively K–8 charter school. Inspired daily by the resilience and creativity of children, she strives to show up fully, embrace life with courage, and live with curiosity and joy.

Though new to Waldorf education, Xochitl is drawn to its whole-child approach—engaging the head, heart, and hands in learning. This natural rhythm of exploring, feeling, and creating resonates deeply with her own way of life.

Xochitl is thrilled to join the Mountain Sunrise Academy team.

Favorite pastimes include:

Picnics, Clothing swaps with besties, walks with her pup Joplin, writing letters and storytelling. 

xochitl.cortez@mountainsunriseacademy.org