Staff

Liz Seelig, Free Minds Program Specialist

Born and raised in the desert of Las Cruces, New Mexico, I moved to Austin, Tx after I graduated from New Mexico State University in 2011. I have a B.A in English focusing on Literature, Language, and Culture and a B.A in Secondary Education focusing on English. I am currently studying Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy and Language as a Master Student at University of Texas. (Hook’em Horns!)

It is my absolute pleasure and privilege to be working back at Foundation Communities! In 2012, I was an after-school youth program assistant at M-Station. I loved serving the community and working with young people. One of my passions is literacy for ALL! This led me to become a Public-School teacher for over 9 years. I taught English classes in Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Leander ISD. My philosophy is to meet you where you are on your educational journey to cultivate the genius inside you.

I am an avid reader and writer! Some of my favorite authors are Octavia Butler, Neal Shusterman, and Erica Sanchez. However, I will read anything and everything. As a writer, I am currently working on a memoir piece about my family and ancestors. I have been published in Latinx Spaces, an all Latinx written and run online magazine, and I have been published in All In, a Political Action Community for Public Schools. Please check out my pieces: Not a Perfect Daughter and Not a Perfect Mexican or Public School Education Has Saved My Life.

Jessica Gonzalez, Free Minds Program Manager

Prior to joining Foundation Communities, I served in staff and faculty positions in colleges anduniversities throughout Central Texas at the undergraduate and graduate level. I hold a BAAS from Texas State University with an emphasis on Career and Technical Education and MSIS as well from Texas State University with an emphasis on Adult Education and Curriculum and Instruction. To be of service to students is what drew me to education. The elation I feel on the first day of class as I meet and greet students to this day still gives me butterflies.

I love to read and can read a book in about an hour. My favorite book is “Flash: The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me about Life, Faith, and Second Chances”, by Rachel Anne Ridge. Travel with me anywhere for a good cup of coffee. When in need of peace, I will visit a local rescue for donkey’s. I am multicultural and have lived all over the world. As a life-long learner, I am in the dissertation phase of a Ph.D. in Postsecondary Adult Education, and like our Free Minds students, I look forward to crossing the stage at graduation. I am excited to begin as the new Free Minds Program Manager and look forward to working with colleagues and students alike.