The MorenoMethod name honors my Papa, who was the living embodiment of perseverance and resilience.

My dad’s modest roots and upbringing did not hinder his ablilty to start a life for our family out of his own strengths and abilities.

He taught me that:

“Education - once learned - can never be taken away.”

During my Doctorate Program, I designed a research study to find out what strategies and qualities first gen success stories possessed and utilized to be the first in their family to earn their college degree.

My literature review demonstrated how much of the research pertaining to first gens tend to come from a deficit perspective - what they were lacking. As a result, I designed a research study that sought to discover their strengths - what they were good at.

My findings were that:

• First gens inherently possess strengths and qualities that helped them achieve their goals.

• There is a cyclical incremental process that first gens go through as they overcome barriers, challenges, and obstacles to reach their goals.

Inspired by my findings, I created a unique and holistic approach to help fellow first gens reach their goals. And while this research is based on first gen professionals, the very core of the MorenoMethod skills can be beneficial for everyone.