An educator of 21 years, Dr. Garcia serves as California’s Statewide Literacy Co-Director, where she leads statewide efforts to strengthen evidence-based literacy instruction, improve early reading outcomes, and support local educational agencies through policy guidance, technical assistance, and professional learning. She plays a central role in initiatives focused on third-grade reading proficiency, literacy legislation, and educator capacity building, with a sustained commitment to equity and access for all students. In addition to her state role, Dr. Garcia is an adjunct professor in the Special Education Program at CSU San Bernardino and a certified Orton-Gillingham-based structured literacy and dyslexia interventionist. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.