Gloria holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Ecology, with a focus on Child and Adolescent Development, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She began her career as a preschool teacher at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where her passion for supporting children with diverse needs flourished. This led her to intern as a Child Life Specialist at Wyler Children’s Hospital in Chicago. In 1999, Gloria earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Rush University.

​

Gloria’s early career was dedicated to working in Early Intervention in Chicago’s low-income Hispanic communities, through a non-profit multidisciplinary organisation called ‘El Valor,’ which means courage and bravery. Here, she co-facilitated sensory and feeding groups, supporting young children and their families with a focus on empowering their development and well-being.

​

In 2001, Gloria married an Australian, and in 2003, they moved to Australia. They now have three children—two girls and a boy. While raising her children, Gloria continued her professional development through courses in occupational therapy and shared her knowledge with local preschool teachers. She has expanded her skills in areas such as play-based learning, speech and literacy development, handwriting, and supporting neurodivergent children, particularly through DIR®/Floortime training.

​

Gloria joined the team at Kids World Paediatric Occupational Therapy after being inspired by Georgina Ahrens’ approach during a DIR®/Floortime course. Now, she is part of a passionate group of therapists who are committed to celebrating and supporting each child’s unique strengths and challenges.

​

In her spare time, Gloria enjoys creative writing. In 2013, she published her first children’s book, Ka-Lunk!, a rhyming story that explores child development, with additional resources for parents and carers on developmental milestones and play ideas from birth to 18 months. She is currently working on a young adult science fiction novel inspired by her own children.

​