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Mrs. Duraes has had a rich and diverse journey in both her personal and professional life. She joined the Air Force in 1988 and served until 1991, stationed overseas at Lajes Field, Azores, an island off the coast of Portugal. It was during this time that she met her husband, Antonio, with whom she has shared 33 years of marriage. Together, they have raised two remarkable children: Tyler, who graduated from the University of Utah with a Doctorate in Audiology, and Sofia, an exceptional artist. However, Mrs. Duraes now finds her greatest joy in her role as the primary caregiver for her six-year-old granddaughter, Aurora.

Her educational journey has taken her across continents and through various fields of study. Mrs. Duraes attended college in Portugal, California, and Colorado, ultimately graduating with a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Maryland in 1997. After residing in California for a few years, she and her family settled in St. George in 1998, captivated by its stunning landscapes. Continuing her academic pursuits, Mrs. Duraes completed her degree in Elementary Education from Southern Utah University in 2001, with endorsements in Reading, ESL, and Technology. Her dedication to education led her to earn a Master’s in Education from SUU in 2017.

With twenty-two years of teaching experience under her belt, Mrs. Duraes has made a significant impact in the field of education. She spent three years at La Verkin Elementary, followed by two years at Bloomington Elementary, before finding her home at Lava Ridge Intermediate, where she has dedicated seventeen years to nurturing young minds.

• Southern Utah University (SUU) - Master of Education
• Southern Utah University (SUU) - B.S. Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology
• University of Maryland University College (UMUC) - B.S. Business with a minor in Psychology