By Vanessa "Cueponi Cihuatl" Espinoza
West Liberty Elementary welcomes Karla Madrigal as a new school counselor. As a proud first-generation college graduate and a former West Liberty High School student, Karla brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to our community.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in social work and her Master of Arts in school counseling from the University of Iowa. During her time there, she played a significant role as the coordinator of the Pen Pal Project, where she was also an academic coach at the Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence.
Growing up in West Liberty, Karla always dreamed of giving back to the community that shaped her. Inspired by the support and guidance of her school counselors and teachers, she pursued a career in counseling with a passion for making a difference. Now, everything has come full circle for Karla as she returns to her roots to support our students, staff, and families. Karla is thrilled to embark on this new chapter of her career, especially after dedicating six years to her higher education. Her commitment to her community and her desire to make her family proud are at the heart of her new role at West Liberty Elementary.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Karla enjoys a variety of pastimes that help her stay balanced and energized. She loves going on walks, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. For Karla, family is very important. Her parents are Adela y César Madrigal. She has three sisters: Sheyla, Jessica, and Emily. She has a three-year-old cat named Bentley. Her hobbies not only bring her joy but also reflect her commitment to self-care. She works on herself so she can show up as the best version of herself for the families, staff, and youth she works for.
Karla is deeply thankful for the heartfelt welcome she has received from West Liberty and is excited to embark on this new journey. Her return to her roots is sure to inspire and benefit our entire community.