Gabriel is a second generation Angeleno (Los Angeles native), but first generation Mexican-American in college. Raised with a strong Catholic upbringing, he has focused most of his jobs on helping people. Prior to become a teacher at a Catholic School, he worked as a medical liaison at a hospice home, a teacher in Kamigori, Japan, and as an entrepreneur focused on health vitamins. He is a Founding Teacher at Alverno Height Academy: Lower School in Sierra Madre since the summer of 2020.

Gabriel felt his calling to be a teacher while teaching in Japan. He remembers teaching English to kids from Japan and imagining teaching back in the USA. Being educated in Catholic schools, he chose to start his career as a teacher in the Catholic School setting once he returned to the Los Angeles metro area. Once in Los Angeles, he was inspired by the Chicano/a art throughout the Los Angeles murals. These murals often tell stories of Mexican-American life in Los Angeles, the fight for social justice, education, culture and family. These principles are often in line with the Catholic upbringings he was raised with.

“Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.”-Oliver Wendell Holmes is one of Gabriel’s favorite quotes. It reminds him that one is truly learning and that our learning continues to change who we are. He has lived in three different continents (North America, South America, Asia) and wants to visit all seven before he turns 40. While living in Asia, he learned how to cook different Japanese dishes. His favorite food, however, is tacos (al pastor).

In his spare time, Gabriel enjoys playing video games, working out, walking his dog, rooting for the Dodgers and Lakers, and spending time with his three nieces. He is passionate about learning about different cultures, often trying to travel whenever he has the opportunity (and extra money).