….you’ll understand exactly what makes Carla so special.
Originally from the vibrant city of Guadalajara, Mexico, Carla brings warmth, determination, and a deep belief in second chances to her role as a Trainer at Anchor Point Bayswater.
If you’ve ever believed that the best educators are the ones who never stop learning themselves….
Carla joined Youth Futures in 2023 as an Educational Assistant — a role she threw herself into wholeheartedly, from driving the bus to collecting students at the train station, to working one-on-one in the classroom and taking young people to the park.
“I liked that I had the chance to do different roles,” she says. “I was able to have a different relationship with the students and different activities.”
A Deeper Calling
What many people don’t know is that before stepping into the classroom, Carla came from a background in law. But education has always been her true north. “I have been involved in education for many years, even back in Mexico,” she says. “I do believe that education is the pillar of every society, and that every child, every person should have access to it.”
It’s a conviction that runs through everything she does — and one that found a natural home at Youth Futures. In 2026, she stepped up into the Trainer role, a transition she describes simply as wanting to grow, personally and professionally. And by all accounts, it suits her perfectly.
A Classroom Built on Belonging
Ask Carla what creating a safe space looks like in practice, and her answer is immediate: respect.
“Make them feel safe. Make them feel comfortable being here. It’s okay to make mistakes — but it’s also okay to acknowledge that we make mistakes. Just for them to feel that they belong here.”
Her approach to learning is equally grounded. Rather than letting a student say “I can’t do it,” Carla finds a way. “In a respectful and kind way, I like to find ways for them to still attempt, still try — for them to be able to say, I can do it. I want them to know that if they can do it here, they can do it anywhere.”
It’s an approach that reflects the broader philosophy of Youth Futures. As Principal Paul Jones puts it:
“Before we talk about subjects or grades, we focus on helping students feel safe, seen, and supported. The relationship comes first. Once they trust you, everything else falls into place.”
From Sceptics to Supporters
Starting fresh in a new role is never easy — and Carla is refreshingly honest about that. “At the beginning, students were like, who is this lady? They didn’t want to work with me.” She laughs. “But now they are happy to ask for help, happy to work together and have conversations. It is nice to have those moments.”
One memory stands out: a student who, due to personal circumstances, was reluctant to leave the school building. With the right encouragement, that same student began venturing out and discovered a love for outdoor activities. “Academically they were great, but socially not so much. And just to see them combine those two — it was great.”
Guided by Values
The values Carla brings to Youth Futures are ones she names without hesitation: honesty, kindness, consistency, caring. They show up not just in how she teaches, but in how she sees her students.
“I like to show them that they can do it, that they can make mistakes but get back on track. For them to know that they are important, that they are welcome, and that they are smart — sometimes they don’t know how smart they are. And how much I personally learn from them every day.”
Her greatest motivation? Watching a student succeed. “Sometimes they don’t know what they’re good at, or what goals they have. And then suddenly they come out with these ideas — I’m going to go to TAFE, I’m going to go to university. That is very, very rewarding.”
It’s a sentiment Principal Paul Jones knows well: “It’s not about fitting them into our system, it’s about building a system that fits them.”
Her Advice to Anyone Thinking of Joining Youth Futures?
“Do it. Just do it. Take a leap of faith and enjoy what you are doing. Understand what it is for — and understand that everybody deserves a second chance.”
We’re glad you took that leap, Carla.
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