Ms. Lopez has worked in university, county government and non-profit settings, most recently as a health educator with the Cook County Department of Public Health. She has focused on chronic disease prevention through the promotion of physical activity and healthy eating habits. Ms. Lopez enjoys working with parents to promote academic success among youth. Other urban health issues include an emphasis on HIV/STD prevention, adolescent pregnancy, and sexual health. Ms. Lopez is bilingual in English and Spanish and earned her master's degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois, Chicago. Ms. Lopez will use her expertise to work with underprivileged youth and families in selected communities of the North East Chicago District and apply her skills to develop programs that will promote healthy behaviors.