Your monthly support provides voters the knowledge they need to make confident decisions at the polls. Donate today.
Monica Guillen (Sunnyside School District school board District 1, Washington, candidate 2025)
From Ballotpedia
 |
Special state legislative • Appellate courts • State ballot measures • Local ballot measures • School boards • Municipal • All local elections by county • How to run for office |
 |
Do you have a photo that could go here? Click here to submit it for this profile!
Monica Guillen is running in a special election to the Sunnyside School District school board District 1 in Washington. She is on the ballot in the special general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Guillen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Monica Guillen provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2025:
- Birth date: April 6, 1972
- Birth place: Moses Lake, Washington
- High school: Sunnyside High school
- Bachelor's: Heritage (College) University, 2001
- Graduate: Eastern Washington University, 2002
- Gender: Female
- Religion: Christian
- Profession: Clinical Social Worker
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign Facebook
- Campaign Instagram
Elections
General election
The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.
Special general election for Sunnyside School District school board District 1
Monica Guillen and Anna Saenz are running in the special general election for Sunnyside School District school board District 1 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
Monica Guillen (Nonpartisan)  | ||
| Anna Saenz (Nonpartisan) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Monica Guillen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Guillen's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
I am Monica Guillén, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and lifelong Sunnyside resident. I earned my Master of Social Work degree in 2002 and have spent more than 20 years serving children and families through community mental-health agencies, child protective services, and nonprofit organizations. Today, I run my own private practice providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapy across Washington State. My husband and I have also led the Sunnyside Little Grapplers youth wrestling program for over 25 years, mentoring hundreds of local kids. As a mom, grandmother, and community advocate, I’m committed to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive schools where every child can thrive.
- I believe student well-being is the foundation for learning. I’m committed to expanding access to on-site and virtual mental-health supports, building partnerships with local providers, and ensuring every student feels safe, seen, and supported at school.
- Families are essential partners in education. I will work to strengthen communication, increase transparency, and create more opportunities for families to be heard and involved in decisions that affect their children.
- Our schools thrive when educators feel valued and supported. I will advocate for policies that promote teacher well-being, professional development, and collaborative school environments that help both staff and students succeed.
I’m passionate about policies that support the whole child—especially mental health and wellness in schools, early intervention, and trauma-informed practices. I also care deeply about family engagement and transparency, ensuring parents and guardians have a real voice in decisions that affect their children. Finally, I’m committed to supporting educators through policies that improve working conditions, promote professional growth, and help retain talented staff in our district.
Many people look up to those who are older or more experienced, but I often find inspiration in the younger generation. I’ve been surrounded by incredible young people—some just turning 18—who are already passionate advocates and fearless about standing up for what they believe in. Their energy, courage, and hope for the future remind me why I do this work and keep me motivated to continue learning and growing alongside them.
The most important characteristics of an elected official are integrity, transparency, and empathy. Leaders should listen with an open mind, seek input from diverse voices, and make decisions based on what best serves the community—not personal interests. I believe in being accessible, accountable, and collaborative, always keeping students and families at the heart of every decision.
The core responsibilities of a school board member are to listen to the community, set clear policies and goals that support student success, and ensure responsible use of district resources. It’s also essential to support educators and staff, maintain transparency in decision-making, and prioritize the well-being and safety of all students. Above all, this role is about working collaboratively to create schools where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
The legacy I hope to leave is one of service, integrity, and love for community, values I learned from my grandmother. She worked in the fields alongside my grandfather while raising seven children, yet still found time to raise me and serve others. She instilled in me a deep sense of compassion, resilience, and pride in helping our community—a legacy I strive to carry forward every day through my work and service.
The first major event I remember in my lifetime was having my first child. Becoming a mother at the age of 18 changed everything for me — it gave me purpose, strengthened my faith, and inspired me to build a better future through education and service. That moment shaped the person and professional I am today.
My first paid job was picking berries in Mount Vernon or Bellingham. I lasted one week and earned $12, but that short experience taught me a lifelong lesson. My grandmother didn’t send me out of need, but to show me that education opens doors beyond the fields.
My favorite book is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Its simple yet powerful principles — be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best — have guided me both personally and professionally. The book reminds me to lead with integrity, compassion, and self-awareness in everything I do.
If I could be any fictional character, I would be Mirabel Madrigal from Encanto. She’s passionate, emotional, and sometimes loses her temper—but it all comes from a place of love and deep care for her family and community. Like Mirabel, I feel things deeply, fight for what’s right, and believe that real strength comes from compassion, authenticity, and never giving up on others.
One of my biggest struggles has been overcoming childhood trauma and learning to understand myself. As a kid, I acted out, got into fights, and was even expelled from Catholic school — I needed mental-health support long before I knew what that was. Later in life, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and receiving treatment has been night and day. Embracing my quirks — my energy, tangents, and passion — has allowed me to turn struggle into strength and to help others find healing, understanding, and hope.
The primary job of a school board member is to serve as a voice for students, families, and the community—setting policies and priorities that create safe, supportive, and effective learning environments. School board members should listen, collaborate, and make informed decisions that balance academic excellence with student well-being and fiscal responsibility.
My constituents are the students, families, educators, and community members of Sunnyside School District 1. I represent everyone who cares about the success and well-being of our children—regardless of background or circumstance—and I’m committed to listening to all voices to ensure our schools reflect the values and needs of the entire community.
I would support the diverse needs of our students, faculty, staff, and community by listening with intention and ensuring that every group feels valued and heard. I believe in expanding access to mental-health supports, bilingual communication, and professional development that fosters inclusion and well-being. By working together and strengthening partnerships between families, schools, and community organizations, we can create learning environments where everyone feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.
I plan to build relationships by being accessible, present, and engaged throughout the community. I’ll attend school events, local gatherings, and community forums to listen and learn from families, students, and staff. I also plan to collaborate with faith-based groups, youth programs, mental-health providers, and local organizations that serve families and educators. By creating open lines of communication and genuine partnerships, we can strengthen trust and work together toward shared goals for our schools.
Good teaching goes beyond academics—it’s about connection, engagement, and creating a safe space for learning. Great educators inspire curiosity, adapt to diverse learning styles, and build trust with students and families. I would measure good teaching through a balanced approach that values student growth, feedback from students and families, and peer collaboration—not just test scores. To support advanced teaching approaches, I believe in providing ongoing professional development, mentoring opportunities, and access to innovative tools, including options for virtual and culturally responsive teaching that meet the needs of today’s learners.
I would advocate for equitable and sustainable school funding that meets the needs of all students. This includes working closely with state and local leaders to secure resources for mental-health supports, academic programs, and staff retention. I also believe in pursuing grant opportunities and community partnerships to expand funding without increasing burdens on local taxpayers. Transparency and collaboration will be key to ensuring every dollar directly benefits students and classrooms.
My approach to school safety is guided by the principles of prevention, connection, and care. True safety begins with creating environments where students feel seen, supported, and included. I believe in balancing physical security with mental-health supports, early intervention, and trauma-informed practices that address root causes rather than just symptoms. When students trust the adults around them, schools become safer for everyone.
I would support the mental-health needs of students, teachers, and staff by building strong partnerships with local providers, increasing access to on-site and virtual counseling services, and promoting trauma-informed training for educators. I believe mental health is the foundation for learning and well-being, and by normalizing support and reducing stigma, we can create school environments where everyone feels safe to ask for help and supported to succeed.
I would like to strengthen policies that support mental-health access, family engagement, and staff well-being. This includes implementing clear plans for on-site and virtual mental-health services, expanding bilingual communication, and creating time within the school day for staff collaboration and wellness. I’m also interested in reviewing current policies to ensure they reflect equity, inclusion, and transparency, so every decision supports the whole child and the people who serve them.
ELLA Adelante, RAÍCES, Senator Saldana, Current Sunnyside School Board Director District #1 Jory Anderson, SAGE, Progreso,
My ideal learning environment is one where students feel safe, seen, and supported—academically, emotionally, and culturally. Classrooms should nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence, with access to mental-health supports, inclusive teaching practices, and bilingual communication that reflect the diversity of our community. When students know they belong and their voices matter, they are better able to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
I will build relationships with parents by being approachable, transparent, and proactive in communication. I plan to attend school and community events, host listening sessions, and ensure information is shared in both English and Spanish so every family feels included. By creating consistent opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, parents can feel heard, respected, and truly involved in the decisions that impact their children’s education.
My strategy for recruiting and retaining quality faculty, staff, and administrators is to expand opportunities and remove barriers. I believe in opening the option for virtual or hybrid teaching positions to attract a wider range of qualified, diverse educators who may not live locally but share our district’s values. Prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and professional support will help us build teams that reflect the strengths and perspectives of the students and families we serve.
would like to see a stronger focus on mental-health education, social-emotional learning, and life skills that prepare students for real-world success. I also believe in expanding culturally responsive and bilingual curriculum options so every student feels represented and included in their learning experience.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful supplemental tool when used responsibly—for example, to enhance learning, improve accessibility, or reduce administrative burdens for educators. However, its use should always be guided by clear ethical standards and oversight. Most importantly, AI should never replace the human connection, creativity, and critical thinking that come from learning with teachers, instructors, and professors. Technology should support education, not define it.
One story that has stayed with me came from a parent who shared how hard it was for their child to access mental-health support in school. They spoke about the struggle of watching their child fall behind—not because of ability, but because of anxiety and lack of resources. Hearing their pain reminded me why I’m so committed to expanding mental-health access, supporting teachers, and ensuring that no student feels invisible or unsupported.
One accomplishment I’m most proud of is earning my Master of Social Work degree after overcoming many personal and educational challenges. I dropped out of school as a teenager, but I found my way back through faith, determination, and the support of my community. That journey led me to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and open my own private practice, where I now help others heal and find hope—just as I once needed myself.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Other survey responses
Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Guillen completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
