Our Story

Desert Star Solutions draws inspiration from the West Texas town of El Paso, fondly known as the Star City. The iconic illuminated star on the Franklin Mountains shines brightly, visible even across the border in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Rooted in the experiences of a first-generation graduate and the rich, vibrant culture of her hometown, Desert Star embodies the spirit and resilience of this unique community.

 

Our Events

Professional Affiliations

National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE), Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), Florida Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents (FLALAS), TESOL International, Central Florida TESOL Board Member & Conference Chair (CFLTESOL), Florida Sunshine State TESOL (SSTESOL), Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPHA), Delta Zeta Sorority

Previous Conferences

Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), Florida Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents (FLALAS), TESOL International, Central Florida TESOL (CFLTESOL), Florida Sunshine State TESOL (SSTESOL), Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPHA), WIDA National Conference, COSECHA, California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), AVID National Conference

Upcoming Conference Presentations

See Denise present at these upcoming conferences:

Destinations

Denise has been a driving force behind many initiatives that create opportunities that lead to student success, making a profound impact on countless teachers and school districts through her visionary leadership. Her influence extends across a wide geographic area, reaching numerous districts and educators in the following states:

  • Arizona (Mesa)
  • California (Anaheim, Clovis, Englewood, San Diego)
  • Colorado (Weld)
  • Florida (Broward, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami Dade, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, Palm Beach, Osceola, Orange, Pinellas, Pasco, St. Lucie)
  • Illinois (Elk Grove Village)
  • New Mexico (Albuquerque, Santa Fe)
  • New York (Mt. Vernon, White Plains)
  • North Carolina (Charlotte, Johnston)
  • South Carolina (Greenville)
  • Tennessee (Nashville)
  • Texas (Dallas, Dickinson, Ferris, Mansfield, San Antonio, Socorro, Tyler, and Ferris)
  • Utah (Ogden, Grant)
  • Virginia (Alexandria, Chesterfield)
  • Washington (Pasco)
  • Wisconsin (Madison, Waukesha)

Our Services

Professional Development

Desert Star Solutions offers tailored ongoing professional development programs designed to empower educators and administrators with the latest strategies, tools, and knowledge. Our programs are rooted in research-based practices, focusing on enhancing instructional effectiveness, promoting equity, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within schools and districts.

Training

Our comprehensive training sessions are crafted to meet the specific needs of your institution, whether it’s integrating new technologies, adopting innovative teaching methods, or addressing the unique challenges of multilingual learners. We provide hands-on, practical training that ensures educators are equipped with the skills and confidence to implement lasting change in their classrooms.

Keynote Speaking

Inspire your audience with a powerful keynote address from Denise Nieto Hernandez, a seasoned educator and advocate for educational reform. Denise’s keynote speeches are thought-provoking, motivational, and tailored to resonate with diverse audiences. She brings a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments, leaving attendees energized and ready to make a difference.

Workshops

Desert Star Solutions delivers dynamic and engaging workshops that encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. These tailored interactive sessions are designed to provide participants with actionable insights and strategies that can be immediately applied in their educational environments. Our workshops cover a wide range of topics, from curriculum development, technology in the classroom, literacy and language to culturally responsive teaching.

Our Team

Denise Nieto Hernandez brings over 20+ years of diverse education experience spanning K-12, higher education, and charter schools. Recently serving as the Florida Director of Multilingual Learner Support for Charter Schools USA, she oversaw support for 10,000+ English learner students across 65 school sites statewide. Prior to this role, Denise spent over a decade at Orange County Public Schools as a multilingual educator and leader. Her journey continued into higher education at Full Sail University where she served as an ESL Course Director for its Intensive English program for 10 years. As an experienced AVID Consultant, Denise has guided school districts nationwide in implementing AVID systems, and instructions practices for its growing Advancing Multilingual Learners Suite over the past 13 years. She has also consulted for The College Board and Learning Sciences International.

In 2024, Denise founded Desert Star Solutions, driven by her passion for educational reform emphasizing multilingualism, multiculturalism, opportunity, inclusivity for all students and educators. This initiative reflects her commitment to advancing educational practices that support all learners and leaders. Beyond her professional endeavors, Denise remains actively engaged in volunteer roles, particularly in youth mentoring and educational associations, embodying her dedication to fostering inclusive educational environments. Her career is marked by a steadfast advocacy for empowering educators and students alike, promoting educational excellence and equity across diverse educational landscapes.

Our Mission

Desert Star Solutions is dedicated to empowering educators and institutions through innovative professional learning, promoting multiculturalism, opportunity, equity and inclusivity for any student and educator. We strive to inspire transformative educational practices that prepare all students to thrive in a diverse and global society.

Our Values

  • Empowerment:  We believe in equipping educators and institutions with the tools and knowledge they need to inspire and uplift all learners, fostering a culture of confidence and self-advocacy.
  • Innovation:  We strive to bring forward-thinking solutions to educational challenges, embracing change and creativity to drive continuous improvement and impactful outcomes.
  • Transformative:  We are dedicated to fostering meaningful change in education by challenging the status quo and implementing strategies that lead to profound and lasting improvements for students, educators, and communities.
  • Inclusivity:  We are committed to creating an educational environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and included, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are integral to our approach and decision-making processes.

Our Promise

At Desert Star Solutions, we promise to be your steadfast partner in transforming education. We are committed to delivering innovative and inclusive solutions that empower educators, enrich learning experiences, and foster a brighter future for every student. We will always advocate for equitable and inclusive teaching practices, champion multiculturalism, and inspire change, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to shine.

Contact Us

407.536.7652

Central Florida

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