Gabriella Lopez
Gaby holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas and is pursuing her Master’s in Social Work. She serves as the Early Childhood Coordinator for the Early Steps to School Success program at SMART Family Literacy. In this role, Gaby engages families with children from prenatal to age three, conducting twice-monthly visits to support parents in fostering their child's development. Additionally, she organizes monthly SMART Parties to promote family engagement and early learning. Outside of her professional work, Gaby enjoys photography as a creative pursuit.
My Story
From a young age, I knew I wanted to make a difference. At just six years old, I proudly told everyone I would one day attend The University of Texas at Austin to become a teacher. By the time I was thirteen, my path shifted toward social work—a decision that many questioned, but one that felt deeply right to me.
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Throughout high school, I was fortunate to gain hands-on experience through internships and church involvement, which introduced me to the world of early childhood education. While attending UT Austin, I had the opportunity to further develop my social work skills by working with the unhoused community, supporting survivors of domestic violence, and serving as a student leader at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.
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After completing two years at UT, I returned home to Galveston and began working while preparing for graduate school. It was during this time that I reconnected with Amy Musick—my former middle school biology teacher—who introduced me to the Early Childhood Coordinator position at SMART Family Literacy.
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Today, I’m grateful to be in a role that blends my passion for teaching and social work. Through the Early Steps to School Success program, I support families during the most critical years of a child's development. I’m excited to witness the positive impact our work will have on the community and honored to walk alongside families as we help lay the foundation for their children’s futures. I truly believe that, together, we can help the families of Galveston County grow and thrive.