Maria-Elena Gonzales was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA. Her education began at Cleveland Elementary School and from there she went to Santa Barbara Junior High and graduated as a Don from Santa Barbara High School. In 1991 she married Daniel Gonzales and seven years later they welcomed a wonderful son, Antonio José Gonzales, who was named after his grandfathers. In June of 2006 they welcomed another addition to their family and her name is Bella Marie. She is the most beautiful honey-colored Cocker Spaniel/Poodle (cock-a-poo) you have ever seen.

Maria-Elena started working at César Chávez Charter School in 2002 when her son was in kindergarten. She started out as a Test Administrator and Teacher's Assistant. Currently she is still a Test Administrator but now works in the Office as an Attendance Assistant as well as performing numerous other tasks within the office. She enjoys working at César Chávez Charter School, especially when her family volunteers and she gets to work with them side by side. She is also very grateful that her son has the opportunity to be in a Dual Immersion Program, for this will help enrich his future.