Dr. Engracia Bautista was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in White Plains, New York. She attended Binghamton University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Rhetoric. She later attended Georgia College and State University and received both her Master of Arts in Teaching and Specialist in Educational Leadership. Most recently she earned her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbus State University.

In 2008, she started her teaching career with the Houston County School District. Since then, she has served as a 6th grade Language Arts teacher, middle grades Reading Intervention teacher, and Academic Coach. In 2021, she was selected as the Assistant Principal for Houston Virtual. In July 2024, she also served the Assistant Principal of Discipline for Kings Chapel Elementary School. In 2025, she became the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Miller Elementary.

She has three children, Michael, Greyson, and Catalina. Dr. Barnes enjoys reading, running, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.