Reina earned a PhD in Spanish with a specialization in Latin American literature and culture from Florida State University. She taught all levels of college Spanish, courses on Latin American literature and history, women writers, and Cuban writers for many years in Arkansas and Washington state. She has also led student tours and study abroad programs in Spain and Costa Rica. Her academic research focuses on Cuban and Cuban-American women writers and artists. Reina loves languages, travel, and the arts. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. Reina currently lives in Miami where she works as an art gallery assistant and artist.