Meet Our Speakers, Our Colleagues

I am a High School Math and Financial Literacy Teacher with a Master's in Educational Management and am pursuing a Master's in Special Education. I develop engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans focusing on math and practical financial literacy, using interactive tools and real-life examples. My goal is to foster a supportive environment that builds student confidence. For leisure, I enjoy baking and watching K-dramas/TV series.

Jerome Apatan is a dynamic educator with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. As a Computer Science teacher, he imparts knowledge with passion and expertise, fostering the next generation of tech innovators. Additionally, he serves as Project Manager at Inspire Web Design and ScaleSquad, guiding teams to create cutting-edge digital solutions. Jerome will share on Mobile App Development, dedicated to sharing his insights and empowering others in the realm of technology.

Tamara Aragon is a Digital Learning Coach for the Los Lunas Public Schools and an Apple Distinguished Educator. She has experience in incorporating technology in the classroom. She provides professional development with educators to incorporate technology into the curriculum and standards. She inspires and collaborates with educators to implement technology into their classrooms in creative, collaborative, personalized, and connected ways. 

Juan Armijo has taught social studies at Mayfield High School and the Virtual Learning Academy in Las Cruces Public Schools for twenty years. He previously taught at Camelback High School in Phoenix. He holds degrees from New Mexico State University, the University of Kentucky, and Arizona State University. He works on state social studies standards and is involved with various educational organizations. He enjoys TV, reading, travel, and lives in a pecan orchard with his mini dachshund, Shalto.

I am an elementary school teacher finishing my ninth year of teaching. I am also a wife and mother of two. We love exploring and being outside. I have taught in five states and have been in New Mexico for the last three and a half years. No matter the grade level I have worked with I have loved teaching and exploring new tools to better help my students and others.

Ms. Palma is a J1 cultural exchange teacher from the Philippines, currently completing her third year of teaching Geometry and Financial Literacy to Special Education students at Alamogordo High School. She has a deep passion for art, customized crafts, and exploring technology. Ms. Palma's goal is to share her skills by blending technology, education, culture, and creativity through engaging hands-on experiences. She aspires to continue to leave a lasting impact on her students and the school community before returning home in two years.

Karissa Crowl lived in Texas for over 30 years before moving to New Mexico this past July. She has a masters in library science from Sam Houston State University and has been a librarian the past 3 years. Before that, she taught 6th grade ELA for 5 years. Her hobbies include reading, binge watching, and iced coffee.

I am a mother of five who grew up in Utah, but currently lives in Edgewood, New Mexico. I am 20-year veteran teacher with experience teaching both elementary school and high school. I am proud of my family's impact on education, as both my parents and all 4 of my grandparents were teachers. When I am not at school, you will find me in my garden or spending time with my ten grandkids.

Diego Delgado is an Ed-Tech Specialist with REC 6 with over five years of communication technology training for New Mexico students and educators. Diego specializes in graphic design, multimedia production, and strategic communication. He is passionate about sharing his experience and providing educators with the necessary skillset to effectively utilize communication technologies in the modern educational landscape.

Heather is a National Board Certified Teacher in her 9th year of teaching. She loves teaching math and science, and was the NM nominee for the PAEMST award for science in 2021. She currently teaches 3rd and 4th grade at Dixon Elementary in Dixon, NM. She is an avid beekeeper and scuba diver and lives in the mountains of northern NM.

Natalia Jácquez is a vibrant K-8 technology teacher who makes STEAM education fun and accessible. With experience across kinder through 8th grades, Natalia knows how to ignite curiosity in young learners. In her tech. classes, she blends technology seamlessly into hands-on activities, from coding to robotics, sparking excitement in every student. Natalia's passion extends beyond the classroom as she collaborates with colleagues to enhance technology integration across the curriculum at El Camino Real Academy, dual language, community school in Santa Fe, N.M.

Alex has been in education for over 30 years, mostly as a bilingual educator in the classroom. He's also worked as an instructional coach and a dean of students. He’s currently one of the three EdTech Specialists for the NMRECA. While he's skilled with all Google Suite apps, he feels most at home with Google Sheets. Outside of work, Alex loves camping, hiking, and photography. He's also a big fan of science fiction and fantasy books. If you share any of these interests, be sure to strike up a conversation with him!

Igraine, a Math Interventionist at Zuni Public Schools District, boasts 19 years of teaching experience across elementary to graduate levels. As an author, researcher, and statistician, she excels in mathematics and data analysis. Igraine is committed to empowering students and advancing education through evidence-based practices and collaborative efforts. Believing in continual learning, she actively pursues knowledge expansion through reading, research, and professional development.

Jerre Mae Tamanal is an ELA and General Computer teacher at the Laguna-Acoma Jr./Sr. High School from the district of Grants-Cibola County Schools. She graduated from Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (Philippines) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, Master in Public Administration at Kangwon National University (South Korea), and Doctorate Degree in Public Health at Sahmyook University (South Korea). Student-educational professional that integrate technology in the class to enhance the student learning experience.

I am a computer science & science teacher in Estancia, NM. I was a 4th grade teacher for nine years, and then I looped with my 4th grade class to 5th grade for one year. This is my first year teaching as an activity teacher. I teach Kindergarten-6th grade. I have been using code.org for five years. I am currently working on my second pilot program for code.org. I love computer science!

I am a veteran teacher with a total of 31 years of teaching experience. My educational journey has involved both elementary and middle school classrooms. I enjoyed being an instructional coach before I followed my heart and returned to my middle school ELA students. Continually improving my teaching is what keeps me a relevant and excited teacher.

Heather Ridley, with a Master of Arts in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of New Mexico, is dedicated to helping students overcome learning barriers. A first-generation college graduate, Heather has served as a team leader, literacy coach, cooperating teacher, and AVID coordinator at various educational levels. She is currently a Digital Learning Coach for Los Lunas Schools, and also works as a veteran AVID Staff Developer, Content Writer, and Subject Matter Expert. Heather holds certifications as a Canvas Certified Educator and Apple Learning Coach.

Celange Santiso Black is a Digital Learning Coach with Santa Fe Public Schools. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with 23 years of experience in elementary and middle school education. She is a Book Creator Champion and Trainer, Edpuzzle Trainer, Google Certified Educator Level 2, and is currently working on her Google Project Management Certification. She loves seeing shows, cooking, hiking, travelling and being with her family.

I'm Feb Christian Silva, a licensed mechanical engineer in the Philippines with a wealth of experience in education, engineering, and sales management. With a GPA of 4.0/4.0 from NMPED-LEAP education and certified as a Microsoft Educator, I combine technical proficiency with teaching excellence. As a PE Teacher at Gallup McKinley County Schools, I craft dynamic curricula to nurture comprehensive student growth. Previously, in positions such as Supervisor at Honda Philippines, I successfully crafted and executed sales strategies. My dedication to ongoing learning drives me to pursue continuous training and certifications to hone my abilities further.

Ms. Robbie is a Level III Vocational teacher with 13 years of experience in the classroom. She’s had a varied career from nanny to software. A gamer from a young age her first gaming system was a CalicoVision and her big brother bought her a copy of Tapper. The addition of esport coach has been a unique opportunity to bond with students and see the benefits of gaming in school.

Rosaura “Rose” Trujillo, Digital Learning Coach for Los Lunas Public Schools.  She is a passionate educator and strives to engage learners in relevant and meaningful learning experiences. Rose is an Apple Distinguished Educator (2019), Apple Learning Coach, and Canvas Certified Educator.  With a background in special education, Rose brings extensive knowledge and expertise to personalize learning.  She provides professional learning with accessible technology and supports Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to provide flexible, engaging learning opportunities to help each learner succeed. 

Malie Tupou is currently studying at Brigham Young University, studying Business while researching methods of instruction in CyberSecurity. Malie is bringing activities she has developed for this program.

Sarah Tupou is an educator in Artesia, NM, with a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and currently working on her National Boards. Working in California, Louisiana and New Mexico has given her experiences in teaching urban, suburban, and rural areas, teaching grades Pre-k through 9th, and all levels of specialties including Moderate-Severe Disabilities, Inclusion and General Education.

I am a self-proclaimed book hoarder and dog mom of 2. I have been teaching with APS for over 15 years in grades 1st-5th and am currently teaching virtual library in a K-8 school.

I am a 14-year veteran teacher. I have taught kindergarten, 2nd, and 5th grade, as well as served as an instructional coach for K-12. I love learning about new teaching ideas to hone my practice and continue to improve for my students.