About Us
About Us
Early Childhood Networks
Early Childhood Networks is a program funded by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), whose mission is to support children, families, and the early childhood professionals that serve our communities. Early Childhood Networks provides high-quality learning experiences in mentorship, professional support networks, and network leadership roles for early childhood professionals.
Our programs support early childhood professionals through reflective practice, leadership, mentorship, and connection. At Early Childhood Networks, we want early childhood educators to have access to the support they need to serve learning communities across New Mexico.
Early Childhood Networks is administered by CNM Ingenuity, which is part of Central New Mexico Community College. The mission of CNM Ingenuity is to forge links between educational institutions, businesses, industries, and government to promote the public welfare and the prosperity of individuals, and to foster economic development within both the private and public sectors.
Early Childhood Networks | About Us
Michelle Jewett
Program Director
Hello! I’m Michelle Jewett. I was born and raised in Southern California and moved to New Mexico in 2003.
My career in education began in 1997 as a high school Language Arts teacher. Since then, I’ve taught students in almost every age group, from 2nd grade to university. I love learning and earned my Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies at UNM in 2012. I’ve worked at CNM since 2014, as an instructor, curriculum specialist, and now for the Early Childhood Networks. I love yoga and swimming plus enjoy spending time reading, writing, and traveling. Most of all, I admire my two adult sons who are my role models for living a creative and adventurous life.
Stefanie McCoy
Senior Program Manager
I’m Stefanie McCoy and I’ve had the privilege of working in the field of education for over twenty-eight years, serving children and families in Virginia, Arizona and New Mexico.
My teaching career has taken me from infant through preschool classrooms, to elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. Outside of the classroom I have worked as a Center Director, Licensing Surveyor, Consultant, Coach, Trainer, and Manager with the New Mexico FOCUS program. I graduated from Radford University in Radford, Virginia, with a BS in Social Science and minor in English. I received my teaching certification through Central New Mexico Community College in Secondary Education, licensed in English and Social Studies.
My daughters and I have called New Mexico home since 2009. We love going to Isotopes games, traveling to visit family, going to Disney destinations and the beach, and watching our favorite shows together. In addition to education, my passions are reading, writing, photography, travel, and watching Atlanta Braves baseball.
Nick Kennedy
Senior Program Manager
Hi! My name is Nick Kennedy. I was born and raised in New Mexico. I grew up in Tijeras and moved to Albuquerque in 2015.
My background is primarily in state and local government, including some roles related to education. I’ve held positions with the City of Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico, the Legislative Education Study Committee (NM Legislature), and the Village of Tijeras. I attended the University of New Mexico, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science and a master’s degree in United States history. I’ve always been passionate about education and supporting the work of educators, so I was thrilled to join the ECN team as a Senior Program Manager in April 2024. In my personal life, I enjoy reading, hiking, playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends.
Yadira Lorenzoni
Program Coordinator
Hi! My name is Yadira Lorenzoni. My career in early childhood education began over 15 years ago when I started teaching in a preschool/pre-k classroom.
Over the years, I took on additional responsibilities, including serving as a Lead Mentor and Mentor for the Mentor Network, where I spent six years guiding and supporting new educators. My passion for nurturing young minds led me to earn an Associate’s Degree in Child, Youth, and Family Development from Central NM Community College. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education at New Mexico Highland University, deepening my knowledge and skills in this vital field.
2023-24 Early Childhood Networks Leadership Team
Spoke Managers
Tenesha Betoni
SJCC
Tenesha Betoni is the Director of Early Childhood Education at San Juan College. She is a dedicated and motivated educator with a strong background in early childhood education, with over 15 years of experience.
Tenesha has expertise in teaching infants to preschoolers, her philosophy is encouraging love, compassion and empathy through education. Tenesha advocates and support educators in aligning teaching methods to NAEYC standards. Additionally, she serves as the faculty representative for the Early Childhood Mentor Network. Her leadership and advocacy efforts continue to positively impact the field of early childhood education in San Juan County.
Maribel Herrera Lucero
NMSU
My Name is Maribel Herrera Lucero, I was born and raised in Las Cruces.
I enjoy living here and do not plan on leaving. I began my academic journey many years ago studying early childhood at DACC. I pursued my education at NMSU and earned a master’s in early childhood education. My ultimate educational goal is to pursue a doctorate degree. I’ve worked with children most of my life. I am currently a Head Start teacher with Las Cruces Public Schools, at Valley View Elementary. I’ve taught 3–5-year-olds, for 24 years. I am an adjunct faculty professor for New Mexico State University and Dona Ana Community College. On a personal note, I have four wonderful children. Two boys and two girls. Sergio is an Aggie alumnus; Emily and Jacob both attend NMSU. Melanie is a Junior in High School. I have a dog named Scrappy. On my free time, I love spending time with family and friends.
Krystel Sanchez
SFCC
Krystel Sanchez is the APRENDE Program Manager at the Early Childhood Center of Excellence (ECCOE) at Santa Fe Community College.
APRENDE is a teacher training program in early childhood education that provides hands-on experiences for students who are completing their certificates or degrees via apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways. Krystel enjoys being able to support students by providing individual coaching and group training and connecting with community employers to discuss the current early childhood labor landscape in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Krystel has fifteen years of early childhood and childcare experience, starting as a classroom teacher in a Reggio Emilia-inspired childcare setting in Davis, California. Working in Head Starts in California and New Mexico gave her the opportunity grow her leadership skills and discover how interconnected children, family, and community outcomes are. Her early childhood education philosophy centers around providing trauma-informed care and facilitating learning outcomes that are meaningful to each student. Krystel has seventeen years of early childhood and childcare experience, starting as a classroom teacher in a Reggio Emilia-inspired childcare setting in Davis, California. Working in Head Starts in California and New Mexico gave her the opportunity grow her leadership skills and discover how interconnected children, family, and community outcomes are. Krystel enjoys being able to support early childhood students and connect with community employers to discuss the early childhood labor landscape in her current role at SFCC.
Julie Simmons
WNMU
My name is Julie Simmons. I am from Silver City, New Mexico. I have lived in New Mexico since 1982.
I started my current program as the management specialist. I obtained my Associates and bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I recently completed my master’s in psychology. I am currently the director of the three lab sites on the campus of Western New Mexico University. I enjoy the early childhood field and the amazing people I get to work with and network with. In my spare time I love finding discarded furniture and with the help of my husband we refurbish the furniture. I haven’t sold any pieces yet because I just can’t part with them. I have a son that has blessed me with two amazing grandsons.
Early Childhood Mentor Network | Lead Mentors
Teena Bhakta
I am Teena Bhakta, I was born and raised in England and moved to Las Cruces in 2006.
New Mexico is 100% the land of Enchantment for me and I could not see myself living anywhere else. I have fallen in love with the rich culture, history and heritage that New Mexico offers and the opportunity to be a part of the diverse community we all live in. I am a mother to two beautiful boys who keep me busy when I am not working. Early Childhood Education is in my blood, I have been in the field for 26 years and love the work that I do. I have worked in various roles through-out my career, from Pre-school teacher, director of a center, NM PreK, Child Life Specialist within a busy pediatric emergency room to now working for NMSU as the Program Manager/Director for Dona Ana County Head Start. I have my Masters in Educational Leadership, Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and two Associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and the other in Education. I have been a part of the Early Childhood Networks since 2021. I am very excited for this opportunity to continue my lifelong learning.
Ashley Carpenter
My name is Ashley Carpenter. I’m a generational Santa Fe native and a new mother of twin boys.
I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Education Dual License for general education K-8 and special education preK-12 from the University of New Mexico and a Master’s of Arts with a focus in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Grand Canyon University. I started my career working for local daycares and summer programs, and now have taught early childhood special education for 12 years over four districts across the state. I have a passion for teaching successful inclusion practices and helping children (and adults) tap into their greatness through exploration and play! I am excited to help new and veteran teachers alike dive into their passion of education and continue to positively impact children and families across our state. Beyond special education, I love curling up with a hot cup of coffee, a good book and my cats or house rabbit. My husband and I also really enjoy exploring nature through camping, hiking, and scenic drives with our boys and our dogs when we’re not watching the sunsets in our backyard with a fire.
Ashley Dodson
Hello my name is Ashley Dodson! I am from Farmington NM and currently still reside there.
I have my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education from New Mexico Highlands University and my Associates Degree from San Juan College in Early Childhood Education. I have worked in the field for over 10 years. I have been a part of the Mentor Network for 1 year now. I have taught Preschool, Young Toddlers and Infants. My passion for early childhood has been present from a young age and I love early childhood because I get to be a part of some of the most important years of a child’s life and now also get to be a part of helping other teachers through their journey in Early Childhood. In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors spending time with my two kids and husband.
Shara Foster
Hello! My name is Shara. I am originally from Nebraska but have lived in New Mexico for almost eight years.
I have worked in early childhood for nearly 24 years, serving in various roles across the United States, including Air Force licensed family childcare provider, childcare center teacher and administrator, community college early childhood course facilitator, and public-school educational assistant and classroom teacher. I just completed my fifth year as a PreK teacher at Shining Stars Preschool. I am passionate about quality early childhood education and pride myself on being a lifelong learner. I earned an associate degree in early childhood education from Casper College, dual bachelor’s degrees in exceptional student and elementary education from the University of West Florida, and a master’s in teaching and learning from Liberty University. Last year, I started working towards a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, focusing on Early Childhood Education, through National University. I am an active member of NMAEYC. I love collaborating with and learning from other early childhood professionals and hope to join the lead mentor team again this year!
Laura Johnson
My name is Laura Johnson, I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
I have been involved with the education system since 2003. I have been with APS since 2015 and worked previously in a private school setting. I have experience in PreK -8th grade, but my focs is in Early Childhood. I completed my 3rd year with the Early Childhood Mentor Network. I have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a certificate in Mentorship and became a Master Trainer with the state of New Mexico. I am married and have a son that is attending UNM. I enjoy reading, staying active, traveling, cooking and spending time with my family and dog Emera.
Diana Neli Bravo
My name is Diana Neli Bravo, my career started as a teacher in 2017 working in a DayCare, to the next year I started in Public Education as EA in a preschool/pre-k 4y Old-Dual Language class.
I also have experience in Kindergarten level. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Science and I got my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2022. At the moment I’m working at Bernalillo Public Schools in the Bilingual Class 4y old, this will be my second year as a lead teacher. I’m also an education student Mentor for the Mentor Network, this will be my second year in the program. This year I will be a Lead Mentor, this will be my first year working with educators with experience and I hope to learn from them. I’m an Early Childhood Educator because I have a son, 8 years old, I love to have his schedule being his mom is my most important personal role. Being a pre-k teacher is allowing me to work with future teachers to support them and teach them about efficient strategies to work with young students. In my free time, I love to camp in the forest and work with my husband in the backyard.
Emily Salgado
Lios emchianvu or greetings, in my native language of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. My name is Emily Salgado, and I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona.
Following high school, I ventured to Silver City, New Mexico and completed both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at Western New Mexico University. I am currently enrolled at Walden University in hopes of completing my Doctorate in Education. As a proud Native American woman, my family has continuously instilled a great love for our culture, family, and education. Inspiration at hand, I, like my mother and older brother, pursued a career in education. After several years in the classroom, I was able to take my experience and passion for the field and utilize it as a Curriculum Director for the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education at WNMU. I have had the privilege of being mentored as well as mentoring different students as they are on their educational journey. As a longtime member of the Early Childhood Network, I believe that this is such a powerful tool that is not only necessary but has the ability to have long lasting impacts on the lives of our future educators.
Anastasia Topping
My name is Anastasia Topping, I have been working with infants 0-17 months for the past 18 years, with 12 years at UNM-Taos Kids Campus.
I have been a mentor teacher with ECMN for the past 5 years and mentoring UNM-Taos residency students for the past 9 years. I have a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Multicultural Education, am Certified in Infant Family Studies, Mentoring, PITC trainer and am a registered NM FOCUS Master Level 2 Trainer. I am currently working on an online Master’s of Science in Early Childhood Education with a social – emotional learning concentrate, an infant mental health endorsement and am developing an Infant/toddler teacher training curriculum with SFCC. I have 5 beautiful daughters, 1 son, 2 grandsons, and 2 granddaughters. I love spending time with my family in the mountains, mud bogging, and being with my babies. I look forward to collaborating and learning together. Excited to working with you all
Infant Toddler Teacher Network | Lead Teachers
Tina Goodrick-Lee
My name is Tina Goodrick-Lee. I was born and raised in Southern California.
I moved to New Mexico about 12 years ago and am a mother of six children and eight grandchildren. I stayed at home with my children while they were little. I began my college degree in my thirties and got my AA in my forties. I have my AA in Early Childhood Education and my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. I enjoy crocheting and knitting. I have been working in Early childhood for 9 years. I have been an infant teacher for 7 and a half years. I enjoy working with infants and their families. I have been a mentor for about 3 years. I am excited to be a lead in the early childhood network with ITTN and helping teachers in our mentor partnership.
Fatima Hamad
Fatima Hamad, I’m currently Education Consultant for UNM ECSC. This is my 8th year participating in the Mentoring program.
I enjoy empowering students and teachers to appreciate all they are capable of learning and doing for themselves and others. I really enjoy the program because I like meeting and assisting early childhood teachers and practicum students in any way I can. Teachers and students should have someone to reach out or talk to in times of need, and being part of the Mentoring program allows me to be one of those people. It is important for early childhood teachers and students to have a strong support system as they progress through their education and career; the Mentoring program is a good way to receive such support. In my spare time, I enjoy reading. I also enjoy listening to music, watching reality T.V. I’m looking forward to this opportunity.
Sofia Hernández
I am Sofia Hernández, originally from San Francisco del Oro Chihuahua in Mexico.
I spent my formative years in Ciudad Juárez Chihuahua before my family relocated to Albuquerque in 2006. My passion for children led me back to school in 2014, where I pursued a diploma in child development (CDC). Through my studies, I realized the important role of education that inspired my career as an early education teacher, a profession that also allowed me more time with my four children. I hope to pass on the value of education to them, emphasizing the importance of earning a degree. I have continued my academic journey and completed two associate degrees in Arts Early Education and Sciences. My professional mission is to deliver quality education.
Julie Lutz
Julie Lutz, Hello! My name is Julie, and I moved to NM after graduating college in CA in 1996 and have never looked back.
I began my career in early childhood with PB&J and EarlyHead Start/Head Start. Working as an EHS/HS Transition Manager, I discovered the world of Early Intervention and fell in love with the model and scope of work. I have been working as Developmental Specialist now for 22 years and love to help families find joy in working together to achieve their goals for their young children. Throughout my career I have been blessed with opportunities for leadership and mentorship positions and find that these challenge and grow me in amazing ways. I am so excited to collaborate with and meet such an amazing group of people! I can’t wait to see how early childhood education and early intervention can partner to better ourselves and the children and families we serve. I love spending time with my family and insane Labrador, Lexi. My son is soon to be a senior in high school and my daughter is returning to GCU in Phoenix, AZ for her second year of college. My husband and I love to travel whenever and wherever we can. My favorite thing to do when I get a moment to myself is read a good book.
Tracy Royer
Hello all, my name is Tracy Royer, I was born in Durango, Colorado. I then moved to Farmington New Mexico where I was raised.
There I attended classes San Juan College. I obtained my associate degree in early childhood education while working on campus at the Child and Family Development Center. While working I started at an Associates level working as a Lead Preschool Teacher. I continued my education at Highlands University where I graduated with a BA in Multicultural Education Birth to Age 3. After completing my degree, I began my career as a Lead Mentor with the Early Childhood Mentor Network. I value community, connections, and the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals in our state. I enjoy working with children and adult learners alike. I look forward to working with each one of you, to see where ……. I also enjoy mountain biking and I volunteer for a children’s mountain bike program F.A.S.T. (Farmington Area Single Track). We encourage and support children, as well as adults from all different developmental skills to come together, get outside and enjoy the trails ahead.
Early Childhood Director Network | Lead Directors
Paulina Diaz
Hello, my name is Paulina Diaz. I am originally from Oaxaca, Mexico. I have lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico since I was 17 years old.
I have always enjoyed being involved in my community, fighting for women’s rights, seeking equity, and promoting leadership among minority families. 10 years ago, I started as a parent volunteer at Manzano Mesa Elementary School, within the Parent Preschool CO-OP program. This was my beginning in my great journey in early education, in this program we were volunteer mothers educating our own young children. This program gave me the opportunity to go to CNM, I obtained my Child Development Certificate in 2015 and in December 2022 I obtained my Associate in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. I am currently the director and administrator of Learning Together Childcare Center; we are an educational program for school age students from 3 years old to 12 years old. I firmly believe that all of our children, and especially those of school age, deserve a safe place, a welcoming environment, and highly trained teachers to support and guide them in their learning
Robin Goodnight
My name is Robin Goodnight. I am married and have two children. I enjoy learning, video games, traveling, and spending time with my dogs and parrots.
I was born in Albuquerque. However, my dad was in the military, which allowed me to gain diverse experiences traveling throughout the United States and Japan. I have been in the field of early childhood education for twenty-one years, serving children and families in Albuquerque. I began my career as an infant room teacher in 1996. In 2004, I became an early childhood director. I currently hold a Bachelor’s Degree in business and a Master’s Degree in Early childhood education, and I am currently working on my Doctorate in Education Organizational Leadership through Grand Canyon University. I have an associate degree in early childhood multicultural education and a certificate in infant mental health from CNM. My desire is that all children receive a high-quality early childhood education in a nurturing environment that will stimulate a love of learning and prepare them for their future endeavors.
Mary Matteucci
Hi! My name is Mary Matteucci and I am excited to be part of the ECDN leadership team.
I became the Director of A Child’s Garden Preschool in January 2015 and have been associated with the Director’s Network since its inception. I was born and raised in Albuquerque and have lived here most of my life. I received my B.A. and teaching certification from the University of San Diego in 1991 and completed my graduate work at the University of San Diego, Texas Christian University, and the University of New Mexico. I also received my Early Childhood Program Administration Certificate through CNM. I have been in the field of education for over 30 years starting out as a personal one-on-one educational assistant. I am dually certified in General and Special Education and I have taught everything from Pre-K – Eighth grade. I enjoy working out, running, reading, traveling to the beach, and playing with my family which includes my husband, four fabulous children, my son-in-law, two grandchildren, and my dog, Tara.
Erika Rascon
Hello, my name is Erika Rascon. I have been an early childhood educator in New Mexico for the last fifteen years.
I have a great passion for providing a high-quality education to children in my community. I enjoy helping children and teachers reach their full potential and believe in their abilities. I have been an educator, child development manager and center director working with children from birth up to twelve years of age. I have managed programs large and small with 8-50 employees. I completed an AA degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education at CNM and a BA degree in Psychology at the University of New Mexico. My experience with early childhood education has now expanded into my home life as I am the mom of a vivacious toddler who warms my heart daily with his smiles and shenanigans. We enjoy music, crafts and exploring new places. I am enjoying seeing him develop from an infant to a young child, but it is going by way too quickly. Some of my hobbies include photography, drawing, and reading. I am also a life-long soccer fan and have a passion for languages.
Holly Savage
Holly Savage is the founding director of Shepherd of the Valley Preschool.
Holly has a BS in Biology, Masters in Education and Early Childhood Administrative license. Holly has served on numerous community groups including the One Albuquerque Kid’s Cabinet Workforce Subcommittee, CNM Advisory Board and Shepherd of the Valley Christian Education Committee. Holly has four lively young grandchildren to play with, a terrific husband to travel and do house projects with, and fun friends to hang out with! Holly has always been passionate about quality and caring early childhood education and is grateful for all those who have dedicated their lives to young children and families. She has been part of the CNM mentor network since the beginning and understands the importance of sharing knowledge, encouraging and supporting one another.
Lead Home-Based Providers
Merline Gallegos
I am Merline A Gallegos a director and teacher in an inclusive class, I have almost 11 years working with children and families, which gives me the opportunity to train and continue preparing to offer a quality service.
I have experience in leadership and I continue to learn to be able to help more colleagues, My passion is to advocate for early education and have great perspectives to be able to generate changes and improvements in the state so that my colleagues have that opportunity and to be able to achieve together a successful comprehensive education for future generations. Having our staff well trained and with the tools and help so that they can do their work in an environment and quality service. I am about to finish my associate’s and international degree in neuroscience. I work with children, mostly on the Autism Spectrum, and I am very interested in learning and innovating new strategies in the program.
Liliana Vazquez Diaz
Hello, my name is Liliana Vazquez Diaz. I was born in Durango Mexico and raised in Parral Chihuahua Mexico. When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher, however, I could not pursue my dream in my country.
I moved to Albuquerque over 19 years ago. Both my daughters were born here. I started in this country without knowing the language, but I decided to learn not just to speak English, but to get familiar with the beautiful diversity in our State. My journey as an educator began 10 years ago. I worked at a center, without experience, but soon after, I fell in love with this career. I decided to take classes at CNM. I recently obtained an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I plan to continue to study. I enjoy spending time with my daughters and our fur babies (Lola, Goyo, Pecas, Mina). Dancing is therapy for me, and I have found friendship and support that I cherish in the Dance community. Being a part of this network is having a team, a group of people who know how rewarding, yet challenging this career can be.
