Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bill Daggett
Founder, Successful Practices Network and the International Center for Leadership in Education
Keynote: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Its Implications for Education
Wednesday, June 17 | 9:00 – 10:15 AM
Artificial Intelligence—from classroom teacher to Principal to Superintendent—can pose as an unwanted challenge OR it can be an ally that relieves you of some of the tasks and responsibilities that consume your time and energy. Dr. Daggett will offer strategies that will allow you to employ AI as your co-pilot, freeing you from many of your time-consuming tasks and allowing you to focus your attention on other important matters. AI does require careful oversight, however, and Dr. Daggett will describe ways to use it responsibly and with caution. Dr. Daggett will then describe how AI will increasingly impact the workplace, home and society, which will cause a major shift in the skills, knowledge and attributes students will need to be successful in the world beyond school
About Bill Daggett:
Bill Daggett is the founder of both the Successful Practices Network and the International Center for Leadership in Education. He recently co-chaired the AASA LEARNING 2025: National Commission for Student-Centered, Equity-Focused, Future-Driven Education and is now leading the National Demonstration Network for AASA.
Dr. Daggett is recognized worldwide for his proven ability to move preK-12 education systems towards more rigorous and relevant skills and knowledge for all students. For 30 years, he has crisscrossed our nation, as well as the industrialized world, to lead school reform efforts to effectively prepare students for their future.
While an avid supporter of public education, he also challenges all of us to be more focused on our children’s future than on maintaining the schools of our youth. His insights and leadership have caused nearly every major education association in the country, hundreds of school districts, numerous political and business leaders, publishers, and others to seek out his advice and guidance.
Summit Speaker: Breezy Gutierrez
Senior Manager, College and Career Readiness Bureau
New Mexico Public Education Department
Keynote: Wednesday, June 17 9:00 – 9:30 am
Breezy Gutierrez is the Senior Manager of the College and Career Readiness Bureau at the New Mexico Public Education Department, a role she has held for the past two years. With a total of four years in the bureau, she previously served as an Education Administrator and Deputy Director.
Breezy has dedicated over 17 years to public education, serving as a teacher, Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) advisor, athletic coach, and assistant principal. Her diverse educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Human Performance & Sport, Coaching, Athletic Training, Health, and Math, along with a Secondary Teaching License from New Mexico Highlands University. She also holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction/Secondary Education and a post-degree certification in Educational Leadership from Eastern New Mexico University. Additionally, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Library Science and licensure in library media from DACC/New Mexico State University and is completing a Master’s in Science Teaching from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. She is also a registered basic Emergency Medical Technician and recently was elected to the national board of directors for Advance CTE.
Recognized for her commitment to education, Breezy received an Excellence in Teaching Award for the academic growth and proficiency of her high school students in mathematics. In 2010, she was honored with the Governor’s New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award for securing funding to build and operate a library in her rural community, where she continues to serve as a volunteer library director.
A passionate advocate for students and her community, Breezy actively engages in community service, from leading library initiatives to developing programs that benefit local residents. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and attending athletic events.
Summit Speaker: Dr. Joseph Goins
Founder & CEO, Pathway2Careers
Keynote: Wednesday, June 17 9:00 – 9:30 am
Dr. Joseph L. Goins began his career as a vocational educator in Tennessee, where he had the opportunity to develop the foundational skills program for learners with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) System. He was nominated for “Teacher of the Year” within the TBR system in 1995 and helped develop the first occupational profiles for the work-ready credential for 26 Technical and 14 Community Colleges. Additionally, Joseph developed a statewide primary skills/mathematics curriculum focused on career pathways that were systematically adopted for all programs in Tennessee. He received a BS in Mathematics Education from Berea College in Kentucky and an MS in Administration and Supervision from the University of Tennessee. He completed his EdD from Vanderbilt University in Educational Leadership and Policy.
For much of Joseph’s 30+ year career, he has focused on education and custom solutions in the ED TECH industry. His career has brought him a deep understanding of integrating technology into the classroom through resources that promote student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and leadership strategies for administrators. He has led sales, marketing, and professional development efforts in all US and international markets. Joseph has developed a stellar track record of increasing market share, profitability, and the development of product offerings while at the same time focusing on the needs of learners and educators.
Dr. Goins is the CEO of an action-based research company, Pathway2Careers (P2C), which works closely with policy leaders, companies, schools, teachers, and educators alike to understand applying best practices and research into practice. P2C is committed to excellence in education, research, equity, and inclusion because Joseph practices and lives by those same principles. This is also evident in that P2C is devoted to giving back to the communities it serves. Joseph works with schools across the country, helping them identify the best solution that fits their culture, region, needs, and, ultimately, valuable solutions that allow learners to be successful.
Summit Speaker: Kari Stillman
President & COO, Pathway2Careers
Session Details:
Building a Career-Connected Learning Culture
Thursday, June 18 | 8:30 – 10:00 AM | Room 111
What does it take for every student to graduate truly career-wise? It takes more than a program; it takes a whole-school culture.
In this interactive session, participants will explore how school and district leaders, counselors, teachers, families, and community partners each play a critical role in helping students connect their learning to real-world futures. Together, we’ll define what a career-connected learning culture looks like in practice and how to make it sustainable.
Through real-world examples and a hands-on exploration of the Pathway2Careers (P2C) platform, attendees will see how tools like Career Explorer, My Career Page, and the CTE Hub support each stakeholder’s role. Participants will also engage in collaborative activities to assess their current systems, identify strengths and gaps, and map out one actionable next step they can take in their own school or district.
By the end of the session, attendees will:
- Understand what it means for students to be “career-wise”
- Identify how each role in a school contributes to a connected learning culture
- Leave with a clear, actionable step to strengthen career-connected learning in their context
This session is ideal for educators, administrators, counselors, and partners committed to making learning meaningful, relevant, and connected to students’ futures.
About Kari Stillman:
Kari Stillman is the President & COO of P2C. In this position, Kari combines her experience in the education industry, as well as economic and community development to create efforts that help students discover a path towards success while supporting economic growth.
Prior to joining the P2C, Kari was the director of product marketing at ACT, managing the comprehensive portfolio of offerings. She joined ACT as manager of innovation culture and communication and worked to foster a culture of innovation by educating and engaging team members. Kari earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, Public Relations, and Graphic Design at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She earned a master’s degree through the Executive MBA Program at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. She thrives on the opportunity to help people meet their goals and create experiences that build lasting relationships.
Summit Speaker: Shelly Robinson
Customer Success Project Lead, Pathway2Careers
Session Details (4):
P2C Math Bridge in Action: Use Cases and Examples for Algebra Readiness
Wednesday, June 17 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Room 102AB
P2C Math Bridge is designed to help educators strengthen foundational math skills, support algebra readiness, and make math more meaningful through career-integrated instruction.
In this interactive session, participants will explore practical ways to use Bridge in different instructional settings, including structured intervention, targeted course support, and selected lesson components that enhance existing math instruction.
Participants will review the Bridge implementation models, learn how to use the Table of Contents and Vertical Alignment Guide to identify resources, and examine how Bridge Illustration lessons use one career focus to support foundational skill development. Through scenario-based discussion and guided planning, educators will leave with a realistic Bridge approach they can use to support students, teachers, schools, or programs.
Discover P2C: Career Exploration, Labor Market Insights, and Math Connections
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:15 – 2:45 PM | Room 112
P2C Career Discovery in Action: Helping Students Discover Careers, Work Styles, and Future Pathways
Thursday, June 18 | 8:30 – 10:00 AM | Room 102AB
This interactive session introduces educators to the new P2C Career Discovery course for middle school students. Participants will explore how the course supports career awareness, self-reflection, workplace readiness, and future planning through structured Discovery and Journey lessons.
Educators will experience sample activities from lessons on work environments and professional communication, then discuss practical ways to use the course in advisory, CTE, career exploration, SPED transition support, gifted programming, or other middle school settings. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the course structure and one realistic implementation idea for their school or district.
P2C Financial Literacy Math in Action: Helping Students Make Money-Smart Decisions
Thursday, June 18 | 10:15 – 11:45 AM | Room 102AB
This interactive session introduces the new P2C Financial Literacy Math course and highlights how it helps students use mathematics to analyze real-world financial decisions.
Participants will explore the course structure, lesson types, Student Edition materials, and Teacher Edition supports while experiencing sample activities from an Exploration lesson and an Application lesson. The session will focus on how students interpret constant-rate financial relationships, compare job offers, evaluate trade-offs, calculate total compensation, and justify financial decisions using quantitative evidence. Educators will also examine how the course supports financial reasoning, mathematical modeling, career awareness, and practical decision-making.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how P2C Financial Literacy Math can be implemented as a high school math credit course or used through selected lessons to support instruction, planning, and student success.
About Shelly Robinson:
Shelly Robinson is focused on crafting and delivering innovative professional development programs that empower educators with creative strategies to boost student engagement and learning outcomes.
With an unwavering dedication to education spanning over 28 years, Shelly has taught middle, high school, and college mathematics, both in-person and online. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Teaching Certification in Secondary Math Education from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University, and an Education Specialist degree in E-Learning from National University. A notable highlight of her career was when she, as a math teacher at School on Wheels High School in Albuquerque Public Schools, received the TIG/APS Education Foundation Innovation Award in March 2015 for her exemplary use of technology in education.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Shelly’s personal interests include camping with her family in the landscapes of Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. These activities embody her belief in the balance between professional dedication and personal fulfillment.
Summit Speaker: Gabriela Marquez
School Counselor Coach, Pathway2Careers
Session Details (2):
Using Data to Guide Career Pathways & Student Decision-Making (CTE Hub)
Wednesday, June 17| 10:30 – 12:00 PM | Room 111
In this interactive session, attendees will be provided an overview of career pathways, labor market data, and educational resources to guide student decision-making and workforce planning in career and technical education (CTE).
Participants will explore ways to support their students in choosing pathways, courses, and even certifications that can help the students get a head start on their post- secondary goals.
The following topics will be covered:
Use of Labor Market Data for Career Guidance
- Educators can analyze local labor market data to identify high-demand, high-wage careers.
- Focus on careers that are stable, growing, and offer good employment opportunities.
High-Value Occupations in New Mexico
- High-value careers have the highest openings, are stable or growing, and pay above $43,620 annually.
- Prioritizing these careers helps ensure students access stable, well-paying jobs.
Career Clusters and Pathways
- Career clusters group related occupations; sub-clusters and maps show pathways and regional opportunities.
- Programs of Study are sequenced courses that build skills, enhance diplomas, and support industry partnerships.
Importance of Course Sequences and Programs
- Proper sequencing improves advising, funding, and credit transfer.
- Clear pathways prepare students for careers, college, or the military, and support long-term program growth.
Building a Career-Connected Learning Culture
Thursday, June 18 | 8:30 – 10:00 AM | Room 111
What does it take for every student to graduate truly career-wise? It takes more than a program; it takes a whole-school culture.
In this interactive session, participants will explore how school and district leaders, counselors, teachers, families, and community partners each play a critical role in helping students connect their learning to real-world futures. Together, we’ll define what a career-connected learning culture looks like in practice and how to make it sustainable.
Through real-world examples and a hands-on exploration of the Pathway2Careers (P2C) platform, attendees will see how tools like Career Explorer, My Career Page, and the CTE Hub support each stakeholder’s role. Participants will also engage in collaborative activities to assess their current systems, identify strengths and gaps, and map out one actionable next step they can take in their own school or district.
By the end of the session, attendees will:
- Understand what it means for students to be “career-wise”
- Identify how each role in a school contributes to a connected learning culture
- Leave with a clear, actionable step to strengthen career-connected learning in their context
This session is ideal for educators, administrators, counselors, and partners committed to making learning meaningful, relevant, and connected to students’ futures.
About Gabriela Marquez:
As a member of the P2C Strategic Support Team, Gabriela Marquez (Gaby) is dedicated to supporting school counselors in their mission to foster safe, inclusive, and supportive environments that empower every student to reach their fullest potential. Through advocacy, empathy, and proactive guidance, she helps counselors stay informed on best practices and state regulations.
With over 30 years of experience in education, 25 of those in school counseling at every level, Gaby brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She began her career as a bilingual 4th grade teacher before serving in administrative positions across elementary, middle, and high schools. Most recently, she worked in a large district alongside campus counselors, where she focused on providing direct support to their daily work.
Gaby holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from The University of Texas at El Paso. She also completed graduate coursework at New Mexico State University to obtain her administrative license. She is licensed in both Texas and New Mexico in the following areas: K–8 Teacher, K–12 Counselor, K–12 Administration, and 6–12 Career and Technical Education.
Originally from Anthony, New Mexico, Gaby is the proud mother of three grown children—all graduates of New Mexico schools. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading historical fiction, taking walks, and spending time with her five dogs and her adult children.
Summit Speaker: Nicole Stanley
Regional Sales Manager, Pathway2Careers
Session Details:
Discover P2C: Career Exploration, Labor Market Insights, and Math Connections
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:15 – 2:45 PM | Room 112
About Nicole Stanley:
Nicole Stanley is a Regional Sales Manager with Pathway2Careers and a seasoned education and workforce development professional with more than 30 years of experience supporting K–12 schools, higher education, and career readiness initiatives. She partners with school districts to implement Career Connected Learning solutions that strengthen student engagement, career exploration, workforce alignment, and postsecondary readiness.
Nicole previously served with Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College and the State Department of West Virginia, where she helped expand career and technical education opportunities for students. She holds degrees from Marshall University and is passionate about helping students connect learning to future careers.
Summit Speaker: Melissa DeLaurentis
Manager, College and Career Readiness Bureau
New Mexico Public Education Department
About Melissa DeLaurentis:
Melissa DeLaurentis is a Manager with the New Mexico Public Education Department’s College and Career Readiness Bureau (CCRB), overseeing the Careers2Community initiatives. Previously, she spent two years with CCRB, coordinating Advanced Placement, Computer Science, and Career and Technical Education programs.
Melissa’s experience as a New Mexico educator, spanning over nineteen years, has seen her teach at all levels of secondary instruction. Her leadership as a STEM Coordinator was pivotal in the transition to the Next Generation Science Standards and the development of the Challenger Learning Center with Las Cruces Public Schools. Melissa’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, a Master’s Degree in Teaching, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration.
Summit Speaker: Ria Gill
Senior Manager, Educational Programs
The Office of Special Education at the New Mexico Public Education Department
About Ria Gill:
Ria Gill is the Senior Manager of Educational Programs at the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Office of Special Education. She oversees the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) team and operations, working to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Ria has over 21 years of experience in education, including 19 years in Denver Public Schools as a teacher, instructional coach, dean, assistant principal, and principal. She is deeply committed to the belief that all students can learn and contribute meaningfully to society.
She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Communications and English Writing, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado, and a second master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver. She also holds multiple certifications in special education and instructional leadership from Colorado and New Mexico.
Ria’s expertise includes curriculum design, data-driven instruction, educational leadership, and supporting linguistically diverse learners and students with disabilities.
She remains passionate about advancing inclusive practices, supporting educators, and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education.
Summit Speaker: Stacy Verdin
Principal,
Carlsbad Early College High School
Carlsbad Municipal Schools
Session Details:
P2C in the Classroom: Engaging Students Through Career Showcases
Wednesday, June 17| 10:30 – 12:00 PM | Room 101 AB
Thursday, June 18 | 10:15 – 11:45 AM | Room 101 AB
This session will showcase how Pathway2Careers Career Tools can be integrated into classroom instruction to promote student engagement, career exploration, and presentation skills.
Participants will learn how students use P2C resources to research career pathways, analyze workforce trends, and create interactive presentations and slide shows that connect academic learning to real-world opportunities.
The session will highlight strategies for increasing student ownership of learning through project-based activities that encourage creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Attendees will also explore examples of student-created projects that align with college and career readiness standards while supporting collaboration and technology integration in the classroom.
By the end of the session, educators will leave with practical ideas and ready-to-use strategies for implementing career exploration projects that empower students to investigate future goals, develop professional presentation skills, and actively engage in meaningful learning experiences connected to their interests and aspirations.
About Stacy Verdin:
Carlsbad Early College High School Principal Stacy Verdin is a dedicated educational leader with 26 years of experience serving students and educators in both Louisiana and New Mexico public schools. Originally from South Louisiana, she has proudly called Carlsbad, New Mexico, home for the past eight years. Her background includes teaching mathematics, serving as Academic Dean, Assistant Principal, and Principal, as she focused on student achievement, school culture, and instructional excellence.
Stacy Verdin is a graduate of Nicholls State University in Louisiana, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Mathematics, a Master’s Degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration on Mathematics, a Master’s Degree in Education in Technology, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
As Principal of Carlsbad Early College High School, Stacy Verdin is committed to building strong relationships with staff, students, and families, believing that collaboration and teamwork are essential to creating an environment where students can succeed. Her leadership centers on ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for future college and career opportunities while developing the core values of Choices, Working Hard, Focus, and Resiliency.
Under Stacy Verdin’s leadership, Carlsbad Early College High School has received state and national recognition for academic excellence, innovative programming, and its commitment to preparing students for college and career success. The school has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best High Schools in the nation, designated as an Exemplary School and Spotlight School by the New Mexico Public Education Department, and named a National Showcase School by Capturing Kids’ Hearts for its outstanding school culture and student-centered environment.
Stacy Verdin is passionate about creating a supportive school culture where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She is the proud parent of three sons and two daughter-in-laws, and she remains deeply committed to helping students reach their fullest potential through innovative learning opportunities and meaningful support systems.
Summit Speaker: Crystal Boland
Math Teacher, Carlsbad Early College High School
Carlsbad Municipal Schools
Session Details:
P2C in the Classroom: Engaging Students Through Career Showcases
Wednesday, June 17| 10:30 – 12:00 PM | Room 101 AB
Thursday, June 18 | 10:15 – 11:45 AM | Room 101 AB
This session will showcase how Pathway2Careers Career Tools can be integrated into classroom instruction to promote student engagement, career exploration, and presentation skills.
Participants will learn how students use P2C resources to research career pathways, analyze workforce trends, and create interactive presentations and slide shows that connect academic learning to real-world opportunities.
The session will highlight strategies for increasing student ownership of learning through project-based activities that encourage creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Attendees will also explore examples of student-created projects that align with college and career readiness standards while supporting collaboration and technology integration in the classroom.
By the end of the session, educators will leave with practical ideas and ready-to-use strategies for implementing career exploration projects that empower students to investigate future goals, develop professional presentation skills, and actively engage in meaningful learning experiences connected to their interests and aspirations.
About Crystal Boland:
Crystal Boland is a dedicated mathematics educator at Carlsbad Early College High School in Carlsbad, New Mexico, with over 16 years of experience inspiring students to build confidence and success in mathematics. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education, she also holds a Master’s degree and an administrator’s license. Crystal teaches Algebra and Geometry while actively integrating technology, student discourse, and real-world problem solving into her classroom to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences.
Beyond the classroom, Crystal is passionate about leadership, student mentorship, and community involvement. She serves as the sponsor for the school’s Rotary Interact Club and frequently collaborates on initiatives focused on student achievement, college readiness, and positive school culture. Known for her energetic teaching style and strong relationships with students and families, she is committed to helping every learner recognize their potential and achieve academic growth.
Summit Speaker: Bobbie Jean McDonough, PhD
Algebra teacher, Estancia High School
Estancia Municipal School District
Session Details:
Crack the Code: Real-World Inquiry and Co-Teaching in Thinking Classrooms
Thursday, June 18, 8:30–10:00 AM | Room 103
In this session, a general education math teacher and a special education teacher will share how they co-teach student-centered learning experiences using the Building Thinking Classrooms framework and career-connected tasks from the P2C Math Curriculum. Grounded in Algebra 2 and Geometry, the session highlights how challenge-based learning and real-world contexts spark curiosity and deepen understanding before students ever see a formula.
Participants will engage in a P2C Math task just as students do: in randomized groups at vertical whiteboards, with rotating roles to promote collaboration and student voice. As they grapple with a real-world problem, attendees will experience firsthand how the P2C curriculum supports multiple entry points, authentic reasoning, and productive struggle.
Throughout the session, one facilitator will model strategic scaffolds, language supports, and strengths-based co-teaching strategies, while the other focuses on guiding mathematical thinking through the P2C lens. Attendees will reflect on their experience both as learners and educators, considering how supportive classroom design and career-connected contexts can shift classroom culture and expand access to rigorous content.
Whether you are new to Building Thinking Classrooms using P2C Math and Career-Connected Learning or ready to strengthen your implementation, you will leave with strategies you can use right away to help every student participate, contribute, and grow.
About Bobbie Jean McDonough:
Bobbie Jean McDonough is a secondary mathematics educator from the East Mountains of New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education, a Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership, and a PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education from University of New Mexico. Her work focuses on Building Thinking Classrooms, inclusive mathematics instruction, and creating individualized learning experiences that support the diverse needs of students. Bobbie Jean is passionate about student-centered teaching practices that promote meaningful engagement, critical thinking, and equitable access to learning for all students.
Summit Speaker: Brandy Tillian
Special Education Teacher, Moriarty-Edgewood School District
Session Details:
Crack the Code: Real-World Inquiry and Co-Teaching in Thinking Classrooms
Thursday, June 18 | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Room 103
In this session, a general education math teacher and a special education teacher will share how they co-teach student-centered learning experiences using the Building Thinking Classrooms framework and career-connected tasks from the P2C Math Curriculum. Grounded in Algebra 2 and Geometry, the session highlights how challenge-based learning and real-world contexts spark curiosity and deepen understanding before students ever see a formula.
Participants will engage in a P2C Math task just as students do: in randomized groups at vertical whiteboards, with rotating roles to promote collaboration and student voice. As they grapple with a real-world problem, attendees will experience firsthand how the P2C curriculum supports multiple entry points, authentic reasoning, and productive struggle.
Throughout the session, one facilitator will model strategic scaffolds, language supports, and strengths-based co-teaching strategies, while the other focuses on guiding mathematical thinking through the P2C lens.
Attendees will reflect on their experience both as learners and educators, considering how supportive classroom design and career-connected contexts can shift classroom culture and expand access to rigorous content.
Whether you are new to Building Thinking Classrooms using P2C Math and Career-Connected Learning or ready to strengthen your implementation, you will leave with strategies you can use right away to help every student participate, contribute, and grow.
About Brandy Tillian:
Brandy Tillian is a passionate special education professional with over 22 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and is dedicated to helping every student reach their full academic and personal potential.
Brandy has worked across a variety of educational settings, partnering with teachers, administrators, and families to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that align with each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and long-term goals. She is known for her compassionate, inclusive approach and her ability to support students with a wide range of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and developmental delays.
Incorporating Pathways to Careers (P2C) strategies into her work, Brandy focuses on transition planning, life skills, and career readiness. She emphasizes self-advocacy, hands-on learning, and community partnerships to prepare students for meaningful, independent futures beyond the classroom.
Summit Speaker: Dr. Jaime Acosta
Middle School Math & Gifted Teacher, Chaparral Middle School
Gadsden Independent School District
Sessions Details:
Planting the Seeds for Future Success: Career-Connected Learning for Twice-Exceptional Gifted Students
Thursday, June 18 | 10:15 – 11:45 AM | Room 103
Twice-exceptional (2e) learners possess a unique blend of high intellectual potential and significant learning differences, yet their brilliance is often overshadowed by their challenges in traditional classrooms. This session, led by Dr. Jaime C. Acosta, explores how early career-connected learning serves as a “GPS for student potential,” re-engaging gifted students who may be bored or disengaged. Participants will dive into the multidimensional nature of giftedness, ranging from divergent creativity to leadership, and learn to decode the complexities of 2e profiles, including ADHD, dyslexia, and autism.
Through the lens of the Pathway 2 Careers (P2C) program, attendees will see how aligning a student’s strengths with real-world aspirations can foster autonomy and purpose. Dr. Acosta will share practical implementation strategies from Chaparral Middle School, demonstrating how to leverage limited resources to build a supportive “soil” where every student can thrive. Join us to gain doable, evidence-based tools that validate 2e students’ strengths and help them plan a proud, personalized future.
About Dr. Jaime Acosta:
Dr. Jaime C. Acosta once dropped out of high school, then boomeranged back so hard he snagged a doctorate en route and now collects certifications and degrees the way his 8th graders accumulate missing homework excuses. He’s even squeezed time in for stints as a H.S. athletics coach in football and softball, a Bell Labs tech, a union president, a CNA, a restaurant manager, and a commercial truck driver, proving that the only thing he can’t do is relax. For 20-plus years, he’s taught mathematics to secondary students in grades 6 through 9, proving daily that sometimes the only thing more complicated than solving for “x” is figuring out who has a pencil.
Dr. Acosta also provides special education to twice‑exceptional (2e) gifted students, demonstrating each day that brilliance plus quirks equals breakthrough innovation. His secret weapon? The Pathways to Career: Career Exploration framework, think Hogwarts sorting hat, but for matching quirky geniuses with future paychecks. Students chart their strengths, gain wisdom from industry wizards, and become a “Seer” of the future.
When he’s not helping 2e kids convert superpowers into résumés, he’s convincing quadcopters to stay airborne. Jaime specializes in turning cardboard boxes and curiosity into drone fleets, complete with FAA TRUST certified pilots who still need permission to borrow their family car, all while moonlighting as an advisor for the Gadsden Independent School District Advisory Committee during the day and a grant‑writing ninja at night, who is able to fund a project faster than you can say “Purchase Order”.
Certified in Mathematics, Gifted Ed, Coaching, TESOL, and “Professional Cat‑Herding,” Jaime partners with New Mexico State University to build STEM ecosystems. Winner of the 2025 New Mexico Excellence in STEM Award (the STEMYS) for K‑8, Jaime was Chaparral Middle School’s “Yes, I Do All the Things” 2023 Teacher of the Year. He also mentors students in E-Sports, Zero‑Day Cyber & AI Clubs, which keeps the IT team just nervous enough, and an Outdoor Club that uses drones to count tumbleweeds, because data is everywhere if you’re willing to chase it.
Dr. Acosta is driven by a mission to provide inspiration, empowerment, and equitable access to high‑impact learning opportunities to students in underserved communities. His teaching philosophy centers on inspiring students, empowering learners, and promoting a positive and resilient mindset, viewing setbacks as integral to the learning process. He believes that if educators “Inspire, encourage empowerment, and promote the positive,” students will realize that failure is merely R&D with a funnier story.
Summit Speaker: Charles Santistevan
College and Career Readiness Specialist, College and Career Readiness Bureau
New Mexico Public Education Department
Sessions Details:
P2C Math Bridge in Action: Use Cases and Examples for Algebra Readiness
Wednesday, June 17 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Room 102AB
P2C Math Bridge is designed to help educators strengthen foundational math skills, support algebra readiness, and make math more meaningful through career-integrated instruction.
In this interactive session, participants will explore practical ways to use Bridge in different instructional settings, including structured intervention, targeted course support, and selected lesson components that enhance existing math instruction.
Participants will review the Bridge implementation models, learn how to use the Table of Contents and Vertical Alignment Guide to identify resources, and examine how Bridge Illustration lessons use one career focus to support foundational skill development. Through scenario-based discussion and guided planning, educators will leave with a realistic Bridge approach they can use to support students, teachers, schools, or programs.
About Charles "Chuck" Santistevan:
Charles “Chuck” Santistevan joined the College and Career Readiness Bureau (CCRB) team in November 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience in education. He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from New Mexico Highlands University and dedicated thirteen years to teaching Special Education in the classroom. Of those years, eleven were spent at the high school level, where he taught Math for eight years and English Language Arts for three years. Additionally, Chuck worked for two years with elementary-aged students in a district-supported program, further broadening his expertise in student learning and development.
Beyond the classroom, Chuck was actively involved in athletics, serving as both a football and basketball coach throughout his teaching career. His passion for education and sports has led him to pursue further academic advancement, and he is currently enrolled in the Athletic Administration Master’s Degree program at Eastern New Mexico University. He is on track to graduate in the spring of 2026, continuing his commitment to fostering student success both academically and athletically.
Summit Speaker: Aurora Silva
Special Education Teacher, Sandia High School
Albuquerque Public Schools
Sessions Details:
Building Career-Centered Thinking Classrooms
Wednesday, June 17 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Room 103
Teachers will participate in a math lesson designed using principles from Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC). Afterwards, we will discuss how to design and teach career-centered lessons from the P2C database to life using BTC principles, Finally, teachers will have time to plan out their own lessons using what they learned.
About Aurora Silva:
Aurora Silva teaches high school math and science as a special education teacher at Sandia High School. She has been teaching at the high school level for thirteen years.
She believes that it is important to build a healthy rapport with her students, to make learning meaningful, and to provide students a safe and nurturing learning environment. One of her biggest accomplishments was working with a team of other teachers to help create the new math course, Data and Decisions.
In her free time, she loves to play tabletop and computer games with her wife Clementine, look after her two lovely cats, and volunteer with community organizations and her church.
Summit Speaker: Jordan Berryhill
Director, State Partnerships
Metametrics
Session Details:
Quantile 101 for New Mexico Educators: Putting Math Measures to Work in Career-Connected Learning
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Room 103
You may already be seeing Quantile® measures on your students’ score reports — but are you using them to their full potential? This hands-on session shows New Mexico educators how the Quantile Framework for Mathematics can personalize instruction, support transition planning, and connect math to real career pathways.
In this session, participants will explore:
- Where New Mexico students receive Quantile measures
- What are Quantile measures and how to locate and interpret them on student score reports
- How schools across New Mexico are using Quantile measures to support math growth and align instruction with the New Mexico Mathematics Instructional Scope
- How Quantile measures serve as a college and career readiness benchmark — helping students explore careers matched to their math readiness through P2C
- The free Hub tools and District Toolkit that make this work classroom-ready via workshop time
About Jordan Berryhill:
As the Director of State Partnerships, Jordan develops and maintains strong partnerships with state leaders to implement Lexile and Quantile measures across entire state education systems. He works to deliver essential resources to a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that these valuable educational tools are accessible to students, families, and educators statewide. Jordan has served in different capacities at multiple organizations across the educational system. He previously managed the Quantile content and test development team, ensuring the effective development of high-quality assessments and accuracy of content aligned to the Quantile Framework. Prior to MetaMetrics, Jordan held roles as a mathematics curriculum specialist and a high school mathematics teacher. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Summit Speaker: Lisa Wolf
Vice President, Partner Success
MetaMetrics
Session Details:
Quantile 101 for New Mexico Educators: Putting Math Measures to Work in Career-Connected Learning
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Room 103
You may already be seeing Quantile® measures on your students’ score reports — but are you using them to their full potential? This hands-on session shows New Mexico educators how the Quantile Framework for Mathematics can personalize instruction, support transition planning, and connect math to real career pathways.
In this session, participants will explore:
- Where New Mexico students receive Quantile measures
- What are Quantile measures and how to locate and interpret them on student score reports
- How schools across New Mexico are using Quantile measures to support math growth and align instruction with the New Mexico Mathematics Instructional Scope
- How Quantile measures serve as a college and career readiness benchmark — helping students explore careers matched to their math readiness through P2C
- The free Hub tools and District Toolkit that make this work classroom-ready via workshop time
About Lisa Wolf:
Lisa Wolf is the Vice President of Partner Success at MetaMetrics, where she works with partners to support the use of the Lexile® and Quantile® Frameworks. Her work focuses on connecting rigorous measurement to meaningful outcomes for educators and learners.
Lisa brings more than two decades of experience in education, assessment, and partnership work. Prior to MetaMetrics, she served as Vice President of Product and Marketing at Defined, where she helped develop K-12 career-connected learning products that educators use in their classrooms to bring real-world relevance to instruction, supporting districts across the country. Before Defined, she spent over 12 years at ACT, Inc., culminating as National Director of K-12 Client Relations, where she led the development of the annual College and Career Readiness Workshops reaching thousands of educators nationwide. Earlier at ACT, she served as a Test Development Associate, developing mathematics assessment items and supporting materials.
Lisa began her career as a high school mathematics teacher in Illinois, where she was nominated as “Most Inspirational Teacher” and successfully drafted grants to bring advanced technology into her classroom. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, both from Western Illinois University.
Summit Speaker: Dr. Reynaldo Belen, Jr.
Exceptional Students Services Teacher,
Deming High School
Session Details:
Two Pathways, One Standard: Implementing Differentiated Math Lessons for Co-Taught and D-Level Classrooms
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Room 102 AB
How do we teach the same math standard while honoring very different learning needs? This session introduces a practical Dual-Pathway Differentiation Model that aligns grade-level math standards with P2C principles across two instructional settings: co-taught math classrooms with general education and special education support, and D-Level (Intensive Support) Math Classrooms. Rather than lowering expectations, we demonstrate how to maintain rigor while changing access points.
About Dr. Reynaldo Belen, Jr.:
Dr. Reynaldo Belen Jr. is an Exceptional Student Services Teacher and Case Manager at Deming High School, where he designs differentiated instruction and supports students with a wide range of learning needs. With more than 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Belen brings expertise in special education, STEM instruction, and student-centered learning. He serves as a MESA Advisor, leading students in STEM competitions such as the NM Governor’s STEM Challenge, MESA Day, and MESA USA State Competitions. He has also served as a Science Olympiad Coach and contributes to statewide education work through the New Mexico Science Framework Writing Committee, the NM Building Science Leaders Network, and the NM Assessment of Science Readiness review process. Dr. Belen is passionate about helping students build confidence, leadership, and academic excellence through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Summit Speaker: Janice Badongen Patal-e
Geometry & MESA-STEM Teacher,Española
Ready, Set, Puzzle! Low-Prep Math That Engages
Thursday, June 18 | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Room 101 AB
Session Details:
Need engaging math activities that get students thinking without adding hours to your prep time? This interactive session introduces ready-to-use math puzzles—including Julia Robinson-inspired challenges, logic tasks, and strategy games—that can instantly energize your classroom while building critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance.
Designed for busy educators, these low-prep puzzles can be used as warm-ups, bell ringers, early finisher tasks, group challenges, STEM enrichment, or full lesson engagement activities. Participants will learn simple implementation strategies that make math more interactive, reduce student resistance, and promote meaningful mathematical discourse—even among reluctant learners.
Beyond engagement, these activities help students develop transferable problem-solving skills connected to STEM careers and Pathways2Careers (P2C) competencies. Best of all, teachers will leave with practical, classroom-ready resources they can use immediately—no expensive materials, complicated setup, or curriculum overhaul required.
About Janice Badongen Patal-e:
Janice Badongen Patal-e is a former Chemical Engineer turned high school math and STEM educator who brings 15 years of real-world industry experience into the classroom. After leading RoHS compliance, laboratory operations, new product introduction, and project management for Wistron in the Philippines and Mexico, she transitioned to education with a mission to help students see the real-world power of math and STEM. Now in her eighth year at Española Valley High School, she engages students through hands-on, career-connected learning experiences that make problem-solving meaningful and exciting. As a Geometry teacher, STEM educator, and MESA advisor, she leads innovative initiatives such as Española Gloveworks, where students design assistive technology to support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Her students have earned state and national awards, reflecting her commitment to empowering the next generation of thinkers, makers, and problem-solvers.
Summit Speaker: Jenni Monteblanco
Math Teacher, Portales Junior High School
Session Details:
From Compliance to Curiosity: Building Thinking Classrooms with Any Curriculum
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Room 101 AB
Move beyond passive learning and discover how to create a classroom where students actively think, collaborate, and problem solve. This introductory workshop will unpack the foundational ideas behind Building Thinking Classrooms and demonstrate how these strategies can work alongside any curriculum. Teachers will leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas that foster engagement and deeper mathematical thinking.
About Jenni Monteblanco:
Jenni Monteblanco is a junior high math teacher passionate about student engagement, positive school culture, and helping learners build confidence in mathematics. With experience in PBIS, collaborative leadership, and creative classroom instruction, she enjoys sharing practical strategies that support both academic growth and meaningful student connection. Jenni recently completed her first decade of teaching and is excited for what’s ahead.
Summit Speaker: Katie Lake
Math Teacher, Los Alamos High School
Session Details:
Helping Students Who Struggle in Math with the Science of Learning
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Room 111
Struggling math students face a double barrier: they often lack both the motivation to engage and the instructional conditions that make learning stick. This session addresses both. Participants will explore the Science of Learning — retrieval practice, spaced and interleaved practice, worked examples, cognitive load theory, and more — and examine how the P2C curriculum’s career-connected contexts provide the motivational foundation that makes these strategies land.
Highly interactive and discussion-based, this session will equip teachers with strategies they can implement immediately or use to plan for fall instruction.
About Katie Lake:
Katie Lake is a National Board Certified Math teacher at Los Alamos High School, where she teaches Algebra 1, Algebraic Modeling, and Applied Algebra. Katie spent years experimenting with different instructional approaches before finding her footing in the research on how students actually retain and transfer learning. At the heart of her work is a belief that every student who struggles with math deserves a teacher committed to bringing them success- through instruction that is meaningful, relevant and even fun! Katie also serves as President of the New Mexico National Board Certified Teacher Network where she works closely with the New Mexico Public Education Department, preservice teacher preparation programs, and other state and national initiatives to advocate for excellence in education. Katie’s mission is simple: find what actually works– and share it!
Summit Speaker: Luz Ferrer
Math Teacher, Chama Elementary and Middle School
Chama Valley Independent School District
Session Details:
Two Pathways, One Standard: Implementing Differentiated Math Lessons for Co-Taught and D-Level Classrooms
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Room 102 AB
How do we teach the same math standard while honoring very different learning needs? This session introduces a practical Dual-Pathway Differentiation Model that aligns grade-level math standards with P2C principles across two instructional settings: co-taught math classrooms with general education and special education support, and D-Level (Intensive Support) Math Classrooms. Rather than lowering expectations, we demonstrate how to maintain rigor while changing access points.
About Luz Ferrer:
Luz B. Ferrer is a middle school mathematics and science teacher at Chama Middle School with 14 years of teaching experience working with secondary and middle school students in the Philippines and New Mexico. She has taught mathematics across grades 6 through 10 and has experience supporting students through one-on-one and small-group math instruction. Luz is trained in the Orton-Gillingham Mathematics Approach, a multisensory instructional method that uses a concrete, representational, and abstract progression to support student learning. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education with a major in Mathematics and is passionate about using strong classroom relationships, student data, and effective instructional strategies to improve learning outcomes for all students.
Summit Speaker: Monte Womble
School Counselor (G-M 10-12 Grades), Centennial High School
Las Cruces Public Schools
Session Details:
DollaDollaBillsYall
Thursday, June 18 | 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM | Room 111
Why do WE do what WE do? If we aren’t honest with ourselves, how can we be honest with our students when it comes to Career Exploration and Planning? What were YOUR reasons for setting out on the journey you are traversing? How do we help students connect to THEIR passion when they have NO clue on how to answer the questions “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and “Who do you want to help when you get THERE?”. The answer sometimes lies in the quote “Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want?” Let’s take a journey down memory lane… Attendees have the opportunity to win “100 GRAND”…
About Monte Womble:
Hello, my name is Monte Womble, and I am a Chemical Engineer turned Involvement Minister turned High School Counselor. I have been a school counselor for 16½ years in Las Cruces, NM…12½ years at Onate/Organ Mountain High School and 4 years at Centennial High School.
I believe that I am uniquely designed to be an energizer, a harmonizer, and a purpose proliferator. Due to my personal career journey, I carry a passion to help students become better in all areas of their lives, especially when it comes to discovering their purpose and post-secondary journey.
I completed my New Mexico Association of Career and Technical Education (NMACTE) Fellows Program in January. I am the NMACTE Counseling and Career Development Division Chair, and I am currently serving as the New Mexico representative for the Region IV ACTE Fellows Program.
My true purpose aligns with the following quote from Myles Munroe…”The greatest tragedy in life is not death but a life without purpose.”
Summit Speaker: Natalie Rainey
Math Teacher, Portales Junior High School
Session Details:
From Compliance to Curiosity: Building Thinking Classrooms with Any Curriculum
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Room 101 AB
Move beyond passive learning and discover how to create a classroom where students actively think, collaborate, and problem solve. This introductory workshop will unpack the foundational ideas behind Building Thinking Classrooms and demonstrate how these strategies can work alongside any curriculum.
Teachers will leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas that foster engagement and deeper mathematical thinking.
About Natalie Rainey:
Natalie Rainey has 19 years of teaching experience, including 15 years in middle school mathematics. She is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered classrooms that promote deep thinking and meaningful problem solving. Natalie has presented district professional development sessions on Building Thinking Classrooms, sharing practical strategies that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and student ownership of learning. She is dedicated to helping both students and educators grow in confidence and curiosity through mathematics.
Transition Speaker: Alex Rios
UNM-CDD, Partners for Employment
MPH, ACRE, CESP
Session Details:
Project SEARCH and Transition that Works: Universally applicable practices for supporting young adults and families with transitioning to employment
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM | Room 102 AB
This presentation will take a practical approach with how to apply best practices for creating immersive work-based learning experiences that lead to competitive, integrated employment. We will take a closer look at the Project SEARCH school-to-work transition model and discuss how to effectively collaborate on interagency transition teams and integrate wrap-around supports.
Project SEARCH is an internationally recognized school-to-work transition program. New Mexico Project SEARCH is community-led, locally focused, and has successfully supported over 500 young adults with disabilities achieve their dreams of employment and independence.
About Alex Rios:
Alex is the statewide coordinator for Project SEARCH NM and has been employed with UNM’s Center for Development and Disability, Partners for Employment since 2020. She has experience working in public health as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer and as a supported employment provider. Alex enjoys homesteading, exploring the Gila National Forest with her two dogs, Jojo and Pawley, and Zumba.
Transition Speaker: Amelia-Ann Dickey
President of New Mexico Allies for Advocacy, Inc.
Session Details:
Best Practices for School-to-Work Transition in New Mexico
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 112
Provide an overview of SWTT resources, trainings, and practices across the state to support educators, families, self-advocates, and professionals. The goal of the SWT Team is to facilitate collaboration at a local level and provide training opportunities for interagency teams providing transitional services to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
About Amelia-Ann Dickey:
Amelia-Ann Dickey is a self-advocate and disability leader who has been active in advocacy and leadership since 2017. She currently serves as President of New Mexico Allies for Advocacy, Inc., Vice-President of Albuquerque People First, and is a Governor-appointed member of the New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council. Amelia is passionate about promoting inclusion, leadership, and opportunities for people of all abilities through advocacy, training, and community engagement. Outside of her advocacy work, she enjoys horseback riding, Special Olympics sports, and hot air ballooning as a third-generation balloonist.
Transition Speaker: Arlean Murillo
Executive Director, Love of Rose LLC
Session Details:
Seeds of Change: How One Vision Sparked a Movement for Employment, Integration, Advocacy and Opportunity in Rural New Mexico
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 113
This session shares how one vision became a movement changing lives across southern New Mexico. *Seeds of Change* highlights the work of Love of Rose and its mission to break barriers to employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Attendees will learn simple, real-world strategies to build strong partnerships with schools, businesses, families, and community agencies. The session will also show how to identify local needs, use available resources, and turn challenges—like transportation and limited services—into opportunities for growth and advocacy.
Through real stories and practical examples, this presentation focuses on what works: collaboration, belief in people’s abilities, and taking action.
Participants will leave with clear ideas, useful tools, and the confidence to create change in their own communities. This is more than a presentation—it’s a reminder that with purpose, persistence, and heart, one person can plant the seeds that transform an entire community.
About Arlean Murillo:
Arlean Murillo was born in El Paso, TX and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, she is proud to be bilingual in English and Spanish. She is married and the mother of three children, ages 13, 19, and 23. With a master’s degree in educational leadership and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, she serves as the executive director of Love of Rose LLC and is the founder of the nonprofit Love in Advocacy: Education and Employment Services, Inc.
Arlean’s life and career have been shaped by her commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She believes everyone has a voice worth hearing and works each day to help people develop the confidence, skills, and independence they need to succeed in the workforce and in life. Her passion comes from a strong belief in belonging and the power of supportive communities, where everyone is valued for who they are.
She proudly serves as President of the Gadsden Independent School District Board of Education, as well as the Hispanic Chair council on the National School Boards Association, the Executive Secretary of New Mexico State School Boards Association, the Sunland Park Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the New Mexico State Workforce Solutions Board of Directors. She is also an active member of her local church, continuing to give back to her community through faith and service.
Through her leadership and advocacy, Arlean reminds students and families that education and self-advocacy are powerful tools. She encourages young people to speak up for themselves, dream big, and never be afraid to use their voice to create change.
Her guiding message is simple: “Respect my competence, don’t judge me for wanting to change the world, and invite me to help solve problems. Encourage me to dream beyond what anyone believes possible.”
Transition Speaker: Ashley Russell
CTE Youth Advocate
Session Details:
Building Independence: How Centers for Independent Living Support Youth and Young Adults
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 111
New Mexico Centers for Independent Living (CILs) empower people with disabilities through advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, information and referral, and transition services. Guided by the Independent Living philosophy, CILs help individuals of all ages build self-determination, access resources, and live more independently in their communities.
This session is presented by New Vistas in partnership with Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC). It will focus on how CILs support youth and young adults with disabilities through transition planning, skill-building, leadership development, and real-world learning opportunities that prepare them for adulthood, education, employment, and community participation. Attendees will gain insight into how New Vistas and ILRC help young people strengthen independence, navigate systems, and create pathways to successful futures.
About Ashley Russell:
I have been a CTE Youth Advocate with New Vistas since April 2025. I am excited to be here advocating with you all now for our Youth in good will. My role with New Vistas is to support and promote the benefits of technical education (CTE) for students within the disabled communities throughout Northern New Mexico. I help ensure their human rights and I aid them in skill development. Areas such as education, health, housing, and employment. It has been a fulfilling role that I have been eager to take on.
Transition Speaker: Brian Schobel
Transition Service Resource Teacher, Albuquerque Public Schools
Session Details:
Red to Green: Moving Transition IEPs from Compliance to Quality
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 103
This session focuses on improving transition planning in the IEP by looking at what moves a plan from basic compliance to something that truly supports students after high school. Using a “Red to Green” approach, we’ll walk through what to look for in transition goals, how to make them measurable, and how to connect them to real assessment and student input.
We’ll look at examples, talk through common challenges, and share practical ways to strengthen plans. Participants will leave with ideas and tools they can use right away to improve their transition IEPs.
Session Details:
Brian Schobel has more than 26 years of experience in special education, transition services, and disability advocacy. He currently serves as a District Resource Teacher for Special Education with Albuquerque Public Schools, where he supports Transition Services and postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities.
Prior to his current role, Brian worked with the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability through the Partners for Employment program, providing statewide training, technical assistance, and employment support focused on improving the transition from school-to-work for students with disabilities.
Brian’s professional background includes teaching in elementary, middle, and high school special education settings, as well as serving as a Transition Teacher supporting students ages 18–22 in developing and achieving measurable postsecondary goals.
As a neurodivergent educator and advocate, Brian brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his work. His experiences have shaped his commitment to self-determination, self-advocacy, inclusive practices, and equitable access to accommodations and support across educational and community settings.
Brian graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in Special Education and Elementary Education. He is currently completing a master’s degree in Transition Leadership at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Transition Speaker: Charlene B. Chavez
Statewide Transition Director, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Session Details:
From School to Community: Building Belonging Through Transition
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 101 AB
This session provides educators with practical tools to design and implement effective, student-centered transition plans that prepare students with disabilities for life beyond high school. Grounded in IDEA and state requirements, participants will strengthen their understanding of transition planning as a results-oriented process aligned to students’ postsecondary goals.
About Charlene B. Chavez:
Charlene B. Chavez serves as a Statewide Transition Director for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, with responsibility for coordinating and developing policy & procedures in the areas of transition. Charlene’s greatest strengths are her drive and leadership. She thrives on challenges, particularly those that expand opportunities for success of students & adults with disabilities. Her goals are to increase knowledge to the community/business in working with individuals with disabilities. She has a bachelor’s degree in education, master’s degree in social work, Level Three Pre-K-12 Rehabilitation counselor License. My drive and leadership in supporting and helping students with disabilities is strong. I have developed strong relationships with local educational agencies and believe that my knowledge of working with students with disabilities/families, schools, business, and community agencies will contribute to supporting the state of NM.
Transition Speaker: GuruAmrit Smith
Special Projects Coordinator, Independent Living Resource Center
Session Details:
Building Independence: How Centers for Independent Living Support Youth and Young Adults
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 111
New Mexico Centers for Independent Living (CILs) empower people with disabilities through advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, information and referral, and transition services. Guided by the Independent Living philosophy, CILs help individuals of all ages build self-determination, access resources, and live more independently in their communities.
This session is presented by New Vistas in partnership with Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC). It will focus on how CILs support youth and young adults with disabilities through transition planning, skill-building, leadership development, and real-world learning opportunities that prepare them for adulthood, education, employment, and community participation. Attendees will gain insight into how New Vistas and ILRC help young people strengthen independence, navigate systems, and create pathways to successful futures.
About GuruAmrit Smith:
GuruAmrit Smith is the Special Projects Coordinator at Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She holds a BAFA from the University of New Mexico and is a Certified Community Health Worker. She began working with ILRC in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2025 she has been working with youth to provide independent living services that assist youth with disabilities in their transition from high school to postsecondary education and competitive integrated employment. Her work with ILRC also includes community engagement, emergency preparedness, disability advocacy, and communications. Prior to working at ILRC, she spent over a decade working in non-profit arts organizations in New Mexico to increase access to the arts and foster a love for life-long learning.
Transition Speaker: Jennifer Saavedra
Transition Program Manager, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Session Details:
Fast Track to the Future: Speed Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 100
Moving from high school into the workforce takes more than planning—it takes forward motion. This dynamic, interactive workshop led by the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR) Transition Counselors introduces the “SPEED” approach to Pre-Employment Transition Services. Focused on building momentum, the session offers an engaging overview of the five essential Pre-ETS areas: Job Exploration, Work-Based Learning, Post-Secondary Counseling, Workplace Readiness, and Self-Advocacy.
Participants will take part in fast-paced, hands-on activities designed to reflect real workplace expectations. Through guided exercises, counselors will show how to explore career interests, practice professional communication, and understand self-disclosure and workplace accommodations. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical tools to support students in taking confident steps toward independence and career pathways.
Key Learning Objectives:
• Strengthen workplace communication and essential soft skills through interactive role-play.
• Learn how DVR services can support transition planning and how to access ongoing resources.
This workshop is ideal for students with disabilities, their families, and educators seeking effective strategies to support a successful transition from school to employment.
About Saavedra:
Jennifer Saavedra has been fortunate to work at the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for the past nine years. Beginning as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor specializing in Supported Employment, she developed extensive experience supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and independence.
Currently serving as the Transition Program Manager, Jennifer oversees and supports a team of 11 Transition Counselors across the state of New Mexico. With a strong commitment to student success and workforce development Jennifer is passionate about expanding opportunities for youth through transition services and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
Known for collaborative leadership, dedication to service, and a passion for helping others succeed, Jennifer is committed to building strong partnerships that empower students to confidently transition from school to postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.
Transition Speaker: Jun Dai
Education Specialist, Partners for Employment
UNM Center for Development and Disability
Session Details:
Best Practices for School-to-Work Transition in New Mexico
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 112
Provide an overview of SWTT resources, trainings, and practices across the state to support educators, families, self-advocates, and professionals. The goal of the SWT Team is to facilitate collaboration at a local level and provide training opportunities for interagency teams providing transitional services to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
About Jun Dai:
B.M. Information Management & Information System, M. A. Family & Child Studies, joined the partners for Employment team as an Education Specialist in October 2022. She is a Credentialed Family Life Educator (CFLA) and holds an Association of Community Rehabilitation Educator (ACRE) certificate. Jun works on projects related to School-to-Work transition and supports all regions in New Mexico.
Transition Speaker: Kendra Garcia
Independent Living Advocate / Youth Coordinator
Session Details:
Building Independence: How Centers for Independent Living Support Youth and Young Adults
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 111
New Mexico Centers for Independent Living (CILs) empower people with disabilities through advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, information and referral, and transition services. Guided by the Independent Living philosophy, CILs help individuals of all ages build self-determination, access resources, and live more independently in their communities.
This session is presented by New Vistas in partnership with Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC). It will focus on how CILs support youth and young adults with disabilities through transition planning, skill-building, leadership development, and real-world learning opportunities that prepare them for adulthood, education, employment, and community participation. Attendees will gain insight into how New Vistas and ILRC help young people strengthen independence, navigate systems, and create pathways to successful futures.
About Kendra Garcia:
Kendra Garcia is an Independent Living Advocate and Youth Coordinator at New Vistas, where she has supported youth and young adults with disabilities for the past seven years. A Santa Fe native and person with a disability, she is passionate about promoting independence and creating inclusive, culturally responsive services—especially for Latino communities. Kendra holds a Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University and advocates for expanded opportunities for people with disabilities across New Mexico.
Transition Speaker: Krystal Wood, Ph.D.
Manager of Professional Development,
Office of Special Education at NM PED
Session Details:
From School to Community: Building Belonging Through Transition
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 101 AB
This session provides educators with practical tools to design and implement effective, student-centered transition plans that prepare students with disabilities for life beyond high school. Grounded in IDEA and state requirements, participants will strengthen their understanding of transition planning as a results-oriented process aligned to students’ postsecondary goals.
Educators will explore how to develop meaningful, compliant components—including measurable postsecondary goals, aligned courses of study, and coordinated services—while centering student voice and strengths. The session also highlights strategies to build self-determination, independent living skills, and career readiness within everyday instruction, along with approaches to strengthen collaboration with families and community partners.
Participants will leave with actionable strategies to move beyond compliance and create transition plans that support successful, connected adult lives.
About Krystal Wood:
Krystal Wood is the manager of professional development in the Office of Special Education at NM PED. She is a native New Mexican and brings with her 22 years of experience in education — working as a TESOL-endorsed elementary school teacher in a special education, multi-age inclusion teaming classroom, serving as the SAT Chair at her elementary school, serving as the family and community events coordinator at her school, and working as an educational diagnostician in both the public and private sectors. Krystal also maintains an adjunct faculty position at the University of New Mexico in both the Special Education Department and the Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership, and Policy.
Transition Speaker: Maddie Carrell
Transition Counselor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Session Details:
Fast Track to the Future: Speed Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 100
Moving from high school into the workforce takes more than planning—it takes forward motion. This dynamic, interactive workshop led by the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR) Transition Counselors introduces the “SPEED” approach to Pre-Employment Transition Services. Focused on building momentum, the session offers an engaging overview of the five essential Pre-ETS areas: Job Exploration, Work-Based Learning, Post-Secondary Counseling, Workplace Readiness, and Self-Advocacy.
Participants will take part in fast-paced, hands-on activities designed to reflect real workplace expectations. Through guided exercises, counselors will show how to explore career interests, practice professional communication, and understand self-disclosure and workplace accommodations. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical tools to support students in taking confident steps toward independence and career pathways.
Key Learning Objectives:
• Strengthen workplace communication and essential soft skills through interactive role-play.
• Learn how DVR services can support transition planning and how to access ongoing resources.
This workshop is ideal for students with disabilities, their families, and educators seeking effective strategies to support a successful transition from school to employment.
About Maddie Carrell:
Maddie Carrell is a proud graduate of New Mexico Highlands University and holds her master’s in social work with a concentration in Bilingual/Bicultural Clinical Practice. Currently, she provides Pre-Employment Transition Services to students with disabilities in Northern New Mexico as a Transition Counselor with the NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Maddie enjoys learning ASL and volunteering with a variety of organizations in Albuquerque, including supporting dog adoption efforts and serving as crew for hot air balloon events.
Transition Speaker: Martha Castaneda
Program Coordinator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Session Details:
Fast Track to the Future: Speed Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 100
Moving from high school into the workforce takes more than planning—it takes forward motion. This dynamic, interactive workshop led by the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR) Transition Counselors introduces the “SPEED” approach to Pre-Employment Transition Services. Focused on building momentum, the session offers an engaging overview of the five essential Pre-ETS areas: Job Exploration, Work-Based Learning, Post-Secondary Counseling, Workplace Readiness, and Self-Advocacy.
Participants will take part in fast-paced, hands-on activities designed to reflect real workplace expectations. Through guided exercises, counselors will show how to explore career interests, practice professional communication, and understand self-disclosure and workplace accommodations. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical tools to support students in taking confident steps toward independence and career pathways.
Key Learning Objectives:
• Strengthen workplace communication and essential soft skills through interactive role-play.
• Learn how DVR services can support transition planning and how to access ongoing resources.
This workshop is ideal for students with disabilities, their families, and educators seeking effective strategies to support a successful transition from school to employment.
About Martha Castaneda:
Martha Castaneda has served as a Transition Program Coordinator with the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for the past three years. Martha is a versatile professional who supports the team in any capacity needed, navigating dynamic, fast-paced environments with ease. She is driven by a dedication to service and an ability to tackle complex challenges head-on. In her personal time, she enjoys crafting and spending quality time with her family.
Transition Speaker: Maxine Cordova
Transition Specialist, Rio Rancho Public Schools
Session Details:
Red to Green: Moving Transition IEPs from Compliance to Quality
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 103
This session focuses on improving transition planning in the IEP by looking at what moves a plan from basic compliance to something that truly supports students after high school. Using a “Red to Green” approach, we’ll walk through what to look for in transition goals, how to make them measurable, and how to connect them to real assessment and student input. We’ll look at examples, talk through common challenges, and share practical ways to strengthen plans. Participants will leave with ideas and tools they can use right away to improve their transition IEPs.
About Maxine Cordova:
Maxine Cordova is a dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with over 17 years of experience supporting students with disabilities as they prepare for life beyond high school. She currently works with Rio Rancho Public Schools, where she partners with students, families, and educators to ensure successful transition planning and access to community resources. Maxine holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Highlands University and brings both expertise and heart to her role. Her passion is helping students build confidence, advocate for themselves, and pursue meaningful, independent lives.
Transition Speaker: Michelle Gabaldon
Transition Counselor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Session Details:
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 100
Fast Track to the Future: Speed Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Moving from high school into the workforce takes more than planning—it takes forward motion. This dynamic, interactive workshop led by the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR) Transition Counselors introduces the “SPEED” approach to Pre-Employment Transition Services. Focused on building momentum, the session offers an engaging overview of the five essential Pre-ETS areas: Job Exploration, Work-Based Learning, Post-Secondary Counseling, Workplace Readiness, and Self-Advocacy.
Participants will take part in fast-paced, hands-on activities designed to reflect real workplace expectations. Through guided exercises, counselors will show how to explore career interests, practice professional communication, and understand self-disclosure and workplace accommodations. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical tools to support students in taking confident steps toward independence and career pathways.
Key Learning Objectives:
• Strengthen workplace communication and essential soft skills through interactive role-play.
• Learn how DVR services can support transition planning and how to access ongoing resources.
This workshop is ideal for students with disabilities, their families, and educators seeking effective strategies to support a successful transition from school to employment.
About Michelle Gabaldon:
Michelle Gabaldon has been working with disadvantaged populations for over 10 years including unhoused individuals, domestic violence and sexual assault victims. She obtained an associate’s degree in human services, an undergraduate degree in Social Work and a graduate degree in social work.
Transition Speaker: Norma Amador
Transition Counselor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Session Details:
Fast Track to the Future: Speed Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 100
Moving from high school into the workforce takes more than planning—it takes forward motion. This dynamic, interactive workshop led by the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR) Transition Counselors introduces the “SPEED” approach to Pre-Employment Transition Services. Focused on building momentum, the session offers an engaging overview of the five essential Pre-ETS areas: Job Exploration, Work-Based Learning, Post-Secondary Counseling, Workplace Readiness, and Self-Advocacy.
Participants will take part in fast-paced, hands-on activities designed to reflect real workplace expectations. Through guided exercises, counselors will show how to explore career interests, practice professional communication, and understand self-disclosure and workplace accommodations. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical tools to support students in taking confident steps toward independence and career pathways.
Key Learning Objectives:
• Strengthen workplace communication and essential soft skills through interactive role-play.
• Learn how DVR services can support transition planning and how to access ongoing resources.
This workshop is ideal for students with disabilities, their families, and educators seeking effective strategies to support a successful transition from school to employment.
About Norma Amador:
Norma Amador is a Transition Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor with DVR, bringing over 34 years of experience dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and their families. Her extensive background spans the mental health field, HIV services, the juvenile justice system, and public housing, reflecting a deep commitment to community-centered care. Currently, she works with students with disabilities, continuing her mission to empower individuals to achieve greater independence and success.
Much of Norma’s work has focused on families in southern Doña Ana County, particularly in rural communities where access to resources can be limited. Her passion for helping others has guided her career and remains the driving force behind her work. Through her role, she strives to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.
Transition Speaker: Shiloh Burton
Education Specialist, Partners for Employment
UNM Center for Development and Disability
Session Details:
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 112
Best Practices for School-to-Work Transition in New Mexico
Provide an overview of SWTT resources, trainings, and practices across the state to support educators, families, self-advocates, and professionals. The goal of the SWT Team is to facilitate collaboration at a local level and provide training opportunities for interagency teams providing transitional services to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
About Shiloh Burton:
Shiloh Burton is an Education Specialist with Partners for Employment, supporting the School-to-Work Transition Team and handling marketing and communications. They bring 16 yrs of experience as a CTE instructor in Arts, Media & Entertainment, and have worked with unhoused youth in the Bay Area, CA. Since moving to Albuquerque in 2022, Shiloh has held roles at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Department of Workforce Solutions. They hold a BA from Bard College, an MFA from San Jose State and multiple certifications. Shiloh is passionate about social change, collective action and narrative sovereignty (storytelling).
Transition Speaker: Sophie Trusty
Education Specialist, Partners for Employment
UNM Center for Development and Disability
Session Details:
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 112
Best Practices for School-to-Work Transition in New Mexico
Provide an overview of SWTT resources, trainings, and practices across the state to support educators, families, self-advocates, and professionals. The goal of the SWT Team is to facilitate collaboration at a local level and provide training opportunities for interagency teams providing transitional services to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
About Sophie Trusty:
Sophie Trusty is an Education Specialist with Partners for Employment, supporting the School-to-Work Transition Team. Prior to joining UNM, she worked with Mandy’s Farm in Albuquerque for over five years, overseeing employment and apprenticeship programs for youth and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She also brings more than a decade of experience supporting students with disabilities in public education settings. Sophie holds a BA from the University of New Hampshire, is a Certified Employment Support Professional, and holds a Secondary Vocational Technical teaching license from NMPED. She is passionate about expanding access to meaningful supports and opportunities for all individuals.
Transition Speaker: Toni Rodriguez
Transition Counselor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Session Details:
Fast Track to the Future: Speed Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 PM – 2:10 PM and 2:20 – 3:30 PM | Room 100
Moving from high school into the workforce takes more than planning—it takes forward motion. This dynamic, interactive workshop led by the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR) Transition Counselors introduces the “SPEED” approach to Pre-Employment Transition Services. Focused on building momentum, the session offers an engaging overview of the five essential Pre-ETS areas: Job Exploration, Work-Based Learning, Post-Secondary Counseling, Workplace Readiness, and Self-Advocacy.
Participants will take part in fast-paced, hands-on activities designed to reflect real workplace expectations. Through guided exercises, counselors will show how to explore career interests, practice professional communication, and understand self-disclosure and workplace accommodations. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical tools to support students in taking confident steps toward independence and career pathways.
Key Learning Objectives:
• Strengthen workplace communication and essential soft skills through interactive role-play.
• Learn how DVR services can support transition planning and how to access ongoing resources.
This workshop is ideal for students with disabilities, their families, and educators seeking effective strategies to support a successful transition from school to employment.
About Toni Rodriguez:
Toni Rodriguez is a mother of 2 beautiful girls, ages 10 and 12 years old and a dog mom to her sweet pup, Bella Luna. In her free time, she enjoys being with her daughters, working on many different arts and crafts, playing board games, walking her pup in the Bosque, going to the gym, and spending time watching crime documentaries.
Toni has a BA in Sociology with a minor in Criminology, an MA in Human Resources Development and a master’s in public administration. She has experience teaching as an adjunct instructor, Sociology/Race and Ethnicity classes at a community college in AZ.
Her passion has always been for helping others, a commitment she fulfills each day in her role as a DVR Transition Counselor.