KCS STAFF
Denica Tafoya, Kindergarten Teacher
Denica Tafoya is from Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Fort Lewis College in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language. Prior to working at KCS, she worked in various schools around the Durango area with grades PreK, 1st, 4th, and 5th. She also works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help plan the Native Youth Climate Adaptation Congress, a program that helps advocate for Indigenous Climate justice in communities across the world. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sewing, and baking.
Denica Tafoya is from Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Fort Lewis College in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language. Prior to working at KCS, she worked in various schools around the Durango area with grades PreK, 1st, 4th, and 5th. She also works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help plan the Native Youth Climate Adaptation Congress, a program that helps advocate for Indigenous Climate justice in communities across the world. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sewing, and baking.
Stephanie Herrera, 1st Grade Teacher
Stephanie Herrera I'm from Ohkay Owingeh. I graduated with my Bachelor in Business Administration - Accounting. I recently change career from Business to Education. I'm working on getting my Alternative License in Elementary and I'm also getting my Bachelors in Early Childhood. I've been working in Education for a year now. I'm excited to be working at Kha'p'o Community School.
Stephanie Herrera I'm from Ohkay Owingeh. I graduated with my Bachelor in Business Administration - Accounting. I recently change career from Business to Education. I'm working on getting my Alternative License in Elementary and I'm also getting my Bachelors in Early Childhood. I've been working in Education for a year now. I'm excited to be working at Kha'p'o Community School.
Maria Bernardez, 2nd Grade Teacher
Mark St.John, 3rd Grade Teacher
Hi, I'm Mark St.John, the new 6th grade teacher. I'm very excited about teaching at KHA'Po'and getting to know you. Here is a brief biography; I grew up as a kid in Peoria and Kewanee Ill., then moved to Texas for high school. I was a medic in the army for two years and then moved to Santa Fe and graduated from St.John's College. No, I'm not related to the College in any way. I went to graduate school at UNM in Albuquerque and received a master's degree in elementary education. My first teaching job was at Isleta Pueblo where I also began working with the American Indian Science and engineering Society. I returned to Santa Fe and was Director of Student Activities and a part time tutor at St.John's College for 16 years. My wife dragged me to New York City where she worked in fashion design. I worked as a medic and Park Ranger at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for 12 years.( both my grandparents came from Ireland in 1921 and were processed at Ellis Island) I finally got back to New Mexico and spent one more year with the NPS at Valles Caldera. I love river rafting, hiking and camping, watching movies with my wife and reading. See you soon!
Hi, I'm Mark St.John, the new 6th grade teacher. I'm very excited about teaching at KHA'Po'and getting to know you. Here is a brief biography; I grew up as a kid in Peoria and Kewanee Ill., then moved to Texas for high school. I was a medic in the army for two years and then moved to Santa Fe and graduated from St.John's College. No, I'm not related to the College in any way. I went to graduate school at UNM in Albuquerque and received a master's degree in elementary education. My first teaching job was at Isleta Pueblo where I also began working with the American Indian Science and engineering Society. I returned to Santa Fe and was Director of Student Activities and a part time tutor at St.John's College for 16 years. My wife dragged me to New York City where she worked in fashion design. I worked as a medic and Park Ranger at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for 12 years.( both my grandparents came from Ireland in 1921 and were processed at Ellis Island) I finally got back to New Mexico and spent one more year with the NPS at Valles Caldera. I love river rafting, hiking and camping, watching movies with my wife and reading. See you soon!
Catherine Lopez-Brown, 4th Grade Teacher
Catherine Lopez-Brown is a native New Mexican who grew up in Fairview, New Mexico. Her family has lived in the area for many generations. She grew up in an apple orchard tended by her father after work and on weekends. She loved joining clubs, first Girl Scouts and then 4-H. She learned sewing, baking, canning and how to give speeches. 4-H taught her to be a leader, for ten years she continued the monthly meetings with or without a leader using parliamentary procedure. 4-H allowed her to go to Washington, DC and Chicago. She was in the marching and concert band from 6th grade until 12th. She knew she was going to college after high school because she visited New Mexico State University with the 4-H. She attended NMSU for three years, got married and moved to California and received a degree in Liberal Studies and a MA in Elementary Education at California State University in San Bernardino. She has a K-12 credential. She has two boys; Jeff is a teacher in Pasadena, CA, as is his wife Norma and son Ryan went to the Navy and is now in power production in Houston, Texas. His wife Christina teaches 5th grade. She has eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She and husband Steven Brown have been teachers for thirty years in CA. They own an apple orchard in Velarde, New Mexico. She has attended classes in Auditory Discrimination in Depth, Gifted and Talented Education, Technology, and Reading Strategies and more. She loves learning new things and would love to learn the TEWA language. She likes to make learning challenging and fun!
Catherine Lopez-Brown is a native New Mexican who grew up in Fairview, New Mexico. Her family has lived in the area for many generations. She grew up in an apple orchard tended by her father after work and on weekends. She loved joining clubs, first Girl Scouts and then 4-H. She learned sewing, baking, canning and how to give speeches. 4-H taught her to be a leader, for ten years she continued the monthly meetings with or without a leader using parliamentary procedure. 4-H allowed her to go to Washington, DC and Chicago. She was in the marching and concert band from 6th grade until 12th. She knew she was going to college after high school because she visited New Mexico State University with the 4-H. She attended NMSU for three years, got married and moved to California and received a degree in Liberal Studies and a MA in Elementary Education at California State University in San Bernardino. She has a K-12 credential. She has two boys; Jeff is a teacher in Pasadena, CA, as is his wife Norma and son Ryan went to the Navy and is now in power production in Houston, Texas. His wife Christina teaches 5th grade. She has eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She and husband Steven Brown have been teachers for thirty years in CA. They own an apple orchard in Velarde, New Mexico. She has attended classes in Auditory Discrimination in Depth, Gifted and Talented Education, Technology, and Reading Strategies and more. She loves learning new things and would love to learn the TEWA language. She likes to make learning challenging and fun!
Nichole Trujillo, 5th Grade Teacher
Ohkay Owingeh / Santa Clara Pueblo
Nichole Trujillo is a member of the Ohkay Owingeh and Santa Clara Pueblos but spent her whole childhood growing up in the Santa Clara Pueblo. She is a mother of two, a son Liam and a daughter Prudence. Both of whom are attending Kha’p’o Community School, following in their mothers’ footsteps since returning home. While away from home, Nichole achieved a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology from New Mexico State University. Her initial plans were to be a doctor, but after having a child who needed a lot of therapy and early intervention, her path changed direction. Working one on one daily with childhood educators, therapists, specialists and other children with special needs she believes she can better serve more children through learning and early intervention. Therefore, with the help of KCS and her community she is continuing to further her growth in early childhood and elementary education.
Ohkay Owingeh / Santa Clara Pueblo
Nichole Trujillo is a member of the Ohkay Owingeh and Santa Clara Pueblos but spent her whole childhood growing up in the Santa Clara Pueblo. She is a mother of two, a son Liam and a daughter Prudence. Both of whom are attending Kha’p’o Community School, following in their mothers’ footsteps since returning home. While away from home, Nichole achieved a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology from New Mexico State University. Her initial plans were to be a doctor, but after having a child who needed a lot of therapy and early intervention, her path changed direction. Working one on one daily with childhood educators, therapists, specialists and other children with special needs she believes she can better serve more children through learning and early intervention. Therefore, with the help of KCS and her community she is continuing to further her growth in early childhood and elementary education.
Diane Chavarria, 6th grade Teacher
“Learning is a never-ending and exciting adventure” is the motto that paves the way of Diane's life. She is a proud wife and mother of four boys who are from the Santa Clara Pueblo. With a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the Pennsylvania State University, she pursued a background in outdoor education for four years at Mesa Verde National Park, where her respect and appreciation of the Native American cultures originated. Then, she achieved a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the New Mexico Highlands University. Currently, Diane is a Level Three certified K-8 teacher and a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). In addition, she earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership with an administrative license through Adams State University. She is excited and grateful to continue teaching at Kha’p’o Community School.
“Learning is a never-ending and exciting adventure” is the motto that paves the way of Diane's life. She is a proud wife and mother of four boys who are from the Santa Clara Pueblo. With a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the Pennsylvania State University, she pursued a background in outdoor education for four years at Mesa Verde National Park, where her respect and appreciation of the Native American cultures originated. Then, she achieved a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the New Mexico Highlands University. Currently, Diane is a Level Three certified K-8 teacher and a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). In addition, she earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership with an administrative license through Adams State University. She is excited and grateful to continue teaching at Kha’p’o Community School.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Susan Mclean, Special Education Teacher
Martha Gamez-Fisher, SPED Technician
Martha Gámez-Fisher. Born in San Antonio, TX to immigrants of Northern Mexico. The only daughter and middle child of Absalón and Martha Gámez. I grew up playing in rural and urban Texas, always loving art, but never studying seriously until college. I have experience in Ceramics, Mixed Media and Bookmaking. I have an AAS in Child Development from Houston Community College and a BA from University of Houston. Helping and participating in the development of the community I l ive in, is my passion. I am a mom of five grown children, and 8 1/2 grandchildren. I think people are precious pieces of art, and a reflection of everyone they know and experiences they have.
Martha Gámez-Fisher. Born in San Antonio, TX to immigrants of Northern Mexico. The only daughter and middle child of Absalón and Martha Gámez. I grew up playing in rural and urban Texas, always loving art, but never studying seriously until college. I have experience in Ceramics, Mixed Media and Bookmaking. I have an AAS in Child Development from Houston Community College and a BA from University of Houston. Helping and participating in the development of the community I l ive in, is my passion. I am a mom of five grown children, and 8 1/2 grandchildren. I think people are precious pieces of art, and a reflection of everyone they know and experiences they have.
Jerica Baca, SPED Technician
"None of us is as smart as all of us."
Hello, my name is Jerrica Baca, I am from the Pueblos of Santa Clara and Tesuque. I am a hard working Big Kid, with many big dreams and a huge heart! I am excited to be a part of the KhaPo Community School team and looking forward to the new adventures to be explored with our students and staff!
I started my teaching experience at the Santa Fe Community College Kids Campus for Early Childhood Education teaching ages 20 weeks - 5 years old and am eager to improve my teaching skills with our classes and further my knowledge in Elementary Education.
Remember "Kind is the new cool!"
"None of us is as smart as all of us."
Hello, my name is Jerrica Baca, I am from the Pueblos of Santa Clara and Tesuque. I am a hard working Big Kid, with many big dreams and a huge heart! I am excited to be a part of the KhaPo Community School team and looking forward to the new adventures to be explored with our students and staff!
I started my teaching experience at the Santa Fe Community College Kids Campus for Early Childhood Education teaching ages 20 weeks - 5 years old and am eager to improve my teaching skills with our classes and further my knowledge in Elementary Education.
Remember "Kind is the new cool!"
SUPPORT STAFF
Leah Pacheco, Educational Assistant
Ohkay Owingeh
Leah Pacheco is an enrolled member of Ohkay Owingeh. She is a former US Air Force military spouse. Leah has two young children with her husband, Christian Veladre, an enrolled member of Santa Clara. She began her career in 2018 as an Assistant Teacher at the Ohkay Owingeh Head Start. In 2019, Leah received her Certificate in Child Development from Central New Mexico College. Military life took Leah and her family cross country, where she continued her career as an Assistant/Lead Teacher in Waldorf, Marland. Aside from teaching, Leah and her children have been active in the FACE and First Born programs in the Khapo and surrounding communities. All of which have given Leah the opportunities and experience she has today. Leah’s passion is to be a child advocate, providing tools to help increase student achievement, build confidence, and inspire learning in positive ways. She is looking most forward to continuing her education and career while working with Native children/families and being a part of the strong KCS family!
Ohkay Owingeh
Leah Pacheco is an enrolled member of Ohkay Owingeh. She is a former US Air Force military spouse. Leah has two young children with her husband, Christian Veladre, an enrolled member of Santa Clara. She began her career in 2018 as an Assistant Teacher at the Ohkay Owingeh Head Start. In 2019, Leah received her Certificate in Child Development from Central New Mexico College. Military life took Leah and her family cross country, where she continued her career as an Assistant/Lead Teacher in Waldorf, Marland. Aside from teaching, Leah and her children have been active in the FACE and First Born programs in the Khapo and surrounding communities. All of which have given Leah the opportunities and experience she has today. Leah’s passion is to be a child advocate, providing tools to help increase student achievement, build confidence, and inspire learning in positive ways. She is looking most forward to continuing her education and career while working with Native children/families and being a part of the strong KCS family!
Leah Titla, Educational Assistant
San Ildefonso Pueblo/ Apache
Leah Titla is Pueblo and Apache. She loves traveling, experiencing new things, and working with kids.
San Ildefonso Pueblo/ Apache
Leah Titla is Pueblo and Apache. She loves traveling, experiencing new things, and working with kids.
Dominic Tafoya-Sanchez, Educational Assistant
Santa Clara Pueblo
Hello my name Dominic Tafoya , I'm from Santa Clara Pueblo. A little about myself is that
I like to compete in rodeo events specifically Bull Riding . I'm a 3 time New Mexico rodeo association finals qualifier. I also enjoy being around my horses and going hunting. The year of 2022 I was an athlete on the professional Rodeo cowboys association ( PRCA). I'm really excited to be starting off the school year here at Khapo Community School as a Educational Assistant.
Santa Clara Pueblo
Hello my name Dominic Tafoya , I'm from Santa Clara Pueblo. A little about myself is that
I like to compete in rodeo events specifically Bull Riding . I'm a 3 time New Mexico rodeo association finals qualifier. I also enjoy being around my horses and going hunting. The year of 2022 I was an athlete on the professional Rodeo cowboys association ( PRCA). I'm really excited to be starting off the school year here at Khapo Community School as a Educational Assistant.
Andres Montoya, Educational Assistant
Asia Tafoya, Educational Assistant
Steve Marsh, Guidance Counselor
Steve Marsh has been counseling children and families for 28 years in community-based
settings serving Northern New Mexico and the Eight Northern Pueblos. He is beginning his
twentieth year as a school counselor for Santa Clara Pueblo and especially likes working
with elementary students in the school setting as it provides the opportunity to develop long
term and meaningful relationships in support of their social, emotional, and academic
growth.
Steve Marsh has been counseling children and families for 28 years in community-based
settings serving Northern New Mexico and the Eight Northern Pueblos. He is beginning his
twentieth year as a school counselor for Santa Clara Pueblo and especially likes working
with elementary students in the school setting as it provides the opportunity to develop long
term and meaningful relationships in support of their social, emotional, and academic
growth.
Tewa Language
Barbara Chavarria, Tewa Language Teacher I
Santa Clara Pueblo
Barbara Chavarria is an enrolled member of Santa Clara Pueblo. She grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She moved home to Santa Clara Pueblo in the 1970's and learned to speak the Tewa Language. She worked for the Bilingual Program in the 1980's. During her time with the Bilingual Program, she attended the University of New Mexico where she learned strategies in teaching the Tewa Language.
Santa Clara Pueblo
Barbara Chavarria is an enrolled member of Santa Clara Pueblo. She grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She moved home to Santa Clara Pueblo in the 1970's and learned to speak the Tewa Language. She worked for the Bilingual Program in the 1980's. During her time with the Bilingual Program, she attended the University of New Mexico where she learned strategies in teaching the Tewa Language.
Paul Chavarria, Tewa Language Teacher I
Santa Clara Pueblo
Paul Chavarria is the son of Stella Chavarria and the late Loretto "Cruzie" Chavarria. Paul has three children; Taylor, Mason, and Tylie. Mason and Tylie both attend KCS. Paul attended Northern New Mexico Community College where he received his degree in Architectural/ Mechanical drafting. For many years he worked as Computer aid drafter for a private architectural company. From there, he was was a supervisor at the Santa Claran Hotel and Casino for over ten years. This is Paul's first experience in education and as a Tewa Instructor, but he is eager and excited to teach the children our Tewa language. He hopes by being apart of KCS he will help to preserve our Tewa language, cultural and traditions for the future.
Santa Clara Pueblo
Paul Chavarria is the son of Stella Chavarria and the late Loretto "Cruzie" Chavarria. Paul has three children; Taylor, Mason, and Tylie. Mason and Tylie both attend KCS. Paul attended Northern New Mexico Community College where he received his degree in Architectural/ Mechanical drafting. For many years he worked as Computer aid drafter for a private architectural company. From there, he was was a supervisor at the Santa Claran Hotel and Casino for over ten years. This is Paul's first experience in education and as a Tewa Instructor, but he is eager and excited to teach the children our Tewa language. He hopes by being apart of KCS he will help to preserve our Tewa language, cultural and traditions for the future.
Diandra Chavarria, Tewa Teacher Asssistant
Santa Clara Pueblo
My name is Diandra Chavarria. I am joining KCS as an Tewa Teacher Assistant. I am excited about this new opportunity working with the future leaders of the Kha’p’o community. I was born and raised here in Santa Clara Pueblo and am an enrolled member. I come from a traditional family and am very active in the culture here in the pueblo. As a child, I attended KCS when it was the Santa Clara Day School from kindergarten to 6th grade. I chose to work at KCS because I enjoy working with the youth and I am completely on board with the mission that KCS holds, especially in preserving the language and shaping our youth.
Santa Clara Pueblo
My name is Diandra Chavarria. I am joining KCS as an Tewa Teacher Assistant. I am excited about this new opportunity working with the future leaders of the Kha’p’o community. I was born and raised here in Santa Clara Pueblo and am an enrolled member. I come from a traditional family and am very active in the culture here in the pueblo. As a child, I attended KCS when it was the Santa Clara Day School from kindergarten to 6th grade. I chose to work at KCS because I enjoy working with the youth and I am completely on board with the mission that KCS holds, especially in preserving the language and shaping our youth.
Colleen Garcia-Vallo, Cultural Arts Teacher
Santa Clara Pueblo/Acoma Pueblo
Colleen Garcia-Vallo is from Santa Clara Pueblo and Acoma Pueblo. Her passion for the Arts began when she was at a young age. She is excited to meet and work with all of the KCS students and staff.
Santa Clara Pueblo/Acoma Pueblo
Colleen Garcia-Vallo is from Santa Clara Pueblo and Acoma Pueblo. Her passion for the Arts began when she was at a young age. She is excited to meet and work with all of the KCS students and staff.
Eliza Naranjo-Morse, Cultural Movement Teacher
Operations Department
Joseph Lopez, Facilities Manager
Jerome Gutierrez, Bus Driver
Camille Moquino. Head Cook
Santa Clara Pueblo
Camille Moquino Is an enrolled tribal member of Santa Clara Pueblo. She is a mother of 4 sons, Mario, Andre, Darwin, and Isaac. Camille has worked with Head Start as a Head Cook for 13 years. She is currently enrolled at NNMC and pursuing her degree in Accounting. She enjoys painting, drawing, creating traditional Santa Clara black on black pottery and ceramic wear. She is very excited to be here with KCS and ready to provide fresh healthy nutritional meals.
Santa Clara Pueblo
Camille Moquino Is an enrolled tribal member of Santa Clara Pueblo. She is a mother of 4 sons, Mario, Andre, Darwin, and Isaac. Camille has worked with Head Start as a Head Cook for 13 years. She is currently enrolled at NNMC and pursuing her degree in Accounting. She enjoys painting, drawing, creating traditional Santa Clara black on black pottery and ceramic wear. She is very excited to be here with KCS and ready to provide fresh healthy nutritional meals.
Andy Fisher, Assistant Cook
Amelia Sandoval, Custodian
Santa Clara Pueblo
Amelia has worked in customer service and custodial field for six plus years. Her role at KCS as the custodian and number one priority is supplying a clean and safe environment for students while committing to work. Working at KCS, she has embraced new opportunities of learning new things. As a child she attended Santa Clara Pueblo Day School from kindergarten through sixth grade and now her son attends KCS. Amelia is a Santa Clara Pueblo tribal member, she was born and raised in the Pueblo her whole life.
Santa Clara Pueblo
Amelia has worked in customer service and custodial field for six plus years. Her role at KCS as the custodian and number one priority is supplying a clean and safe environment for students while committing to work. Working at KCS, she has embraced new opportunities of learning new things. As a child she attended Santa Clara Pueblo Day School from kindergarten through sixth grade and now her son attends KCS. Amelia is a Santa Clara Pueblo tribal member, she was born and raised in the Pueblo her whole life.
Lesley Fernandez, Business Office Clerk
FACE Program
Antoinette Herrera, FACE Coordinator/ Co-Teacher FACE Program
Antoinette is from Santa Clara Pueblo. She goes by the name Toni, she has a family of 4, herself, husband, and two children. She has a degree in Applied Science and she is planning to go back to college. By coming to the KCS, it is clear that she wants give back and pass on her knowledge to the younger generations and in return, they will teach her something. We learn and work together; that’s what community is.
Antoinette is from Santa Clara Pueblo. She goes by the name Toni, she has a family of 4, herself, husband, and two children. She has a degree in Applied Science and she is planning to go back to college. By coming to the KCS, it is clear that she wants give back and pass on her knowledge to the younger generations and in return, they will teach her something. We learn and work together; that’s what community is.
Rose Naranjo, Adult Educator FACE Program
Rose Naranjo is from San Ildefonso Pueblo. She graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. She taught at the Santa Clara Day School for 27 years and is the Adult Educator for the FACE program.
Rose Naranjo is from San Ildefonso Pueblo. She graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. She taught at the Santa Clara Day School for 27 years and is the Adult Educator for the FACE program.
Lynette Dominguez, FACE Parent Educator
Hello! My name is Lynette Dominguez and I am the new Parent Educator with the FACE Program. I am from Tesuque Pueblo and I enjoy spending time with my family. I was a preschool teacher for the last 6 years and I am currently working towards my associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I look forward to working for the FACE Program and joining the KCS team!
Hello! My name is Lynette Dominguez and I am the new Parent Educator with the FACE Program. I am from Tesuque Pueblo and I enjoy spending time with my family. I was a preschool teacher for the last 6 years and I am currently working towards my associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I look forward to working for the FACE Program and joining the KCS team!
