Front Office
Colleen Garcia-Vallo, Front Office Manager & Registar
Santa Clara Pueblo/Acoma Pueblo
My name is Colleen Garcia-Vallo. I am an enrolled member of the Santa Clara Pueblo. I have over 10 years of clerical/ office management experience. I am excited to be in this role where I am able to support the KCS staff and students. I also look forward to speaking to the community through this new role.
Santa Clara Pueblo/Acoma Pueblo
My name is Colleen Garcia-Vallo. I am an enrolled member of the Santa Clara Pueblo. I have over 10 years of clerical/ office management experience. I am excited to be in this role where I am able to support the KCS staff and students. I also look forward to speaking to the community through this new role.
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.
Jessica Levis, 1st Grade Teacher
Jessica has been an educator for more than 20 years serving both public and tribally controlled
schools in New Mexico. Most recently, she held the position as a teacher coach with NISN and
CES LEAP Program for candidates on the Indigenous Educator Pathway. She holds a Level
Three K-8 teaching license with an endorsement in Reading, and a National Board Certification
in Literacy: Reading - Language Arts. She received her BA in 2000 through LIU Global (formerly
known as Friends World College) and a MA in Anthropology in 2007 from New Mexico
Highlands University. Originally from Maine, Jess has lived and developed her career in New
Mexico for more than half her life. She has three children and currently lives in Santa Fe. Her
hobbies include gardening, playing Sudoku, and pitching horseshoes.
Jessica has been an educator for more than 20 years serving both public and tribally controlled
schools in New Mexico. Most recently, she held the position as a teacher coach with NISN and
CES LEAP Program for candidates on the Indigenous Educator Pathway. She holds a Level
Three K-8 teaching license with an endorsement in Reading, and a National Board Certification
in Literacy: Reading - Language Arts. She received her BA in 2000 through LIU Global (formerly
known as Friends World College) and a MA in Anthropology in 2007 from New Mexico
Highlands University. Originally from Maine, Jess has lived and developed her career in New
Mexico for more than half her life. She has three children and currently lives in Santa Fe. Her
hobbies include gardening, playing Sudoku, and pitching horseshoes.
Melisha Martinez, 2nd Grade Teacher
My name is Melisha Martinez and I have dedicated the last decade of my
life to pursuing a career in education. I now possess a bachelor's degree in
Elementary Education along with a T.E.S.O.L. certification. I have also
gained knowledge and certifications in language sustainability with
Montessori Educational methods. In addition to my professional
background, I am also a tribal member from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo and a
mother of three. My goals are to incorporate each path of my life, and allow
them to flow harmoniously daily, through unity,committment, and
perseverance.
I am truly honored to be a part of khapo Community School and I look
forward to a wonderful new school year.
My name is Melisha Martinez and I have dedicated the last decade of my
life to pursuing a career in education. I now possess a bachelor's degree in
Elementary Education along with a T.E.S.O.L. certification. I have also
gained knowledge and certifications in language sustainability with
Montessori Educational methods. In addition to my professional
background, I am also a tribal member from Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo and a
mother of three. My goals are to incorporate each path of my life, and allow
them to flow harmoniously daily, through unity,committment, and
perseverance.
I am truly honored to be a part of khapo Community School and I look
forward to a wonderful new school year.
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!
Joseph Suina II, 4th Grade Teacher
Hello, my name is Joseph Suina II and I am from Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico. I have grown up participating in traditional life in my community and I am passionate about providing quality education that encompasses the language, culture, along with the experiences that students bring to the classroom. I have over 10 years of teaching experience primarily in kindergarten through 5th grade. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies with a minor in Political Science from the University of New Mexico. Currently, I am enrolled at the University of New Mexico working on attaining a master’s degree in education. I am very excited and looking forward to teaching at Kha’p’o Community School.
Hello, my name is Joseph Suina II and I am from Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico. I have grown up participating in traditional life in my community and I am passionate about providing quality education that encompasses the language, culture, along with the experiences that students bring to the classroom. I have over 10 years of teaching experience primarily in kindergarten through 5th grade. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies with a minor in Political Science from the University of New Mexico. Currently, I am enrolled at the University of New Mexico working on attaining a master’s degree in education. I am very excited and looking forward to teaching at Kha’p’o Community School.
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
Kay Jackson, Sped Education Teacher
Born by the Gulf of Mexico in Brownsville, Texas, I've since travelled around the U.S. and the world - six states and six countries on five continents. With a master’s degree in special education, I’ve taught every grade from kindergarten to high school. When I'm not teaching, I’m writing kids’ nonfiction books about fascinating biomes like rainforests and deserts, exploring new places, camping under the stars, watercolor painting, and listening to people's stories. I have one amazing son and two adorable grandkids.
Born by the Gulf of Mexico in Brownsville, Texas, I've since travelled around the U.S. and the world - six states and six countries on five continents. With a master’s degree in special education, I’ve taught every grade from kindergarten to high school. When I'm not teaching, I’m writing kids’ nonfiction books about fascinating biomes like rainforests and deserts, exploring new places, camping under the stars, watercolor painting, and listening to people's stories. I have one amazing son and two adorable grandkids.
Dominic Tafoya, Sped Technician
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.
Andres Montoya, Educational Assistant
Asia Tafoya, Educational Assistant
Jerrica Baca, Educational Assistant
"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!
Counseling Services
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 I
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.
Eliza Naranjo-Morse, Cultural Movement Teacher
Operations Department
Randy Sanchez, Facilities Manager
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.
John Lopez, Bus Driver
Lesley Fernandez, Business Office Clerk
FACE Program
Stephanie Herrera, Lead FACE 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 w orking 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 w orking 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.
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.
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!
