“Lead, follow, or get out of the way!” 

Hello!  I am Celina Cordova, a Special Education Teacher at Rio Grande Elementary School in Belen, NM.  These words, first spoken by a mentor throughout the time I was actively involved with MCJROTC at Rio Grande HS (Over 30 years ago!), still whisper in my ear as a mantra steering the potential that influences my endeavors in whichever of these roles I actively play in and out of the classroom; especially, during the 18 years teaching for BCS and living in Valencia County.  I realized this capacity, again more recently, when recognized by my peers as the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year – an honor I was so humbled and gracious to receive.  This endorsement certainly gave me a boost! I had begun seeking the more unique roles I’ve long desired to impact my school while always keeping in mind MY students!  This opportunity presented and seemed like a great fit for my vision of school and community. This year will be exciting with uncharted territory; as I embark on an ever-different school year, raise and gu ide a ‘tween’ alongside my husband, while, hopefully, getting a home built! I look forward to this experience!

Haaaayyyyy! My name is Jessica Ogle. This is one of the kids that I get spend every day with outdoors along with my own kid that just loves spending time being out with the herd and pretending he is goat! I have been goat-herding for 11 years and went into teaching Special Education 5 years ago on an alternative license with my Anthropology degree. I just recently leveled up to level 2 in my teaching license and am very excited (and relieved) to have made it this far. I am a life-long learner and very open to new experiences especially those to be had outdoors. I teach at La Promesa Elementary and we are fortunate to have much outdoor space and even a classroom outside. I have used this area since I started teaching as a calming strategy for my students and really believe in kids being exposed to more learning outdoors to improve their overall well-being in life and build connections to a world that is shared among all that call it home as life in order to help them honor and protect those life cycles, so they do continue into the future as our Earth’s most precious legacy. I look forward to learning more strategies and sharing them with our staff to help get more students outdoors in their learning time with us.

Hello, everyone; my name is Caleb Crum! I am the Assistant Principal at Belen Middle School,  and this marks my eighth year in education, with my previous experiences ranging from teaching  physical education to fifth grade and sixth grade. I recently graduated with my Masters in  Education from Eastern New Mexico University (go Greyhounds!), making the transition into  the more administrative side of education. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my wife and  four children, reading, playing video games (when time allows), and caring for our sheep and  soon-to-be chickens. My attitudes and philosophy toward education have always been centered  on the fact that education needs to be fun and enjoyable, especially in the 21^st century. I am  incredibly excited to be in this program, bringing all that I learn to my staff at Belen Middle  School, and continue to help shape the school and classroom culture, transforming the  boundaries of the classroom in the process! My passions in education are everything educational  technology, and creating individualized and authentic learning experiences for students.

Greetings of Good Health and Positive Energy! 

I am Lord R. Alcomendras, a J1 Teacher from the Philippines. As a dedicated  educator at La Promesa Elementary School of Belen Consolidated Schools and an  active Scout Master in the Philippines, I am passionate about integrating outdoor  education into my teaching. My extensive background in scouting, emergency  preparedness, and first aid, combined with my certification in American Red Cross  Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, underscores my commitment to fostering  resilience, teamwork, and environmental stewardship among my students. I am  eager to bring this passion and experience to the TOTAL NM Outdoor Educator Leadership Program to enrich my students’ learning experiences and promote a  lifelong respect for nature.

My name is Sharon Bussell, I have taught in the Belen School District for the past 28 years.  I am starting my 29^th year at La Merced Elementary teaching 3^rd grade.  I grew up and still reside in Los Lunas, NM.  My husband and I have been married for 24 years and we have two amazing children.  I love teaching and giving students countless opportunities to learn through hands on and real life experiences!

My name is Vanessa LaGrange. I am a graduate of UNM and became a teacher via alternative licensure. I currently reside in Rio Communities and have been teaching 5^th grade at La Merced Elementary for going on 8 years.

I love the beautiful setting in which our school is located in this beautiful state. I am looking forward to having this opportunity to learn how to incorporate the outdoors more into my students learning experience!

Hello! My name is Jana Adams, and I am currently a 2^nd grade teacher at La Promesa Elementary in the Belen Consolidated Schools District. This is my 14^th year in education, and I have taught birth through 2^nd grade. My heart is in early childhood education! I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jared, and our two children, Jaxson (10) and Johnnie (8). I enjoy crafting, reading, riding side-by-sides, gardening, and farming. I am super excited to be in the Outdoor Education Leadership Program and really think that our school, and my class, will lend well to outdoor learning!

Hello, my name is Bryant Reyes, I am a 7^th grade Science teacher and a mix 7^th grade and 8^th grade STEM teacher as well, currently work for Belen Middle School, this is my second year teaching so I am like a new teacher, but I really enjoy learning together with the kids and sharing my knowledge with them. I have a bachelor degree in agricultural science and worked for 9 years in animal nutrition in a beef feedlot in southwest Kansas. I love to spend time with my wife and my 3 kids (13,9 and 4 years old).  I have hobbies that include being a mechanic, hiking, fishing, playing soccer, and cooking. Like a science teacher, I am very interested in the outdoors because I really enjoy nature, and I think it’s a very good technique to reinforce the teaching in this subject and keep the students interested and engaged and, therefore, it makes it easier to teach them.

My name is Ariadne Cuares Reagan, and I am entering my 14th year in  teaching. I mostly taught middle schoolers but also had 2 years teaching 2^nd and  3^rd graders. Throughout my career, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to teach in  various places, including the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Florida,  Albuquerque, and now here in Belen. Each of these experiences has enriched my  understanding of diverse educational environments and has shaped my approach  as an educator. One of the greatest things I want to try this school year is integrating  outdoor learning in my current lessons. I truly believe that nature provides a  unique and powerful backdrop for education, where students can engage with  their surroundings in meaningful ways. By integrating outdoor activities into my teaching, I aim to foster a love for  exploration and discovery in my students

Hello, Adventurers! I am Amanda Gallegos.  I have lived in New Mexico all my life.  I have been with my husband James for 42 years. I have 3 adult children and two grandchildren that I love going on adventures with.   I am the 7^th / 8^th grade Science, STEM and MESA teacher at Belen Middle School.  I have my Bachelor of Science from NM TECH, and a Masters degree from the University of Texas.  I have been in education for 25 years.  I have my level III teaching license in Science, Health and PE.  I have my administrative license, too. I started the NM TECH Masters of Science teaching program and enjoyed using  the electron scanning microscope and creating wonder pictures.  I was able to participate in the LASER i3 NM Smithsonian Science Education Center program for 5 years.  I love the outdoors and have worked with NM Game and Fish department with my students in Pecos NM.  I have been a Science Olympiad coach and love doing projects with my students.  I enjoy working with others.

I am Mr. NINO LABININAY, an 8^th Grade Science and STEM teacher in Belen Middle School. This is my third amazing year in this wonderful learning environment. Teaching this subject is truly one of a kind, the students are great and full of hope and spirit.

I finished my bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education major in Biology in the Philippines where I taught for more than twenty years. I am a father of three adorable, cuties kids and married to an I.T. woman of my life. We live in our humble apartment on Aragon Road.

Hello! My name is Alma Estrada, and I am currently a bilingual teacher for mixed 7th and 8th-grade groups,  as well as a Spanish 1 and 2 teacher. This is my second year in education, and I am working towards  obtaining my alternative teaching license. Before becoming a teacher, I earned my degree in Business  Management Engineering. 

I am passionate about education and love seeing my students grow and succeed. Outside of school, I enjoy  spending time with my husband and our three wonderful children, who are 13, 9, and 4 years old. My  family is my greatest joy, and we love spending time together. I love swimming, volleyball, and ping pong. 

I am interested in this Outdoor Education program because I believe that education should go beyond the classroom walls, offering students unique and hands-on learning experiences that connect them with the real world. I am excited to bring what I learn here back to my classroom and continue to develop engaging and meaningful educational experiences for my students. 

My name is Veronica Maldonado, and this is my 4^th year teaching.  I have taught all four years here at Belen Middle School in the Special Education Life Skills class.  Before beginning my teaching career, I worked as a Speech Language Tech in Arizona.  As a Speech Language Tech, I worked with students of all ages and abilities.

My goal for this school year is to incorporate additional opportunities for outside engagement and learning opportunities.  In previous years my class has been involved in planting and caring for a garden as part of our life cycle of a plant unit.  Students have expressed positive learning experiences in these moments, and I would like to continue to provide a multitude of outdoor learning opportunities.  I hope to gain extended knowledge and understanding from my fellow colleagues and mentors while participating in this program.   

Hello, my name is Natalie Kheir. I have been with my husband for 25 years and we have 6 children (Stephen 22, Abigail 16, Samuel 15, Joshua 13, Davina 12 and Serena). I have been in NM since 1998 but live most of my childhood in Palestine. I am bilingual in Arabic and have a passion for school. I have been teaching for 4 years and am working on my level 2 license and reading endorsement. I have a bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in business and a DBA in business. I enjoy being outside, animals, and reading.