Administration Staff

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Administration Staff

Executive Administration

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Todd Knouse

Head of School

Interests: Kids, gardens, pets and other things that grow with care.
Things that make me smile: The sound of kids playing and learning
Educational Philosophy:  Schools and parents are partners in educating children.
Favorite Part of My Job: Visiting classrooms when class is in session
My Hero:  Marcus Aurelius
What I value Most:  finding meaning in the challenges of life
Sarah Schulman

Sarah Schulman

General Education Director

Interests: I enjoy finding and trying out new recipes, especially Mediterranean and Asian fusion. I also love jogging, going to hockey games, and playing music (violin and cello). 

Things that make me smile: My goofy, lovable dachshund mix

Educational Philosophy:  If we teachers are to make a difference in our students’ lives, we must remain open minded, patient, and committed to learning how. Our journey as learners never ends.

Favorite Part of My Job: Coming into school each morning and seeing our students’ smiling faces. The fact that they love being here at NMIS is testament to the amazing work our teachers are doing. 

My Hero: My step-grandfather. He was a selfless man who dedicated his life to helping and saving others as an EMT. 

Joanna Cosbey

Joanna Cosbey

Special Education Director

I “won the lottery” by finding a faculty position at UNM and was able to move back to Albuquerque with my PhD to start my family. I was on the faculty of the UNM Special Education program from 2006-2013. During that time, in addition to teaching traditional special education courses, I also coordinated the Educational Diagnostician Preparation program and began providing consulting services to the NM Public Education Department around evaluations and services for children with disabilities. In 2013, I moved to “north campus” and became faculty in the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program. I continued to focus on providing meaningful supports and opportunities for children with disabilities in school and other community settings, with an emphasis on empowerment of the children and their parents.
In 2019, I decided I was ready for a new challenge. As my husband said, I entered the “gig economy.” I now wear many hats: special education director at NMIS, occupational therapist for early intervention programs and other schools, trainer/consultant for the PED Special Education Bureau, and trainer/consultant/professional development provider for districts and educational cooperatives throughout the state.
I love the opportunity to help professionals think differently about how we provide supports to students with disabilities to help them meet their potential and be meaningfully and actively engaged in the general curriculum. I truly believe that the work we do to support students with disabilities makes our community a better place for all of our children–including my three living children (two middle-schoolers and one at NMIS).

 

Corinne Teller

Corinne Teller

Finance and Operations Director

Born and raised in New Mexico, I graduated from Valley High School and then went on to graduate from UNM. After graduating I moved, to live in Chicago and then Florida and then returned to New Mexico in 2008. Moving somewhere different helped me appreciate the differnece in communities and cultures ourtside of where I called home.  So it created an interest for me in the diverse education offered through charter schools. I am not seen around the school very often because I am often in my office doing what I love, crunching numbers and making sure everything is working good behind the ‘curtain’.

I have been with NMIS since it opened in 2011 and marvel at how much the school has grown since then, starting in a 10,000 square foot building with 100 kindergarten to 2nd grade students to now, with over 400 students kindergarten through middle school in a 66,000 square foot building!  Although I have been in finance for several years this is my first job working at a school- working around children and parents who appreciate the benefits of a charter school like NMIS makes it even more enjoyable to come to work! I love the sounds of kids working, playing and learning to speak multiple languages and working with a school that encourages students and staff to be open-minded and thoughtful of other cultures, beliefs, and ideas.

Christopher Luna

Christopher Luna

Student Support Director

Interests: Baseball, Family, Travel

Things that make me smile: Baseball, Family, Travel

Educational Philosophy: Being open to all learning is the pathway to enlightenment.

Favorite Part of My Job: Getting to know students

My Hero: Mom

What I value Most: Perseverance

Office Administration

Angel Martinez Portrait

Angel Martinez

Operations Manager

 Interests: Drawing, Basketball, Mystery/horror books
Things that make me smile: My baby girl, pumpkin spice anything, family
Favorite Part of My Job:  Seeing things improve or run smoothly
My Hero: My Mom
What I value Most: Family, quality time, respect, knowledge
Roadrunner

Carmen Farello

Registrar

My name is Carmen Farello, I have been with NMIS for almost 4 years now and prior I worked with APS (Petroglyph Elem.) for 6 years as a Kinder EA. Previously here at NMIS I was Kinder EA and last year I transitioned into the Registrar position. I do miss the students and being in the classroom! I enjoy working at NMIS especially since I get to interact with the students, teachers and parents. 

A little about me, I moved to New Mexico about 22 years ago from Maryland via South Carolina. I also lived in Puerto Rico for 9 years when I was younger and attended school there. Spanish is my first language. I have been married for 25 years and have four incredible children, Vincent (23) attends Texas Tech University, Justin (21) attends University of New Mexico, Angelina (17) attends Rio Rancho High School and my baby Eleina (15) attends Rio Rancho High School. I love to spend time with my family and love to travel anywhere that is warm and sunny, I love to dance (salsa, merengue and some bachata) and enjoy reading when I travel to those warm and sunny places! 

Neiba Molinar

Neiba Molinar

Finance Manager

Interests:Dancing, Reading, Outdoors activities.
Things that make me smile: My children, Friends, and Family. 
Favorite Part of My Job: There is nothing like listening to the children around campus, that always brings a smile to my face. I also love assisting and helping the teachers and knowing that I am part of a growing and professional school.  
What I value Most:Family, Health, Education and Loyalty. 

Brendaly Duarte

Receptionist

Interests: Travel, Photography, Music
Things that make me smile: Family, flowers, the moon
Educational Philosophy: Learning goes beyond the classroom. Always keep an open mind with eyes ready to observe.
Favorite Part of My Job: Interacting with parents and students!
My Hero: My mother
What I value Most: My family

Susan Bouchonville

Health Assistant

Bio Coming Soon!