About Us
About Us
Early Childhood Networks
Early Childhood Networks supports early childhood educators across New Mexico through mentorship, professional learning, and leadership opportunities.
Early Childhood Networks is funded by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD). ECECD’s mission is to support children, families, and the early childhood professionals who serve communities across the state.
Our programs help educators grow through reflective practice, leadership development, mentorship, and strong professional connections.
We believe early childhood professionals deserve strong support systems so they can best serve the children and families in their communities.
Early Childhood Networks is administered by CNM Ingenuity, part of Central New Mexico Community College. CNM Ingenuity works to connect education, business, industry, and government to support public well-being, individual success, and economic growth in New Mexico.
Early Childhood Networks | Staff
Nick Kennedy
Senior Director
Hi! My name is Nick Kennedy. I was born and raised in New Mexico. I grew up in Tijeras and moved to Albuquerque in 2015.
My background is primarily in state and local government, including some roles related to education. I’ve held positions with the City of Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico, the Legislative Education Study Committee (NM Legislature), and the Village of Tijeras. I attended the University of New Mexico, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science and a master’s degree in United States history. I’ve always been passionate about education and supporting the work of educators, so I was thrilled to join the ECN team. In my personal life, I enjoy reading, hiking, playing guitar, and spending time with family and friends.
Amy Suman
Program Director | Early Childhood Networks and the ECECD Scholarships and Pay Incentive Programs
Hi! My name is Amy Suman. I’m from Alexandria, Virginia, and grew up in the Washington, DC metro area.
I am the Program Director for the Early Childhood Networks and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department’s Scholarship programs at CNM Ingenuity. I began my career in education in Albuquerque Public Schools, where I spent 20 years teaching students of all grade levels and abilities, primarily in Title I schools. Over the years, I’ve also held leadership roles at the University of New Mexico’s Prevention Research Center, the New Mexico Department of Health, and the Public Education Department. I later served as superintendent in the Pojoaque Valley School District in Santa Fe and at the Laguna Department of Education on the Pueblo of Laguna. I am passionate about the intersection of health and educational equity and remain committed to improving educational outcomes in New Mexico, especially for under-served students and their families. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and English, a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Education, and a Master of Science in Health Promotion, and I am completing my Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Administration. I’ve also been a certified personal trainer and youth sports coach for many years and am the proud parent of two grown sons. An avid outdoorswoman, I believe deeply in the power of play to foster healthy development in early childhood.
Yadira Lorenzoni
Senior Program Manager | Early Childhood Mentor Network
Hi! My name is Yadira Lorenzoni. My career in early childhood education began over 15 years ago when I started teaching in a preschool/pre-k classroom.
Over the years, I took on additional responsibilities, including serving as a Lead Mentor and Mentor for the Mentor Network, where I spent six years guiding and supporting new educators. My passion for nurturing young minds led me to earn an Associate’s Degree in Child, Youth, and Family Development from Central NM Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education from New Mexico Highlands University, further deepening my knowledge and skills in this vital field.
Rachel Droste Gwinn
Senior Program Manager | Infant-Toddler Teacher Network, Early Childhood Director Network, Early Childhood Home-Based Provider Network
Hi! My name is Rachel Droste Gwinn. I’m originally from Kentucky, and have lived in New Mexico for the past six years.
My professional experience has been with educational programs and initiatives in local government, at non-profits, and in higher education institutions, and I have worked as an instructor, program coordinator, and in grant management. I earned my Master’s Degree from the University of New Mexico in Latin American Studies (concentrations in Community and Regional Planning and Spanish-American Literature). My Bachelor’s Degree is in Journalism and Spanish, from Western Kentucky University. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family traveling and enjoying the great outdoors.
Francisco Alvarado
Program Coordinator
Hi! My name is Francisco Alvarado. I am proud to say I am a native of New Mexico with strong Mexican roots.
I have been able to gain a wealth of knowledge in the field of education by working at CNM for the last 10 years, mostly in the Adult Basic Education program, helping students achieve their educational goals. My current role at CNM is Program Coordinator for the Early Childhood Networks. I am dedicated to supporting community initiatives and fostering collaboration among early childhood professionals. As a current CNM employee, and as a former CNM graduate, I have a strong commitment and understanding for the local community. I hold three Associate’s Degrees from CNM. I am currently working on my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from UNM.
Outside of work, I am an accomplished pianist and Musical Director, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking with my canine companions Chico and Roberta, and watching sports. Of all the titles I’ve been privileged to have, ‘Dad’ to my three wonderful boys has always been the best.
2026-27 Early Childhood Networks Leadership
Regional Connectors
Tenesha Betoni
SJCC
Tenesha Betoni is the Director of Early Childhood Education at San Juan College. She is a dedicated and motivated educator with a strong background in early childhood education, with over 15 years of experience.
Tenesha has expertise in teaching infants to preschoolers, her philosophy is encouraging love, compassion and empathy through education. Tenesha advocates and support educators in aligning teaching methods to NAEYC standards. Additionally, she serves as the faculty representative for the Early Childhood Mentor Network. Her leadership and advocacy efforts continue to positively impact the field of early childhood education in San Juan County.
Marie E Isenberger
I currently serve as the Quality Performance Officer for Head Start and Early Head Start programs at Youth Development Inc. With more than 10 years of experience in early childhood education across New Mexico and Florida, I have worked in a variety of roles that have provided broad exposure to diverse program models and the key factors that contribute to high-quality early learning environments.
As a parent of two children under the age of five, I deeply value the role of parents as children’s primary teachers and strive to promote meaningful family engagement in all aspects of programming. I am passionate about ensuring early childhood programs have the support, resources, and systems needed to provide high-quality education and care that creates lasting positive impacts for children and families.
Maribel Herrera Lucero
NMSU
My Name is Maribel Herrera Lucero, I was born and raised in Las Cruces. I enjoy living here and do not plan on leaving. I began my academic journey many years ago studying early childhood at DACC. I pursued my education at NMSU and earned a master’s in early childhood education. My ultimate educational goal is to pursue a doctorate degree.
I’ve worked with children most of my life. I am currently a pre-K teacher with Las Cruces Public Schools, at Valley View Elementary. I’ve taught 3–5-year-olds, for 26years. I am an adjunct faculty professor for New Mexico State University and Dona Ana Community College.
On a personal note, I have four wonderful children and a 6-month-old grandbaby. Sergio is an Aggie alumnus; Emily and Jacob both attend NMSU. Melanie is a 2026 High School graduate. On my free time, I love spending time with family and friends and especially Isabella Rose my grandbaby.
Liliana Sanchez
WNMU
My name is Liliana Sanchez, and I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2003. I am bilingual, with Spanish being my first language, and I value the importance of culturally and linguistically responsive practices that support children, families, and communities.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of early childhood settings and leadership roles. I began my journey by operating a home daycare which helped shape my understanding of the importance of relationships, family partnerships, and nurturing learning environments for young children. From there, I worked in various early childhood classrooms, gaining experience with children across different age groups and educational settings.
As my career continued to grow, I transitioned into administrative and leadership roles, including serving as a Curriculum Coordinator, where I supported instructional practices, curriculum planning, and teacher development. I later became an adjunct professor and eventually an Assistant Professor at Western New Mexico University, where I now support and mentor preservice teachers as they prepare to enter the field of education.
Having lived and worked in different rural communities throughout New Mexico, I understand the unique strengths, challenges, and needs of small rural towns. I am passionate about advocating for equitable access to high-quality early childhood education and professional support for educators working in rural areas.
My passion is to guide and support preservice teachers as they enter the field with confidence, compassion, humility, and purpose. I strongly believe in supporting the whole child and nurturing development through meaningful relationships, hands-on experiences, and play-based learning practices that honor children’s curiosity, creativity, and individual strengths.
Early Childhood Mentor Network | Lead Mentors
Teena Bhakta
I am Teena Bhakta, I was born and raised in England and moved to Las Cruces in 2006. New Mexico is 100% the land of Enchantment for me and I could not see myself living anywhere else. I have fallen in love with the rich culture, history and heritage that New Mexico offers and the opportunity to be a part of the diverse community we all live in.
I am a mother to two beautiful boys who keep me busy when I am not working. Early Childhood Education is in my blood, I have been in the field for 28 years and love the work that I do. I have worked in various roles through-out my career, from Pre-school teacher, director of a center, NM PreK, Child Life Specialist within a busy pediatric emergency room, NMSU as the Program Manager/Director for Dona Ana County Head Start and now as an Education Consultant for UNM, ECSC. I have my Masters in Educational Leadership, Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and two Associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and the other in Education. I have been working on my PhD for the past two years and will begin dissertation hours in the fall. I am CLASS certified for both PreK-3 and Infant & Toddler, a CDA PD Specialist since 2023 and I am in the process of becoming endorsed in Infant Mental Health. I have been a part of the Early Childhood Networks since 2020. I am very excited for this opportunity to continue my lifelong learning.
Fatima Hamad
Hello, I’m Fatima Hamad, Coach, lead mentor, and education consultant with over 10 years of experience. I have been mentoring and consulting professionals in the early childhood field for the past 10 years, helping them navigate their career paths and develop essential skills.
My mentoring style is collaborative and supportive. I believe in building strong, honest relationships with my mentees to foster a trusting and open environment. I specialize in FOCUS Criteria, Teachstone CLASS Observers/facilitator, and PreK standards. I can also provide insights into navigating corporate early childhood developmental/milestone specially child behavior challenge. Outside of work, I enjoy camping, reading historical fiction, and listening to 6he music. I am available for mentoring sessions Virtual through “via video call/chat, email, phone call/text, depending on what works best for my mentees.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a lead mentor is witnessing the growth and development of those I’ve had the privilege to guide. I’ve seen teachers transform from novices in their field to seasoned professionals, and it’s a tremendous source of pride to know that I played a role in their success. Helping others realize their potential and achieve their goals is a deeply fulfilling experience.
Being a lead mentor is not just a role I’ve taken on — it’s a part of who I am. With each teacher I guide, I’m not only sharing my knowledge and experience but also my passion for helping others succeed.
Tricia Heffelfinger
Tricia Heffelfinger holds a Master of Arts in Education and Psychology from Western New Mexico University and has worked with young children and families for more than 30 years. Her career began as a babysitter and nursery school teacher at her family church and evolved into roles including preschool teacher, Head Start director, education consultant, and currently Assistant Director at Alpha School.
Tricia is Infant Mental Health Endorsed (IMH-E®) for about 5 years and recently became a reflective supervisor. She has specialized training in Practice-Based Coaching, has been a CLASS observer, and is a registered Circle of Security facilitator for both family and classroom settings.
Her professional passions include father engagement, addressing food insecurity, infant and early childhood mental health, and promoting the power of play as a foundation for healthy development and lifelong learning.
Throughout her career, Tricia has remained committed to supporting children, families, and early childhood professionals through relationship-based practices, reflective support, and high-quality educational experiences.
Laura Johnson
I was born and raised in Albuquerque and have family in Chicago, Missouri, Texas, and Alaska. I currently work for Albuquerque Public Schools with New Mexico PreK. I have proudly worked in the school system for 22 years, serving children from birth through 8th grade. My son is currently attending The University of New Mexico.
As a family, we enjoy traveling, movies, sports, and spending time together over dinner. Personally, I enjoy reading, running, and creating fun beaded jewelry. I look forward to another great year guiding and working with mentors. Have a wonderful year!
Brandy Loughborough
Hi, my name is Brandy Loughborough. I am the fiancée of Tommy. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters, Esmerald and Katrina. I am Nana to my 3 grandsons Jerimijah, Lorenzo and Sebastian. I am currently working at LCDF Early Head Start Home-Based program as the Lead Home Visitor and Recruiter.
I have my bachelor’s degree in applied studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Birth-4 yrs. I also have my associate’s degree in early childhood. I am a certified Master Trainer within the seven general early childhood education competency areas, Infant Mental Health Specialist, Certified Car Seat Technician, Family Engagement Credentialed Administrator, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and a Certified Full-Spectrum Doula.
I hold many titles that are dear and near to my heart. I enjoy working with expectant families and children from birth-3 yrs. I have completed my first year as a Lead Mentor and loved building all the relationships. I am hoping to share all my knowledge with other students and educators.
Lesly Y Marin Leon
I am a passionate and dedicated early childhood professional with a strong commitment to supporting children’s growth and development. I am a mom of two kids, a 14-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl. I enjoy creating positive learning experiences that help children build confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills.
Through my experience working with young children, I have developed patience, creativity, and strong communication skills when collaborating with families, children, and fellow educators. I value building caring relationships and fostering inclusive environments where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to learn.
As an early childhood mentor applicant, I hope to continue growing professionally while supporting and inspiring others in the field through teamwork, encouragement, and a shared commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
Lynala N Nakai
My name is Lynala Nakai. I am originally from Red Mesa, Utah which is part of the Navajo Reservation. I live in Farmington, NM; where I live with my daughter, Lyniah. We have lived in Farmington for about 10 years now. My educational journey started at San Juan College where I earned my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in May 2016.
I continued to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education at New Mexico Highlands University, completing in May 2019. I then began my Master’s Program in Early Childhood Education in Leadership at Northern Arizona University graduating in May of 2022. I have been in the early childhood educational field for many years working at a community based childcare center, public school PreK program and now coaching PreK Teachers.
I am currently an Early Childhood Instructional Coach with Central Region Educational Cooperative (CREC). I support PreK Teachers within the San Juan County area that are in New Mexico PreK Classroom and 619 Classrooms.
Some of my hobbies include a lot of traveling with my daughter supporting her in her sports such as running, softball, track, and basketball. We also like to stay home relaxing on the couch and watch TV.
Anastasia Topping
My name is Anastasia Topping. I have been working with infants from birth to 17 months for the past 20 years, with 15 years at UNM-Taos Kids Campus. I love working with infants because of the tremendous growth and accomplishments they achieve during their time in the infant classroom. I believe that every infant is a capable, competent individual, with their own individual likes/dislikes, who deserves to be listened to and heard, having their needs met in a timely manner, and when they are ready.
I have a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education, Certificates in Infant Family Studies, Mentoring, PITC, Infant/Toddler Pyramid Model, trauma-responsive care for infants/toddlers, Zero to Three: The Growing Brain, and am an NM FOCUS Master Level 2 Trainer.
I am a lead mentor with ECMN and mentor UNM-Taos residency students. I am currently working on an infant mental health endorsement and implementing statewide infant/toddler trainings with SFCC. I have 5 beautiful daughters, 1 son, 2 grandsons, and 2 granddaughters (with 4 of my children and 1 of my grandchildren at home). I love spending time with my family, learning, cars, and being with my babies. I look forward to collaborating and learning together with you.
Infant Toddler Teacher Network | Lead Teachers
Diana Neli Bravo
My name is Diana Neli Bravo. My career started as a teacher in 2017 working in a DayCare, to the next year I started in Public Education as EA in a preschool/pre-k 4y Old-Dual Language class. I also have experience in kindergarten level. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Science and I got my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2022.
At the moment I’m working at Bernalillo Public Schools in the Bilingual Class 4y old. I’m also an education student Mentor for the Mentor Network. This year I will be a Lead Mentor, working with educators with experience and I hope to learn from them. I’m an Early Childhood Educator because I have a son. I love to have his schedule being his mom is my most important personal role. Being a pre-k teacher is allowing me to work with future teachers to support them and teach them about efficient strategies to work with young students. In my free time, I love to camp in the forest and work with my husband in the backyard.
Tina Goodrick-Lee
My name is Tina Goodrick-Lee. I was born and raised in Southern California. I moved to New Mexico 14 years ago and am a mother of six children and eight grandchildren. I stayed at home with my children when they were little. I began college in my thirties and got my AA in my forties. I have an AA in Early Childhood Education and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education.
I am currently working towards a master’s degree in early childhood education. I enjoy crocheting and knitting. I have been working in Early childhood for 9 years. I have been an infant teacher for 8.5 years. I enjoy working with infants and their families. I have been a mentor for about four years. I am excited to continue as a lead in the early childhood network with ITTN and to help teachers in our mentor partnership.
Julie Lutz
Hello! My name is Julie and I am so excited to be returning to ECN. My entire professional career has been here in NM. I began my career in early childhood with PB&J and then Early Head Start/Head Start. Working as an EHS/HS Transition Manager, I discovered the world of Early Intervention and fell in love with the model and scope of work. I have been working as Developmental Specialist now for 23 years and love to help families find joy in working together to achieve their goals for their young children.
Throughout my career I have been blessed with opportunities for leadership and mentorship positions and find that these challenge and grow me in amazing ways. I was honored to join ECN as a Lead, and working together with such amazing people has both helped to bring together the worlds of early childhood and early intervention and greatly enriched my professional life. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to again collaborate with the Early Childhood Networks and cannot wait to see where this next year takes us.
Tracy Royer
Hello all, my name is Tracy Royer. I was born in Durango, Colorado. I then moved to Farmington New Mexico where I was raised. There I attended classes San Juan College. I obtained my associate degree in early childhood education while working on campus at the Child and Family Development Center, a NAEYC accredited center.
While working I started as an Associate in the infant room, and looped with my group of children, leading to working as a Lead Preschool Teacher. I continued my education at Highlands University where I graduated with a BA in Multicultural Education Birth to Age 3. After completing my degree, I began my career as a Lead Mentor with the Early Childhood Mentor Network. I value community, connections, and the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals in our state.
I enjoy working with children and adult learners alike. I look forward to working with each one of you! I also enjoy mountain biking and I volunteer for a children’s mountain bike program F.A.S.T. (Farmington Area Single Track). We encourage and support children, as well as adults from all different developmental skills to come together, get outside and enjoy the trails ahead. Since moving I hope to bring this enjoyment to the White Rock Community.
Cristina Rubio Rodriguez
My name is Mrs. Cristina and I am currently an Elementary Montessori teacher. I have been teaching children for the past 19 years. I am from Madrid, Spain and I have been living in the US for the past 13 years. I studied Child Development Education, and I hold a Masters Degree in Educational Sciences. I am also a Registered Behavior Therapist and I recently got my Montessori teaching diploma.
I have a passion for teaching and learning and guiding little ones and also learning new things.
I love reading, traveling, being outdoors, yoga, all kind of plants and coffee. My husband and I have 3 children, a hedgehog, an axolotl and 2 birds.
Early Childhood Director Network | Lead Directors
Angela Feathers
I am an early childhood educator, Montessori leader, and advocate with experience serving public, private, charter, Indigenous, and Catholic school communities. My professional background includes roles as a charter school leader, Montessori principal, early childhood director, instructional coach, curriculum developer, and adult instructor.
Across these roles, I have supported educators and school teams in implementing developmentally appropriate, child-centered practice, strengthening classroom environments, and improving instructional quality in diverse educational settings.
I have designed and facilitated professional development for educators, developed curriculum for adult learning, and provided coaching grounded in reflective practice, collaboration, and continuous improvement. My leadership approach is rooted in relational trust and the belief that strong systems of adult learning directly impact outcomes for children.
In addition to my professional work, I am a mother and wife, which deeply informs my commitment to nurturing, responsive, and equitable learning environments. As an advocate for young children, educators, and families, I am dedicated to equity, community-centered practice, and ensuring all children have access to high-quality early childhood experiences.
Robin Goodnight
My name is Robin Goodnight, and I live in Tijeras, New Mexico. Although I was born in Albuquerque, I moved frequently during my childhood as part of an Air Force family. I currently serve as the Director of an early childhood education center licensed for 113 children, with 22 years of experience in the field. I recently earned my doctorate in early childhood education, a milestone that reflects my deep commitment to advancing high-quality care and education for children and families.
I have been married for 30 years and am the proud parent of two children—a 30-year-old son and a 22-year-old daughter. In my free time, I enjoy reading a good book or watching a suspenseful movie.
Karine Lazzarotto Loureiro
Karine Lazzarotto serves as the Executive Administrator and HR & Benefits Manager for East Gate Church and East Gate Kids Early Learning Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With a strong background in administration, operations, compliance, and team leadership, she is passionate about creating healthy organizational systems that support both staff and families.
In addition to her administrative role, Karine leads children’s ministry initiatives and has dedicated more than a decade to serving children and families through education, mentoring, and ministry. Her experience spans early childhood education, staff development, family engagement, foster care advocacy, and community outreach.
Karine is known for her collaborative leadership style, attention to detail, and commitment to building meaningful relationships. She enjoys helping organizations strengthen communication, improve processes, and create environments where people can thrive. As a foster parent and active community leader, Karine brings a unique perspective shaped by both professional expertise and personal experience. She is passionate about supporting children, strengthening families, and advancing initiatives that create lasting, positive impact in the communities they serve.
Henrietta L Romero
Hello, my name is Henrietta Romero, and I am proud to be the oldest of five children. From a young age, I dreamed of becoming the president of my own company, a vision that inspired me to pursue excellence in every step of my journey. During high school, I prepared myself diligently to become a skilled secretary, laying the foundation for a career built on dedication and service.
At 19, I began working at a credit union, where I quickly discovered my love for the financial industry and the satisfaction of helping others. After five years there, I continued to grow professionally with another five years at a bank. Seeking new challenges and opportunities, I transitioned to the City of Santa Fe, where I proudly served the community and, in a way, gave myself the “raise” I had always envisioned.
In 1994, I married my husband, with whom I have shared 31 wonderful years. Together, we built not only a marriage but a family with our daughter and two sons. I have one grandson and hope that someday we can grow our family with more grandchildren.
My passion for children deepened in 2007 when I volunteered at my son’s preschool. That experience inspired me to return to school and pursue a career in education, where I discovered my true calling: early childhood education. Since then, I have had the privilege of working with Presbyterian Medical Services, Trio Montessori School, La Tierra Montessori School of Science, and Ponderosa Montessori School.
Today, I serve as the Director of Ponderosa Montessori School, where I combine my administrative and management skills with my love for teaching. Guiding young learners and supporting families has become not just my profession, but my life’s purpose. My journey—from aspiring secretary to educator and leader—reflects my belief that with determination, compassion, and faith, dreams can evolve into something even greater than imagined.
Lead Home-Based Providers
Merline Gallegos
My name is Merline Gallegos, originally form Coahiuila, Mexico. I am an Early Childhood Education teacher now working as a director in a home-based daycare in Las Cruces. I am the mother of 4 children. I am a woman with the principles and values of my grandparents who raised me in their culture for most of my childhood. I very much enjoy my work since I can be close to my children. I like to prepare myself every day to take on new challenges.
I like to help in my community by helping parents and families, and I admire each of them for the challenges that they confront in their lives and that they continue striving here in the land of opportunities. I am the type of person who believes that everything in life happens for a reason; even though there are times that we suffer, it is part of our growth as people.
I feel very fortunate to be a leader of parents and to be able to share my story with them to inspire them and give them hope, that even though we must go through difficult situations, we never have to give up and there will always be someone to lend us a hand to continue fighting to achieve our dreams.
Liliana Vazquez Diaz
My name is Liliana Vazquez Diaz. I came to the US 20 years ago from Mexico. As a child, I always wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t have the means to pursue an education in my country. Once in this country, after years of working in customer service, I had the opportunity to work for a childcare program. I fell in love with the profession and decided that children deserve a high-quality education.
Therefore, I began my professional growth with a Child Development Certificate, an associate’s degree in early childhood education, and now a bachelor’s degree. My program opened almost six years ago, and we currently have a 5-star rating in the FOCUS program, and we provide New Mexico PreK.
Teaching is a labor of love. They say, “He who can, does; he who cannot, teaches.” I say, “We, who can teach, shape the lives of those who lead countries, write songs, parent kids, make great scientific discoveries, make movies. We set the foundations for the future”.