Spoke Managers in the Early Childhood Networks are connectors, problem-solvers, and advocates for educators and students. Their job is to make sure no one feels lost in the system, whether it’s a first-generation college student, a mentor learning adult teaching theory, or a program director trying to grow their team.
Spoke Manager Krystel Sanchez sees her work as building bridges. She serves as both an Early Childhood Networks Spoke Manager and the APRENDE Program Manager at Santa Fe Community College’s Early Childhood Center of Excellence (ECCOE). “Without having friendly faces and distinct points of contact, it’s really easy for students to get lost,” she says. When challenges arise — confusion about school processes, communication breakdowns, or conflict — Krystel steps in to connect mentors, faculty, and students so everyone is on the same page.
One memorable moment involved a mentee who had stopped attending classes because she didn’t know how to check her school email — a small but critical barrier that put her entire program at risk. “We sat down with the mentor and faculty, compared notes, and came up with a game plan,” Krystel recalls. “Once she had face-to-face support and knew who to ask for help, she got right back on track, and she’s thriving now.”
Krystel’s goal is to make sure educators and students feel supported, not stuck. “The Early Childhood Networks really support ongoing learning and professionalism, while recognizing people with a wealth of experience,” she explains. She also works with mentors to prepare them for leadership roles, encouraging them to facilitate discussions and present at conferences.
“I want anyone who interacts with me to feel like they could take my job one day,” Krystel says. “That means they have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to keep growing.”
Interested in becoming a Spoke Manager or joining the network? Applications open in the spring. Learn more at ecnetworks.org/early-childhood-spoke-manager.