Travis L. Dempsey is a lifelong New Mexico educator and school leader with a distinguished career spanning 26 years. He has served as Superintendent of Gadsden Independent School District and Cloudcroft Municipal Schools, Principal of Mountainair High School, and teacher at Mountainair Public Schools. Born and raised in New Mexico and a proud graduate of Mountainair High School, Travis has dedicated his career to improving opportunities and outcomes for students and families across the state.

Under his leadership, schools and districts achieved national and state recognition. Three schools earned National Blue Ribbon honors :Cloudcroft Middle School (2016), Desert View Elementary (2017), and Mesquite Elementary (2021) while Santa Teresa Middle School was named a National ESEA Distinguished School in 2018. Travis was recognized as New Mexico Superintendent of the Year in 2020. He also led the districtwide implementation of the Community Schools Framework in 2024 and celebrated Bilingual Multicultural Program Recognition Awards in 2025 for Loma Linda Elementary and Riverside Elementary.

After retiring from Gadsden ISD in January 2026, Travis transitioned from Public Education to becoming a partner in EDvice New Mexico, where he now partners in providing expertise in investigations, Title IX and Title IV compliance, board training, and policy development. He works with schools and organizations to strengthen governance, ensure compliance, and create safe, equitable environments for students and staff.
Travis and his wife, Lori Zamora-Dempsey, reside in Las Cruces, New Mexico. They are proud parents of two daughters and grandparents to three granddaughters, with whom they enjoy spending quality time.

Catalina Neff serves as the Family Engagement Specialist in the Student Support Services Division at the New Mexico Public Education Department. With more than 15 years of experience in family and community engagement, at-risk programming, and advocacy, she is committed to building strong, authentic partnerships between schools and families so every voice is heard and valued in the educational journey.
Her work is grounded in equity, inclusion, and uplifting marginalized communities, including at-risk youth and LGBTQ students and families. Catalina focuses on creating welcoming, culturally responsive spaces that foster trust, strengthen collaboration, and support student success. She believes that when families and schools partner meaningfully, students are better positioned to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally

Yolanda Tafoya is a dedicated community advocate with over 20 years of experience in community health, education, and family engagement. She holds a degree in Community Health from New Mexico State University and is certified as a Community Health Worker (CCHW) and as a Community Support Worker (CSW). Her career spans clinical, nonprofit, and educational settings. Her career also includes over a decade with the Truth or Consequences Municipal School District, where she served as Pre-K Educational Assistant, music and dance instructor, 21st CCLC Site Coordinator, and Community Schools Coordinator.
Yolanda is also the founder and CEO of a nonprofit organization recently awarded a county initiative through the Anna, Age Eight Institute. A proud wife of her middle school sweetheart and mother of two. She draws inspiration from her family and community to strengthen families through collaboration, prevention, and education.

A results-driven, dedicated, and accomplished education executive, Tara has a proven track record of success in strategically planning and executing national education programs that support schools in improving learning outcomes. She demonstrates expertise in cultivating and maintaining strong alliances with teachers, administrators, families, caregivers, and other key stakeholders in public education. With a solid background in instructional theory and practice, Tara brings extensive experience in operational management, including oversight of unit and program functions such as budgeting, forecasting, resource management, recruiting, strategic planning, relationship building, continuous improvement, and change management. A proven leader, she has consistently developed and motivated teams to exceed goals. A key driver of her professional success is the ability to apply strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with students, educators, and community members alike.

Magdalena Soña Alaniz Saiz is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration. Dr. Saiz has over 20 years of experience in multiple educational settings as a teacher, social worker and administrator. She currently serves as the Senior Manager of Safe and Healthy Schools Bureau for the New Mexico Public Education Department where she supports schools and districts throughout the state with securing and implementing whole health well-being efforts. In all her work, she strives to create systems that demand socially just and equitable practices for all students, families, and those who serve in educational settings throughout New Mexico.

Jed Duggan is in his 26th year in education. He has worked with board members as a charter leader and as a central office administrator in Gadsden ISD. He designed the MLSS processes for Gadsden ISD which was recognized as a model for the State of New Mexico. Since May 2024, he has worked within the NM PED where one of his primary responsibilities is to update guidance and provide professional development to district and school leadership on the implementation of their MLSS processes. In addition to his duties in MLSS, Jed has co-chaired the AI steering committee and been a lead facilitator in New Mexico’s AI Guidance in Education. He has been the lead facilitator at 3 statewide convenings and the AI Summit held in the Winter of 2024.

Dana Malone is a dedicated advocate for children and youth experiencing
homelessness, with a deep commitment to ensuring equitable access to education.

For the past twelve years, Dana has served as the State Coordinator of Education for
Homeless Children and Youth at the New Mexico Public Education Department. In this
role, she works to remove educational barriers and promote policies that support the
academic success of students facing housing instability. She firmly believes that a
stable and supportive educational experience is one of the most effective pathways out
of homelessness.
Dana’s passion for advocacy, policy development, and collaboration continues to drive
her efforts to improve educational opportunities for vulnerable student populations.

Ms. Elisa Cumplido serves as the Title I Coordinator/District Academic Administrator under Federal Programs for the Gadsden Independent School District. In this role, she works to ensure that Title I resources effectively support student achievement and equitable education across the district.
As the leader of the district-wide Attendance For Success initiative, Ms. Cumplido is dedicated to improving student attendance, engagement, and academic outcomes. With a strong background in curriculum and instruction, she previously served as a Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Coach, and Teacher, bringing valuable experience in instructional leadership, professional development, and student-centered learning.
Committed to fostering relationships with students, families, and educators, Ms. Cumplido believes in a holistic approach to education—empowering parents, strengthening instruction, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Asha Villafañe Hernández has been working with the Community Schools strategy since
2007, and as a bilingual community organizer since 2003. Through this transformative,
asset-based journey in the US and México, she has learned that our communities will be
whole and healed when everyone has a seat at the table. She has been honored to serve
New Mexico through local, regional and statewide administrative and support roles,
including serving as a Community Schools Coordinator and District Family Engagement
Liaison. She holds a master's degree from the University of New Mexico and a teaching
licensure in Art Education and TESOL. She is a long-time resident of Albuquerque's
International District and beautiful Sunland Park, New Mexico, and has a deep love for
the communities of our state.

Johnny Rivera is a dedicated public servant with more than 11 years of experience working
to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for students and families. He holds a
Master’s degree in Public Administration from New Mexico State University, where he
developed a strong foundation in public leadership, policy, and community-centered
governance.
As the Community School Manager for Las Cruces Public Schools, Johnny leads efforts to
advance educational equity and collaborative partnerships across eight Community
Schools. In this role, he works to scale, support, and sustain the Community School model
by aligning school resources with community needs, strengthening cross-sector
partnerships, and supporting site-based leadership teams.
Johnny is passionate about creating systems that ensure students and families are not
only supported but also heard. His work focuses on empowering communities through
shared decision-making, democratic engagement, and strategic collaboration among
educators, families, and local partners. By fostering inclusive practices and innovative
solutions, he helps build environments where every student has access to the resources
and opportunities they need to succeed.
Through his leadership and commitment to service, Johnny continues to champion
initiatives that amplify community voice and strengthen the connection between schools
and the communities they serve.

Erica Martinez Maestas is the proud principal of Chaparral Elementary in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Born and raised in Santa Fe and a product of Santa Fe Public Schools, Erica strives to engage her community to best meet the needs of students and families. Having served in public education for 25 years, Erica has an inside perspective on what makes a school and community strong and healthy. Erica is currently working on earning her Ed. D. from Colorado State University.

I have served the State of New Mexico within the Office of School and Adolescent Health for the last twenty years. Our office strives to serve the young people here through five major initiatives, including positive youth development and improving health literacy, the clinical oversight of school nursing, the oversight of school behavioral health services, the oversight of school-based health centers and adolescent suicide prevention. To this end, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise of these content areas, Additionally, I have a passion for system’s thinking/analysis and how our initiatives complement and enhance other adolescent serving organizations including our managed care organizations, our state and local education agencies, and our juvenile justice agencies.
I provide guidance and direction for the day-to-day operations of OSAH including clinical guidance for our school nurses, school counselors and school social workers, school-based health centers and positive youth development programs. I also interact with our Public Education Department to improve the intersection of adolescent health and academics for our state. I am also fortunate to be able to partner with other state agencies, such as, the Children, Youth and Families Department and the Health Care Authority on those issues that affect young people where their health outcomes and academic success connect. I am acutely aware of the role health plays in academic success and conti9nually work to improve this connection.

Erin Boyd has nearly two decades of experience working with diverse populations through nonprofit and school-based services. As the Community School Coordinator at Conlee Community Elementary School, she works collaboratively with staff, students, families, and community partners to strengthen student support systems and promote student success. Her work focuses on building relationships, connecting families to resources, and developing initiatives that improve attendance, engagement, and school culture.

Crista has over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse in many different
clinical areas with a certification as a Legal Nurse Consultant since 2018.
Her first degree was in Communications with an emphasis in Radio/TV/Film.
Although she lived and worked in the greater Los Angeles area for many
years, she is happy she made the decision to move into nursing from film.
She is a published author of short stories and is working on her first novel.
She enjoys painting (landscapes oil on canvas mostly) as well as hiking,
swimming, horseback riding, reading, film/tv, dancing, arts/crafts…., ad
nauseum.

With over two decades of dedicated service in the field of education, Candice Rincon brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and artistic perspective to her work. Her 23-year career is defined by a deep commitment to student success, school culture, and operational excellence. For the past four years, Candice has served in school leadership, where she oversees critical pillars of the educational environment. Her current portfolio includes:
PBIS & School Culture: Implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports to foster a safe and encouraging learning atmosphere.
Attendance & Engagement: Developing strategies to improve student presence and participation.
Athletics: Managing programs that promote teamwork, discipline, and school spirit.
Testing & Accountability: Coordinating rigorous assessment schedules to ensure data-driven growth.
Music Education (19 Years): Before transitioning into administration, Candice spent nearly two decades as a music educator. This extensive background in the arts instilled in her a unique ability to harmonize complex systems and lead with the precision of a conductor.
Candice believes that a thriving school requires a balance of structure and empathy. Whether she is analyzing testing data or cheering from the sidelines of an athletic event, her focus remains on building an environment where every student has the tools and the motivation to succeed.

Denisse Parisi, LPCC, serves as a Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Liaison in southern New
Mexico. She established and runs a Student Resource Center at Mayfield High School to support
students transitioning back into the school environment and to provide a structured space for
emotional regulation.
She piloted the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) program for Las Cruces Public Schools. As a
result of her work, Mayfield High School was awarded a $70,000 wellness grant and the
Stronger Connections Technical Assistance Center (SCTAC) grant through the New Mexico
Public Education Department (NMPED). The Stronger Connections grant supports the
development of a peer-to-peer student mental health organization aligned with a mental health
career pathway.
Denisse oversees school-based systems and programs that address student behavioral and socialemotional needs.

Amber Bright loves being an educator and is currently serving as a school principal, bringing her
passion for learning and innovation into every aspect of school leadership. She has taught and
led in several states, including Texas, New Mexico, and Alaska, gaining a wide range of
experiences that shape her student-centered approach.
In 2012, Bright was one of only five teachers selected to experience microgravity, an opportunity
that reflects her commitment to immersive, real-world learning. Her background includes
organizing memorable field trips to Denali National Park and Bandelier National Monument, as
well as inviting NASA scientists into classrooms to speak and inspire students.
Bright is also the author of When All Else Fails: Reasons Why I Stay in the Classroom and How
You Can Find Your Why, a book that reflects her deep belief in purpose-driven education and
supporting educators through the challenges of the profession.
She has been recognized for her impact on students and staff, earning Elementary Teacher of
the Year honors in the Gregory-Portland Independent School District (2014–2015) and the
Bastrop Independent School District (2020–2021). Bright has facilitated numerous professional
development sessions focused on technology integration, including presentations at the ASTE
Conference in Alaska, and was voted by colleagues as the staff member most likely to innovate
in the classroom.
As a principal, Bright believes that engagement is the key to solving challenges in education
and continues to seek “the magic” that helps students, teachers, and schools thrive

Angelique Sedillo is a dynamic professional with a robust background spanning education, public relations, and risk management. With over 20 years of experience, she excels in building partnerships, delivering impactful presentations, and implementing programs that promote safety and community engagement.

Angelique’s tenure as a Public Relations Coordinator with the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office further underscores her commitment to public safety and education. At POMS, she is spearheading statewide initiatives to educate students and communities on healthy relationships, online safety, school violence prevention, and fostering positive school climates. Her dedication has earned her notable recognition, including being featured in the Albuquerque Journal as a "Life Changer of the Year" awardee. For the past five years, Angelique has been an active board member of the New Mexico Safe School Summit and the New Mexico school threat assessment team.

A natural leader and team player, Angelique is adept at project management, stakeholder engagement, and public speaking. Angelique actively advocates for creating safe, inclusive environments for students and families.

Sydney Smith is a Regional Director at Edia overseeing Attendance Partnerships with districts
across New Mexico. She has spent the past 2 years at Edia studying trends and solutions to
tackling chronic absenteeism. Her work in New Mexico remains a point of pride, particularly due
to the strong relationships she has forged with her district partners who have utilized Edia to
improve attendance and meaningfully improve student outcomes.Her goal is to continue to
support New Mexico School Districts in getting kids back in class.

Anna Weaver is a results-driven educational leader with more than a decade of experience
advancing student achievement and building high-impact school systems. She earned her
Bachelor’s degree in Education from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master’s degree in
Educational Leadership from Western New Mexico University.
Anna’s leadership journey is rooted in the classroom, where she consistently delivered
exceptional academic growth through intentional curriculum design and data-driven instruction.
As an elementary and middle school educator, her work led to some of the highest growth and
proficiency outcomes in her district, including a significant increase in middle school math
proficiency.
Throughout her career, Anna has held key leadership roles focused on instructional coherence,
data analysis, and team development. She has led curriculum adoption efforts, facilitated
professional learning communities, designed data-tracking systems, and guided 90-day
improvement cycles aimed at closing achievement gaps. Her leadership approach emphasizes
clarity, accountability, and collaboration.
Anna became Principal of Holloman Middle School in 2024, leading initiatives to strengthen
school systems through data-driven PLCs, improve attendance, and promote academic recovery
while closing learning gaps. She is known for developing sustainable, actionable solutions that
foster strong family partnerships, support teacher effectiveness, and keep students engaged and
on track for success.
Anna’s leadership has been recognized at the state level, including being named New Mexico
Middle School Advisor of the Year and receiving the NMSBA Excellence in Student
Achievement Award. She is passionate about empowering educators, cultivating strong school
culture, and creating structures that allow both students and staff to thrive.