Governing Council Members
Dr. Barbara Medina- President
Barbara M. Medina Ph.D. is a lifelong educator. She has served students and their communities as a teacher, administrator, and policy researcher in K-12, higher ed, state, national, and international settings. Her work on education of cultural and linguistically diverse students and equity issues has shaped practice and policy. She served as interim President, Northern New Mexico College (2022). Dr. Medina is currently the Executive Director of the New Mexico Association of Community Colleges (NMACC). Dr. Medina is a member of the Governance Board of Christine Duncan Heritage Academy.
She enjoys reading, family genealogy, history/geography of the southwest, camping and traveling.
Dr. Edward Monaghan-Vice President
Dr. Edward Monaghan is a retired educator and administrator and provides educational consulting services through West Mesa Educational Consulting. He received a Doctorate in Education from New Mexico State University, a Masters in Education Administration from Rhode Island College and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. He has served in different capacities in many organizations, including the United States Department of Education Program Evaluation/Senior Staff, President of GMCS Elementary Principals Association, New Mexico Secretary of Education Assessment and Accountability Council, United States Department of Education National Indian Study Technical Review Panel, and a board member for Frieds of Sierra Leone. He brings experience in the areas of Public Education, Strategic Planning, Policy Development, Accounting and Finance, and New Mexico Public Education Law.
He would like to use his skill set to continue supporting underserved children in New Mexico. He wants to continue making a difference in the lives of children.
Ms. Silvia Fraire-Niño - Treasurer
Mrs. Vilma Alejandra Alvarez - Secretary
Mrs. Vilma Alejandra Ruiz is a parent at Christine Duncan's Heritage Academy. She is also a former employee and wants to make a difference in our community by supporting the school's Governing Council. She is bilingual and strongly believes all children deserve such a wonderful opportunity of being bilingual. She has over 10 years of customer service experience and is currently working for the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
Mrs. Elma Garcia- Member
Elma Garcia is a well-known faculty member at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), with over 15 years of experience and a strong dedication to early childhood education and expertise in multicultural instruction. She has made a significant impact in the field, particularly in bilingual and Spanish instruction.
Within CNM's Early Childhood Multicultural Education program, Elma plays a crucial role in guiding teachers to effectively engage and support Spanish-speaking children and their families. By bridging the gap between home and school, she promotes cultural inclusivity and bilingualism, fostering stronger connections among families and early education.
One of Elma's notable achievements is the pioneering of CNM's Bilingual-Spanish Program. Collaborating with colleagues, she designed and implemented this groundbreaking initiative in 2009, championing bilingualism and advocating for culturally responsive teaching strategies. The program continues to thrive today, positively impacting students' lives and supporting early childhood education in New Mexico.
Elma's deep dedication to early childhood education, extensive knowledge in multicultural instruction, and commitment to embracing diversity make her an invaluable member of CNM's faculty. Her influence extends to shaping the next generation of educators, instilling in them the values of inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and nurturing every child's unique potential.
She was approved to be a Governing Council Member at Christine Duncan Heritage Academy in March 2024. She hopes to support the school’s strong efforts in the implementation of the Dual Language Program, and specifically in Early Childhood Education. She feels her personal and professional experience will be an asset to the school and the community it serves.
Mr. Timothy Woodard - Member
Tim Woodard is a parent of a child that attends CDHA. He is retired from Albuquerque Fire Rescue where he served for 23 years. Currently, he teaches at Central Community College of New Mexico. Tim is very excited to serve on the Governing Council and be apart of positive growth within our school and community.
Ms. Pamela Tianguistengo - Member
Ms. Nohemi Chevere Manzano - Member