Cotillion Sneddy is a relational, values-driven early childhood leader with deep expertise in cross-cultural engagement, Indigenous systems-building, and data-informed policy and practice. She bridges policy and community through culturally grounded strategies, meaningful consultation, and tools that elevate Indigenous voices and strengthen accountability across tribal, state, and nonprofit systems. Grounded in local partnerships and global Indigenous perspectives, her work centers trust-building, collaboration, and creating learning environments where children, families, and educators thrive.  

Rebecca Thomas is a National Board Certified educator in English as a New Language and serves as a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Coach for New Mexico. With experience as a K–8 classroom teacher, instructional coach, literacy specialist, and project facilitator, she brings broad expertise to her work. She holds a BS in Elementary Education with a TESOL endorsement and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education. A proud native New Mexican, Rebecca is committed to advancing inclusive, student-centered classrooms statewide through UDL.

Jennifer Armstrong is a dedicated advocate for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive education with nearly 20 years in public education. She has served as an educator, instructional coach, and diagnostic-prescriptive teacher. Jennifer is a National Board Certified Teacher (Exceptional Needs Specialist) and a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional. She holds Level 3 NM licenses in Special Education, Administration, Elementary, and Middle Level Education and works to advance equity and access through UDL and assistive technology.

 Alexis Rel is a passionate educator with a Master's in Education, focusing on reflective practices. Currently serving as a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) coach, she brings over 18 years of teaching experience in creating dynamic and inclusive learning environments. Alexis's approach is deeply rooted in culturally responsive teaching and and philosophy of care that emphasizes equitable and accessible education. Her personalized teaching style is grounded in the principles of Universal Learning Design, prioritizing community, safety, and meaningful access for all learners. 

Dr. Deyanira Contreras is Director of Kids Campus Bilingual Early Childhood Center at Santa Fe Community College and faculty in Early Childhood Education at SFCC and New Mexico Highlands University. With 20+ years of experience, she is a statewide leader in bilingual education, inclusion, trauma-informed care, and workforce development. Trained in Autism Diagnosis and Intervention, she supports educators in implementing relationship-based, culturally responsive practices that honor home language, strengthen families, and promote meaningful participation for young children with diverse learning needs.

Casandra “CJ” Carrazco is the Bureau Chief of the NM PreK program at ECECD and has served the State of New Mexico for 24 years. An experienced educator, she has taught students from PreK through high school. Her expertise includes early childhood education, supporting students with learning disabilities, and strengthening literacy skills. A native New Mexican residing in Santa Fe, CJ is committed to ensuring NM PreK-funded programs provide high-quality education and that children, families, and communities receive the support they deserve.

Lucia C. Pacheco Garcia is an education leader with over 20 years of experience supporting students with exceptionalities. She holds an MSW in Organizational Leadership and Policy Practice from the University of Denver and a Principal Certificate from Lamar University. She served as Director of Exceptional Student Services at Santa Fe Public Schools (2021–2024) and previously as Head Principal of Zia Behavior School. Lucia is dedicated to inclusive learning environments and educational equity, and enjoys time with her family and the outdoors.

Shana Runck is Deputy Director for the Early Care, Education and Nutrition Division at the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department. She supports statewide early childhood partners delivering programs including the Child and Adult Care Food Program, NM PreK, and child care subsidy and regulation. With 20 years of experience across for-profit, nonprofit, government, and tribal settings, Shana is committed to equitable, high-quality care and education. She holds degrees from Colorado State University and the University of Northern Colorado and lives in Albuquerque with her family.

Dr. Jill Gilkerson is Chief Research and Evaluation Officer at the LENA Foundation, leading a team that collects and analyzes LENA data. A linguist specializing in early language acquisition, she has led research since 2005 on the impact of early conversational turn-taking on child development. Her work evaluates LENA-based interventions and examines links between early language environments and factors such as socioeconomic status and multilingualism. She has authored 27 peer-reviewed publications and earned her degrees from UCLA.

Stephanie Olmore is Director of Early Learning and Global Partner Engagement at the National P-3 Center at CU Denver. With over 25 years in early childhood development, she specializes in quality assurance and monitoring systems in the U.S. and internationally. She has led initiatives strengthening standards, accreditation, and continuous improvement, previously serving in leadership roles at NAEYC and ISSA. Stephanie holds degrees from CU Boulder and CU Denver and is committed to advancing high-quality early learning systems worldwide.

Josh Harrod graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS degree in Early Childhood Education. He spent six years working in various roles in the Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience lab under the direction of Dr. Stephanie Carlson, focusing on Executive Function and Autism. Josh served as the Director of Training upon the creation of Reflection Sciences, Inc. in 2014. He has twenty four years of experience as a Behavioral Therapist and ASD Consultant and has over two decades of experience with the Minnesota Executive Function Scale. Josh is currently involved in Sales, Training, Account Management and Customer Support for RSI as an Account Executive.

Kristy Reale is the Outdoor Learning Specialist at the New Mexico Public Education Department. She supports statewide efforts to integrate culturally sustaining, standards-aligned outdoor learning into K–12 classrooms. Kristy brings over a decade of experience in education and is dedicated to expanding equitable access to place-based learning across New Mexico. 

Terri Duhart, M.Ed., is an educator, instructional coach, national trainer, and certified New Mexico Master Trainer with over 25 years in early childhood education, including early intervention. As founder of TRD Pro & Associates LLC, she partners with schools and state agencies to deliver high-impact professional learning aligned to standards and quality frameworks. Her expertise includes curriculum implementation, executive function, literacy, math instruction, and coaching. Terri is known for engaging, research-based training tailored to NM PreK and Head Start contexts.

Patricia (Trish) Gharrity M.Ed, is the Manager of Math and Science and Program Manager for the Outdoor Learning Initiative at the Public Education Department. Her experience in education spans 20 years including teaching birth – 6th grade, Assistant Principal and Principal. She has experience in implementing outdoor education as a teacher, principal, and now is proud to support educators in the State of New Mexico. Patricia is also adjunct faculty at CNM in Early Childhood Education.  Patricia is a proud native of Santa Fe, NM. She has two children with whom she loves camping, hiking, and watching movies.