Community Schools Bureau Staff

Phone: (505) 795-5526
Email: julie.brenning@ped.nm.gov

Julie Brenning is a dedicated, dynamic leader, overseeing over 150 community schools, 300 out-of-school time and 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and the high-impact tutoring program. She is driven by values of collaborative leadership, innovative excellence, and heart. Her strategic vision and dedication to culturally responsive practices foster vibrant communities through meaningful partnerships, innovative educational initiatives across New Mexico, and nurturing a committed team of professionals who drive these programs. Outside of work, Julie enjoys hiking, being in the water, playing with her three kids, and cherishing time with her partner Rachel.

Email: tanya.montoya-ramirez@ped.nm.gov

Tanya Montoya-Ramirez has worked for the State of New Mexico for over 18 years. She served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Administrative Hearings Office and the Public Employee Labor Relations Board, where she had a Memorandum of Understanding to be their CFO for the past 5 years. She was also the CFO for the Office of African American Affairs and held other positions that have supported her career. She holds an associate’s degree in Accounting, a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Administration, and a master’s in Accountancy with a Graduate Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Bridge Certificate from the University of Phoenix.

Phone: (505) 366-1078
Email: asha.hernandez@ped.nm.gov

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.

Phone: (505) 408-8610
Email: nicole.murillo@ped.nm.gov

Nicole Murillo brings 26 years of experience in education, having served as a classroom teacher, school counselor, and administrator. Most recently, she was the principal of a community school in Farmington, New Mexico. Nicole currently supports the development and implementation of community schools in the northwest region of the state. She lives in Farmington with her husband and their three children. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and spending quality time with her family.

Phone: (505) 803-1285
Email: melanie.maestas@ped.nm.gov

Melanie Maestas is the QMC for the Northeast Region of New Mexico Community Schools. Contact Melanie if you are a school in the NE region for assistance for application support for the NMPED CS grant, CS grant deliverables, CS Coordinator support, and site-based leadership team support.

Phone: (505) 333-8810
Email: tiffany.sandoval@ped.nm.gov

Tiffany Sandoval has been in education for several years and brings 1.5 years of experience providing fiscal and administrative support to Community Schools initiatives. In her current role, she manages budgets, ensures compliance, and supports the coordination of services that help meet the academic and non-academic needs of students and families. Tiffany is passionate about creating opportunities for children to thrive both in and out of the classroom. She lives in the Farmington area with her husband and three children.

Email: amy.florez@ped.nm.gov

Amy Florez serves as a dedicated education leader, supporting statewide implementation of out-of-school time and 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs. With a background in secondary education, program development, grant management, and school-community partnerships, she is committed to advancing equity and student success through expanded learning opportunities. Amy brings a collaborative, data-informed approach to building systems that support youth, families, and educators across New Mexico.

Email: jill.bratton@ped.nm.gov

Jill Bratton is the 21st CCLC, OST and HIT Specialist. In her experience as an educator, family literacy specialist, and curriculum consultant, she has consistently centered culturally responsive practices and community voice in her work. Jill holds a Master’s in Language, Reading, and Culture from the University of Arizona, with a focus on Latinx parental engagement in the mathematics education of their children. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. Jill lives in Socorro with her husband, son, dog, and cat. In her free time she loves traveling, doing yoga, and visiting with friends and family.

Phone: (575) 639-3403
Email: sarah.cabrera@ped.nm.gov

Sarah Cabrera is a Quality Management Coordinator (QMC) for the 21st CCLC Program, specializing in data and evaluation. She leads efforts in data analysis, supports program evaluation, and ensures compliance with 21 APR requirements. For assistance with EZReports or any data-related needs, feel free to contact Sarah.

Email: kerri.hestand@ped.nm.gov

Kerri Hestand provides fiscal support for 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs. She provides assistance for subgrantee budgets, RfR’s and fiscal compliance. Kerri is passionate about her work and finds joy in making a positive impact through her role. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Phone:(505) 819-3743
Email: myah.crisp@ped.nm.gov

Myah Crisp provides fiscal support for House Bill 2 Out-of-School Time and High-Impact Tutoring grant programs. Myah has six years of experience working as a licensed business manager at the school district level. She is a certified Chief Procurement Officer and former New Mexico Association of School Business Officials board member.