Community Schools Bureau Staff

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

Julie Brenning is a dedicated and dynamic leader supporting community schools, out-of-school time, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers across New Mexico. She is driven by values of collaborative leadership, innovative excellence, and heart. Julie holds a Master’s Degree in Asian Studies from the University of Utah, where her research focused on educational outcomes in the context of gender disparities, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University.

Phone: (505) 479-2864
Email: Nicholas.Merton@ped.nm.gov

Nick Merton currently serves as the Fiscal Manager for the Community Schools and Extended Learning Bureau at the New Mexico Public Education Department. In this role, he oversees fiscal operations, budget planning, and financial compliance for statewide programs supporting community engagement and extended learning opportunities. Nick Merton brings extensive experience in public finance, data analysis, and state operations to his current role. In his early career he served as a Tax Auditor with the Taxation and Revenue Department. He went on to work as a Financial Coordinator Supervisor for both the Early Childhood Education and Care Department and the Human Services Department. Most recently, Nick served as a Data Analyst in the Public Education Department’s School Budget Bureau, where he specialized in education finance data systems, reporting, and fiscal analysis. His diverse background across multiple state agencies provides a strong foundation in fiscal management, data-driven decision-making, and public service innovation.

Phone: (505) 531 7389
Email: nicole.oshea@ped.nm.gov

Dr. Nicole O’Shea EdD has been living in Santa Fe for the past 15 years with her family working in the combined fields of art, management, education. This is Dr. O’Shea’s third year working for the NMPED where she has overseen special programs that assist some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged students in New Mexico. She is committed to advance educational opportunities for students, particularly underprivileged students who face numerous barriers to access a quality education. She believes that equitable education ensures that every student, no matter their circumstance, feels valued and succeeds in their community.

Phone: (505) 531-7470
Email: natalie.avitia@ped.nm.gov

Natalie Avitia is a passionate, innovative and multi-faceted leader born and raised here in New Mexico.

Natalie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Management and Policy from the University of New Mexico. Natalie believes that a high quality education is a fundamental right for all children and that strategies such as the Community Schools strategy can bring equitable outcomes, data-driven decision making with results, and most importantly transformative, groundbreaking and uplifting change for all our students and communities.

Community Schools and 21st CCLC RfR Contact

Phone: (505) 412-1225
Email: Matthew.taylor@ped.nm.gov

Matthew is a lifelong New Mexican, achieving a bachelor’s degree in history and political science, with ten years of management and fiscal experience. He joined the New Mexico Public Education Department in March of 2025. He enjoys working everyday to improve the lives of every student of the New Mexico Public Education System.

Out-of-School Time RfR Contact

Phone: (505) 699- 7673
Email: brianda.loya@ped.nm.gov

Brianda Loya (“Bri”) currently serves as a member of the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED), bringing valuable experience from her previous roles. Originally from Colorado she began her professional journey as a legal assistant, specializing in probate and estate planning, where she developed strong skills and client relations. After relocating to New Mexico, she joined the state of New Mexico, working within Taxation and Revenue Department’s Motor Vehicle Division. In the fiancé department, her responsibilities included procurement and managing requests for proposals (RFPs). She also took oversight of lease agreements and negotiations following the RFP process, thereby building a solid foundation in financial operations and compliance. With her diverse experience and commitment to the public service, she aims to contribute to the ongoing improvements in educational opportunities and initiatives that will impact future generations in New Mexico.

Phone: (505) 366-1078
Email: asha.hernandez@ped.nm.gov
Counties Served: Community Schools: Bernalillo

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.

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.

Phone: (505) 333-8810
Email: tiffany.sandoval@ped.nm.gov
Counties Served: San Juan, Rio Arriba, McKinley, Cibola

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.

Phone: 575-323-1199
Email: yolanda.tafoya@ped.nm.gov
Counties Served: 21st CCLC and OST: Sierra, Catron, Socorro, Lincoln, Lea, Otero, Luna, Hidalgo, Grant

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.

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.

Email: victoria.santistevan@ped.nm.gov
Counties Served: OST, CS, 21st CCLC: Taos, San Miguel, San Juan, Rio Arriba, McKinley, Colfax, Mora, Quay, Curry

Victoria Santistevan brings more than 20 years of experience in education to the CSEL Bureau. She is deeply committed to uplifting students and their families, ensuring that every young person has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Victoria holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a Level III Administrator License through NMPED. Her career reflects a steadfast dedication to equity, community partnership, and culturally responsive practice.

A longtime resident of Taos, Victoria enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and contributing to her community. She volunteers with Girl Scouts, her church, and the Taos Community Foundation, reflecting her belief in service, stewardship, and strengthening the fabric of northern New Mexico.

Phone: 575-642-0709
Email: Alejandra.gonzalez@ped.nm.gov
Counties Served: OST, CS, 21st CCLC: Doña Ana, Valencia, Chavez

Alejandra Gonzalez brings extensive experience in early childhood systems, family engagement, and community partnerships across southern New Mexico. She has led collaborative efforts linking health, education, and social service sectors to strengthen family well-being and student success. As the Community Schools Southwest Region lead, Alejandra supports districts and communities in building equitable, data-informed strategies rooted in local leadership and care. Alejandra holds a Master’s in Business Administration from New Mexico State University and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She is passionate about empowering families, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and creating sustainable systems that reflect the voices of New Mexico’s diverse communities. A lifelong Dona Ana County resident, she enjoys faith-led service, fitness, and spending time with her two children, Joseph and Darcy.

Phone: 505-321-6058
Email: beth.hamilton@ped.nm.gov
Counties Served: OST, CS, 21st CCLC: Santa Fe, Sandoval, Guadalupe, Santa Fe, Sandoval, Torrance; Out-of-School Time: Bernalillo County

Beth Hamilton brings over 30 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, with a focus on secondary education, program development, grant writing, and community partnerships. She began her career as a secondary educator before moving into health and education advocacy, leading school-based health centers and promoting equity and student well-being. Now serving as the Northeast Quality Management Coordinator, she supports regional improvements in education and health through program evaluation and collaborative leadership. Based in Cochiti Lake with her husband, Beth is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast who enjoys wilderness exploration, travel, and global cuisine. Her past work as a wilderness and rafting guide in West Virginia and Alaska continues to shape her adventurous, resilient approach to life.