Faculty and Staff

FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL

Kara Bobroff is Navajo/Lakota and was raised in Albuquerque. She began her educational career teaching behaviorally disordered middle school students in Albuquerque. She served as Assistant Principal in APS at a low-income urban school for two years and for four years at a “Distinguished School” in Marin County, CA. As principal of Newcomb Middle School in 2003-2004, Kara worked with 250 Navajo students and seven different reservation communities in New Mexico. When she became Principal in 2003, Newcomb Middle School was recognized for its academic achievement by the local school board.

Kara was recently identified as one of the “Best Emerging Social Entrepreneurs” in the country and awarded a national Echoing Green Fellowship to establish NACA as one of the first urban academies to support language, culture, health and college preparation for youth. Through her work, NACA has been selected as the first “Collaborative Charter” in the state of New Mexico by the Albuquerque Public School District.

Kara received her Master’s in Special Education and an Ed.S in Educational Administration as a Danforth Scholar from the University of New Mexico. As a graduate of Albuquerque Public Schools and UNM, Kara has used her professional training and experience in public education to develop thoughtful curricula, rigorous academic standards and real partnerships with parents and communities. Her role models represent a long line of educators such as her family, colleagues and gifted mentors. She hopes that NACA can provide students with what great teachers and mentors have provided her along the way.

SCHOOL DEANS

Rena Cash is the Dean of Students & Special Education. She has been in education for 20 years, primarily in the field of Special Education and has been a District/Site administrator for 10 of the 20 years. Ms. Cash’s role at NACA is Dean of Students and Special Education Coordinator. Both roles involve taking the necessary steps so that all students are successful in their education, safe while preparing for their future, and working to increase communication with staff, students, and families.

noid1y020742 Faculty and Staff Albino “Jr.” Garcia (Apache/Mexican) is the Dean of Culture & a Lakota language Instructor at NACA. He provides cultural consultation directly to students and families, including ceremonial interventions and program development support, and is integral in developing partnerships with Indigenous cultural and spiritual leaders across North America.

ADMINISTRATION

Elizabeth McMinn is the Director of Finance and Business Manager at the Native American Community Academy. Elizabeth manages NACA’s finances and reporting and also supports the administration of the school’s new and existing initiatives. Elizabeth’s office is also a popular place for students, who seek her out for advice and the occasional sandwich..

Anpao Duta Flying Earth is Standing Rock Lakota, White Earth Ojibwe, and Akimel O’odham. Duta grew up on the Standing Rock reservation in South Dakota in a household that strongly advocated education. He graduated from Cornell University with a BA in Government, and joined NACA to assist in opening the charter school in 2006. He has served as an outreach and community programs coordinator, and has also begun to teach Lakota Language and Culture classes at NACA. Duta, a singer of traditional Lakota songs and contemporary powwow songs, has long been a learner of Lakota language and has participated in language revitalization efforts that his grandmother, Patricia Locke, advocated for and developed. Duta is interested in further developing indigenous language revitalization efforts through learning and sharing with other indigenous communities. In his spare time, Duta enjoys singing, doing quillwork, and playing basketball.

noid1y02268 11 Faculty and Staff

Kyle Lippert is the Technology Coordinator at Native American Community Academy. Kyle is originally from Western New York where he attended The State University of New York at Fredonia & Brockport. He has been with NACA since the 2007/2008 school year. In his free time Kyle enjoys camping, hiking, snowboarding, & playing music.

Romulous Charles works as an administrative assistant at the Native American Community Academy. He goes above and beyond the typical front desk duties by serving as an assistant to Principal Kara Bobroff and working in many other administrative capacities. Romulous is currently attending UNM and Majoring in Nuclear Medicine.

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ACADEMIC & PROGRAM STAFF

NACA CERTIFIED STAFF SALARY SCHEDULE 2011-12

Sunshine Portal

Emily Beenen is originally from chilly northern town of Sheboygan, WI. She received her B.A. in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1996 and her Teaching Certificate from the University of New Mexico in 2006. Her passion for reading and writing made teaching an obvious profession, however, she also is a freelance food writer because really, who wouldn’t want to get paid to eat? Finally, yoga is the glue that holds her life as a teacher, (new) mother, daughter, wife, writer, sister and runner together.

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Michael “Mikki” Carroll is originally from Shiprock, New Mexico and is from the Dine` Tribe. She has her BA degree in Education (K-8) with a TESOL endorsement. In addition she holds licensure as a Cosmetologist, Barber, and AAS degree in Cosmetology Instruction, and has her own business that she operates in the evenings and on weekends. With these degrees she has gained insightful knowledge in various content areas of Science, Language Arts, Native Literature, Personal Wellness, and Social Studies which supports the global perspectives among our students while maintaining cultural values in the classroom. Her love for running started the running programs here at NACA, where she is the NACA Cross Country Coach and one of the NACA Track and Field Coaches.

Chuck Nathan Charleston calls Sweetwater, AZ his home and his family comes from the Dine’ and Crow Nations. Chuck has worked with NACA since the summer start up of 2006 and currently co-teaches 9th grade Dine’ Government with Mary Whitehair. In previous years Chuck has worked with the administration team as the “go to person” or “Jedi in training”. Chuck enjoys exploring the traditional elements with the students and the history behind the development of the modern Dine’ government system today.

Luke Cordova was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. Cordova attended the University of New Mexico, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in education, as well as a Master’s in secondary education. Mr. Cordova currently teaches eighth grade language arts and also teaches the NACA Rocks program, which is a music program that focuses on the instruments used in Rock and Roll rather than traditional band instruments. His interests outside of school include playing in local bands, woodworking, and taking care of his family.

Shannon N. Douma is the Director of the Out of School Time Learning Program at NACA. A member of the Pueblo of Laguna and Hopi/Tewa, she has worked with youth since high school in her own tribal community. In her professional career, she has worked for over 15 years designing youth programs statewide and nationally in the areas of youth leadership, substance abuse and violence prevention. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from the University of Minnesota –Twin Cities in Family Education and Youth Development.

Cy Evans grew up on the Navajo reservation in Window Rock, Arizona; his mother’s family is from TseNasChii, New Mexico, near the four corners. He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, emphasis in printmaking, in 1999, and received his Masters of Art Education from UNM in 2007. Cy became an educator in order to support Native young people in the school system. And, because he enjoys creating graphic art, teaching it was a natural career path. Outside of school, Cy is the proud father of three children. He enjoys cooking, creating graphic art about social and indigenous issues, and he is a professional screen printer. Cy presently teaches visual art and video technology classes at NACA.

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Stephanie Hinson was raised in Albuquerque, and received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from UNM. Stephanie has been teaching middle school math for more than 18 years. For two years Stephanie worked as a district math coach with teachers on math curriculum and teaching strategies. Her true passion – working directly with students – led her back to the classroom. During her time off Stephanie enjoys being with her family, especially her daughter, and enjoys reading, movies and baking.

Azella Humetewa (Santo Domingo and Acoma Pueblos) is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and is licensed to teach grades K-8. She teaches 6th and 7th grade Social Studies, and has been at NACA since August 2006. She enjoys being able to incorporate Indigenous perspectives as well as multiple perspectives in the Standards Based Curriculum . She has taken on the role of Washington, DC Trip Coordinator, 8th/12th Grade Leadership Trip Fund Raising Coordinator and helps Sponsor NACA Student Government. She lives in Rio Rancho with her husband Howard and three sons.

Jennifer John has worked in education for 10 years in the areas of early childhood, pre-K, elementary, and middle school. She holds a BA in Psychology and Criminology, as well as a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico. She currently holds a K-8 license with endorsements in math and science.

Arlyn John is from the Navajo Nation. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico. Arlyn has worked in the field of Experiential Education for six years. He is working to make the Native American cosmology the foundation of his current Experiential Education curriculum. The intent is to reconnect students and specific Native American teachings with the natural world in order to develop a sense of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and overall care and concern for the Earth..

Meghan Lippert is from Cattaraugus County, New York. She has a BA in History and Social Studies Education for grades 7-12 as well as an MS in Literacy for grades 5-12, both from SUNY Fredonia. She has been living in Albuquerque and teaching Native Literature at NACA since 2007. Outside of class she enjoys traveling, backpacking and snowboarding. Her favorite life-changing books include Krik? Krak! By Edwidge Danticat, Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy, and Coyotes by Ted Conover. Ms. Lippert teaches Native Literature and oversees Junior Achievement Job Shadow Day as well as Student Demonstrations.

Charlene Lucero is from Isleta, New Mexico. Ms. Lucero received her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology before pursuing her Master’s in Education at the University of New Mexico. She currently teaches middle school science at NACA, where she is excited to be a part of students’ educational path and learning. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, visiting relatives, and participating in cultural activities.

Paula Maxmin is originally from Wilmington Delaware but has lived in New Mexico for the last 23 years. She received her BA from the University of Richmond but came to UNM to get her masters in multicultural education. She started her teaching career on the Navajo reservation in Fort Defiance but moved into the city where she has been teaching for 22 years. Her passions are math and her 5 year old daughter Santana. She loves the students at NACA and is looking forward to working with them for a long time in the future.

Frank McCulloch is an educator with 18 years of teaching and administrative experience at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. He holds both a BA and MA degree in English from the University of NM, is a trained Critical Friends Group coach, and is a National Board Certified teacher. Frank is responsible for the overall instructional program at NACA as well as faculty professional development.

Julie McGaharan has been teaching 28 years in the areas of health and wellness. Julie has a masters and undergraduate degree in special education along with several endorsements in the areas of health education, social studies, bilingual education and ESL. Julie states, “My educational background has led me to the most challenging yet exciting job yet – that of being a personal wellness teacher at our charter school – NACA”.

Charlene Poola, LISW (Hopi/Tewa/Navajo) has been detailed to NACA Student Support Services since 2007 to provide direct clinical services (primarily assessment and groups), as well as to share her invaluable knowledge of Native American behavioral health in New Mexico for program development. Ms. Poola has also been an integral part of training NACA’s social work interns to prepare them for work with the Native American population in New Mexico.

Mateo Sanchez, MA is a farmer from the Rio Abajo in New Mexico and is currently a Personal Wellness teacher at the Native American Community Academy. Mr. Sanchez has a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in both Bilingual Education and Social Studies from the University of New Mexico. He was also awarded a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and completed the Educational Leadership Administrative licensure program at UNM.

Leroy “Buster” Silva is from the Laguna Pueblo Nation in New Mexico. He received his Associates and Bachelor’s degrees from Haskell Indian-Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. While at Haskell, Silva played on the men’s basketball team and was the strength and conditioning coach for the women’s volleyball team. Silva has been teaching Personal Wellness since NACA’s opening day in 2006. With a back ground in sports and fitness, Silva uses his experiences to create a unique curriculum for the students at NACA. “Healthy Minds and Bodies, create Healthy Communities.”

Pamela Silva is from Los Lunas, New Mexico. After pursuing a career in dental hygiene, she became a teacher through the University of New Mexico teacher certification program. Ms. Silva is currently serving as NACA’s Special Education Coordinator. Outside of NACA, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Valerie Siow is from the Pueblo of Laguna. She received her B.A. in American Studies with a Native American Studies Minor from Stanford University. Upon returning home, she completed an M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico. Ms. Siow has been teaching for the last seven years; prior to working at NACA, she taught 5^th grade at S.R. Marmon Elementary on Albuquerque’s Westside.

Michelle Sprouse is originally from southwestern Ohio and earned her B.A. in English Literature from Miami University and her M.A.T in Secondary Education from Western New Mexico University, Gallup. Michelle moved to New Mexico as a member of the 2004 Teach for America corps and taught reading for three years on the Navajo reservation. In 2007, she moved to Albuquerque to teach Native Literature at NACA. When she manages to put down her books, Michelle enjoys running, knitting, and spending time with her husband and daughter. Ms. Sprouse teaches Native Literature at NACA.

Paul Winkler is originally from Hampton Bays, NY. He graduated from Dickinson College in 2007 with a degree in Mathematics. Paul became interested in teaching because he wanted to help students see the use and fun of mathematics. At NACA, he teaches IMP 1 and 2 at the high school level. Paul is also involved in the rock climbing club during OST and is an Assistant Coach for the bowling team. His hobbies outside of school include Rock Climbing, Surfing, Hiking, and Camping.

Clem Wings loves math. She especially loves finding ways to convince students that they are capable problem solvers. Her fundamental belief is that “life is a word problem” and she specializes in helping students develop strategies that will serve them in all aspects of their lives. She is thrilled to be working with a team of teachers here at NACA who share her value that supporting the students as whole human beings is our job. She has a BS in math and an MA in education, both from California State Universities, and holds a level 3 secondary license in New Mexico with endorsements in Mathematics, TESOL and Bilingual Education.

Mary Whiteahair is Dine from Kitsillie, Arizona. Mary received her B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and minor in Native American Studies University of New Mexico and is in Graduate Studies in the Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies. Mary teaches Navajo language and Dine Government at NACA.

INTERNS

NACA provides opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain valuable experience in middle and high school education through the internship program. Interns support student success by facilitating programs, assisting with tutoring, providing support to teachers and advisors, and providing administrative help.

NACA internships are created annually through:

For more information on the internship program, contact Shannon Douma.