Dr. Lopez-Martinez
Intercultural & Community Outreach Director
My name is Dr. Lopez-Martinez and I have been in education for 29 years. I have worked in the Farmington School District as a Kindergarten, Second Grade, and Bilingual teacher/Site Coordinator. I have also worked at Central Consolidated as a Second/Third Grade Looping Teacher, and Second Grade Bilingual teacher at Ruth N. Bond Elementary. In addition I worked as the Principal of Newcomb Elementary of which we earned an award for Closing the Achievement Gap Among Minorities, and earned the prestigious award of a Blue Ribbon School. I then worked at Central Office for the Real Results Grant for a short period before transferring to Mesa Elementary for 3 years, during those 3 years the school advanced to B status from the State of New Mexico. I applied to Central Office as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and worked there for 2 years. Currently I am the Director for Intercultural and Community Outreach which encompasses JOM, Bilingual-Multicultural, and Graduate Profile.
Dr. Berlinda Begay
Bilingual Multicultural Education Coordinator
My name is Dr. Berlinda Begay. I am the Bilingual Multicultural Education Coordinator for the district. I have been with the district for 7 years but in education for 20 plus years. My career history, background, and passion is in Navajo Bilingual education, bilingual multicultural education, Indigenous language revitalization, and advocacy in those areas.
Cheryl R. Benally
Bilingual Multicultural Education Coordinator
My name is Cheryl R. Benally and I work in the Intercultural and Community Outreach Department with Central Consolidated Schools. I have worked at Kirtland Middle School for 6 years. I was the English Language Development teacher before moving into another position with the administration as the Bilingual supervisor in 2019. The dimensions of being in the administrative environment provided greater opportunities to oversee programs that benefit our students and teachers. I am grateful for this opportunity to explore and grow professionally to continue my work for the students and parents in the school district. My dedication is working for the students to promote leadership and also engage in partnering with parents to be involved with their child’s education.
My family is my pride and joy. I enjoy traveling to new destinations and outdoor activities.
Dr. Elfreda Harvey
Social & Safety Net Coordinator
Yá’át’ééh. Elfreda Harvey yíníshyé, Táchii’nii nishli?´, Maa’iideeshgiizhinii báshíshchíín, Bit’ahnii dashicheii, Tótsohnii dashinálí. I am the Johnson O’Malley Supervisor for CCSD. My background has been in higher education, serving students for over 17 years as a mentor, advisor, faculty and director. Previous to this, I worked for the Navajo Nation for 10 years in various community program positions. Serving on various committees, a board, developing organizational partnerships, while continuing to be a strong advocate for student learning, are attributes and experiences that I value. My extra time is spent with my family and pursuing my educational goals.
Kathy Whiteley
Intercultural & Community Outreach Specialist
My name is Kathy R. Whiteley. I have worked for Central Schools for more than 10 years. I began my career with CCSD in the Human Resources Department, before transitioning to Safety and Compliance. I currently work for the wonderful Intercultural & Community Outreach Department. Working in education has been a blessing for me, it has allowed for incredible professional growth and experience. I reside in Kirtland, New Mexico. My extra time is spent with my two beautiful daughters.
Rachel Brown
Cultural Specialist
I attended Arizona State University where I earned my Bachelor's of Arts in Elementary Education and currently attending Fort Lewis College pursuing her Masters in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education. My professional highlights include teaching in the elementary and middle school settings. I have coached elementary sports - volleyball and basketball. I have been with CCSD for 4 years as the Cultural Specialist. My passion is Dine' Language and Culture because it's an important part of our students’ identity, self-worth and part of their learning. I love to spend time with my family, running, working out and doing outdoor activities.
Mia Cuentez
Johnson O'Malley Program Supervisor
Hello! I work with the Intercultural and Community Outreach Department. I have been with the district for 3 years now and I enjoy using my skills to contribute efforts in upholding our department goals. It is my personal goal to continue working on my education and to support my community in exceeding theirs.
Donovan Russell
Equity Council Supervisor
Ya'at'eeh. My name is Donovan Russell - CCSD Equity Council Supervisor. Tl'aashchi'i nishli, Todichiinii bashishchiin, Tachiinii da shi cheii, doo Tahani da shi nali. I am from Black Mesa, Arizona. Currently, I am studying at Dine' College - Bachelors program for Secondary Education, emphasizing in Navajo Dine Studies and Navajo Language. I am devoted to preserving Navajo Language and Culture through the educational system of our children. As a new member to CCSD Intercultural & Community Outreach Department, I look forward to ensuring systemic implementation of promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion as it relates to school-based decision making and planning. Outside my career, I enjoy family functions (food, reunions, and being an uncle sports fan), livestocks, outdoors, hunting and am fascinated with my bond with Navajo elders. Ahxe'hee.
Roberta Adeky-Yazzie
Bilingual Supervisor
My name is Roberta Adeky-Yazzie, I am the Bilingual Supervisor with the ICO department. I have lived in the Newcomb area for 4 years now. I participated on the district Indian Education Committee for 2 years as a parent. I have combined experience as a supervisor for 15 years in education, mainly early childhood programs. I graduated from WNMU and NMSU, currently working on my masters with WNMU in school counseling. Working with students, parents, and the community is what I enjoy. I look forward to being a support to students, teachers, and staff.
Pamella Jordan
Multicultural/Bilingual Clerical
Y1’1t’44h Pamella Jordan yinishy4. T1chii’nii nish[9 T1b22h1 b1sh7shch77n Tsin Sikaadnii dashicheii. Bit’ahnii dashin1l7. Totahdi shi’dizhch9. L0k’a’ch’4haid66’ naash1. B11h D77liddi shighan. K0t’4ego Din4 asdz1n7 nish[9. I work in the Intercultural and Community Outreach Department with Central Consolidated Schools. I attended San Juan College where I earned an Associates of Applied Science - Legal Assistant. I am continuing my education to pursue a Bachelor Degree in Secondary Education - Science at Western New Mexico University. I enjoy spending time with my family playing various family card games, volleyball, paddle boarding, and traveling.
Michelle Nakai-Gale
Coordinator, Community Schools
Yá’á’t’ééh. Shí éí Michelle Nakai-Gale yinishyé. Kiiyaa’áanii (Towering House) níshlí. Naakai Dine’é (Mexican People) báshíshchíín. Ta´chii'nii (Red-Running-Into-The-Water-Clan) da shicheii. Kin Lichíi’nii (Red House) da shinálí. I grew up in Upper Fruitland, NM (Doo Alk'ahii) and today, reside there with my family. I am an alumnus of Kirtland Central High School. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from New Mexico State University and graduated from Villanova University with a Master of Science Degree in Human Resources Development (HRD). My career spans over 25 years of combined experience in the areas of Accounting, Project Management, Six Sigma, Human Resources, and Community Relations. My current role with CCSD is being part of the Intercultural & Community Outreach (ICO) team as the Coordinator, Community School. I look forward to working with the District by supporting today’s learners so we can build tomorrow’s leaders.
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