Sarah Bradley
Special Education Director

sbradley@taosacademy.org

Mrs. Bradley was raised in Kingsport, Tennessee and attended both the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and East Tennessee State University, receiving a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She worked in the hotel business for Hyatt Regency and Fairmont Hotels  in San Francisco and Dallas. After making her way to Taos, she began a career in education, received a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading and has worked as a Kindergarten teacher, Title I Coordinator and Reading Interventionist and Principal. She joins Taos Academy as  Special Education Director.

 

Dr. Mary Diggin – Technology Administrator

mdiggin@taosacademy.org

Mary brings together technical expertise, educational experience, and creative insight in her role as Technology Director at Taos Academy. Originally from Ireland, she worked as a classroom teacher and also taught technology classes to fellow educators before moving to New Mexico, where she has lived for nearly 30 years. With a strong background in both education and information technology, she ensures that students, staff, and families have the tools they need to thrive in a 21st-century learning environment. In addition to her work in technology, Mary is passionate about alternative health practices, using imagery and mythology to inspire personal growth and development. Her wide-ranging interests reflect a commitment to fostering both innovation and imagination—values she brings to every aspect of her work at Taos Academy.

Cruz Duran

STEM Administration/Health Assistant/Registrar/Administrative

cduran@taosacademy.org

 Mrs. Duran was born and raised in Arizona and has raised her children here in New Mexico.  She has many years in school administration. She enjoys helping students and guiding them towards brighter futures.

Delilah Duran, Science and Math Instructor

dduran@taosacademy.org

I am a graduate of Taos Academy and hold an A.S. in Applied Science from the University of New Mexico and a B.S. in Natural Resources with a minor in Environmental Ethics and Ecology from Oregon State University. I am currently completing my Master of Agriculture in Biology with a concentration in Animal Biology and Welfare at New Mexico State University as a distance student. I am deeply passionate about science and strive to integrate it with our natural world whenever possible, inspiring students to see the connections between what we learn in the classroom and the world around us. I am also a strong advocate for environmental justice and animal rights, and in my free time I rescue and provide homes for animals in need. Outside of teaching and academics, I am a lifelong metalhead who finds inspiration and energy in music, a passion I hope to bring to students by encouraging students to embrace their individuality and pursue what excites them.

Jose Espinoza

Facilities Coordinator

jespinoza@taosacademy.org

I was born and raised in Taos, New Mexico and have worked in construction for most of my career.  I enjoy working at Taos Academy, especially working with the friendly staff.  I love that I have been able to contribute to building a beautiful and safe campus.  I enjoy supervising projects from beginning to end.

 

Jeanette Henshaw, Special Education Coordinator

jhenshaw@taosacademy.org

Before taking on the role of Special Education Coordinator Ms. Henshaw has been an advisor, Special Education and Math Enrichment Teacher here at Taos Academy.  She originally moved to Taos with her daughter to teach at TISA.  She has taught in the UK, NC, MA and VA.  Ms. Henshaw has taught in both regular education and special education schools.  She has taught all core subject areas and several electives (drama, newspaper, animal care, student government, NJHS).  She has taught mainly at the Middle School and High School level.  She was brought up with a creative arts background and spent half of her life overseas in the UK and Germany,  Her parents were a graphic artist and the Music and Theatre Director for the US Army.  She enjoys traveling and bringing the arts into her curriculum.  She has presented workshops on Multiple Intelligences and Student Engagement.  She loves being part of the Taos Academy Family.  She is always here to help.  Feel free to drop her a line with any education questions you may have.

 

Amy Lucero, Front Office Manager

alucero@taosacademy.org

I was born in La Jara, Colorado and grew up in Amalia, New Mexico. Growing up in a small community I understand the importance of providing children with a good support team and a safe environment where they can flourish. I have worked with children for about 15 year and enjoy helping students around campus and with navigating their every day lives.

Jamie Lucero-Martinez, Program Director – STEM +Arts Coordinator, District Test Coordinator, Equity Council Lead

jlucero-martinez@taosacademy.org

Mrs. Lucero Martinez was born and raised in Taos. She earned a B.U.S. in University Studies Music/Creative Writing, and M. Ed in Educational Administration. She has over two decades experience in education working from elementary grade level through college. She enjoys empowering our students to build their community.be successful.

Tami Martinson, Humanities Enrichment/Curriculum Coordinator

tmartinson1@taosacademy.org

I was born in Seattle, Washington, and attended Eastern Washington University where I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Technical Communications. I’ve worked in the Cellular Communications industry, and later in the field of mental health where I learned the importance of personal advocacy, self-care, and early intervention. I am passionate about lifelong learning, and in 2013, I decided to become a full-time educator. I earned my Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning from Colorado State University, and have enjoyed serving our Taos Academy community since 2014. I am the Digital Curriculum Coordinator, and I also teach Humanities Enrichment. I live in El Prado with my family, and I love reading, writing fiction and creative non-fiction, and playing with my dog. 

Patricia Meagher NBCT, College Link Advisor/ELA Enrichment Teacher/Gifted Coordinator/NHS Sponsor

pmeagher@taosacademy.org

After living part time in Taos for nearly fifteen years, Mrs. Meagher permanently moved to Taos in 2020. In her previous life, she lived in Chicago where she taught for over twenty years for the Chicago Public Schools. Mrs. Meagher’s teaching focus is in the areas of English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Gifted Education. She has received the Fund for Teachers Fellowship, the Transatlantic Outreach Program Fellowship, as well as multiple education grants from the Chicago Foundation for Education. Mrs. Meagher was also an adjunct professor for Loyola University of Chicago, and has served as mentor to several pre-service teachers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, and a Masters of Education from Depaul University of Chicago. In her free time she loves to read, cook, hike, travel, knit and play with her kitten Fitzy. Mrs. Meagher’s philosophy of teaching is if the students and teacher aren’t having fun – then you’re not doing it right!

Bre Messerole, Academic Advisor/FLEX Program Coordinator

bmesserole@taosacademy.org

As a teacher, my aim is to support students’ imaginations and enrich their concept of self and the world. I believe teaching and learning is all about inquiry, exploration, curiosity, and creativity. Graduating from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelors in English Education and Library Media, I am passionate about helping students find their voice and learning how to communicate in this big wide world. I am a mom of a young son, and you can find us hiking, swimming in the river, jumping in mud puddles, and eating Taos Cow ice cream.

 

Dr. Moodley, Executive Director

dmoodley@taosacademy.org

I am honored to serve as the Head Administrator of Taos Academy, a school that has inspired me since I first joined the community as an advisor. What drew me here then, and what continues to inspire me today, is Taos Academy’s commitment to innovation, meaningful relationships, and helping students discover who they are while preparing them for the future.

Before beginning my career in education, I worked in the biotechnology field. I later found my true calling in schools, where I have had the privilege of serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Throughout my career, I have focused on building strong learning communities where students, educators, and families feel connected, supported, and empowered. In 2023, I was honored to be recognized as the New Mexico Principal of the Year.

I believe that every student deserves to feel seen, every educator deserves to feel supported, and every family should feel like an important part of the school community. For me, strong relationships are the foundation of exceptional schools, and they are at the heart of everything I do.

It is a privilege to build on the remarkable legacy established by Taos Academy’s founders and to work alongside our talented staff as we continue creating opportunities for every student to thrive. My goal is to lead with integrity, listen with intention, and keep students at the center of every decision.

When I think about the future of Taos Academy, I often return to Alan Kay’s words: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” I look forward to working together with our students, families, and staff as we continue inventing that future, one filled with curiosity, creativity, and possibility.

Emmett Moulton, Middle School Advisor/Geometry Enrichment

emoulton@taosacademy.org

I was born in Taos and raised in Embudo, New Mexico. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in TESOL from The University of New Mexico. After graduation, I moved to Spain and taught English there for two years. As of now, my time in Europe has come to an end and Taos Academy is next on my journey. I graduated from Taos Academy in 2017 and I am super stoked to be teaching at such an amazing school! 

I chose the field of education to help encourage students to be enthusiastic lifelong learners.

 

Billy Pepper, Grade 7,8,9 Advisor, Fitness/Health Instructor, Math Enrichment Teacher

bpepper@taosacademy.org

Born and raised in New Mexico I spent most of my days anticipating the next sunrise or sunset. Following the sun led to a fabulous childhood full of wide open spaces, biking with buddies, kicking the ball around on the pitch, shooting hoops in the gym and of course learning within New Mexico’s public education system. Ultimately earning a MA in Education from UNM. I spent 14 years giving back what I have learned on this journey through life to the youth of various ages in a variety of public school settings in Albuquerque. Seven years ago my family relocated to Northern NM. I taught 5 years for Cimarron Municipal Schools then made the transition to Taos Academy. I believe you should play as hard as you work and vice versa!

 

Kelci Pike, Career Pathways Coordinator, ECHS Liason

kpike@taosacademy.org

After working for a high school global service learning program, Rustic Pathways, for 5 years, I came to Taos Academy excited to work with the wonderful youth of our Taos community. I graduated from Brandeis University with a focus in International Studies and Sociology. At Taos Academy I have the pleasure of teaching several subjects including Global Studies, Leadership, Career Pathways, Geometry and Pre-Algebra.

 

Pamela Rodriguez, HR & Assistant Finance Manager

prodriguez@taosacademy.org

Pamela was born and raised in New Mexico. She has worked in business offices for most of her career.  She has over 12 Years of experience in School Administrative Assistant positions.  Her children were her inspiration to get into the educational field.  She likes the schedule that schools provide and she enjoys working as part of a team to help students be successful.

Cal van Willigen, 5th & 6th Grade Adviser

cvanwilligen@taosacademy.org

Cal van Willigen began his teaching career in southern Colorado where he earned a MA Degree in Education from Adams State University. Returning to his hometown of Taos, NM he has a certain “joie de vivre” that permeates into the classroom and creates a fun, exciting learning environment.

 

Jason Weisfeld, Advisor, Career Pathways and 7th & 8th Grade Science/Math Enrichment Teacher/ Internship Coordinator

jweisfeld@taosacademy.org

I was born and raised in Taos. I have been teaching for many years. My passions include my family, teaching, learning, spending time in the great outdoors and playing music. I have a Tier 3 NM Teaching Licence and Master of Science Teaching from NM Tech.

Ted Werre, Advisor/ Enrichment Teacher

rwetmore@taosacademy.org

I was raised in upstate NY, in a small town in the Catskill mountains. After high school, I spent a year in France, fell in love with french culture and language, and decided to attend university in Montreal, Canada. After completing my undergraduate degree, I applied to graduate school in New Hampshire, where I completed my M Ed. I moved to Taos in 2005 to complete my second teaching internship for this program, and I have been here working in education in our community ever since. I love to spend time with my children in the great outdoors, skiing, rafting, camping, biking and soccer, of course!

I am a big sister to two fantastic siblings who taught me to love children and take pride in helping them learn and grow. I enjoy sharing what I have to teach with my students, and love learning what my students have to teach me! I find it inspiring to assist children of all ages in finding their “aha” moments, when learning really takes off and confidence grows.

Dorota Witney, Math Instructor

dwitney@taosacademy.org

I was born, raised and educated in Poland, finishing my formal education with Masters of Geophysical Engineering degree. I relocated to England with my work in the Oil and Gas sector and where I also started my own family. While raising my two daughters I continued my education, finishing with a Bachelor of Honors Psychology degree. In 2005 we relocated to Houston, Texas with our jobs in the energy exploration fields. I started to teach in Houston and following our move to Angel Fire, NM, I continue to serve local communities teaching math and science.

I am in education to invest in our future.