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Teachers & Staff

Meet Our Team

Our Staff

Meet our dedicated team of professionals who are committed to providing exceptional care and education to our community. From our esteemed Leadership Team and Administrative Staff to our passionate Coordinators, Teachers, and Support Staff, each member plays a vital role in our mission to empower and uplift our children and families. Get to know the faces behind our organization and discover the heartwarming stories of impact that drive our work every day.

Staff Directory

Our dedicated and experienced team at Isleta Headstart and Childcare Center is here to support your child’s growth and learning journey. To connect with any member of our staff, please refer to our staff directory below:

  • Andrea Pesina, Executive Director                                              andrea.pesina@isletapueblo.com
  • Sabrina Castillo, Facilities/Transportation Coordinator      sabrina.castillo@isletapueblo.com
  • Jeffrey Jojola, Business Manager                                                jeffrey.jojola@isletapueblo.com
  • Victoria Kaye, Disabilities Coordinator                                     victoria.kaye@isletapueblo.com
  • Amberrose Papuyo, Child Care Coordinator                          amberrose.papuyo@isletapueblo.com
  • Jerri Peace, Nutrition Coordinator                                             jerri.peace@isletapueblo.com
  • Joanne Sanchez, Head Start Support Assistant                     joanne.sanchez@isletapueblo.com
  • Michelle Santillanes, Education Coordinator                         michelle.santillanes@isletapueblo.com
  • Melanie Valdez, Family Services Coordinator                        melanie.valdez@isletapueblo.com
  • Autumn Abeita, Child Care Provider
  • Johanna Abeita, Special Education Teacher
  • Trishelle Anchondo-Lujan, Staff Assistant
  • Annadine Anzara, Home Visitor I
  • Summer Benavidez, Teacher
  • Sasha Brown, Teacher
  • Dianna Burbank, Teacher
  • Alexandria Cambridge, Teacher
  • Loriann Chavez, Child Care Provider
  • Geneva Ciccarello, Teacher
  • Danielle Dale, Teacher
  • Laura Edaakie, Mentor Teacher
  • Loisa Fischer, Teacher
  • Yolanda Garley, Teacher Floater
  • Rebecca Gonzales, Staff Assistant
  • Lucinda Jaramillo, Cook
  • Rhiannon Jojola, Teacher
  • Collin Keeton, Facilities Worker
  • Jesus Lara, Teacher Assistant
  • Ashley Lucero, Home Visitor II
  • Pearl Lujan, Teacher Assistant
  • Marisa Montoya, Child Care Provider
  • Nizhoni Phillips, Family Services Worker
  • Victoria Pino, Teacher
  • Ciara Piro, Teacher
  • Patricia Piro, Teacher
  • Meredith Platero, Child Care Provider
  • Heidy Ramirez, Teacher
  • Kasandra Rodriguea, Facilities Worker
  • Yvonne Valdez, Cook
  • Leslie Velardez, Cook
  • Deidra Zuni, Teacher

For additional contact information or to reach a specific staff member, please feel free to contact our main office. We are here to assist you and ensure a nurturing and enriching experience for your child.

Leadership Team

Andrea Pesina

Executive Director
Email: andrea.pesina@isletapueblo.com

.

Administrative Staff

Jeffrey Jojola

Business Manager
Email: jeffrey.jojola@isletapueblo.com

.

Joanne Sanchez

Head Start Assistant
Email: joanne.sanchez@isletapueblo.com

Coordinators

Amberrose Papuyo

Child Care Coordinator
Email: amberrose.papuyo@isletapueblo.com

Jerri Peace

Nutrition Coordinator
Email: jerri.peace@isletapueblo.com

Michelle Santillanes

Education Coordinator
Email: michelle.santillanes@isletapueblo.com

Melanie Valdez

Family Services Coordinator
Email: melanie.valdez@isletapueblo.com

Sabrina Castillo

Facilities/Transportation Coordinator
Email: sabrina.castillo@isletapueblo.com

Location

2 Sagebrush Street
Isleta, NM 87022

School Hours

Early Head Start
8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Head Start
8:15 am to 2:45 pm

AM Child Care
7:30 am to 8:00 am/8:15 am (depending on program)

Child Care Full Day
8:00 am to 3:00 pm

PM Child Care
2:45 pm/3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (depending on program)

Phone & Email

505-869-9796
info@isletaheadstartandchildcare.com

Quick Info

Registration and Enrollment

At Isleta Headstart and Childcare Center, our registration and enrollment process is designed to be straightforward and welcoming. 

Inquiry: Contact us to express your interest and schedule a tour of our facility.

Tour: Visit our center, meet our staff, and explore our learning spaces.

Application: Complete the enrollment application and provide the required documents.

Orientation: Attend an orientation session to learn about our program policies and procedures.

Start Date: Once the enrollment is confirmed, your child can begin their exciting journey with us.

We look forward to welcoming your child into our program, where they can thrive, learn, and grow in a supportive and enriching environment.

Application Process

Call (505) 869-9796
Set-up application appointment
At any time of inquiry, the person taking your call will provide you with a list of documentation and
application date and time.

Application Documents:

Previous year income (W-2’s, 1040 Tax Forms, letter from employer)

Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement)

Proof of birth/birth certificate

Proof of health insurance (medical insurance card)

CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood)

IFSP or IEP

Court documents

Parent Resources

We believe that informed and empowered parents are key partners in a child’s educational journey. At Isleta Headstart and Childcare Center, we offer a wealth of parent resources to support you in nurturing your child’s growth and development. Our resources include informative workshops, access to educational materials, and opportunities for active involvement in your child’s learning experience. We encourage open communication and collaboration, and our goal is to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to be your child’s first and best teacher. Together, we can create a strong foundation for your child’s lifelong success.

Programs & Facilities

Early Head Start – Prenatal to 3 years

(3 options to choose from)

  1. Home Based for Pregnant Mothers: Home visits from a Home Visitor who brings information and materials about pregnancy & child development.
  2. Home Based for Parent & Child Birth to 3 years: Weekly 90-minute home visits from a Home Visitor who provides information and materials about parenting and child development. Bi-weekly Socialization activities in a group setting (i.e. fun walks, field trips, child development, & more).
  3. Classrooms ages 3 months to 3 years:  A 6-hour, 5 day-a-week program. Classrooms are equipped with hands on, age appropriate materials and qualified teachers. There are no transportation services available for this option.

Head Start 3-5 year olds

​A 6-hour, 5 day-a-week program. Classrooms are equipped with hands-on, age appropriate materials and qualified teachers. Transportation services are available for those who live at least a ¾ mile from the Head Start & Child Care building and within the Isleta Reservation boundaries, with the exception of those who reside East of NM 314.
Transportation Handbook

The Isleta Head Start & Child Care Program is a family centered learning environment that respects and values children, families and the community. The safety of our children at Isleta Head Start & Child Care is of utmost importance to us. The transportation policies and procedures have been developed to better serve our families while meeting Federal, State and Tribal Transportation Regulations, as applicable, as well as Head Start Performance Standards.

Click to Download
2015_16_transportation_hand_book_final

Policies, Procedures, & Reporting

To ensure that the program has an effective ERSEA Committee that will enhance the program’s ability to effectively meet the requirements of CFR 1305 and all other regulations and procedures in this critical management system.

This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR 1305

Click here to Download
ersa-pp2015updatefinal

Career Opportunities

Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for a rewarding career? Join our dedicated team at Isleta Headstart and Childcare Center. We offer exciting career opportunities for individuals who share our commitment to nurturing young minds and creating a positive impact on children’s lives. As part of our team, you’ll have the chance to make a difference, grow professionally, and contribute to our mission of providing high-quality care and education. Explore our current job openings and embark on a fulfilling journey with us. Your passion for early childhood education is welcomed here.

Teachers

Johanna Abeita
Special Education Teacher

Summer Benavidez
Teacher

Sasha Brown
Teacher

Dianna Burbank
Teacher 

Autumn Abeita
Child Care Provider

Alexandria Cambridge
Teacher

Geneva Ciccarello
Teacher

Danielle Dale
Teacher

Laura Edaakie
Mentor Teacher

Marisa Montoya
Child Care Provider

Loisa Fischer
Teacher

Rhiannon Jojola
Teacher

Victoria Pino
Teacher

Ciara Piro
Teacher

Meredith Platero
Child Care Provider

 

Patricia Piro
Teacher

Heidy Ramirez
Teacher

Deidra Zuni
Teacher

Yolanda Garley
Teacher Floater

Support Staff

Trishelle Anchondo-Lujan
Staff Assistant

Annadine Anzara
Home Visitor I

Loriann Chavez
Child Care Provider

Jesus Lara
Teacher Assistant

 

 

Rebecca Gonzales
Staff Assistant

Lucinda Jaramillo
Cook

Collin Keeton
Facilities Worker

 

Ashley Lucero
Home Visitor II

Pearl Lujan
Teacher Assistant

Nizhoni Phillips
Family Services Worker

 

 

Kasandra Rodriguea
Facilities Worker

Yvonne Valdez
Cook

Leslie Velardez
Cook

Contact

2 Sagebrush Street
Isleta, NM 87022
Call: 505-869-9796
Fax: 505-869-7578
Mailing Address:
PO Box 579
Isleta, NM 87022

Hours

AM Child Care
7:30 am to 8:00 am/8:15 am

Child Care Full Day
8:00 am to 3:00 pm
PM Child Care
2:45 pm/3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Early Head Start & Head Start
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.