Natalie joined the leadership team at Communities in Schools of New Mexico after serving on its board of directors for several years. Natalie began her career in education as a high school teacher and K-12 literacy specialist before pursuing post-graduate degrees in history and gender and sexuality theory. She then pivoted to a career in law enforcement, where she specialized in mental health services, community relationships, and sensitive crimes investigations. Later, she served as CEO of a behavioral health and social services agency, during which she also directed a county-wide homeless services program. Upon moving to New Mexico, Natalie returned to education as the director of a school for students with learning differences and special needs before joining CISNM. A lifelong volunteer and advocate, she is passionate about serving the children and families most in need in our community.

Israel is a native New Mexican. He has worked for various non-profit organizations in Santa Fe, focusing on database management/development, business analysis, and program management. He has always been passionate about helping and supporting the community. Israel holds an MBA from New Mexico Highlands University.

Kate is a native Santa Fean. After a six year stint in the Washington DC metro area, Kate returned home to raise her family and be closer to the mountains. With two children in Santa Fe Public Schools, Kate spent the last nine years volunteering in the schools and the community, becoming intimate with many of the challenges that CISNM aims to mitigate. Kate is also active on local boards with CISNM partners. Kate has a BA from Skidmore College in New York.

Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Lina graduated from Capital High school in 2016. With the support of programs such as Breakthrough Santa Fe and AVID, she continued her education by attending St. Edwards University, where she received a Bachelors of Arts in Biology in 2020. During her four years of college, Lina participated in volunteer programs that worked with students, immigrant communities, low-income groups and people experiencing homelessness. Coming from an immigrant family and understanding the struggles that students go through, Lina hopes to use her experience and skills to act as a source of support for students and their families.

Lauren was born and raised in Santa Fe, and is a proud graduate of Santa Fe Public Schools. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Lauren worked for Communities In Schools of Central Texas in Austin for several years, helping to coordinate services for children and families. She has worked as a school-based therapist in Santa Fe and is passionate about helping families and children to feel safe and understood and to achieve their goals.

Originally from Northwest Arkansas, Harper graduated from Samford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Social Work. Harper worked at a community development nonprofit as a housing coach in Birmingham, AL before moving to Santa Fe in 2022. Most recently, she served as a case manager for women and families experiencing homelessness at Casa Familia Urgent Transition Center. As a licensed social worker, Harper is committed to meeting children where they are at and supporting them to reach their academic and social emotional goals.

Nicole spent her childhood in southern Arizona and her adulthood in New England and in New Mexico. She has worked as a non-profit volunteer and professional for a combined 20 years. Nicole’s experience outside of marketing, social media and development is plentiful. She has worked in sales, operations, design, personal assisting, executive assisting, event planning, photography, and has spent time touring with independent musicians. Nicole attended Vermont College for Creative Writing and received a certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of Vermont. She lives in Santa Fe with her dog, Buxton.

Lauren moved to Santa Fe from Pennsylvania 21 years ago and never looked back after falling in love with the people of New Mexico. A first-generation college graduate herself, she spent a decade as a teacher-facilitator in K-12 and higher education nonprofit organizations that sought to close equity gaps in public education, including Breakthrough, Girls’ Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters. After earning her Masters in Leadership and Management, she pivoted to nonprofit development and directed Children’s Miracle Network at UNM Hospital where she ran fundraising efforts at UNM’s Health Sciences Center for 7 years. Lauren is excited to be back in the educational nonprofit family in Santa Fe!