Meet Our Team

A Letter from
Our Executive Director

I am honored and humbled to be a part of a 100+ year history of early care and education in New Mexico. Christina Kent Early Childhood Center is not only the first licensed child care program in our beautiful state, but one of the first 100 in the country.

The Women’s Club of Albuquerque was so farsighted when they created a safe, nurturing and quality environment for children so families could work in 1919. The importance of quality child care is as important today as it was then.

Today, Christina Kent is a nationally accredited, 5 star licensed early care and education program proudly serving the diverse working families of Downtown Albuquerque. Our hope is to grow and expand so as to continue our legacy of quality care for more of Albuquerque’s children.

We are proud of our past, excited by our future, and are confident in the quality care and education we are providing our future generation.

Sondra Carpenter

Andrew Martinez

Director

Allison Holman

Program Manager & PreK Coordinator

Administration

Rodchana Kee

Assistant Director

Camilla O'Sullivan

Assistant Director

Sandra La Luz

Bookkeeper

Beth Benderman

Bookkeeper

Anna Jimenez

Infant Teacher

Anna has been working with children for 10 years and holds an AA in Criminology.

"I chose to work at Christina Kent for the smaller classroom so we are able to have more one-on-one with the kids. The classrooms feel more homey and the infant room is the best!"

Mikaella Gonzales

Infant Teacher

Mikaella has been working with children for 7 years and we're excited to expand her experience!

"I chose to work at Christina Kent for the rich history of the school and the incorporation of the Reggio Emilia philosophy."

Destiny Romero

Infant Teacher

Destiny has been working with children for 4 years and we're excited to expand her experience!

Cubs Room

Mariah Gomez-Edmands

Lead Toddler Teacher

Mariah has been working with children for 8 years and is working towards a Child Development Certificate.

"When I say that everyone at CK has a genuine care and regard for the children, I mean EVERYONE! I feel good knowing that all the educators here know their why. When they show up to work I feel at home and I truly love CK."

Gloria Rael

Toddler Teacher

Gloria has been working with children for 25 years and holds an Child Development Certificate.

"I was referred by a previous employer whom closed their doors. They mentioned Christina Kent was an amazing school to work for. I would fit right in with the great staff and mentioned the director S\ondra and her awesome spirit. I enjoy coming to work each day . All the staff and administration are awesome. This school rocks!"

Ladybugs Room

Priscila Maynez

Lead Toddler Teacher

Priscila has been working with children for 9 years and is working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education.

Hayden Guerrero

Toddler Teacher

Hayden has been working with children for 2 years and we're excited to help her grow!

Roly-Polies Room

Lobos Room

Cheyenne Sanchez

Teacher

Cheyenne has been working with children for 6 years and is working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education.

"I chose Christina Kent because I was a nanny for a family that had a child enrolled here, and I truly appreciated the emphasis on community."

Danielle Reinertsen

Lead Teacher

Danielle has been working with children for 8 years and holds a BA in Early Childhood Education.

"Walking into my interview at CK, I immediately felt at home by the warmth, food cooking in the kitchen, and sounds of joyful children busy in their play. I am proud to be a part of this community that honors every child and their right to a childhood of wonder, joy, community, kindness and connection."

Destiny Maez-Sisneros

Teacher

Destiny has been working with children for 3 years and we're excited to help her grow!

Jolene Gonzales

Early PreK Teacher

Jolene has been working with children for 15 years and holds a BA in Family Studies.

"Christina Kent gives me a positive environment to continue to grow in a field I love."

Dominique Romero

Early PreK Lead Teacher

Dominique has been working with children for 6 years and holds a BA in Nutrition and a Child Development Certificate.

"I chose Christina Kent because I love the Reggio Emilia approach and helping the kids learn through a more natural and authentic way."

Delaila Rivas

Early PreK Teacher

Delaila has been working with children for 1.5 years and is working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education.

"I chose to work at Christina Kent because I love working with the kids and in an environment like CK I can make a lasting impact on young lives while continuing to grow as an educator."

Gila Monsters Room

Erika Hamby

Mixed PreK Teacher

Erika holds a BA in Clinical Counseling Psychology and we're excited to help her with her classroom experience!

"Christina Kent was the right fit for me as a former marriage and family therapist craving new experiences to strengthen the clinical journey I hope to eventually resume. Christina Kent’s educational paradigm resonated with me as someone driven by compassion for children, science, and appreciation for the arts."

Teslin Vigil

Mixed PreK Lead Teacher

Teslin has been working with children for 33 years and holds an AA in Early Childhood Education.

"I love the freedom Christina Kent gives me to be creative and encourage imagination in the classroom."

Nicholas Volpato

Mixed PreK Teacher

Nick has been working with children for 3 years and is working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education.

"I chose to work here because I had volunteered here in the past and remembered the work they were doing the community. My choice was solidified after my interview. Learning more about the Reggio approach and the philosophies involving the kids and the school as a whole helped me realize I had found a program I could take pride in being a part of."

Hummingbirds Room

Samantha Bishop

Mixed PreK Teacher

Samantha has been working with children for 6 years and is working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education.

"CK allows children to be independent and creative in their learning and play by allowing them to be the leader in their explorations. This is something that makes CK unique and beautiful.

Sandra Parra

Mixed PreK Lead Teacher

Sandra has been working with children for 30 years and is working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education.

"The reason I have stayed at CK for so long is their respect and appreciation for families and employees but because I find so much joy in working with young children. They see the world with curiosity, honesty, and wonder. Being around them reminds me that learning isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking questions, exploring, and growing together. I value the opportunity to be a learner alongside them, discovering new perspectives through their eyes while supporting their development. In those shared moments of curiosity and creativity, we build a space where both teacher and child are constantly learning and evolving."

Morgan Skeets

Mixed PreK Teacher

Morgan is working towards her BA in Elementary Education and we're excited to help her with her classroom experience!

"I chose CK because of the community and the approach they have on education. I have truly learned a lot from this school and I'm glad they chose me!"

Teddies Room

Cara Edmunds

PreK Teacher

Cara is working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education and we're excited to help her with her classroom experience!

"I fell in love with Christina Kent immediately. The sense of community and genuine warmth is something you feel as soon as you walk through the doors. As I work toward my degree to become a teacher, this has been the perfect environment for me to grow and learn what it truly means to be an intentional educator. Being in a Reggio Emilia inspired setting has taught me to really value children’s voices, follow their interests, and see them as capable learners, which has shaped the way I approach teaching every day."

Theresa Soto

PreK Lead Teacher

Theresa has been working with children for 12 years and is working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education.

"I was first drawn to Christina Kent because it was close to my home, but after visiting several childcare programs in Albuquerque, this one truly stood out. The moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted by the joyful sounds of children’s voices and saw teachers fully engaged with them. Everything felt warm, welcoming, and full of genuine care. It felt like home. In that moment, I knew this was a place where children are truly supported, encouraged, and able to thrive—and a place I was proud to become a part of."

Shiloh Simonson

PreK Teacher

Shiloh has been working with children for 1 year and holds an AA in Early Childhood Education.

"Christina Kent is an amazing place for little ones and their teacher to learn, grow, and thrive!"

Busy Bees Room

Support Staff

Eieomana Zunie-Campbell

Educational Assistant

Eieomana has been working with children for 1.5 years and is working towards her degree in Speech & Hearing Sciences.

Malka Samuels

Educational Assistant

Malka was a High School Intern from our neighbor Amy Biehl and joined our team after completing her internship. She's been with us for over 2 year's and we're honored to help her gorw!

Cierra Vallejos

Educational Assistant

Cierra has been working with children for 3 years and in working towards a Child Development Certificate.

"I chose Christina Kent because I truly feel like this is where I’m meant to be. I have always loved working with children, especially being part of their imagination, creativity, and everyday joy. Being in a space where learning is hands-on, expressive, and child-centered means a lot to me, and it aligns with the kind of teacher I want to become. I’m currently working toward my goals of furthering my education and becoming a kindergarten teacher."