Todd Knouse

Head of School

I was born in Bend, Oregon, but moved to southern California with my mom shortly after being born. After high school, I went to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. I knew all along I wanted to be a teacher, and was lucky enough to get a teaching job in San Luis Obispo right after graduating.

During my first year teaching I met my wife-to-be, who was also a first year teacher. I taught for 10 years in elementary and middle school, and went back to school for my Master’s degree in Educational Administration before we moved to Albuquerque. When we came to Albuquerque, I worked as a teacher trainer for Albuquerque Public Schools for four years. In 2011, I was hired to open NMIS as a brand-new school. I have been leading the school since we opened our doors, witnessing us grow from a tiny start-up to the amazing school we are today.

My wife and I are blessed with three great kids. Our two oldest are in high school, and our youngest is a student here at NMIS.

Corinne Teller

Finance and Operations Director

Born and raised in New Mexico, I graduated from Valley High School and then went on to graduate from UNM. After graduating I moved, to live in Chicago and then Florida and then returned to New Mexico in 2008. Moving somewhere different helped me appreciate the differnece in communities and cultures ourtside of where I called home.  So it created an interest for me in the diverse education offered through charter schools. I am not seen around the school very often because I am often in my office doing what I love, crunching numbers and making sure everything is working good behind the ‘curtain’. I have been with NMIS since it opened in 2011 and marvel at how much the school has grown since then, starting in a 10,000 square foot building with 100 kindergarten to 2nd grade students to now, with over 340 students kindergarten through middle school in a 66,000 square foot building!  Although I have been in finance for several years this is my first job working at a school- working around children and parents who appreciate the benefits of a charter school like NMIS makes it even more enjoyable to come to work! I love the sounds of kids working, playing and learning to speak multiple languages and working with a school that encourages students and staff to be open-minded and thoughtful of other cultures, beliefs, and ideas.

Paula Popp

Operations Manager

I was born in New Jersey and raised in Maryland. Moved to ABQ in 2016 to be closer to a sibling who has lived here since 1980.

I received an Asssociate of Arts degree in a nursing focused curriculum, but I’m not a nurse. Instead decided to follow an administrative vs. clinical career.  I’ve worked in a variety of settings including healthcare, research and educational institutions. 

My pride and joy is my daughter who has a successful financial career in NYC. 

Since moving to ABQ, I’ve rescued a Red Heeler named Bella, learned to appreciate a rainy/overcast day, and decided that I prefer GREEN chile to red!