Administration Staff
Administration Staff
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION
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.
Sarah Schulman
General Education Director
I was born and raised in Syracuse, New York but relocated to western Maryland in 2000. After high school, I attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where I earned a double B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature and Japanese Language. I then pursued my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and began my world language teaching career in 2009.
After teaching Spanish and Japanese in suburban and rural Maryland high schools for several years, I decided to pursue my Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics at the University of New Mexico. I relocated to Albuquerque in 2013 and have since taught and coordinated undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at UNM. I also facilitated licensure courses in the College of Education and Human Sciences to undergraduate and graduate students specializing in TESOL, bilingual education, and world language education.
I returned to the middle school classroom upon earning my Ph.D. in 2019, where I taught Spanish for two years before transitioning to my administrative role at NMIS. For me, there is no greater joy than watching students develop a curiosity and appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity by learning to communicate in another language.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking the mountain and Bosque trails, creating artwork, attending hockey games, and traveling. I am also a huge dog lover
Joanna Cosbey
Special Education Director
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 400 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.
Christopher Luna
Student Support Director
An Albuquerque native, Chris has a PhD with a concentration in Curriculum Design and Instructional
Techniques from the University of New Mexico. Dr. Luna is a Danielson Framework trained observer and
practitioner of developmentally appropriate pedagogy who understands education from a variety of
experiences. Dr. Luna has experience supervising student teaching practicums as a University Supervisor
as well as Site Supervisor/Principal of a large teaching cohort and the first UNM/APS in-school student
teacher cohort. Dr. Luna served as President of TRIO New Mexico and was recognized as one of the 50
most influential TRIO directors in the history of the SW region. Dr. Luna’s research agenda includes
“Challenge Courses and the Relationship to First Generation College Students”. Dr. Luna’s work has
delivered educational opportunities to Albuquerque students at many schools on the recognized list
highly selective colleges throughout the United States. Chris enjoys an active family life where he
dedicates time coaching his son’s baseball teams.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Angel Martinez
Operations Manager
My name is Angel Mancinas-Martinez. I was born and raised in Northern New Mexico, in a small beautiful town called Abiquiu. In 2015, I decided to leave my small hometown for Albuquerque to start my school career. I graduated at the top of my class in 2015 from Coronado High School in Gallina, NM and received my Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management from UNM’S School of Anderson in 2019. Here is where I met my husband and started my future. My husband and I got married in March of 2021 and had our beautiful baby girl, Leilani Mancinas, in January of 2022.
A little more about the things I enjoy in life, I am a big sports person. I played basketball from 3rd grade up until I graduated. I also played volleyball for 6 years and softball for 2 years. After high school I still love to stay active anyway I can. I have a love for weightlifting and hiking. I also have a huge love for drawing and for books. Any free time I have will more than likely be dedicated to that.
I was hired on here at New Mexico International School in July of 2020 and have enjoyed every day. The environment is so fresh and friendly. I really enjoy seeing so much diversity in one place. I’ve always had a love for working with children, they bring so much joy into our lives. Combining my love for operations and my love for working with children is wonderful. I plan on helping NMIS in every way possible. I’m excited for my future both personally and professionally with NMIS.
Carmen Farello
Registrar
My name is Carmen Farello, I have been with NMIS for almost 4 years now and prior I worked with APS (Petroglyph Elem.) for 6 years as a Kinder EA. Previously here at NMIS I was Kinder EA and last year I transitioned into the Registrar position. I do miss the students and being in the classroom! I enjoy working at NMIS especially since I get to interact with the students, teachers and parents.
A little about me, I moved to New Mexico about 22 years ago from Maryland via South Carolina. I also lived in Puerto Rico for 9 years when I was younger and attended school there. Spanish is my first language. I have been married for 25 years and have four incredible children, Vincent (23) attends Texas Tech University, Justin (21) attends University of New Mexico, Angelina (17) attends Rio Rancho High School and my baby Eleina (15) attends Rio Rancho High School. I love to spend time with my family and love to travel anywhere that is warm and sunny, I love to dance (salsa, merengue and some bachata) and enjoy reading when I travel to those warm and sunny places!
Eliza Gutierrez
Receptionist
I worked for the Public Schools and the Public Education Department for over 35 years. I retired in 2013 from Bernalillo Public Schools. I am truly enjoying substituting in the classrooms here at New Mexico International School and working at the front desk.
7215 Montgomery Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 503-7670
