Administration Staff
Administration Staff
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION
Todd Knouse
Head of School
Mr. Knouse is a lifelong educator, with the majority of his service in Bilingual Education. He has been the school’s administrator since NMIS opened its doors in July 2011. Prior to joining NMIS, he worked as a classroom teacher for 10 years, and a teacher trainer for four years.
Sarah Schulman
General Education Director
Sarah Schulman began her career as a Spanish and Japanese language 7-12 educator. In addition to teaching these two languages to high school students, Sarah has worked as a university Spanish language program coordinator, as well as a middle school Spanish teacher. She holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics from the University of New Mexico.
Sarah specializes in second language acquisition theory, heritage language pedagogy, and world language teacher education. She is passionate about bilingual education and language study and thoroughly enjoys helping students develop a curiosity and appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity.
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
I was born and raised in Northern New Mexico. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management from UNM’S School of Anderson in 2019. I was hired on here at New Mexico International School in July of 2020 and have enjoyed every day since. The environment is so diverse, fresh and friendly. 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 a dream come true!
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!
Brendaly Duarte
Receptionist
Bio Coming Soon!
7215 Montgomery Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 503-7670
