Our Mission

A bilingual learning facilitator with 20 years of experience,   Stacey teaches children how to trust themselves through inquiry-based and experiential learning and navigate the skill base of the Common Core.  

She states: As a Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction I feel it’s important to impart the understanding that students are the essential designers of their own learning and that they can articulate their ideas to their peers and to me.  This articulation can be a suggestion for a novel or an entire science unit.  Student learning has many shapes, and I facilitate the process of students creating their unique individual shapes.

I am a 2002 graduate of Chapman University Credential Program and a 1992 graduate of CSU Chico with a BA in Spanish.  Currently I am a Project Lead the Way Lead Teacher and a member of the FCUSD Stem Leadership Team.  STEM education is a very effective tool to deliver the above-mentioned skills and help create the leaders of tomorrow.

  Richard Herrera is Owner/Operator of Herrera and Associates, Albuquerque, New Mexico Area Industry Financial Services Company with responsibility for retirement and estate planning. Richard works with the top financial companies in the U.S. to help New Mexico citizens conserve, protect, and increase their economic value. He has close ties with the South Valley Community as he was born and raised in the area. Richard Herrera has worked with the South Valley community and its residents for over 33 years. Richard Herrera has been married for 18 years.

Jessica Luevano shares a vision of resilience in the community for our youth and life in general. Jessica has a BA in Sociology an AA in Education and is currently working with Social Emotional Support throughout Albuquerque Public Schools.  She states, "Its clear we need to build our children's emotional well being by providing them the tools they need to adapt and cope with today's ever challenging world". 

Sara Werner Hoskins is a writer and Language Arts teacher in Albuquerque, NM, and is excited to join the R.I.S.E. team. She studied theater and film at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California, and has since worked in all areas of production, for both stage and screen. She recently received her Masters in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico, achieving membership in the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She is a lover of the arts, science, and close up magic. She is currently teaching sixth grade.

Travis Crawford - RISE Technical Instructor & Neurodiversity Specialist Mr. Crawford specializes in "Reaching the Disengaged Learner," drawing on a foundation in business and computer science. Focused on neurodivergent engagement (unmedicated ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia), he trains educators on winning the "Dopamine War" through Al-assisted tools. He ensures every learner is reached through innovative, technology-driven strategies that modernize the student experience. (Send me a photo if you'd like your Bio to include one.) His focus includes supporting neurodivergent learners — including students with ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia — by helping educators understand motivation, attention systems, and what he calls the “Dopamine War” in modern learning environments.

Travis trains educators on practical AI-assisted engagement strategies that increase focus, participation, and ownership in the classroom. His work ensures that every learner — especially those often overlooked — is reached with dignity, innovation, and measurable impact.

Gina is our Parent Advocate, and Community Liaison. Gina brings over 15 years of experience in business development, strategic outreach, and client engagement across technology and consumer-focused industries. Her background in B2B lead generation, pipeline growth, and relationship management strengthens RISE’s ability to build meaningful partnerships with schools, districts, and organizations.

Known for her strategic thinking and disciplined outreach systems, Gina specializes in identifying aligned opportunities, nurturing long-term relationships, and converting conversations into sustainable partnerships. Her experience with CRM systems, value-driven communication, and structured sales processes supports RISE’s mission to scale with clarity and intention.

At RISE, Gina focuses on opportunity research, proposal alignment, district engagement, and expanding awareness of Compass — our AI-powered SEL platform designed to strengthen resilience and emotional intelligence in schools.