Meet Our Team!
Admin Team
My name is Principal Kaye and I am proud to say that this is my fifth year as the principal at Desert Star Elementary School. I have been a part of Alamogordo Public Schools for ten years. My youngest daughter graduated from Alamogordo High School in 2013 and I have two sons at the high school this year. My eldest daughter lives in Connecticut with my two-year-old grandson.
Kindergarten Team
My name is Mrs. Lucero and I teach Kindergarten. I am excited to get this school year started. I have been teaching for 10 years, 9 of which have been in Kindergarten. I came here, like many of us did, with the military in 1988. I finished high school here and continued onto NMSUA and later finished my undergraduate work at NMSU. I have completed all the coursework for my Master’s in Early Childhood Education. I am married with 4 children ages 16 to 28. I love being outdoors, music, playing games with the family, chilling with my four-legged babies, and doing arts and crafts.
My name is Kalie Quiroga. This is my 11th year with Alamogordo Public Schools and teaching Kindergarten. I was born and raised here in Alamogordo, and I graduated from Alamogordo High School in 2006. I then attended NMSU where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I met and married my husband here in Alamo and we have 2 children, a 5 year old and 2 year old. I love Elvis and Dr. Seuss, and my favorite place to be is in Kindergarten!
Hi there! My name is Eveline Lugo. This will be my fourth year teaching at Desert Star Elementary School and being a part of the Kindergarten team. I am currently pursuing a Master's in Education with a Bilingual Education Certification. I am from Houston, TX. The military has given my family the opportunity to live in Europe, Asia, California, and now New Mexico. Our previous home before moving to Alamogordo was Misawa, Japan. I absolutely love the mountains here! My passion is to teach, building relationships with my students, and watching them grow in their learning. There is nothing more rewarding than that!
First Grade Team
Hi! I’m Ms. Cunningham and I’m so excited to be teaching 1st grade this year! I am originally from Georgia, where I graduated from Kennesaw State University with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. In my free time, I love to read, hang out with my family and friends, and spend time outdoors. I can’t wait for an amazing year!
My name is Maria Wolfe and I am a graduate of Western Oregon University. I have a Bachelor’s of Science with two authorization levels in the areas of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I also obtained a Master’s of Science with an endorsement in the area of ESOL. While student teaching, I had the opportunity to teach in a first-grade classroom, as well as a third-grade classroom. I learned a tremendous amount from both of these classroom settings. My student teaching experiences prepared me for the first years of teaching in my own classroom.
Through my 15 year teaching career, I have had the privilege of working in various states including: Oregon, Alabama, New York, and Missouri. I was very fortunate to teach first grade in all of these states. I am delighted to be teaching first grade (once again) in the Land of Enchantment! This will be my first year at Desert Star Elementary! Go, Cheetahs!!!
My husband (Jeff) and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for 21 years. After 11 years as an active-duty Army family, we felt that it was time for a change in our lifestyle. We explored many options but felt that New Mexico was the perfect state for us to settle down and raise our family. We have two amazing boys, Rudy (10 years old) and Jackson (12 years old). Rudy will be a 5th grader at Desert Star Elementary and Jackson will be a 7th grader at Mountain View Middle school. As a family, we couldn’t be more excited to be starting this new chapter of our lives in Alamogordo!
Fun facts about me: I am bilingual. I am a first-generation college graduate! I have six brothers and sisters! My hobbies include photography and gardening. I love to travel and explore new places with my family. Trying new restaurants is one of my favorite pastimes. Getting to meet new people makes my heart genuinely happy!
My name is Rebecca Norris and I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am the youngest of 4 children. Most of my life was spent in Louisiana. I graduated valedictorian from Pointe Coupee Central High School. I then became a first-generation college student and attended Southern University A&M College, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I spent many years in retail management at Target Corporation and Capital One Bank until pursuing my passion for education and relocating to New Mexico. I am married to Corey Norris, Sr., and we have three children: Corey Jr. (18), Zemirah (10), and Harmony(4). We are a military family, and after 20 plus years of service, we have decided to call Alamogordo home. This is my fifth year teaching at Desert Star. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in education at Regent University.
Hello, my name is Corrina Monroe. I’m very excited for our new school year and look forward to helping your child learn everything needed for this year and beyond. Together, we will help your child be a successful student!!
A little about myself, I am a mother of 3 children and 7 grandchildren. My husband and I love camping, hiking, fishing, reading, playing games, and traveling. In fact, we have just come back from a fabulous trip to Hawaii!! I am starting my 20th year as a teacher with this year being my third year in first grade. I have taught grades 1, 3, 6 (Science), 7 (Science), and reading support.
This is going to be an exciting and magical year for your child, yourself, and me! Please feel free to contact me at any time. TOGETHER, WE CAN DO THIS!!!
Second Grade Team
Hello, my name is Mrs. Starkovich and I am so excited to be teaching second grade this year. I am in my 12th year of teaching and this is my second year teaching at Desert Star Elementary. A year ago, we moved to Alamogordo from Gallup NM; we are so thankful and happy to be in a great community. I am married and we have two beautiful daughters who keep us very busy. I am an outdoor enthusiast and I stay active in competition Spartan races. I also have enjoyed coaching sports at the middle school and high school levels. I can’t wait to spend the next year learning and growing with you!
My name is Alisha Grijalva-Harvey. I am married and we have three children. We also have a guinea pig and two dogs. I love pugs and anything Disney! I also enjoy fishing even though I am a vegetarian. I am originally from San Diego, California and I moved to New Mexico to be closer to my grandparents. I completed my Bachelor’s at New Mexico State University and completed a Master’s Certificate program in Elementary Education. I am also currently working on my Master’s Degree at Eastern New Mexico University.
Hi! My name is Edward Martinez! I have been married for 29 years and we have four kids, and four grandchildren. I graduated from Hatch Valley High School, and NMSU. This is my 12th year teaching and this is my first year at Desert Star Elementary School.
My name is Ms. Elliott or Ms. Ell Ell, and I teach 2nd grade ELA. I graduated from NMSU in 2012 and obtained my Master's in 2016. I have been teaching for six years in New Mexico and four years in Florida. I am a major pet lover with 2 dogs and 5 cats at home. My favorite color is pink and I love going to Disney World.
Third Grade Team
My name is Mrs. Moore and I am a 3rd grade teacher at Desert Star Elementary. I teach science, social studies, and writing for the grade level. I attended college at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces where I received a Bachelor’s degree and then attended New Mexico Highlands for my Master’s. I have taught for a total of 10 years between Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Alamogordo. My husband and I, along with our 2-year-old son recently moved to Alamogordo to be closer to family. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, reading, crafting, and being outdoors in my spare time.
Hi, my name is Tammie Wininger. I am looking forward to being your child’s Third Grade Math Teacher. I have been teaching since 2006, teaching first grade for eight years and third grade for six years. I have two dogs that are like my children. I love Snoopy and your child will be welcomed into Snoopyville.
Fourth Grade Team
My name is Mrs. Kerley and I am a New Mexico native! I was born in Lovington and spent my youth in Hobbs and Cloudcroft. I taught private piano and music theory for 14 years and was a concert pianist for several years. I have a Bachelor's Degree in music from ENMU, with an emphasis in piano and vocal performance, a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama, and a Master's in Educational Administration from Texas Tech. I am married to Dr. Thomas Kerley, and we have 3 grown children - they will always be little kids to me (not Tom)! Each of my daughters was born in Alamogordo! My interests are cooking, playing the piano and organ, gardening, finding hot springs, and caring for my family.
My name is Christy Stroud and I began my working career as the Personal Assistant to the founder of the Circle K Corporation. This propelled me into a career in government which included my being the Assistant to the City Managers in Beaumont, TX, and here in Alamogordo. Later, I was the Town Clerk for the Town of Hagerman, NM and worked for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. My dream had always been to teach! I completed my Bachelor of Science Degree and began teaching in 2005. I also hold a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, and am a Ph.D. Candidate in Curriculum & Instruction. I have taught 1st - 8th grade students, with the exception of 2nd grade. I also taught Education Classes as an Adjunct Instructor for NMSU-A. I’m doing what I love - working with Kids, an amazing Principal who leads and inspires us, along with a Magical Team!
Hey there! My name is Natana Nelson and I am one of the 4th grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teachers at DSES. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University. I am an alternative licensed teacher. I have been working for the Alamogordo Public Schools District for almost 2 years. This is my second year teaching 4th grade ELA. I am so excited to teach and learn from these amazing, smart, and kind children! When I am not working I can be found at concerts, hiking in the mountains, taking long baths and reading memoirs, practicing hot yoga, and restorative yoga, and journaling. Anyways... have a wonderful year!
My name is Stacey Yates and I teach 4th Grade math and science this year.I have been with Alamogordo Public Schools for 22 1/2 years! Over the years I have taught 7th Grade science, 8th Grade technology, Kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th Grade, and I am very excited to be here at Desert Star Elementary School!!
Fifth Grade Team
My name is Mrs. Armijo and I am looking forward to starting school face to face this year! I want to know all about YOU, but first, there are a few things about me. This year will be my 8th year teaching 5th grade. I am originally from Canton, Ohio but I have lived in New Mexico most of my life. I attended most of my schooling at NMSU, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education. I also have a Criminal Justice and Arts Degree and I am currently working on a Master's Degree focused on specializations in Math and Science. When I am not teaching, I am spending time with my family. I have 2 daughters and 1 son. I like to ride horses, hike, camp, watch and play sports. I am excited to be your teacher and look forward to an amazing year!
Hi! My name is Sheri Stafford and I am so excited to be your child’s math teacher this year! This will be my 12th year teaching in the Alamogordo Public School District. I have taught third, fourth, and fifth grade. I have a Master’s Degree in Education, and I truly have the best job in the world. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s educational journey. We will have an amazing year.
Mr. Shultz
Special Education Team
My name is Nicole Robar. I teach Special Education in the lower grades. I have been working with children for about eight years. I am relatively new to the area. I moved from California to Alamogordo in December 2019. I grew up in Upstate New York and have also lived in Vermont, Massachusetts, and the Carolinas. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and am working on my Master’s degree. I enjoy kayaking, going on picnics, and photography. I have always had a passion for working with children and am thrilled to be working here in Alamogordo!
"Special Teams"
My name is Walter Layton. I was born on June 2, 1975, in Stratford, New Jersey, and I graduated in 1993, where I was a member of the football, wrestling, and baseball teams. Upon graduation from Overbrook High School, I joined the United States Marine Corps.
I went to book camp in Parris Island, South Carolina in January 1994 and graduated in March 1994. Upon graduating, I attended Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, NC, then attended the Field Radio Operator’s Course in 29 Palms, CA for training to obtain a specialty as a Field Radio Operator. During my career in the Marines, I have been stationed in 29 Palms, CA, Okinawa, Japan, Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar CA, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego CA, Camp Fuji, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, and Quantico, VA. I served in Combat Operations in Iraq in 2008. Throughout my career, I served in billets as a Radio Operator, Radio Chief, Communications Chief, Comm School Instructor, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Academics Chief, and Drill Instructor. I received several personal awards and decorations during my career. I retired from the Marines in 2014 after 20 years of honorable service.
Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, I worked for three different private companies as a Government Contractor, developing curriculum for several Marine Corps entities, the FBI Academy, and five East African countries. I relocated to Alamogordo, NM in December 2017. I started working in education at Desert Star Elementary as a 3rd grade Teacher in January 2018, and I moved to the first-grade classroom for the 2018-2019 school year before becoming the PE teacher in March 2019. I am also a coach of the Alamogordo Tigers Football.
I completed my BS Degree in Education at Liberty University in 2013 and my MA Degree in Education at New Mexico State University in 2019. I am the father of 2 daughters, Celeste and Callista, 2 sons, Joshua and Christian, and 1 granddaughter, Riley.
