Meet The Cave Teachers

Welcome to Sixth Grade Online Science!!

Education Experience

I was born and raised in Carlsbad and graduated from Carlsbad High School. I have a bachelor's degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Education from New Mexico State University. I have taught sixth and seventh grade science and tutored math at NMSU-Carlsbad.

A few of my favorite things

I love my crazy family, anything Disney, traveling, and home improvement projects. I am a sci-fi nerd. I can’t wait to see Star Wars Land in Disneyland! I have visited eight countries on four continents. I love getting new stamps in my passport. I love teaching and look forward to a great year!

At CHS since 2008.

Will be online teaching a variety of subjects this year.

I have taught multiple subjects in the past, and I am a football coach for the Cavemen.

Degrees in History and Special Education, certified in P.E.

My Name is Michelle Cordova-Montalvo. I’ve been in Carlsbad for 11 years and will be turning 32 in a few days. I’ve been a teacher for CMS all 11 years and have had the pleasure to work and support the Kindergarten population since I moved here after getting my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern New Mexico University. I have a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and fully intend to one day integrate my teaching skills into building and refining my leadership skills as well as helping my peers and colleagues in one day becoming a principal or Instructional coach sometime in the future. I have two wonderful children, Frankie who is 3 and Viviana who will turn 7 months old soon. I’m unique in that I grew up in Europe and was apart of the Armed Forces Family as a dependent my entire life attending DODEA schools. My father proudly served our country in the Air Force and while I grew up in Naples,Italy I do lay claim to Puerto Rico as I am a champion of the little Island my heritage and family come from. I’m excited to be a Cave teacher and can’t wait to embark on a new adventure with CMS!

My name is Michele Robertson and this is my 3rd year as a teacher at Monterrey Elementary. This year I am the 5th grade CAVE teacher. I have two daughters, a cat and a dog. I enjoy going outside to hike, camp, swim, and enjoy nature. I also like listening to music and reading. I'm looking forward to working with my students this year as we navigate this new school year.

I have been in the field of education for 21 years. I started my career in Kansas as a K-4 writing teacher. I worked as a literacy interventionist. After I finished my degree in Leadership, I then worked as a literacy coach. During this time, I helped other teachers implement literacy strategies in their classrooms. I decided I wanted to try teaching in the classroom. I became a Kindergarten/First Grade Looping teacher. I moved to Carlsbad in the summer of 2016. I have been teaching 1st grade at Desert Willow since 2016. I am very excited to be your teacher this year.

Hello, my name is Febie Sunico and I am from Philippines. I absolutely love teaching kindergarten! This will be my second year here at ECEC. Prior to that, I was an Instructional Assistant for 7 years. As a kindergarten teacher, I would like to leave a lasting, positive impression in a young child’s mind. Helping them foster and develop a love for learning that will set them up for future academic success.

Hello, and welcome to CSGA. I am Mrs. Ruiz. This is my seventh year teaching Ancient Civilizations at The Sixth Grade Academy. I received my Bachelors in Elementary education from NMSU and my Masters in Gifted Education from Arkansas State University. I am married and have two daughters. I love to bake, read, paint, and spend time outdoors. I love teaching history and I look forward to teaching online this year!

Hi! I am the Carlsbad Sixth Grade Academy CAVE Language Arts teacher. My family and I moved to Carlsbad from Virginia earlier this year with our three sons. I have been teaching K-12 in several different subjects for seven years. I love animals and have several pets including two ferrets and a 45 year old parrot. I love reading scary stories and watching anything about ghosts. I also enjoy the outdoors and exploring beautiful New Mexico. I am looking forward to meeting our 6th grade CAVE students and digging into some great literature.

Helen has 8 years of experience in teaching children in grades 1 through 9. She specializes in a number of subjects including, but not limited to: Philippine, Asian and European history, basic Reading and Math, Social studies, Philippine literature and Special Education. She received her Master’s degree in Special Education, with a major in Early Childhood last year. She graduated with her first degree from one of the oldest University in Asia (The Royal Pontifical University of Santo Tomas) with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education last 2011, with a major in Social Studies.

She received another separate Special Education diploma two years ago from Resources for Education and Allied Consultancy Habitat (R.E.A.C.H) Inc. as her second degree. She is a member of two SPED Associations: ADHD Society of the Philippines (2016) and Autism Society of the Philippines (since 2015). To advance her knowledge and back her studies, she took a number of seminars from different associations in the Philippines and various short courses from Harvard University.

Throughout her school years and until now, she spends her free time either designing and/or making clothes, or reading textbooks. Her favorite writer is Anne Rice and her favorite designer is Lesley Mobo and Jose Moreno.

Hello Families,

My name is Mrs. Denton and this is my second year teaching at ECEC. I am so thrilled to have your student in my class! It is truly a privilege to be part of your child's life and to have the opportunity to help them grow!

A little about me:

I have lived in this wonderful town for seven years and have been a New Mexican my entire life. I love this state and can't imagine ever leaving. I received my bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University and am currently obtaining my master's degree from Western New Mexico University. I have two beautiful children and have been married for ten years.

Who I am as a teacher:

I strive to give every child an equal opportunity to a quality education. No matter what their background or individual abilities are, my goal is to meet them where they are and see them succeed. I believe each and every child has incredible potential.

I am so excited to teach your child this year. We are going to have so much fun!

Thank you for all that you do.

-Mrs. Denton

Welcome to 5^th grade! I am Mrs. Gonzales, and I look forward to having a successful online learning experience with you. I am the Cave Teacher for Sunset's 5th grade scholars! This is my 14^th year teaching with the Carlsbad School District, and my 5^th year teaching 5^th grade at Sunset. I have taught 6^th , 7^th, and 8^th grade students, and I bring many experiences to the elementary level.

I enjoy spending time with my husband, Steven, and our two boys, Roman and Evan. I enjoy reading, playing with my kids, and traveling. I am excited to be on this new journey with all of you and learning how to make this a great and successful school year for all!

I am a teacher for 2 decades and I love teaching and learning. I am a nature lover.

I believe in the saying “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”Helen Keller

My name is Alerose Nardo, 37 years old, and I'm from Philippines. I'm a graduate of Bachelor in Elementary Education with Specialization in English and about to finish my Masters in Educational Management. I've been teaching for more than 13 years now and loving it. I have two lovely boys, a 10 and 7 year old but they're in my country. I have many hobbies, such as singing, reading, directing plays, hiking, camping, and exploring to places I've never been to and taking pictures of course. I love my job here and really excited to be an online teacher. I feel so blessed to be part of the CMS family!

My name is Mandy Morgan and I am the 4th grade CAVE teacher at Monterrey Elementary. I am currently in my 10th year of teaching and have taught both upper elementary and middle school. I love integrating technology into my teaching and will try any new tech to engage my students in learning! I am excited for a new adventure this school year!