Biography

Ms. Veronica I was born and raised in Albuquerque's North Valley, where I currently live with my husband, dogs and chickens. I have 2 grown sons and an adult bonus daughter, as well as 2 "perfect" grandchildren!  I graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Pre-Law/Criminology. I earned a Master's Degree in School Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University in Rio Rancho. This is my 5th year at Maggie Cordova and I absolutely love being part of the Dragon Family. I am leading a team that is working on completing the Recognized American School Counseling Association Model Program (RAMP) application, which would earn MCE the designation of having a model counseling program, aligned with the American School Counseling Association's (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors. When I am not at work, I like to enjoy the great outdoors from the lakes to the mountains and rivers, kayaking, paddle boarding, riding jet skis, hiking, biking and sometimes just laying on a hammock.

Ms. Thalia I was born in Crete, Greece and moved to the US when I was 12. I graduated from Antioch College with a degree in Self, Society, and Culture with minors in Linguistics and Dance. After college, I opened a Classical Pilates studio and a gym. In 2008 I went back to school for a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health and another in Pupil Personnel Services. In 2011 I packed up my cat, Dr. Watson, and moved to Albuquerque to begin work as a school counselor, while simultaneously working on my clinical counseling licensure (LPCC). In my free time, I enjoy reading and riding horses. I've lived in Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and of course New Mexico (which is my favorite). The first time I saw a roadrunner I literally stopped traffic! As of last year, I have had experience working in elementary, middle, and high school levels, and though I love all my students, I'm especially fond of my "littles." My favorite topic to teach is humane education, and in the past I've coordinated with animal rescues to bring foster and service animals in to work with my students.