Shellie.Garcia@hed.nm.gov

Shellie Garcia is the fiscal officer for GEAR UP New Mexico joining the team in 2017. Prior to GEAR UP, Shellie worked with the New Mexico Public Education Department for 10 years with the Quality Assurance Bureau and Indian Education Division, kick-starting her passion to work for the students of New Mexico. During her free time, Shellie hosts classes for community members teaching them how to create resumes and assist with college applications. Shellie holds her family, culture, and community kinship very close to her heart. She has one daughter and two nephews whom she helps raise. Being a part of the GEAR UP New Mexico team and the shared goal of creating positive outcomes for GEAR UP students remains special to her.

Darren.Griego@hed.nm.gov

Darren Griego joined the GUNM team as an internal evaluator in October 2021. Prior to joining GUNM, Darren worked for a northern New Mexico school district as their IT director and data coordinator. He brings to the GUNM program over seven years of data collection and management experience. Darren enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and attending to his apple orchard in his free time. Darren is grateful to be a part of a team that fosters collaboration and values individual contributions.

makayla.grijalva@hed.nm.gov

Makayla Grijalva joined the GEAR UP New Mexico team in 2023 after spending five years working in journalism at small newspapers across the Land of Enchantment. She earned a B.A. in journalism and political science from the University of New Mexico in 2020. Makayla is passionate about encouraging the next generation − helping organize mentorship programs through her volunteer work with three different organizations geared toward young professionals. When not working or volunteering, Makayla enjoys spending time with family and friends, and going on adventures with her two-year-old chihuahua, Juniper. She is ecstatic to be a part of the GUNM team.

Katherin.Hinton@hed.nm.gov

Katherin Hinton is the newest member of the GEAR UP New Mexico team and is excited to bring her passion for public service to New Mexico. With a professional foundation in teaching and learning, Katherin has taught for many years across various public school districts and grade levels, as well as adult English Language Learners at the community college level. Katherin also served as a community college academic advisor for five years prior to joining the GUNM team and is excited to contribute her experiences in both workforce and transfer pathways to GUNM. Katherin has a B.S. in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University, and a M.S.Ed. in community and social change from the University of Miami. In her free time, Katherin values being civically engaged and exploring our public lands.

Aaron.Mitchell@hed.nm.gov

Aaron Mitchell worked in public education for 16 years as a teacher, GEAR UP program coordinator, and principal before joining the GEAR UP New Mexico team in 2021. He holds a B.A. in history from Brigham Young University and an M.A. in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico Highlands University. Aaron has been recognized both regionally and nationally for creating a robust dual enrollment program in the Peñasco Independent School District. Aaron and his spouse, Rebecca Gonzales of Vadito, N.M., have 4 children ages six to 17. Aaron enjoys backpacking, board games, and making awful dad jokes. He is thrilled to be working with the GEAR UP NM team.

TamaraL.Trujillo@hed.nm.gov

Tamara Trujillo joined the GEAR UP New Mexico team in 2022. A passionate educator, Tamara dedicated the past 27 years to creating positive change and equitable learning opportunities for New Mexico students and educators. She earned a B.A. in business administration, and an M.A. in education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction. She has worked for educational non-profit organizations, public schools, and her alma maters — New Mexico State University and Northern New Mexico College – as a faculty member and college administrator. Tamara holds strong ties with her northern New Mexican roots and highly values her family, the great outdoors, and the communities she calls home. When not working she enjoys spending time with her family and watercolor painting.

Rachel.Saenz@hed.nm.gov

Rachel Saenz is a grant management specialist and educator with a decade of experience working in secondary and post-secondary institutions across New Mexico. A graduate of Texas Tech University, she holds a B.A. in business and public relations and an M.A. in secondary education. Rachel specializes in leveraging federal resources to create sustainable positive change in the higher-ed arena. A strong believer in the power of inclusivity, forward-thinking and thoughtful action, Rachel is extremely excited to be part of the GEAR UP team! When not at work, Rachel enjoys reading a good book, watching documentaries, spending time outdoors, and horsing around with her children and pets in Rio Rancho.