Our Faculty & Staff
OUR LEADERSHIP
Stephanie Becker
Executive Director/Principal
A dedicated educator and leader, Stephanie Becker is passionate about educational innovation, building strong community partnerships, and creating meaningful learning opportunities that support students both in and beyond the classroom.
Stephanie has been part of the Amy Biehl community since 2009, when she joined the school as the Heritage Spanish instructor. Subsequently, she became the Director of Community Engagement. In that role, she helped develop and lead the school’s service-learning program, connecting students with local organizations and community partners throughout Albuquerque. Her work focuses on helping students grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens while developing the skills they need for college, careers, and civic life.
In addition to her leadership at Amy Biehl High School, Stephanie is an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Mexico, where she teaches courses in the Film and Digital Arts Department, including classes on Latin American and Mexican cinema, Chicano film and literature, and international filmmakers.
She holds a Ph.D. in Spanish Language, Literature, and Film from the University of New Mexico; an M.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Florida; and an International MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management.
Our TEACHERS & STAFF
Graduating tomorrow’s change.
Our teachers and support staff are experts in their fields and passionate about their roles in our community, providing a challenging and nurturing educational experience for every student.
STEPHANIE BECKER
A dedicated educator and leader, Stephanie Becker is passionate about educational innovation, building strong community partnerships, and creating meaningful learning opportunities that support students both in and beyond the classroom. Stephanie has been part of the Amy Biehl community since 2009, when she joined the school as the Heritage Spanish instructor. Subsequently, she became the Director of Community Engagement. In that role, she helped develop and lead the school’s service- learning program, connecting students with local organizations and community partners throughout Albuquerque. Her work focuses on helping students grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens while developing the skills they need for college, careers, and civic life. In addition to her leadership at Amy Biehl High School, Stephanie is an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Mexico, where she teaches courses in the Film and Digital Arts Department, including classes on Latin American, Mexican cinema, Chicano film and literature, and international filmmakers. She holds a Ph.D. in Spanish Language, Literature, and Film from the University of New Mexico; an M.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Florida; and an International MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management.
HALLEY WHEELESS
PALOA VILLALBA
MICHAEL KINDEL
TRISA LASLEY
I really do have the best job ever! I love assisting our awesome director with all tasks necessary for our Special Education/Gifted Student Department. As a daughter of school teachers, I'm an advocate for education and have enjoyed working in schools in various capacities for 15 years. I'm a proud Army wife to Major Lasley and I love to spend time with my adult children & husband on the golf course. I also love to travel, eat, bake, decorate and coordinate parties and luncheons. A Hawaii-born girl, the ocean has always been my first friend. I'm a big believer that salt water has beautiful healing powers and I go there daily.
GABRIELLA GARCIA
CAROLINE GOODMAN
In addition to teaching, I love adventure, travel and being in the outdoors. I have worked as an outdoor educator and a guide in Southern Africa, South America, Central America and all over the American West. My family is very important to me, especially my nieces and nephews. I grew up in Indiana with two sisters, no TV, and lots of books! In my free time, I love to mountain bike, ski, hike, and run rivers.
BRET AAKER
I have been teaching at ABHS since 2004. The best part of teaching at ABHS is the collaboration we do to improve our community- at the school and in our city and state. I make art, climb rocks, cook pho, and read philosophy. I am married to a dedicated educator, and there are four children in my family that I am super proud of.
MARIBETH DVORAK
I have taught physical education/health at Amy Biehl Charter High School since 2012 and I have coached volleyball since 2004 at Albuquerque Academy. Teaching and volleyball are my passions. I love spending time with my dogs, family, and friends. When I'm not teaching, you can find me on the volleyball courts around town. My hopes are to instill the same love of learning and volleyball to those I teach and coach.
CHRISTINA HERERRA-FURST
As a life-long Burqueña, I am committed to building up my community through education. My goal as a teacher is to give students the skills they need to think critically, identify and analyze credible sources, and consider multiple perspectives. History is made every day, and our students have a role to play in what comes next. Outside of school, I am chasing my two kids around, tending to my veggie garden and chickens, and voraciously reading.
THOMAS BERGAN
JESSICA CARLTON
LIVIA JONES
YESENIA TARANGO
I teach Spanish because I appreciate how much I have learned about culture and history through linguistics, and I strive to share that information with my students. Grammar is fun! I really think so. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog Jack. Time is something I cannot get back, so I try to spend it with meaningful people in my life.
SANDRA MACK
I love teaching Earth and Space Science because my mission is to help our society develop a deeper and heathier relationship with the natural world. I spend my free time developing my permaculture garden, cooking great food for my friends and family, camping and hiking, and experimenting with all the new ideas and processes that I am excited about.
MIKE LYNAM
I am passionate about teaching, science, and body-building! When I'm not teaching, you can find me at my computer playing games on Steam, at the gym lifting weights, or spending time in mountains snow-boarding, camping, or hiking.
MEGAN STOVALL
JOHN THOMSON
Born & raised in Albuquerque, John has a deep connection to the culture & community here. After graduating with a BA in Philosophy from UNM, he wanted to give back and nurture young minds. Following a brief stint at APS, he discovered the creative freedom of an educational practice, found in a charter school setting. Now in his 5th year at ABHS & his 10th year teaching, John teaches Math, helps coordinate our SEL(Social Emotional Learning) Team, and still finds time to practice one of his favorite pastimes, skateboarding, with students during lunch or after school.
MEIHONG ZHU
KEVIN TSOSIE
RANDY MIRANDA
ALDIS PHILIPBAR
I feel very lucky to work at ABHS with so many amazing people. When I'm not writing grants or organizing a fundraiser for the school, I love spending time with my family, reading, cooking (or watching anything food related on TV), and traveling.
CARLA GROSSETETE
MARY HAGEMANN
I am so fortunate to work at an amazing school like Amy Biehl! I am the school's Finance Director and CPO. I have been a certified school business official since 2018. Outside the office, I love playing tennis, climbing, biking, and exploring the outdoors.
BRONSON ELLIOT
I am a social worker and former teacher. In fact, I used to teach at Amy Biehl! I love hiking with my dog Nika, watching coming-of-age movies and shows, reading novels and traveling.
SARAH HERBERT
I am in my 10th year as a school social worker, and I love it! I truly care about the students with whom I work, and I strive to make them feel accepted and supported no matter what they are struggling with. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, scrolling Instagram for fashion inspo, and spending time outdoors.
MONICO CANDELARIA
I wear a few different hats here at Amy Biehl. I am a school social worker, a member of the students support team, the yearbook advisor, and co-coordinator of the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) team. My family is amazing, I moonlight as a decent skateboarder, I enjoy creating short videos, and goodness do I love dogs.