


Discover how Albuquerque Public Schools is revolutionizing early childhood education to meet ambitious goals. By 2028, the district aims to boost third-grade ELA proficiency among students identified in the Yazzie-Martinez decision from 27.3% to 37.3%. Explore how PreK initiatives are key to achieving this, equipping young learners with essential skills. Learn about the CARES framework, which enhances access, partnerships, and family engagement. Delve into impactful programs like Family Academy, which improve communication, academic support, and relationships. Gain practical strategies for establishing consistent routines and fostering collaboration between programs and families. Leave with actionable insights into successful early childhood learning models and effective family engagement practices. Don’t miss this chance to implement proven methods for educational success, starting in PreK.

Allison Gabaldon is a native New Mexican and a proud product of Albuquerque Public Schools. She has been in Early Childhood Education for 23 years. Allison started off as an Early Interventionist and Home Visitor for 10 years in both southern New Mexico and the California Bay Area. In 2007, she became a Special Ed Preschool Teacher and eventually a Preschool Inclusion Specialist for Hayward Unified School District. Upon returning to New Mexico in 2016, Allison began her career with Albuquerque Public Schools. In APS she has been a Developmental Preschool Teacher, a Five Star NM PreK Teacher, a Transformational Principal, and currently the Senior Director of Early Childhood. Allison is a servant leader who focuses on relationships. She promotes the best in others and has a passion for teaching others how to shine.
Toni Leni Rivera is a Bilingual Implementation Specialist with Waterford.org. She has over 25 years of experience in education as Bilingual Spanish Teacher, Curriculum Development Specialist, and Technology Support Teacher. Toni has a passion for educational technology and improving access to underserved learning communities. She has worked on Ed Tech initiatives with Navajo Education Technology Consortium, Intel Teach to the Future through the University of New Mexico, and Technology Integration courses with Western New Mexico University-Gallup Graduate Center. Toni holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with emphasis in Bilingual Ed and ESL from Western New Mexico University and a Bachelor’s Degree in School Health.
Keairra Chaney, a proud native of Oklahoma, holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. After graduating, Keairra relocated to Dallas, Texas, where she uncovered her passion for advocating for children and families in underserved communities. Over the past decade, Keairra has dedicated herself to building and nurturing relationships with students and families while providing impactful teaching to ensure educational success for all. Currently, Keairra serves as a Curriculum Designer for Waterford.org. In this role, she collaborates with content development and correlation teams to create literacy content rooted in the science of reading, as well as math and science materials for students. She also works on developing resources and instructional supports that address gaps and align with digital content. Outside of her professional endeavors, Keairra finds joy in working out, exploring new destinations through travel, and cherishing quality time with family and friends.
Valerie King is a Senior Professional Learning Consultant with Waterford.org. She has more than 25 years of experience empowering NM educators and students with the goal of positively impacting students' trajectories. She has supported K-12 schools through educational consulting with a specialty in implementing technology-based math and reading programs. Valerie's skills include nurturing customer success and providing professional learning with great care, kindness and diligence. She is a graduate of New Mexico State University with a Masters Degree in Educational Management and Development.