Julia has been CIS' Executive Director since our launch in September 2012. She brings 25 years of non-profit management, resource development and education program development expertise to her work with CIS along with a deep commitment to educational equity and social justice for all.

Sonja recently returned to Santa Fe after almost 20 years in San Francisco and is committed to helping impact the community she calls home. She joins the CIS Team with 16 years’ experience creating fundraising, public relations and marketing programs for non-profits and community service organizations. She holds an MBA from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver.

Israel is a native New Mexican. He has worked for various non-profit organizations in Santa Fe, focusing on database management/development, business analysis, and program management.  He has always been passionate about helping and supporting the community. Israel holds an MBA from New Mexico Highlands University. 

Originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, Ivan moved to Santa Fe and graduated from Santa Fe High. Ivan earned his Sociology Degree from the University of New Mexico and served as a Site Coordinator with CIS for five years before transferring to the CIS administrative team. Ivan brings to this position extensive experience working with community partners, school staff and administration, and an invaluable perspective gained from his dedicated work with disadvantaged youth.  

Christina brings 16 years experience to the organization as a bilingual educator for New Mexico public schools and a Senior Research Analyst for the New Mexico Legislative Education Study Committee.  She is committed to serving New Mexico's youth by ensuring students have equal access to programs that support closing the achievement gap.  She is a native of Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Kate is a native Santa Fean.  After a six year stint in the Washington DC metro area, Kate returned home to raise her family and be closer to the mountains.  With two children in Santa Fe Public Schools, Kate spent the last nine years volunteering in the schools and the community, becoming intimate with many of the challenges that CISNM aims to mitigate.  Kate is also active on local boards with CISNM partners.  Kate has a BA from Skidmore College in New York.

Jessica is an accomplished grant writer and researcher who is deeply committed to social justice and to improving the life outcomes of vulnerable children, youth and families in New Mexico and the four corners region. Jessica brings 15+ years of experience in secondary, post-secondary, and nonprofit grant writing and administration to the organization. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California Santa Cruz.

Thea Spaeth has been a bookkeeper for 15 years. She joined CIS in 2018 and offers her assistance 2 days a week, supporting our growing operations. Thea has lived in New Mexico since graduating from Valparaiso University.  In addition to her work for CIS, she manages her thriving private bookkeeping practice.  

Eileen joined CIS in July 2018 and brings more than 20 years accounting and finance experience within diverse organizations. She's passionate about education and committed to serving with an organization that is making a positive difference in the lives of New Mexico's children. Eileen has a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of NM and two Master's degrees from St. John's College.