Staff Transitions
Announcing our Field Operations Directors
It is with pleasure and delight that we announce Katrina Ortiz and Stephanie Morlino as our new Field Operations Directors for Communities In Schools of New Mexico. We are thrilled to see them promoted to this position after gaining valuable experience and knowledge as Site Coordinators with our organization.
Stephanie Morlino
Stephanie (Walther) Morlino joined Communities In Schools of New Mexico in 2014 and has been the Site Coordinator at Aspen Community School. Previously, she worked with Communities In Schools in Michigan making her the longest tenured Site Coordinator on our team! Stephanie's seven years of dedicated service at Aspen has given her a unique perspective to understand the power of our Communities In Schools mission, as well as to develop deep connections with community partners and local resources. She is excited to be joining the Communities In Schools program team and to help lead us to new heights!
Katrina Ortiz
Katrina Ortiz is a native to Santa Fe. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Children and Family Dynamics and is also a licensed Master Social Worker. She has been a Communities In Schools Site Coordinator at Nava Elementary School and is excited to join the program administrative team. "I am passionate about helping our program build strong foundations for students and families, and so grateful to have been a Site Coordinator to understand the details of the work of building and sustaining strong community schools."
...and a fond farewell.
IVAN CORNEJO
After seven years with Communities In Schools of New Mexico (first as a Site Coordinator at Capital High and for the past two years as Field Operations Director) we wish Ivan Cornejo the very best in his next endeavor as he prepares to leave the United States for an opportunity in Italy! During his time with Communities In Schools, Ivan solidified our relationship with Capital High School, and developed initiatives like Nuestra Jornada, a grief and loss group for immigrant youth. Ivan also helped hundreds of students overcome obstacles, build confidence and graduate. His invaluable dedication to making a difference for vulnerable youth and deep commitment to "pay it forward" will be greatly missed. Bon Viaggio!
CHRISTINA McCORQUODALE
Christina McCorquodale, our Program Director for the past three years, has also moved on. Christina is excited to return to the classroom as a social studies teacher. When hired, Christina brought considerable experience in education, teaching, and public policy. She was instrumental in fortifying the Communities In Schools program team, deepening best practice strategies for implementing the Communities In Schools model and supporting our community school legislative and policy work.
HEATHER SELLERS
Heather Sellers joined Communities In School eight years ago as our first Site Coordinator at Capital High School. Heather helped guide and support countless students during her eight years on campus. Along with positively impacting the lives of young adults, she also developed many programs and activities, including the Communities In Schools Girls' Empowerment Group and Jaguar Connection - a visiting day at Capital High for soon-to-be freshmen to get acquainted with the school community and campus. While we will miss Heather, we all look forward to supporting her next chapter, as she and her husband, Chef David Sellers, open their new restaurant "Horno" on Marcy Street in Santa Fe.
