PYP Teachers
Corrales International School offers an IBO authorized primary years programme. The PYP at Corrales International School consists of grades K through 6. In grade K and 1 students have one homeroom teacher and see specials (PE, Music, Art and Computers) twice each during the week for 45 minutes. Instruction in the Kinder and 1st grade classrooms is 90% Spanish instruction, with students learning to read and write in Spanish.
Teachers in grades 2 and 3 as well as those in 4 and 5 share students with 50% of instruction in English and 50% in Spanish. These students also have specials offered twice per week per subject (PE, Music, Art and Computers) for 45 minutes.
Students in Grade 6 have a homeroom teacher with instruction primarily in English. The students have Spanish 3 times per week. Students also have Science or Social Studies offered in Spanish. Specials consist of Art, Music and PE classes once per week.
Kindergarten Teacher – Maestra Gaby Escobedo
escobedog@corralesis.org
Maestra Gaby Escobedo has been the Kindergarten teacher at CIS for 11 years.
Before teaching at CIS, Maestra Gaby taught at the Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School in Albuquerque. She also taught Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades in Chihuahua, Mexico at the Instituto La Salle de Chihuahua, and Kindergarten through lower elementary school at Colegio Montessori de Chihuahua, Mexico.
Ms. Escobedo holds undergraduate degrees in Accounting, and Business Administration, and Masters in Finance, and Bilingual Education. She holds a Level III Kindergarten through 8th grade license, TESOL endorsed, Bilingual Education license, and a Level III Modern Classical and Native Languages license.
Birthplace: Chihuahua, Mexico Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Kindergarten Educational Assistant – Silvia Nino
ninos@corralesis.org
First Grade Teacher – Maestra Claudia Zamudio
zamudioc@corralesis.org
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to first grade! My name is Claudia Zamudio-Larranaga and this is my twenty nine year teaching. I have many fun ideas and things planned throughout the year.
I would like to tell you a little bit about myself both personally and professionally. I was born in Mexico City. I started to work here in Albuquerque since 2006. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and the Master of Science in Educational Psychology. I love going on vacations anywhere there is beautiful landscapes and beach. I like to read, swimming and indoor cycling. My husband Michael was born here at Albuquerque. We have one son, Mikey who is now ten years old.
I would like to work closely together with you, and I believe frequent communication is vital. If you would like to send me notes via email, my school email address is zamudioc@corralesis.org I will try to answer you back as soon as possible.
I am delighted to have your child in my class this year. I am looking forward to a very successful year and I know you are too. I have high expectations for your child and I will do all that I can to help your child achieve those expectations.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with your child!
Sincerely Mrs. Zamudio
Queridos Padres y estudiantes:
¡Bienvenidos a primer grado! Mi nombre es Claudia Zamudio-Larranaga y tengo 29 años enseñando.Tengo muchas ideas divertidas y cosas planeadas a través del año.
Me gustaría decirles un poquito acerca de mi misma, en lo personal y profesionalmente. Nací en la Ciudad de México. Comencé a trabajar aquí en Albuquerque desde el 2006. Tengo una licenciatura en Educación Primaria y una maestría en Psicología Educativa. Me encanta salir de vacaciones a donde sea que haya hermosos paisajes y playa. Me gusta leer, nadar y la bicicleta estacionaria. Mi esposo nació aquí en Albuquerque. Nosotros tenemos un hijo, Mikey quien ahora tiene diez años de edad.
Me gustaría que trabajaramos juntos, creo que la comunicación frecuente es vital. Si a usted le gustaría mandarme notas via email, mi correo electrónico de la escuela es zamudioc@corralesis.org trataré de contestarle lo más pronto posible.
Estoy encantada de tener a su estudiante en mi clase este año. Espero tengamos un año exitoso y sé que usted también eso espera. Tengo grandes espectativas para su estudiante y haré todo lo que pueda para ayudar a que su estudiante alcance esas metas.
¡Muchas gracias por la oportunidad que me da de trabajar con su niño (a)!
Sinceramente Maestra Zamudio
View Teacher’s Page Here
Second Grade Teacher – Maestra Dora Lavenburg
lavenburgd@corralesis.org
My name is Dora Lavenburg, I am the second-grade teacher at Corrales International School since 2018.
I graduated and obtained my license in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Missouri in 2010. I also have a Bilingual Endorsement with the State of New Mexico. At this moment I am currently working on my Masters in Special Education at University of New Mexico.
I have taught in the elementary grades for 14 years. I have had the pleasure to teach Pre-School, Kindergarten, First Grade and Second grade. I enjoy family time, especially outdoors. I enjoy reading educational books that can help me in my profession and how I can help students succeed. Apart from that, I am always on a quest to meet new people and learn about their language and culture.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Third Grade Teacher – Maestra Yessenia Lentz
lentzy@corralesis.org
My name is Yessenia Lentz, I am excited to announce I am the new 3rd teacher at Corrales International School. I was born in the Peruvian Andes and raised in California’s Bay Area. I grew up in a bilingual household speaking both English and Spanish. My education is in biology, Latin American studies, as well as dance. Recently, I worked at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge with native bees and wildflowers. I also have an avid interest in birding and the outdoors. I embrace my Peruvian roots through folkloric dancing and frequent travel to visit family. I’m looking forward to working with my new students and you, their parents. You can contact me at LentzY@corralesis.org
See you soon.
Queridos Padres de Familia
Mi nombre es Yessenia Lentz, me complace anunciar que soy la nueva maestra de tercer grado en Corrales Escuela Internacional de Corrales.
Nací en Perú en los Andes, y crecí en el Área Bahía de California.Vengo de un hogar bilingüe, hablamos inglés y español. Mi educación es en biología, estudios latinoamericanos y danza. Recientemente trabajé en el Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge con abejas nativas y flores silvestres. También tengo un gran interés en las aves y la naturaleza. Honro mis raíces peruanas a través de bailes folclóricos y viajes frecuentes a mi país. Espero trabajar con mis nuevos estudiantes y con ustedes, sus padres. Pueden escribirme a LentzY@corralesis.org hasta pronto.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Fourth Grade Teacher – Maestra Marina Cortes-Nunez
nunezm@corralesis.org
My name is Marina Cortes Nunez
I was born and raised in Mexico City, I graduated in Public Accounting and Education. I am studying for my master’s degree in education and teaching. I have 9 years of teaching experience and have worked teaching in bilingual schools here in Albuquerque. I got married here in Albuquerque and I have a daughter who is currently in high school. I really like teaching through songs. I am in love with nature and respect for the living things that surround us. I also love to travel and especially like going to the beaches since I really like to swim. I am very happy to be back at my favorite Corrales International school.
View Teacher’s Page here
Fifth Grade Teacher – Maestra Nara Olivas
olivasn@corralesis.org
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Sixth Grade Teacher – Brent Diaz
diazb@corralesis.org
Mr. Diaz was born in Spain and spent much of his childhood abroad, eventually settling in Albuquerque. He attended La Cueva High School and Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Southwest Studies. An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Diaz was a member of the 1996 La Cueva High School state champion soccer team and also played collegiate soccer for Fort Lewis College. Go Skyhawks! Mr. Diaz enjoys traveling, history, hiking, snowboarding, gardening, playing cards, and spending time with his wife and two children, ages 13 and 11.
Previous to his employment at Corrales International School, Mr. Diaz provided in-home tutoring services throughout the greater Albuquerque area. While in California he was lead tutor with UROK, a supplemental education service company, and later directed tutors throughout New Mexico. Prior to having children, Mr. Diaz taught social studies and physical education at Sunshine Peak Academy, a KIPP charter school located in Denver, CO. He coached 7th and 8th grade volleyball and baseball as well. Mr. Diaz enjoys working with diverse students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
MYP Teachers
English Teacher – Megan Chatterton
chattertonm@corralesis.org
Megan Chatterton is in her eleventh year teaching and sixth year at Corrales International School. She graduated from the University of New Mexico summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s in Secondary Education (and a black belt in karate!). Megan formerly taught history and English for four years in Gallup-McKinley County and English for two years with Rio Rancho Public Schools. She enjoys reading, video gaming, exploring nature, and creative writing in her spare time. When not teaching at CIS, she also tackles the school’s yearbook and sponsors National Honor Society.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Math Teacher – Jenna Cangialosi
cangialosij@corralesis.org
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Project Lead the Way Teacher – Scott Copley
copleys@corralesis.org
Scott Copley is in his eighth year at Corrales International School teaching Project Lead The Way, Biomedical Science. He graduated college and taught science in Lincoln, NE before moving to New Mexico. I have embraced IB and PLTW as world class programs and enjoy delivering the content in the charter school setting. I really enjoy the applicability of the biomedical program to our personal lives. I enjoy officiating high school football and wrestling as well as camping around NM.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Science Teacher – Elizabeth Scharrer
scharrere@corralesis.org
I have been teaching for over 10 years. Prior to that I worked in radiology as an x-ray tech, ultrasound tech, MRI tech and CT tech for 33 years. I am an Albuquerque native and graduated from both the University of New Mexico and NM Highlands University. My mother likes to remind me that it took me 50 years to realize that teaching was my first love. I am a NM Level III teacher certified in Special Education, Social Studies, Language Arts and Science. I was an APS teacher of the month as well. I am proud to be part of Corrales International School and fully embrace the International Baccalaureate learner profile. I teach Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Social Studies Teacher – Lisa Tiger
tigerl@corralesis.org
I have 27 years of teaching experience, six of those in New Mexico. My teaching background began with Language Arts, then moved to Journalism, Public Speaking, Film and Television, History, and Health Education. Coming from the Oklahoma/Arkansas public school systems, I had little knowledge of charter schools, but quickly began to see the benefits. I love the creativity and culture of Corrales International School. More importantly, I love that I’m given the opportunity to have a small part in the development of these wonderful students’ learning. I have committed myself to providing them with a quality education and to best serve them by growing myself professionally within my content area, as well as extensive training in IB related areas, like Service Learning. I also advocate for growth within our state’s educational system to better support the needs of every child and promote a rigorous curriculum designed to help them succeed in an ever-changing world. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your child.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Spanish Teacher – Maestra Michelle Adam
adamm@corralesis.org
This is my fifth year as a Spanish teacher for MYP students at Corrales International School! As a global citizen, raised in Spain, Switzerland, and the U.S., with an Argentinean father, I embrace diversity, language, creativity and teaching students to become part of a global society. I have taught Spanish for 18 years, covering all levels of Spanish from K through 12th grade. Prior to CIS, I taught level I Spanish for ten years to 7th and 8th graders at Southwest Preparatory Learning Center here in Albuquerque. On the east coast, I taught students grades 8-12 Spanish at all levels, including the highest, and have been a teacher to elementary students and adults. I also bring to my teaching years of work as a professional magazine writer, novelist (my novel Child of Duende has been published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese), children’s book author (https://www.michelleadam.net/children-s-stories), and storyteller, in addition to years living in Spain and speaking Spanish. I have performed to my novel with Flamenco guitarists and dancers in the U.S., Argentina, and Spain. This summer, I traveled to Portugal and Spain, In Portugal, I celebrated the release of my novel in Portuguese. These past two summers, I have also offered several dozen storytelling events throughout New Mexico with my new tale, Adventures with Duende in the Ocean, for kids 5 and older. I share stories using an ancient pre-television Kamishibai Theater, which is a wooden box with colorful illustrations that add to a unique storytelling experience. Adventures with Duende in the Forest is soon ready for publication.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Special Instruction
Music Teacher – Liam Murphy
murphyl@corralesis.org
In 2015, Liam Murphy moved from New York City to New Mexico with his wife and two small children. His first stop in the Land of Enchantment was in Gallup, New Mexico where he spent five years teaching band, choir and guitar to middle and high school age students. He cherished his time in Gallup, but when opportunities presented themselves in the Albuquerque area, he and his family decided to move. Liam Murphy is an accomplished classical guitarist and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music from the State University of New York. Additionally, Liam has lived (Madid, Spain) and studied (Caracas, Venezuela) abroad, and feels quite at home at the Corrales International School. He is excited to join the staff at CIS and bring his years of music education experience to the students at the school.
View Teacher’s Page here
Physical Education Teacher – Kandy Berry
berryk@corralesis.org
My name is Kandy Berry. I have two amazing children and two beautiful grandchildren.
I am from Wyoming; I received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming. While attending UW, I competed in Tennis and Powerlifting.
After I graduated from college, I moved to Denver, where I was the strength coach at Regis Jesuit High School and Regis College for Lacrosse and Baseball.
When my children were very young, we moved to Albuquerque, NM, to be near my parents. I applied to teach P.E. at the elementary level so I could be with my children. I was their P.E. teacher for their elementary years. I continued to teach for 20 years then I retired and went to work for a law firm. After three years I realized sitting behind a desk was not for me and decided to go back to teaching.
View Teacher’s Page here
Visual Arts Teacher – Laurie Crump
crumpl@corralesis.org
My name is Laurie Samaniego-Crump. From a young age I knew I loved art, that I must create art and must be immersed in it. Through merit scholarships I studied at Pratt Institute of Art and Design in Brooklyn and received Student awards for my work prior to entering college. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Oregon in 2006 with a focus in Painting/Drawing and Sculpture. Though I enjoy creating art I also have a joy for exploring and sharing art with my own children. I received my primary and secondary teaching license through CNM alternative program and began teaching Visual Arts at Corrales International School in 2015. I teach kindergarten through 10th grade and it has been a joy to share what I know, to explore together, to inquire about the unknown, the debatable and to facilitate their self-discovery.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
ELL Teacher – Norma Giannini
gianninin@corralesis.org
I was born in 1950 and I lived in the south Broadway portion of the city. In elementary school I attended Sacred Hear and Coronado School. I attended high school at St. Mary in downtown Albuquerque and I graduated from Valley High School in 1968. I enrolled at the University of NM in the fall of 1968 and I graduated in the spring or 1973 with a degree in Art Education K-12. In the same year I married my husband. I received my TESOL endorsement a few months later. I have worked as a teacher at Casa Linda Special Needs Private School, Marie Hughes Elementary and Corrales International. My Knowledge in both the special needs and regular education spectrums has given me a solid background in developing skills that have shared with my fellow teachers in APS and at CIS.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Special Education
Special Education Teacher/Coordinator – Kimberly Romero
romerok@corralesis.org
Kimberly Romero moved from SoCal, (Southern California), to New Mexico in 1997 with her husband of 26 years. They have two children, 22, and 17. Their daughter graduated from Corrales International School, (C.I.S.), in 2017 and their son is scheduled to graduate in 2023. Their daughter is getting ready to graduate from UNM in August 2021 with her BSN thanks to the impressive bio-medical program at C.I.S.
Mrs. Romero earned her Bachelor’s in General and Special Education, Cum Laude, from Highlands University and earned her Master’s in Special Education with a concentration in ASD from Grand Canyon University. She is a level III Special Education Teacher, (K-12) & General Education Teacher, (K-8). Mrs. Romero is Project G.L.A.D. and Orton Gillingham certified.
Mrs. Romero has been blessed to be part of the family at Corrales International School since 2010. Prior to 2010, she worked and volunteered for Cien Aguas International school and its founding board, and Bernalillo Public Schools. She has been the Special Education Director for C.I.S. since 2014, creating an inclusive program from scratch and overseeing the spectrum of the special needs and Gifted & Talented program. She has a history of and a passion for working with students with diverse needs both professionally and personally, coordinates sports/club’s involvement for all students at C.I.S. and enjoys coaching various activities and sports for Special Olympics New Mexico, Rio Rancho Chapter. The philosophy that Mrs. Romero continually fosters is an inclusive educational environment where students are encouraged to embrace their abilities and talents. It is her mission to educate and empower students to be independent, pro-active, and confident, while teaching academic skills, life skills, and self-advocacy for the success of all students.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Gifted Teacher – Alexa Banks
banksa@corralesis.org
Alexa Banks has been teaching Gifted for 10 years in Albuquerque public schools, and before that taught community health and income generation skills in rural Mozambique. She has a Bachelor’s degree from University of Denver in Sociology and Women’s Studies, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from University of New Mexico.
Alexa’s global teaching philosophy encompasses educating the whole child to be as independent and cooperative as possible. Her goal is to empower students to confidently navigate our complex world with useful skills, creativity and confidence. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring outdoors, and gardening
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Educational Assistant – Marisa Lopez
lopezm@corralesis.org
Marisa Lopez is a PYP Educational Lead Assistant and has been with Corrales International School since 2013. After receiving a bachelors degree in communications and journalism, from the University of New Mexico in 2009, while working part time with children, she discovered working with children was one of her passions. Starting with teaching Pre-K and moving through primary grades and now special education, Marisa wishes to continue her teaching education and obtain a degree in Special Education. Her passions also include the violin and singing, and she has been fortunate to share these passions in her after school Glee Club.
For more information:
PYP Classroom
Sharing and celebrating what we are learning in our classrooms by working collaboratively, sharing ideas, thinking through problems and exploring artefacts and sources of evidence!
MYP Classroom
Promoting student success in a changing world with classrooms that encourage student centred teaching and learning through global contexts linked to the world.
Biomedical-Sciences
Biomedical Sciences classrooms have access to equipment and software employed by industry, so that they can see the real-world implications of what they learn.
