Sarah McKinney
Director of Brillante Early Learning CenterSarah has a Bachelor’s degree from UNM, a Master’s from George Washington University in Early Childhood Special Education, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Education Leadership. She has worked in the public schools and community-based early childhood programs and spent time as a work-at-home parent with her own three children. Sarah is passionate about building systems that give all families access to joyful, high-quality early learning, care, and support. Sarah enjoys powerlifting, gardening, working on house projects, and watercolor painting.
Victoria Roanhorse
Manager of the Coalition for Science Learning in Early ChildhoodVictoria has a Bachelor’s degree from UNM in Psychology and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. She has been in early childhood education for over ten years, and loves bringing the excitement of science, mathematics, art and engineering to children, families, and educators. She is especially interested in everyday and cultural science experiences. Victoria enjoys playing in dirt, looking at insects, and blowing bubbles with her five year old daughter, Lucille.
Emily Kinsky
Lead TeacherEmily has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education from UNM. She has taught every age from infants to 1st grade in the past seventeen years, both in public and private schools. She has two children of her own. Emily is passionate about creating environments that inspire children to create, engage, learn, and play. Outside the classroom, Emily enjoys the beach, reading, attending NM United soccer matches, and going to the lake with her family.
Alma Chacón
TeacherAlma has an Associate’s degree from CNM in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. She is two years into the Early Childhood field and loves how eager and willing to learn and explore young children are. Alma has one child of her own and enjoys working out, music, reading, baking, and arts and crafts in her spare time.
Kayla Villanueva
TeacherKayla has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education from New Mexico Highlands University. She has worked in early childhood programs for nine years. Kayla has worked in various age groups and enjoys watching the growth and development that occurs at every stage. Her favorite part of working with children is seeing the gears in the minds of children click into place as they learn. She enjoys cooking, doing puzzles, and spending time with those she loves during her spare time.
Victoria Lemus
TeacherVictoria’s passion for early childhood education began with her own children as she embraced motherhood and was fascinated with observing their growth, learning, and development through play and connection. With a Forest Teacher Certificate, Tinkergarten STEM Outdoor Learning experience, and a Child-Led Practitioner Certificate in play-based learning as stepping stones, Victoria is pursuing further studies in Early Childhood Education. Victoria loves to observe the sparks of curiosity in children that guide and inspire them to grow and learn while growing their development through play. Victoria enjoys hiking, roller skating, art and craft projects, and connecting with family and friends.
Chelsea Begay
TeacherChelsea has an Associate’s degree from San Juan College and is continuing her education to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked in early childhood education for four years. Chelsea is dedicated to teaching children to be creative and independent and to have fun while learning. Chelsea enjoys watching Netflix, sketching flowers, relaxing while listening to music, cleaning the house, and spending time with her family.
Sarah Khraishi
TeacherSarah is working on her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary education with a minor in TESOL at UNM. Sasha speaks Spanish and Arabic and used to work in Explora’s visitor experience before joining the classroom. She is fairly new to the classroom and is excited to work in the classroom and be part of the Brillante community. Sarah loves how creative children are and how they are excited to learn about the world around them and she is excited to see what the children will teach her. Sarah is passionate about music, reading, traveling, and being around those she loves.
Sol Ulibarri
Assistant TeacherSol is working on her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education at CNM. She is new to the early childhood field and very excited to continue her learning. Sol loves how many questions children have and how curious they are about the world around them. In her spare time, Sol likes to watch movies, hang out with friends and family, listen to music, and take photos.
Barbara Leyba
Substitute TeacherBrenda Leyba recently returned to the land of enchantment after spending some time in the PNW. She is so happy to be back in her hometown, Albuquerque. Brenda is a UNM alum, where she received her BA in English and Psychology. She is currently in graduate school working towards a Masters in Art Therapy and has enjoyed working with children as a preschool assistant in Portland and various substituting roles around Albuquerque. Brenda loves creating art, writing, spending time in nature, and cuddling with her dog Taco.
Melissa Krukar
Substitute TeacherMelissa has a Bachelor’s degree from UNM in Liberal Arts and has worked in early childhood for more than ten years. Melissa, who is also known as “Charlotte’s sister,” is a writer and reader, a native plant enthusiast, a curious chef, and Joaquin and Carmen’s mom. A quote she lives by is “Anything can be postponed except for love,” and she strives to treat students as such with humility, patience, and love.