The Advanced Placement (AP) Program in New Mexico is supported by a dedicated team of professionals passionate about ensuring students have access to high-quality educational opportunities. Get to know the team members working behind the scenes to empower educators and students across the state.
Miriam Mendoza
Region 9 AP Program Coordinator
Miriam brings 20 years of experience in education to her new role as the Region 9 AP program coordinator. She is committed to supporting educators and ensuring student success. Enthusiastic about this new chapter, Miriam is eager to connect with educators and provide the assistance they need. Feel free to email Miriam.
Gloria Lueras-Kidd
AP Regional Coach
Gloria ensures educators and coordinators receive the resources and support they need.
- Responding to questions about AP courses, accommodations, and organizing events like AP parent night.
- Assisting schools in accessing valuable data and resources, including AP potential and free pre-AP programs.
- Facilitating monthly virtual professional learning communities (PLCs) for AP educators.
- Providing mentorship opportunities through veteran AP teachers.
- Disseminating updates on AP courses and upcoming deadlines.
- Representing New Mexico at national College Board conferences to stay abreast of AP initiatives.
She also coordinates collaborative efforts between schools, organizes AP Day at the Roundhouse, and helps educators disaggregate and utilize data effectively.
Alexis Black is a dedicated educator with 25 years of experience teaching secondary science, including 15 years of AP Biology. Currently an instructional coach, she supports teachers in developing effective teaching strategies and fostering student success. Alexis holds a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and a Master’s in Science Teaching, giving her a strong foundation in pedagogy and content knowledge. As an AP Coach for New Mexico, Alexis is committed to enhancing AP education by promoting best practices, professional development, and creating a collaborative environment that helps both educators and students excel in challenging courses.
Melissa DeLaurentis
Program Manager, New Mexico Public Education Department’s College and Career Readiness Bureau (CCRB)
Melissa DeLaurentis is a program manager with the New Mexico Public Education Department’s College and Career Readiness Bureau (CCRB), overseeing the Careers2Community initiatives. Previously, she spent three years with CCRB, coordinating advanced placement, computer science, Pathways2Careers/Careers2Communities, and career and technical education programs. Melissa’s experience as a New Mexico educator, spanning over nineteen years, has seen her teach at all levels of secondary instruction. Her leadership as a STEM coordinator was pivotal in the transition to the Next Generation Science Standards and the development of the Challenger Learning Center with Las Cruces Public Schools. Melissa’s academic qualifications include a bachelor of science in secondary education, a master’s degree in teaching, and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration.
Kimberly Bostwick
New Mexico Director for State and District Partnerships
Kimberly Bostwick is the New Mexico director for state and district partnerships in New Mexico. As an educator born and raised in New Mexico, she has a passion for ensuring our students have access to high quality education, specifically AP coursework. She enjoys working with administrators, counselors, test coordinators, and teachers from all around the state for all things College Board related. She supports access to various tools, conducts professional development, strategizes with districts to build robust AP programs, informs educators of changes to CB tools and services, and much more!
This team’s collective expertise, passion, and commitment to education make a meaningful difference for students and educators alike. Together, they are transforming AP programs in New Mexico, paving the way for student success and educational excellence.
