Lead Founder and Proposed Executive Director

Mrs. Julia Rivera-Tapia, was born in Chicago, spent her early years in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and grew up in New Mexico during her teenage years. Mrs. Rivera-Tapia obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education with an endorsement in Bilingual Education and Spanish from the University of New Mexico (UNM). She received a Master in Arts (MA) focused on Educational Leadership and Administration from Columbia University. She is working on her Doctoral Degree from Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, expected to graduate in 2027.

Mrs. Rivera-Tapia is the lead of the Equity Council at J. Paul Taylor Academy. She is a member of the Hispanic Educational Advisory Council (HEAC) and was previously a Cambiando Fellow wit Excellent Schools New Mexico. She received the Change Maker Award from the National Alliance of Charter Schools for her strong advocacy with students and the community. Mrs. Rivera-Tapia is also a collaborator in the book Cultura and Educational Leadership: Praxis and Perspective.

Mrs. Rivera-Tapia has been involved in education in New Mexico for over 20 years, dedicating her career to creating equitable learning experiences for all students. With over thirteen years of experience teaching kindergarten and first grade in both traditional public and charter bilingual schools, she has developed a strong commitment to serving diverse student populations. Her leadership journey includes roles as an assistant principal and head director, where she has consistently advocated for innovative change, interdisciplinary approaches to education, and equity for all students. As a passionate leader and educator, Mrs. Rivera-Tapia is devoted to making meaningful progress and supporting inclusive, dynamic learning environments.

Co-Lead Founder

Ms. Jessica Castro-Buelna, was born and raised in Bernalillo, New Mexico. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a bilingual endorsement from Western New Mexico University and her Master of Arts in Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western New Mexico University. She has taught in bilingual schools for the past seven years. Her experiences include being a part of the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) school, where she learned how to combine holistic education, global relevance, and academic excellence.

Ms. Castro-Buelna has been a kindergarten teacher, Student Assistance Team (SAT)lead, and teacher mentor at J. Paul Taylor Academy (JPTA) in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She has taught in an inclusion classroom, incorporating bilingual education, and is a New Mexico Public Education Department Teacher Liaison. She has been a testing coordinator, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) facilitator, Technology Leader, and is currently part of the Equity Council, Professional Development Committee, Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), Technology Committee, and Sunshine Committee. She is currently a fellow of the Advocacy Fellowship through New Mexico Teach Plus, encompassing the importance of student attendance. Ms. Castro-Buelna is devoted to providing our new generation of students with a multifaceted education, leading them to be successful in the future. She is currently the Secretary of the Governing Board for New America High School Las Cruces.

Founder

Mrs. Christina Gonzales, was born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration, specializing in human resources and training, from New Mexico State University (NMSU). She obtained her Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. She is a dual licensed educator in Pre-K-12 special education and certified in elementary education. She has been an educator for the last five years in special education.

Mrs. Gonzales has a diverse background, including birth through three early intervention, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Mrs. Gonzales was a cofounder of Sensory Kids of New Mexico, a non-profit organization serving families of children with autism and behavioral needs. Mrs. Gonzales received the Educator of the Year award from Public Charter Schools of New Mexico (PCSNM).

Mrs. Gonzales been a Special Education Coordinator, member of the Equity Council, Professional Development Committee, Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), and Sunshine Committee. She also serves as a Region 9 mentor teacher for NMPED.

She is a fierce advocate for all students, providing them with equity and support when needed. Mrs. Gonzales demonstrates her passion and devotion for Inspira STEAM Academy, ensuring an equitable education for all students. She wants to see the students succeed with a strong foundation within the early years in bilingualism as well as STEAM, to make them well-rounded students. She is excited to build a strong relationship with the school's community, providing them with family events and parent trainings for support.

Founder

Mrs. Patricia Watkins, was born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Mrs. Watkins obtained her Associate's Degree in Automotive, Diesel, Industrial, and Power Generation from the Universal Technical Institute. She is currently attending Northern New Mexico College to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

As a mother of three children with Autism, Mrs. Watkins searched for the best schools for her children. She is a powerful advocate for charter schools because of their ability to provide support for her children. The smaller class sizes and the ability for teachers to understand her children were essential in her choice of schools. Mrs. Watkins has participated in the Parent Ambassador Program through Public Charter Schools of New Mexico (PCSNM), showing advocacy for students and finding support for all families. She authored an article featured in PCSNM January Newsletter.

Mrs. Watkins is a member of the Equity Council, Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), Technology Committee, and Sunshine Committee. She is part of the Region 9 teacher mentee program.

What drives Mrs. Watkins to be a founder of Inspira STEAM Academy is to create an environment that Las Cruces does not have. The ability to support our bilingual culture appropriately and watch our students flourish for what they know, regardless of what language they speak. Being able to observe children explore their world through a STEAM perspective and supporting them along the way. Mrs. Watkins wants to make a difference in children's lives and believes that doing so through Inspira STEAM Academy will allow her to help make the change in the best way possible.

Founder

Mr. Enrique Avalos, was born in El Paso, Texas. He has had the privilege of moving around the country while growing up. He has been in New Mexico since 2009, when he started attending college at New Mexico State University. He graduated with a Master of Arts in Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and his Bachelor of Science in Education, Secondary Education—Social Studies. He currently holds Texas Educator Certifications in English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies Grades (4-8), Social Studies Grades (7-12), and English as a Second Language Supplemental Grades (4-12).

Mr. Avalos decided to join Inspira STEAM Academy because of the urgent need for high-quality, bilingual instruction in Las Cruces. He states, “Many places say they have bilingual programs, but it's definitely not done with fidelity and has started to lack a bit of heart as well.”

Founder

Mrs. Vanessa Alegria, was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She later moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she graduated from New Mexico State University. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design. 

Mrs. Alegria obtained her Health Assistant License, Substitute License, Educational Assistant License, and her First Aid and CPR Certification. She has worked as a STARS coordinator and registrar for New America High School. She has served as a member of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), Equity Council (EC), and an Assistant Soccer Coach. 

Mrs. Alegria is fueled by being able to provide students in the Las Cruces community access to a bilingual, engaging, hands-on learning environment that nurtures their potential and inspires them to become lifelong learners. As a parent, it is important for her to be able to provide these kinds of opportunities to future students.