State Ballot-All Members Voting 

1. NEA Director for New Mexico and delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly, three-year term commencing September 1, 2024 (all active members eligible)

Jim Maes, Las Cruces: My Name is Jim Maes, and I am from Española, New Mexico. My bachelor’s degree is from New Mexico Highlands University, and I received a master’s in education from New Mexico State University. I have been teaching for 26 years.  Most of those years with Las Cruces Public Schools and I have been a proud Union member. I am honored to be nominated for NEA New Mexico Director. I will utilize the position to make sure that every local has a voice and that communication is always open. I will educate everyone about the job and secure a strong future for all of my union family. I am known for not just working hard but following through when jobs need to get done. I am passionate about the work of NEA and will listen and learn what the members need from a NEA-NM Director. I will serve all the locals and stay focused on our mission. Thank you, my Union family!

Denise Sheehan, Las Cruces: My name is Denise Sheehan, I am a Bilingual Educator for Las Cruces Public Schools, and a mother to a beautiful 10-year-old. I am running for re-election for NEA-NM Director. I am truly committed to our Union and the work we do to elevate educator voices and working conditions, while maintaining students at the forefront. I have had the honor of being a local leader at many capacities from being a building representative to President. I have also had the honor of serving on multiple state level committees and on the board of directors. Lastly, I have the privilege to represent New Mexico at the national level as your director. There is still much work to be done for the students and educators of New Mexico. If re-elected I will continue to advocate for us and the diverse needs of our state, and continue to advocate for community schools, language learners, educator wages, class size, SPED, planning time, health care and much more. We all know that educator working conditions are student learning conditions. All educators play a vital role in student success. My experience and understanding of local, state, and national has prepared me to continue being your director!  I am excited to announce my candidacy for re-election as the NEA NM Director. Over the past term, I have worked tirelessly to advocate for educators, students, and the future of education in our state. I am committed to continuing this vital work, ensuring a brighter educational future for all.

2. NEA Alternate Director for New Mexico and delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly, three-year term commencing September 1, 2024 (all active members eligible)

Melanie Hallbeck, Alamogordo: I am Melanie Hallbeck, and I am seeking re-election as Alternate Director.  I have had the opportunity to serve NEA Alamogordo in various leadership positions, including president for the past five years.  I have also served on the NEA NM Board of Directors in addition to serving as Alternate Director for the past two years.  I am dedicated to the mission and purpose of this organization and believe in the power of collective action and voice.  I believe in the transformational power of this union to not only make public education better, but the world as well.  It is imperative that we work together for the betterment of education employees, and that we collectively advocate for progressive education policy that provides our students the education they deserve. Also, we must continue to fight for genuine equity in our classrooms, education justice in our schools and social justice in our communities. I promise to be an inclusive, effective and clear communicator with all locals, to act with integrity in everything I do as a leader and maintain an optimistic attitude about the trajectory of this organization.  I am dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of educators and students. If re-elected your NEA NM Alternate Director, I promise to continue serving NEA members with integrity and optimism, to focus on effective and clear communication with both large and small locals, and make every effort to fulfill the mission, vision, and purpose of this incredible organization.

Tammie Yazzie, Central Consolidated: Yá'át'ééh, it’s an honor to submit candidacy for the NEA NM Alternate Director as I continue to advance the mission of the Central Consolidated Education Association (CCEA), NEA American Indian Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Caucus and NEA-NM.  As an Indigenous educator, my classroom presence is equally as important as the advocacy NEA-NM provides.  I would be honored to share my experience to face the challenges and gain opportunities as your NEA Alternate Director. When I’m not in the classroom I serve as the CCEA secretary. However, the work doesn’t end there as I’m a bargaining team member and building representative for my local.  I served as the Northwest NEA-NM Regional Board Member but recently termed out and seek a higher calling to be your NEA-NM Alternate Director.  I have also recently termed out serving as EMAC representative for NEA-NM, but I still am able to serve on the NEA National EMAC standing committee.  This opportunity was possible because I serve as the AI/AN Caucus treasurer.  I’ve gained skills lobbying during NIEA Hill Week advocating for our state and students.  With your support, we can accomplish amazing things for our students, members, profession, and public schools! As an elementary classroom teacher, active NEA-NM and active CCEA member, I‘m convinced staying active is key to protecting and improving our profession. I‘m dedicated to standing up for educational social justice at all levels. I’d be honored to have your continued support and vote to represent NEA-NM.  Ahéhee', Tammie Yazzie.

3.State Delegate to the 2024 NEA Representative Assembly (all active members are eligible)  

Lucille Martinez-Holguin, Espanola: As a Local President, I do my best to inform my membership of the business of our organization. Please vote for Lucille so I can! 

Charity Cheung, Deming  

Julian Monjares, Deming: Julian Monjares, an Elementary Music Teacher from Deming, NM. An active member of the NEA Hispanic and Democratic Caucus. 

Georjina Nogal, Deming: It is an amazing experience, one I hope to have the pleasure of being a part of again. 

Kate MacDermott, Santa Fe: I have been to many RAs and have loved doing work for NEA-NM and NEA-National. I hope to continue to represent you at the RA.  

Diana Jackson, Alamogordo 

Tammie Yazzie, Central Consolidated  

Cherlynn Lee, Central Consolidated 

Julie Wojtko, Las Cruces: I find inspiration, networking, growth to fuel my passion as a union member at Representative Assembly. I seek the opportunity to attend as state delegate. 

Christine Trujillo, Las Cruces: “I've known Christine Trujillo for four years, and she is one of the strongest advocates for teachers via Union I have ever known.” Allie Wilson  

Tena Joslin, Farmington: I would like to represent NMNEA and FEA at National RA. I feel it is important to local representation. Thank you. 

Mary Daniel-Montoya, Las Cruces: I am excited to be nominated as a state delegate to RA next summer. The WORK of the Union is my passion.  

Jamie Torres, Santa Fe 

Martha Nogal, Deming: I am a 4-year teacher and have been a union member almost from the start of my teaching career.  

Autem Moya, Santa Fe: I want to represent NEA-NM. It is important for our state and district to be involved in rules that affect all. 

Dr. Cheryl Ford, Santa Fe: I am a member of NEA in good standing. I have worked in a Title 1 school for 25 years. I hold an Ed.D. 

Abril Perea, Deming: NEA New Mexico has become my passion and want to learn and support all members. 

Michael Campbell, Las Vegas West  

Stephanie Gutierrez, Belen: I am always blessed to represent my local, NEA-Belen, and the Central region at RA. 

Audra Nguyen, Roswell  

Dora DeGroot, Roswell

4.State Category Two Delegate to the 2024 NEA Representative Assembly (all category two members-NEA members who are active supervisors, NEA Life members, NEA retired-staff Life members-are eligible) 

No Nominations Received

Central Region Ballot-All Members in Central Region Voting 

5.Central Region Member of the NEA-New Mexico Board of Directors, three-year term beginning July 15, 2024.  (all active members of a local in Central Region are eligible) 

Jennifer Trujillo, Bernalillo

6.Central Region Member of the Education Political Action Committee, three-year term beginning July 15, 2024.  (all active members of a local in Central Region are eligible) 

Michael Chavez, Bernalillo

Northwest Region Ballot-All Members in NW Region Voting 

7.Northwest Region Member of the Education Political Action Committee, three-year term beginning July 15, 2024.  (all active members of a local in Northwest Region are eligible) 

Tena Joslin, Farmington

Northeast/North Central Region Ballot – All NE/NC Region Members Voting 

8.Northeast/North Central Region Member of the NEA-New Mexico Board of Directors, three-year term beginning July 15, 2024. (all active members of a local in Northeast/North Central Region are eligible) 

Kate MacDermott, Santa Fe: I am Kate MacDermott and have been on the State Board for 3 years. I am an AR at my school and have participated in many Lobby Days and Education Rallies. I have enjoyed working for all NM-NEA members and hope to continue with your support. 

Sue Holland, Raton: I would be willing and humbled to serve as your Northeast/North Central Region Director. Your vote and support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

9.Northeast/North Central Region Member of the Education Political Action Committee, three-year term beginning July 15, 2024.  (all active members of a local in Northeast/North Central Region are eligible.) 

Kate MacDermott, Santa Fe 

Aimee Feldman, Raton

10.Northeast/North Central Region Member of the Education Political Action Committee, three-year term beginning July 15, 2024.  (all active members of a local in Northeast/North Central Region are eligible.) 

Sue Holland, Raton 

Cluster Ballot-All Members in Selected Locals Voting 

11.Cluster Delegate to the 2024 NEA Representative Assembly (all active nonsupervisory members in locals of 75 or fewer members are eligible) 

Sue Holland, Raton: I will be honored to represent New Mexico for the 2024 RA. Thank you for your support! 

Aime Feldman, Raton

Retired Ballot-All Retired Members Voting 

12.Member of the NEA-New Mexico Board of Directors, representing Retired Members, one-year term beginning July 15, 2024 (only retired members eligible to nominate and be nominated) Two positions to be elected. 

Eduardo Holguin: I will continue to represent our Retired interests and commit to reporting back to you after NEA-NM Board meetings. Please vote for me, Eduardo Holguin. 

Carol Teweleit

13.Member of the NEA-NM Education Political Action Committee, representing Retired Members, three-year term beginning July 15, 2024 (only retired members eligible to nominate and be nominated) Two positions to be elected. 

Mary Howard 

Mary Lou Cameron

14.Retired Delegate to the 2024 NEA Representative Assembly, (only retired members eligible to nominate and be nominated) 

Eduardo Holguin: I commit to representing you at each and every RA meeting/session and report back to all Retired members. I ask you to vote EDUARDO HOLGUIN. 

Rosalinda Carreon Altamirano  

Debra Schoonover 

Pandora Van Auken: I am an ESP retired member; I will attend to represent ESPs but especially to increase ESP membership.   

Eloy Gonzales: I would welcome the opportunity to attend the NEA RA, representing our NEA-NM RETIRED MEMBERS. Thank you for your support.