FACULTY & staff BIOS
Topa Augustine, MS
May School Director
Topa was born and raised in Santa Fe and later returned to the area to raise her family. She earned her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University. Her career took her to Abu Dhabi, where she worked as a literary interventionist for the royal family, before returning to the U.S. to serve as a clinical director in various organizations supporting children with autism in California, Michigan, and New Mexico. Additionally, she has taught master’s level students in the College of Exceptional Education at the University of West Florida.
Topa is passionate about working with families and children, focusing on evidence-based, individualized education that fosters joy and trust in the teacher-student relationship. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and a variety of animals.
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Leia Branton
Director of Enrollment
Leia recently moved from Texas to Cerrillos to be closer to her son and his fiancée. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and taught high school English for 22 years before retiring in 2019. In addition to teaching English, Leia taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and coached cross country and track. She loves to explore the outdoors that the Land of Enchantment is known for and looks forward to when her Texas son and two grandchildren visit so she can share the adventure.
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Erin Brown, CALT-ICALP, C-SLDS
May Way Literacy Coach
Erin Brown is a Certified Academic Language Therapist and Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist whose work in education spans 15+ years. Erin specializes in dyslexia therapy and has trained in various researched-based programs and best practices related to the science of teaching structured literacy and supporting students with learning differences. She has served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and support interventionist in a variety of school settings, as well as maintaining a private dyslexia therapy practice. As a Certified Instructor of Academic Language Practitioners, she also serves as an instructor of dyslexia therapists in training and contributes to professional development opportunities for educators. A board member of the Southwest Branch of the International Dyslexia Association since 2008 and past Vice President, Erin currently co-chairs the SWIDA Community Engagement Committee and is a frequent conference presenter. She is a founding member and current president of the Academic Language Therapy Association, New Mexico Chapter.
Get in touch with Erin>>
Jessica Bruck, MS, MAT
Intermediate Math and SEE Teacher/Director of Assessment
Jessica Bruck joined the May Center in the fall of 2022, initially as an upper grades mathematics teacher. She brings over 13 years of experience as an educator, school administrator and instructional coach with her. Jessica is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, who has taught 6-12 mathematics in Tanzania, as well as in a public school setting in both the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City public schools. Prior to joining the May Center, Jessica served as a school administrator, and Instructional/School Leadership Coach and Professional Development Specialist for New York City Outward Bound Schools. Jessica earned her BA in Spanish from Willamette University, followed by her MAT in Mathematics education from Teachers College at Columbia University, as well as an MS of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from the College of St. Rose. She currently holds Level Three-B Administrator and Level Two Professional (6-12) Secondary Mathematics certifications for the state of New Mexico. She has also recently completed the May Center Dyslexia Specialist course. Jessica is passionate about meeting students where they are while also empowering them to achieve more than they think possible.
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Nia Burger, BA
Intermediate Lead Teacher
Nia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin Conservatory and College, where her studies included Cello Performance and Women’s Studies. Her love for teaching was realized during her roles as a literacy and math tutor for elementary students, as an instructor in a summer school program, and in children's art camps. Nia also brings a background as a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. While she enjoyed helping adults make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes, she missed working with youth. In 2023, Nia found her home in New Mexico and remains thrilled to be teaching at The May Center while pursuing her CALP certification. She enjoys encouraging students to embrace their unique differences and support their personal growth. Outside of her work at May Center, Nia is a performing musician who loves a good plate of tacos and hiking in the area with her dog, Cowboy.
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Lisa Cat
Elementary Lead Teacher
Lisa Cat comes to The May Center with over 30 years of experience in the educational field. She holds a BS degree in Child Development and is Montessori-trained. She brings with her many teaching experiences on topics such as Brain Gym, Nature Studies, Dance and Movement for Kids, Storytelling, American Sign Language, Science Build-It, and Arts and Crafts. Lisa’s own son is a Montessori graduate, now 22 and attending college in New Jersey. Lisa is an educator who firmly believes every child can thrive in an empowering environment and takes pleasure in sharing her love of books and animals with her students.
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Patty Conway, MA
May School Manager
Before joining The May Center in August 2012, Patty was the Front Office Manager and Student Advisor at Desert Academy in Santa Fe. She completed her Masters in Counseling from Southwestern College in November 2010. She is skilled in facilitating experiential workshops for youth that focus on self-awareness and self-empowerment. Patty is a trained tutor for the Shelton School’s SEE program and is trained in The Hill Center’s HillRAP, HillWrite and HillMath. She has also completed a mindfulness in schools program through mindfulschools.org.
Get in touch with Patty>>
Brenda Euwer, BFA
Art Teacher
Brenda Euwer earned her BFA from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas and later her teacher certification from Santa Fe Community College in Santa Fe, NM. She lived in Taos, New Mexico for 30 years, where she was a working artist. After moving to Santa Fe, she taught art in the public schools for several years and also served as the art educator for the Museum of International Folk Art's after-school art program. She loves teaching art to elementary and middle school students and feels all kids (and adults!) don't have to know “how to draw” to be creative and talented artists. She thinks everyone has a unique way of looking at the world and can learn to express themselves through art.
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Ellen Gore
Elementary Lead Teacher
After earning a BA in political science, working for the National Refugee Office of Amnesty International, and aspiring to be an immigration attorney, Ellen discovered Montessori education and was forever changed! She earned her primary and elementary diplomas from the Association Montessori Internationale and spent the next 18 years at Guadalupe Montessori School in Silver City, NM working as a lead teacher in primary and elementary classrooms. She also served as Guadalupe Montessori School’s Program Director and School Director before moving back to the classroom to teach (her true love). Most recently, Ellen worked as a Montessori teacher at the Keres Children’s Learning Center on Cochiti Pueblo. This is Ellen’s 4th year at The May Center.
Get in touch with Ellen>>
Angelique (Annie) Kuenstler, MA
Director of Advancement and Marketing
Coming from two generations of public school educators and daycare facilitators, Annie has grown up working with kids of all ages. She has over seven years of nonprofit experience and most recently was Membership and Annual Fund Manager at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Annie has an MA in Cultural Heritage Management from Johns Hopkins University and a dual BA in Art History and Anthropology from Saint Louis University. She previously served on the American Museum Membership Conference (AMMC) Conference Program Committee and currently serves as a Board Member for the Association of Fundraising Professionals—New Mexico (AFP-NM) Chapter. Outside of work, Annie enjoys reading mystery thrillers, exploring new hiking trails, and traveling around the world eating food.
Get in touch with Annie>>
Amy Miller, MA, MFA, ICALP
Executive Director
Amy Miller is founder and Executive Director of May Center for Learning. Amy is a nationally Certified Academic Language Practitioner (ICALP) and a certified trainer for the SEE Multi-Sensory Language Teaching Program. She is a frequent professional development provider for the New Mexico Public Education Department, school districts, schools, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on best practices for students with learning differences, the science of teaching structured reading and writing, and the importance of structuring the learning environment to improve executive functioning skills. Amy is currently President of the International Dyslexia Association—Southwest Branch. Amy also founded Dyslexia Justice League, a community that connects students with dyslexia with adult mentors through superhero stories and artistic expression as a vehicle for learning about self-advocacy and their own personal strengths. Where I Come From, a book that Amy co-authored with May Center students, won the 2014 New Mexico/Arizona Young Adult Book of the Year.
Get in touch with Amy>>
Jennifer Reese, MA
Intermediate Lead Teacher
Jennifer Reese moved to New Mexico four years ago. She has a BA in Political Science, an MA in English, and has also completed her advanced EMT training. She taught developmental studies English and writing at East Tennessee State University before opening her own business. Since moving to Santa Fe, she has worked as a supervisor at Youth Shelters of Santa Fe and as a case manager at the Midtown Shelter. She is excited to start her first year here at May School!
Get in touch with Jennifer>>
Constance (Connie) Rose
Specials Teacher
Connie Rose has over 10 years of teaching experience, which includes being a classroom teacher, dyslexia interventionist, and the lead teacher in a Montessori primary classroom. In addition to her love of teaching, Connie enjoys reading, hiking and writing children's stories. She has recently moved to Santa Fe from Houston, Texas. This will be her second year at The May Center.
Get in touch with Connie>>
Megan Rosker Director of Outreach and Summer Programs
Megan joins us as Director of Outreach and Summer Programs after teaching at The May Center in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque, as well as at Manzano Day School, where she implemented May Way™ practices with all of her kindergarten students. She is skilled in guiding families and students through the journey of neurodiverse education and is trained in multi-sensory education through the SEE program, as well as IMSE. She enjoys connecting with other families to facilitate executive function methods that will support students and parents in the classroom, as well as at home. Megan is the mother of four children, three of whom are neurodiverse, and a stepmother to four children. She loves being home with her husband and kids, watching family movies, reading novels on the back porch, walking the dogs each day near the mountains, and cooking for her big family.
Get in touch with Megan>>
Jamie Shannon, MA, CALP, LMHC
School Counselor
Jamie Shannon was born and raised in Southern California but now considers Santa Fe her home. She has a total of 25 years teaching experience in California and in New Mexico and has taught Pre-K through Grade 5. Jamie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies/Teaching with a concentration in Psychology from California State University Dominguez Hills. She holds a Level Two Professional K-8 Elementary Teaching License and a School Counselor’s License from the state of New Mexico. She also has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Southwestern College and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Prior to joining May School, Jamie worked as a therapist for children and their families. She has been a classroom teacher and tutor here at The May Center since 2015, and this year she will be May Center’s School Counselor. Jamie is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner. Jamie enjoys spending time with loved ones, listening to music, creating art, and dancing.
Get in touch with Jamie>>
Corrie Shapiro, CALP, TESOL
Intermediate Lead Teacher
Corrie Shapiro is a middle grade multi-sensory educator of nine years. In her seven years at The May Center, Corrie has specialized in global history, civics, language, and literature within a classical framework. Her interpersonal and classroom management skills help motivate students to be curious as they work toward mastery. She graduated cum laude from Stony Brook University in New York with a BA in Linguistics and a K-12 TESOL teaching certification. Corrie is also a Certified Academic Language Practitioner. Originally from Wisconsin, she later lived in New York where she worked as an import liaison and portfolio manager at Michael Skurnik Wines. Corrie and her family love gathering around the dinner table, listening to records, reading, and road-tripping around the country.
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Amy Stanton, MA, ICALP
Director of Teacher Institute
While earning her Master’s Degree in Recreational Therapy, Amy worked with children, teens and adults with mental health disorders. After eight years working in mental health, she earned a teaching certificate and taught first grade. An opportunity to attend the Shelton Sequential English Education (SEE) Teacher Level Training showed Amy that children with dyslexia needed a different instruction model to help them learn at their greatest potential. Amy is a nationally certified multi-sensory language teacher through ALTA and IMSLEC, and she is also trained in the Hill Reading, Writing, and Math programs, as well as in the Mindful Schools program. In addition, Amy is certified in Montessori Applied to Children at Risk. She is an ALTA certified trainer for the Shelton Sequential English Education program.
Get in touch with Amy>>
Caitlin Trujillo
Elementary Lead Teacher
Caitlin serves as May School’s 1st and 2nd grade teacher, a Santa Fe Summer LEAP teacher, and as a tutor with May Center’s specialized tutoring program. She graduated magna cum laude from New Mexico Highlands University with her BA in University Studies and two concentrations in Elementary Education and Special Education. In addition to her professional roles, she is currently working toward both her master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction and her certification as an Academic Language Practitioner. Caitlin’s passion for teaching comes from her grandmother, who taught special education, and she draws extra insight from family members who are dyslexic. When not teaching, Caitlin enjoys spending time with family, running, weight training, and hiking.
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Carol Williams
Science Teacher
Carol grew up in Santa Fe and received her Bachelor’s degree from Colorado College in Romance languages: French and Italian and Education. After college, Carol taught Language Arts and Social Studies in a gifted magnet program in Colorado Springs. In 1999, she moved to Reno, Nevada where she began teaching and advocating in the homeschool community. For 22 years she served on the board of the regional homeschool support organization, Northern Nevada Home Schools. During that time, she also owned and operated a homeschool enrichment center and resource library for area homeschool families. Carol is passionate about child-centered learning; she loves teaching science, history, language arts, and art. She recently moved back to Santa Fe and found a new home for her teaching skills at May Center while substitute teaching last year and teaching Summer LEAP. She is currently working on her CALP certification and is ecstatic about teaching Science this school year at May Center. When she’s not teaching, Carol thrives on reading, traveling, cooking, and feeding her obsession with Lego building.
Get in touch with Carol>>
Clementine Wood, JD
Early Childhood Teacher
Clementine Wood is a teacher, mediator and conflict coach. Her educational background is in philosophy and law, graduating from St. John's College in 2004 and UNM Law School in 2009. She began teaching in early education when her own kiddo was young and fell in love with working with and learning from Little Ones. Since then, Clementine has taught in both primary and elementary classrooms. Clementine first sought out May Center in 2021 as a teacher looking to learn how to support the students in her own classrooms who had learning differences. She is thrilled to join the team of talented and dedicated educators here at May Center for Learning. When not working, Clementine can usually be found making things. Her favorite materials include yarn, fabric, paper and paint.
Get in touch with Clementine>>