Our Board of Directors – ACTIVE MEMBERS

At its inception in 2006, Keres Children’s Learning Center chose to operate as a not-for-profit [501(c)3]—first and foremost to protect the mission of KCLC, which has always been to help revitalize the Cochiti Keres language. We have historically not accepted federal education or state education funds because those funds are tied to testing in English. Therefore, KCLC has had to operate as a 501(c)3 to raise the money to open and sustain KCLC. Our Board of Directors oversees the overall governance and operations of KCLC. We also have an advisory board (made up of many KCLC founding board members, including Dr. Joseph Suina, Dr. Eunice Romero Little, Dr. Rebecca Blum Martinez, Dr. Lily Wong Fillmore, and Scott Riley) who stand by to offer support and advice.

Our Board of Directors play a significant part in helping us serve our community:

Board Member

National Executive Director, Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors

“I am honored to work with this incredible group of leaders who are reclaiming learning systems to reflect and honor the culture, language, and lived experiences of their Pueblo communities. I believe in sustaining the mission of KCLC because it is integral to building an early childhood and education system in our state and nationally that represents the diverse gifts and identities of our children and families.”

Board Member

Lewis & Clark Law School – Juris Doctor

University Scholar at the University of Oklahoma

Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Member

“I love that KCLC uses a holistic approach to education. The curriculum, implementation, and staff all contribute to helping the children achieve success. The use of the Keres language as the basis of communication intentionally values the whole child, including how they think, dream, and live in their community. Providing education in a child’s native language creates equity in an American educational system designed to culturally homogenize students.

I’m excited to be part of the board because I’d love to contribute my knowledge so that I can improve and support the school and its endeavors about indigenous education.”

Co-Founder KCLC

Education Director

Keres Children’s Learning Center

“I am grateful and blessed to work with these dedicated human beings whose leadership helps to realize my original vision for KCLC and its mission.”

Board Member

Vice President for the Office of Economic Empowerment at HELPNM

“Being involved with KCLC has been a part of my life since it was a dream of the founder, Trisha Moquino. I believed and saw the need for such a program and how amazing for it to be housed in our Pueblo. As we see our community struggling with language revitalization, the concept of teaching children and families at the onset of a child’s education pathway, builds a culturally rooted and holistic approach to education. As a Board Member, I will be able to strengthen my knowledge of the system which KCLC operates. This will elevate my understanding and will give power to my voice in advocacy for all Indigenous communities and their efforts to provide cultural and sustainable educational opportunities for our youth.”

Board Member

Cochiti Tribal Councilman-Community Based Education Liason

“What makes me hopeful is knowing the children are continuing to learn our language, culture and traditions. I like that the children are continuing with this young learning at such a young age.”

“What really stands out to me about KCLC is its leadership as a full-immersion learning institution. I’m truly inspired by the opportunities it creates for the youth of Keres communities to ensure that the Keres language continues to thrive for generations to come. I also value how KCLC intentionally includes families in the learning process—recognizing that language and culture are strengthened when the whole community is engaged. The size of the school is another advantage, allowing for meaningful one-on-one learning that supports each child’s growth and success.

I’m proud to support KCLC’s mission because it not only preserves and revitalizes language but also serves as a model for Indigenous education. It’s empowering to see KCLC leading the way and providing a foundation that other schools can follow in their own language and cultural revitalization efforts.”

Board Member

“I enjoy watching and learning more about what KCLC is doing as it grows and adapts. Everyone is excited and working hard to teach others about their mission and vision in support of their dreams and to help others create their own language community and commitment. I look forward to seeing all that KCLC accomplishes and thinking of ways in which I could be of help. It is a wonderful example of supporting our native children to be comfortable with themselves as they navigate the larger world.”

“As a non-Native educator and researcher, I see it as both an honor and a responsibility to serve on the board of KCLC. My work has centered on advancing equity and justice in Montessori education by supporting teachers to decolonize and rehumanize their practice, ensuring every child is recognized for their full humanity. KCLC’s commitment to grounding education in Keres language and Pueblo culture offers a powerful model of sovereignty and joy in learning. I am humbled to walk alongside this vision and to support the school’s work to sustain language, culture, and community for generations to come.”