About Careers2Communities

Breezy Gutierrez, Director of the College and Career Readiness Bureau, NMPED

Breezy Gutierrez is the Director of the College and Career Readiness Bureau at the New Mexico Public Education Department, a role she has held for the past two years. With a total of four years in the bureau, she previously served as an Education Administrator and Deputy Director. Breezy has dedicated over 17 years to public education, serving as a teacher, Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) advisor, athletic coach, and assistant principal. Her diverse educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Human Performance & Sport, Coaching, Athletic Training, Health, and Math, along with a Secondary Teaching License from New Mexico Highlands University. She also holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction/Secondary Education and a post-degree certification in Educational Leadership from Eastern New Mexico University. Additionally, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Library Science and licensure in library media from DACC/New Mexico State University and is completing a Master’s in Science Teaching from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Breezy is also a registered basic Emergency Medical Technician and recently was elected to the national board of directors for Advance CTE.

Melissa DeLaurentis, Program Manager, NMPED

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 two years with CCRB, coordinating Advanced Placement, Computer Science, 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.

Tiffany Walker, Education Administrator, NMPED

Tiffany Walker joined the College and Career Readiness Bureau in December 2023. Prior to her role with NMPED, Tiffany dedicated 20 years of her professional life to teaching and facilitating. She has taught elementary school, grades K-5, middle school English Language Arts, Middle School Special Education, and was a gifted facilitator for grades K-5. Tiffany also coached middle school and high school basketball and track for several years. Tiffany laid the foundation for her successful career by earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from New Mexico State University. Motivated by a desire to make a broader impact on the lives of students, Tiffany pursued a master’s degree in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University.

Stephen Aguirre, Executive Director of High Plains, REC3

R. Stephen Aguirre, Executive Director of High Plains REC3, will serve as one of two Regional Support Personnel, providing 15% of his time. Mr. Aguirre leads a progressive and fiscally sound REC, where he initiates projects and services targeting student outcomes based on scientifically based research. He also provides guidance to the region for best practices in education to diverse groups of local schools, teachers, and students. He received his BA degree from Adams State College.

Dr. Joseph Goins, CEO & Founder, P2C

Dr. Joseph Goins is the CEO of an action-based research company, Pathway2Careers (P2C), which works closely with policy leaders, companies, schools, teachers, and educators alike to understand applying best practices and research into practice. P2C is committed to excellence in education, research, equity, and inclusion because Joseph practices and lives by those same principles. This is also evident in that P2C is devoted to giving back to the communities it serves. Joseph works with schools across the country, helping them identify the best solution that fits their culture, region, needs, and, ultimately, valuable solutions that allow learners to be successful. For much of Joseph’s 30+ year career, he has focused on education and custom solutions in the ED TECH industry. His career has brought him a deep understanding of integrating technology into the classroom through resources that promote student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and leadership strategies for administrators. He has led sales, marketing, and professional development efforts in all US and international markets. Joseph has developed a stellar track record of increasing market share, profitability, and the development of product offerings while at the same time focusing on the needs of learners and educators.

Kari Stillman, President & COO, P2C

Kari Stillman is the President & COO of P2C. In this position, Kari combines her experience in the education industry with economic and community development to create efforts that help students discover a path to success while supporting economic growth. She is passionate about helping students discover a path towards lifelong success while supporting economic growth. Before joining P2C, Kari was the director of product marketing at ACT, managing the comprehensive portfolio of offerings. She joined ACT as the manager of innovation, culture, and communication, and worked to foster a culture of innovation by educating and engaging team members. Kari earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, Public Relations, and Graphic Design at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She earned a master’s degree through the Executive MBA Program at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Kari thrives on building lasting connections by helping individuals achieve their goals.

Dr. J. Gary Adcox, Vice President of Research, P2C

Dr. J. Gary Adcox is a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force, having retired after 22 years of active-duty service. During his military career, he served as the Superintendent of the Center for Character Development at the United States Air Force Academy, where he was the primary instructor and curriculum developer of undergraduate human relations and character education for the 4,000 Air Force Cadets as well as the Equal Opportunity and Human Relations Officer for the Center’s staff. Following his retirement from the USAF, Gary entered the realm of postsecondary education and has held several key senior leadership positions ranging from College President to the Executive Director of a state association. Gary has also worked closely with state and federal legislators and collaborated with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in defining and addressing educational and workforce development issues across the state. His expertise and dedication to educational issues on a state and federal level has allowed him the opportunity to provide testimony before the Tennessee House and Senate Education Committees as well as before the Joint Government Operations Committee on matters effecting education and workforce development policies. Gary has been afforded the opportunity to serve as a special advisor to the Governor’s Veterans’ Education Taskforce and Drive to 55 Taskforce, and an advisor to the Tennessee Higher Education Authorization working group.

Shelly Robinson, MEd, EdS, P2C

Shelly Robinson is focused on crafting and delivering innovative professional development programs that empower educators with creative strategies to boost student engagement and learning outcomes. With an unwavering dedication to education spanning over 28 years, Shelly has taught middle, high school, and college mathematics, both in-person and online. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Teaching Certification in Secondary Math Education from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University, and an Education Specialist degree in E-Learning from National University. A notable highlight of her career was when she, as a math teacher at School on Wheels High School in Albuquerque Public Schools, received the TIG/APS Education Foundation Innovation Award in March 2015 for her exemplary use of technology in education.