Staff Directory

My career in educational innovation began as a High School Science teacher in Woodstock, VT and continued into NM inspiring kids as a teacher at Enos Garcia and Eagle Nest Elementary. As an innovative teacher I understood that change in educational opportunities was greatly needed. I received my MS in Educational Technology and later my EdD Doctor of Education Administration. Taos Academy's hybrid model was developed with the flexibility of digital learning with the strength of relational learning found in face to face instruction. As founder of Taos Academy it is my philosophy that by providing an environment for kids to feel empowered, encouraged, and inspired supports the mission and vision of TA for developing student ownership of  lifelong learning.

Before taking on the role of Special Education Coordinator Ms. Henshaw has been an advisor, Special Education and Math Enrichment Teacher here at Taos Academy.  She originally moved to Taos with her daughter to teach at TISA.  She has taught in the UK, NC, MA and VA.  Ms. Henshaw has taught in both regular education and special education schools.  She has taught all core subject areas and several electives (drama, newspaper, animal care, student government, NJHS).  She has taught mainly at the Middle School and High School level.  She was brought up with a creative arts background and spent half of her life overseas in the UK and Germany,  Her parents were a graphic artist and the Music and Theatre Director for the US Army.  She enjoys traveling and bringing the arts into her curriculum.  She has presented workshops on Multiple Intelligences and Student Engagement.  She loves being part of the Taos Academy Family.  She is always here to help.  Feel free to drop her a line with any education questions you may have.

I love teaching and learning and have taught High School through Kindergarten students in my 30+ years as an educator. I taught in Colorado and then settled here in Taos in 2009. I have made many friends here and enjoy riding my horses in the mountains of this beautiful state.
I earned an Early Childhood Through Young Adulthood National Board Certification in Library Media and have been a facilitator of National Board Certification Support classes for teachers. I also have a secondary education degree in Social Studies and Masters Degrees in Organizational Management and Educational Technology

I have been in education for over 10 yrs in various roles in Ohio, Colorado, and here in Taos. I am also a professional Voiceover artist as well as have been in the health and wellness world for over 30 yrs as a Musculoskeletal Therapist/Personal Trainer working with all ages (MY OTHER PASSIONS). I enjoy working with youth providing them with tools for their toolbox for life¨. When not working with kids I am either behind my mic, running, hiking, stretching, keeping my mind/body/ spirit in balance. 

I'm an academic advisor for both middle and high school, an ELA teacher, as well as a National Junior Honor Society sponsor. I hold an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and am a published author of books for young adults and children. I'm passionate about cultivating self-discovery and self-advocacy in students through the study of literature, history, and creative writing, and am pleased and honored to be able to do so as part of the Taos Academy team. When not at Taos Academy I'm the curator of the Young Writers Program at SOMOS, but mostly I read and spend time with my family and my abundance of pets.

Elizabeth LeBlanc is a passionate educator, teacher and mom living at high altitude. She has over 15 years of experience in the design and implementation of high-quality blended learning programs. Elizabeth is the founder and project coordinator for the Taos Education Collaborative (TEC) and received the NMSTE 2019 "Making IT Happen!" award. She is incredibly proud to be a part of the Taos Academy team. 

I am an Academic Advisor, and I teach High School and Middle School English Language Arts Enrichment. I also sponsor Middle School Student Advisory Council. I hold a Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning from Colorado State University Global Campus, and I enjoy reading, writing, and lifelong learning. 

After living part time in Taos for nearly fifteen years, Mrs. Meagher permanently moved to Taos in 2020. In her previous life, she lived in Chicago where she taught for over twenty years for the Chicago Public Schools. Mrs. Meagher’s teaching focus is in the areas of English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Gifted Education. She has received the Fund for Teachers Fellowship, the Transatlantic Outreach Program Fellowship, as well as multiple education grants from the Chicago Foundation for Education. Mrs. Meagher was also an adjunct professor for Loyola University of Chicago, and has served as mentor to several pre-service teachers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, and a Masters of Education from Depaul University of Chicago. In her free time she loves to read, cook, hike, travel, knit and play with her Stray Hearts pup, Scout. Mrs. Meagher’s philosophy of teaching is if the students and teacher aren’t having fun - then you’re not doing it right!

Mrs. Karin Moulton has been an educator for over 25 years in both public and private schools. Mrs. Moulton has been recognized for her work with the gifted and talented. She has gained the respect and recognition for being a highly effective teacher as well as an advocate for student rights. With this experience Mrs. Moulton brings the understanding of the importance for students to have the 21st century leadership skills necessary to succeed in the modern world. Skills such as creative critical thinking, collaboration and communication, global awareness, personal responsibility and career and life skills are all important in today’s world.
 “Every child in public school should have an individualized plan for their education.  Families shouldn’t have to pay tuition at a private school in order to get their needs met.  Education of a child is more than academics alone.  It takes experiences with peers and within the community, interactions that develop communication and problem solving skills.  Taos Academy is an inherent part of preparing our children to be successful in their lives.”

After working for a high school global service learning program, Rustic Pathways, for 5 years, I came to Taos Academy excited to work with the wonderful youth of our Taos community. I graduated from Brandeis University with a focus in International Studies and Sociology. At Taos Academy I have the pleasure of teaching several subjects including Global Studies, Leadership, Career Pathways, Geometry and Pre-Algebra. 

Over 10 Years of Experience in School Administrative Assistant positions

Cal van Willigen began his teaching career in southern Colorado where he earned a MA Degree in Education from Adams State University. Returning to his hometown of Taos, NM he has a certain "joie de vivre" that permeates into the classroom and creates a fun, exciting learning environment.

I was born and raised in Taos. I have been teaching for over 22 years. My passions include my family, teaching, learning, spending time in the great outdoors and playing music. I have a Tier 3 NM Teaching Licence and Master of Science Teaching from NM Tech.