Our Board of Directors & Advisory Council
Ron Berger (Advisory Council) - Ron is Chief Academic Officer for EL Education, a nonprofit school improvement organization that partners with public schools and districts across America, leads professional learning, and creates open educational resources. He is a well-known keynote speaker nationally and internationally on inspiring a commitment to quality, character, and citizenship in students.
Ron is the author of best-selling education books, including: An Ethic of Excellence, and A Culture of Quality; and co-author of Leaders of Their Own Learning, Transformational Literacy, Management in the Active Classroom, Learning that Lasts, and We Are Crew: A Teamwork Approach to School Culture. He also teaches at Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he did his graduate work. He founded the website Models of Excellence: The Center for High-Quality Student Work, which houses the world’s largest collection of beautiful student work.
Ron was a member of the National Commission on Social, Emotional and Academic Development. He was a public school teacher and master carpenter in rural Massachusetts for over 25 years, and received the Autodesk Foundation National Teacher of the Year award.
Eduardo Briceno (Advisory Council) - Eduardo is the Co-Founder & CEO of Mindset Works, the leading provider of growth mindset development services and programs. Since he co-founded it in 2007 with Carol Dweck, Lisa Blackwell, and others, Mindset Works has supported thousands of schools and businesses in their advancement of learning-oriented cultures and systems.
Eduardo is a frequent keynote speaker at leading national and international conferences, and regularly facilitates workshops at in-house convenings for professionals and executives. His two TEDx talks, The Power of Belief and How to get better at the things you care about have each been viewed by millions. He is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, a member of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network, and an inductee in the Happiness Hall of Fame. He has been featured and quoted in prominent media outlets and in the documentaries The Process and Rise: Voice of a New Generation.
Eduardo grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA and M.A. in Education from Stanford University. Most importantly, he continues to enjoy lifelong learning every day.
Connor Browne (Chair) ~ Connor is a founder and the CEO of City Different Investments, a new investment management firm based in Santa Fe, NM. He previously led the New Mexico Recovery Fund, L.P., a state-backed emergency lending program run by Sun Mountain Capital. He moved to Santa Fe in 2001 and worked at Thornburg Investment Management until early 2020. He was a portfolio manager on a number of equity funds and strategies while at Thornburg. Connor has supported many non-profit organizations in New Mexico, especially Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region, where he volunteered as a big brother and served as Board President and Reading Quest, where he currently serves as Board Chair. Connor and his wife, Christina, an emergency room physician at the University of New Mexico, are particularly focused on helping to create better opportunities for at-risk youth. They have four daughters and an adopted son and can't imagine a better place to raise their family. Connor has a BA in Economics from Princeton University and is a CFA charterholder.
Alicia Rivera- Alicia is a Native Santa Fean. Both of her parents were public school teachers. Alicia has worked as a public school teacher for 16 years. She has been teaching pre-k for 4 years and before that she taught 2nd grade for 12 years. Alicia received my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction both from Highlands University. Her husband works for the State of NM and they have 2 daughters ages 9 and 13.
"I have seen how Reading Quest has had such a positive impact on my daughter. I feel that every child deserves the chance to feel successful when learning to read. I see how everyone involved with Reading Quest has a common vision of helping all children. I see how everyone is important and what they had to say is valued. I want to be a part of helping children learn to read and I feel that is what Reading Quest is doing."
Erin Cave - Erin is the Director of Events and Value Add at Thornburg Investment Management. She works with their investment team, facilities director and human resources team to ensure the firm adheres to environmental and social governance (ESG) practices that align with the United Nation's sustainable development goals. Erin also partners with non-profits in our community focusing on arts and culture, education and social services to support the firm's mission of philanthropy and giving back. She works with their employees to increase engagement and volunteerism, while applying the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion to all initiatives for the firm. Prior to joining Thornburg, Erin worked at Salient for eight years as director of events and corporate social responsibility, organizing client events and conferences, as well as internal and corporate-hosted events. Erin also directed community partnerships and volunteerism for the firm, with specific coordination around Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Houston.
Jamelyn Ebelacker- Jamelyn is a marketing and events professional, community advocate, aspiring cat lady and mediocre backyard farmer committed to advancing literacy, education, and Indigenous communities. She earned her MBA from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business and holds a BFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts. She served in the Peace Corps in Dominica and Saint Lucia as a Primary English Literacy Volunteer, supporting early-grade reading initiatives and teacher training programs to improve student outcomes. Jamelyn also serves on the board of Hands Across the Sea, a nonprofit that promotes literacy by providing books and educational support to children throughout the Eastern Caribbean. In her “free time”, she is also an accomplished Pueblo potter, continuing a family tradition of pottery that has been passed down through generations. Originally from Santa Clara Pueblo, she is dedicated to advancing education and opportunity through community-centered leadership.
Sharon Eklund -(Vice-Chair) Sharon earned certification as a secondary language arts teacher at Northwestern University and taught at the middle and high school levels in Los Alamos Public Schools for six years while simultaneously working on an M.B.A. from the University of New Mexico. One of her daughters struggled with dyslexia and learning to read, and both of her grandsons have fought the challenges of dyslexia. Sharon worked for the University of California for 20 years before retiring in Santa Fe. She is a founding member of the Interfaith Coalition for Public Education and has volunteered in various classrooms for five years to help second and third-graders learn to read. Sharon is now on Reading Quest’s team of reading specialists.
Nick Govea- Nick is an attorney in the Albuquerque Office of the national law firm, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP. He previously represented New Mexico school districts, governmental agencies, and businesses at two Santa Fe-based law firms. Prior to going to law school, Nick was a Social Sciences teacher at St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe. His favorite part of teaching was being able to interact with and learn from his students every day. He is the son of a life-long educator and was taught to whole-heartedly believe that all children deserve the opportunity to receive a quality education. This is what helped draw Nick to Reading Quest’s mission to provide free literacy tutoring and to promote equity through reading. Nick is most excited about supporting and promoting. Reading Quest's belief that every child has limitless potential. Nick is a graduate of Boston University and Loyola New Orleans College of Law. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Nick is glad to be raising his son, Javi, in Santa Fe, with his wife Carolyn, and their two dogs.
Jenny Kaufman – Jenny was born and raised in Santa Fe, attending E.J. Martinez Elementary School, Capshaw Middle School, and graduating from Santa Fe Prep. Jenny obtained a BA in Spanish and International Relations from Claremont McKenna College and a law degree from New York University. Jenny practiced law for five years in New York City at the law firm Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman LLP prior to returning to Santa Fe to raise her family. Jenny has two children, who spend most of their time with a ball or racquet in their hands, which means that, in addition to her law practice, Jenny spends a lot of time driving around to
practices and sporting events, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Jenny’s current law practice focuses on estate planning and employment law. As a Santa Fe native, Jenny is inspired by Reading Quest’s efforts to promote equity and build community through the gift of reading literacy. An avid reader, Jenny believes that there is no gift greater than a love of reading, and she is grateful to be able to devote time to the promotion of Reading Quest’s mission. An active community member, Jenny is also currently serving as the Board Chair for the Board of Trustees for Santa Fe Prep and is a member of Santa Fe Prep’s Alumni Board.
Lea Ann Knight - Lea Ann helps clients, especially women, build confidence and clarity through major life transitions. She creates customized plans that align with personal values and long-term goals. Her work supports thoughtful decision-making across every stage of life. Lea Ann brings deep leadership experience from advisory and consulting roles, including leading a woman-owned RIA as Managing Partner. She earned her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a master’s degree in Advanced Financial Planning from Golden Gate University. Lea Ann believes education and trust are essential to confident decision-making. Based in Santa Fe, Lea Ann served as Board President for Española Humane and supports Reading Quest on the board and through its finance committee. She enjoys international travel and working on her tennis game. In addition to what she does during the day, she is married to Michael Knight and has three children in their 20's who are spread across the globe. Luckily, they come home once in a while to visit! She also has two dogs and two cats, who provide lots of entertainment on a daily basis.
Rob MacDonald - (Treasurer) Rob is a native of the Boston area who relocated to New Mexico in 2007 after attending the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. For the last 5 years, he has worked on the investment team at City Different Investments, where he is currently an equity portfolio manager. Rob lives in Santa Fe with his wife, Jen, and three daughters, one of whom has been volunteering with Reading Quest for years.
Amanda Mendez: Amanda has held a fulfilling position as a bilingual Speech and Language Pathologist with New Vistas Early Intervention Program for the past 14 years. She is the proud mother of her two children, Sonya and Lorenzo. Lorenzo currently receives tutoring services from Reading Quest. He has grown immensely in his reading skills and in building his confidence. In this program, he has felt respected, nurtured, and loved. Sonya witnessed the magic that can occur when a child is taught how to read and decided to become a Reading Quest tutor herself. Amanda, her husband Pete, and her children enjoy hiking, traveling, laughing together, and eating good food!
Cindy Montoya - (Advisory Council) Cindy co-founded the New Mexico School for the Arts, a statewide public high school for the arts. Now serving 245 students, the school opened its doors for the first time in 2010 with 127 students. A charter school with a private partner, NMSA-Art Institute, we are committed to providing access to pre-professional arts training and college readiness academics to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to access mastery arts training. She brings 22 years of experience in education, both in high-performing and struggling schools.
Reed Soehnel - Reed is an accounting and investment professional in the private equity space. He has been at Santa Fe-based Sun Mountain Capital for the past ten years, where he currently serves as the firm’s CFO & CCO. Before joining Sun Mountain, Reed spent time as a financial statement auditor with both Deloitte & Touche and KPMG. Born and raised in Michigan, he moved to New Mexico in 2013 to be closer to family. Reed and his partner Maya, a freelance artist and children’s book illustrator, reside in Santa Fe with their daughter. Reed has a Bachelor's degree in Professional Accountancy from Saginaw Valley State University and is a Certified Public Accountant in New Mexico.
Alicia Vadillo~ Alicia is a bilingual educational diagnostician in Santa Fe. She arrived in New Mexico 19 years ago and has since earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in TESOL from New Mexico Highlands University. Alicia recently obtained her licensure as an educational diagnostician through the University of the Southwest.
She brings more than 19 years of extensive experience in early childhood, bilingual, and special education, having worked in both Mexico and the United States. Alicia remains committed to professional growth and continues to participate in ongoing training in the field of education.
In her free time, Alicia enjoys walking with friends, spending time with her husband, and visiting her daughter. She currently works for Santa Fe Public Schools and serves as a board member for Reading Quest.
Ron Berger (Advisory Council) - Ron is Chief Academic Officer for EL Education, a nonprofit school improvement organization that partners with public schools and districts across America, leads professional learning, and creates open educational resources. He is a well-known keynote speaker nationally and internationally on inspiring a commitment to quality, character, and citizenship in students.
Ron is the author of best-selling education books, including: An Ethic of Excellence, and A Culture of Quality; and co-author of Leaders of Their Own Learning, Transformational Literacy, Management in the Active Classroom, Learning that Lasts, and We Are Crew: A Teamwork Approach to School Culture. He also teaches at Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he did his graduate work. He founded the website Models of Excellence: The Center for High-Quality Student Work, which houses the world’s largest collection of beautiful student work.
Ron was a member of the National Commission on Social, Emotional and Academic Development. He was a public school teacher and master carpenter in rural Massachusetts for over 25 years, and received the Autodesk Foundation National Teacher of the Year award.
Eduardo Briceno (Advisory Council) - Eduardo is the Co-Founder & CEO of Mindset Works, the leading provider of growth mindset development services and programs. Since he co-founded it in 2007 with Carol Dweck, Lisa Blackwell, and others, Mindset Works has supported thousands of schools and businesses in their advancement of learning-oriented cultures and systems.
Eduardo is a frequent keynote speaker at leading national and international conferences, and regularly facilitates workshops at in-house convenings for professionals and executives. His two TEDx talks, The Power of Belief and How to get better at the things you care about have each been viewed by millions. He is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, a member of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network, and an inductee in the Happiness Hall of Fame. He has been featured and quoted in prominent media outlets and in the documentaries The Process and Rise: Voice of a New Generation.
Eduardo grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA and M.A. in Education from Stanford University. Most importantly, he continues to enjoy lifelong learning every day.
Connor Browne (Chair) ~ Connor is a founder and the CEO of City Different Investments, a new investment management firm based in Santa Fe, NM. He previously led the New Mexico Recovery Fund, L.P., a state-backed emergency lending program run by Sun Mountain Capital. He moved to Santa Fe in 2001 and worked at Thornburg Investment Management until early 2020. He was a portfolio manager on a number of equity funds and strategies while at Thornburg. Connor has supported many non-profit organizations in New Mexico, especially Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region, where he volunteered as a big brother and served as Board President and Reading Quest, where he currently serves as Board Chair. Connor and his wife, Christina, an emergency room physician at the University of New Mexico, are particularly focused on helping to create better opportunities for at-risk youth. They have four daughters and an adopted son and can't imagine a better place to raise their family. Connor has a BA in Economics from Princeton University and is a CFA charterholder.
Alicia Rivera- Alicia is a Native Santa Fean. Both of her parents were public school teachers. Alicia has worked as a public school teacher for 16 years. She has been teaching pre-k for 4 years and before that she taught 2nd grade for 12 years. Alicia received my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction both from Highlands University. Her husband works for the State of NM and they have 2 daughters ages 9 and 13.
"I have seen how Reading Quest has had such a positive impact on my daughter. I feel that every child deserves the chance to feel successful when learning to read. I see how everyone involved with Reading Quest has a common vision of helping all children. I see how everyone is important and what they had to say is valued. I want to be a part of helping children learn to read and I feel that is what Reading Quest is doing."
Erin Cave - Erin is the Director of Events and Value Add at Thornburg Investment Management. She works with their investment team, facilities director and human resources team to ensure the firm adheres to environmental and social governance (ESG) practices that align with the United Nation's sustainable development goals. Erin also partners with non-profits in our community focusing on arts and culture, education and social services to support the firm's mission of philanthropy and giving back. She works with their employees to increase engagement and volunteerism, while applying the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion to all initiatives for the firm. Prior to joining Thornburg, Erin worked at Salient for eight years as director of events and corporate social responsibility, organizing client events and conferences, as well as internal and corporate-hosted events. Erin also directed community partnerships and volunteerism for the firm, with specific coordination around Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in Houston.
Jamelyn Ebelacker- Jamelyn is a marketing and events professional, community advocate, aspiring cat lady and mediocre backyard farmer committed to advancing literacy, education, and Indigenous communities. She earned her MBA from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business and holds a BFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts. She served in the Peace Corps in Dominica and Saint Lucia as a Primary English Literacy Volunteer, supporting early-grade reading initiatives and teacher training programs to improve student outcomes. Jamelyn also serves on the board of Hands Across the Sea, a nonprofit that promotes literacy by providing books and educational support to children throughout the Eastern Caribbean. In her “free time”, she is also an accomplished Pueblo potter, continuing a family tradition of pottery that has been passed down through generations. Originally from Santa Clara Pueblo, she is dedicated to advancing education and opportunity through community-centered leadership.
Sharon Eklund -(Vice-Chair) Sharon earned certification as a secondary language arts teacher at Northwestern University and taught at the middle and high school levels in Los Alamos Public Schools for six years while simultaneously working on an M.B.A. from the University of New Mexico. One of her daughters struggled with dyslexia and learning to read, and both of her grandsons have fought the challenges of dyslexia. Sharon worked for the University of California for 20 years before retiring in Santa Fe. She is a founding member of the Interfaith Coalition for Public Education and has volunteered in various classrooms for five years to help second and third-graders learn to read. Sharon is now on Reading Quest’s team of reading specialists.
Nick Govea- Nick is an attorney in the Albuquerque Office of the national law firm, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP. He previously represented New Mexico school districts, governmental agencies, and businesses at two Santa Fe-based law firms. Prior to going to law school, Nick was a Social Sciences teacher at St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe. His favorite part of teaching was being able to interact with and learn from his students every day. He is the son of a life-long educator and was taught to whole-heartedly believe that all children deserve the opportunity to receive a quality education. This is what helped draw Nick to Reading Quest’s mission to provide free literacy tutoring and to promote equity through reading. Nick is most excited about supporting and promoting. Reading Quest's belief that every child has limitless potential. Nick is a graduate of Boston University and Loyola New Orleans College of Law. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Nick is glad to be raising his son, Javi, in Santa Fe, with his wife Carolyn, and their two dogs.
Jenny Kaufman – Jenny was born and raised in Santa Fe, attending E.J. Martinez Elementary School, Capshaw Middle School, and graduating from Santa Fe Prep. Jenny obtained a BA in Spanish and International Relations from Claremont McKenna College and a law degree from New York University. Jenny practiced law for five years in New York City at the law firm Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman LLP prior to returning to Santa Fe to raise her family. Jenny has two children, who spend most of their time with a ball or racquet in their hands, which means that, in addition to her law practice, Jenny spends a lot of time driving around to
practices and sporting events, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Jenny’s current law practice focuses on estate planning and employment law. As a Santa Fe native, Jenny is inspired by Reading Quest’s efforts to promote equity and build community through the gift of reading literacy. An avid reader, Jenny believes that there is no gift greater than a love of reading, and she is grateful to be able to devote time to the promotion of Reading Quest’s mission. An active community member, Jenny is also currently serving as the Board Chair for the Board of Trustees for Santa Fe Prep and is a member of Santa Fe Prep’s Alumni Board.
Lea Ann Knight - Lea Ann helps clients, especially women, build confidence and clarity through major life transitions. She creates customized plans that align with personal values and long-term goals. Her work supports thoughtful decision-making across every stage of life. Lea Ann brings deep leadership experience from advisory and consulting roles, including leading a woman-owned RIA as Managing Partner. She earned her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a master’s degree in Advanced Financial Planning from Golden Gate University. Lea Ann believes education and trust are essential to confident decision-making. Based in Santa Fe, Lea Ann served as Board President for Española Humane and supports Reading Quest on the board and through its finance committee. She enjoys international travel and working on her tennis game. In addition to what she does during the day, she is married to Michael Knight and has three children in their 20's who are spread across the globe. Luckily, they come home once in a while to visit! She also has two dogs and two cats, who provide lots of entertainment on a daily basis.
Rob MacDonald - (Treasurer) Rob is a native of the Boston area who relocated to New Mexico in 2007 after attending the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. For the last 5 years, he has worked on the investment team at City Different Investments, where he is currently an equity portfolio manager. Rob lives in Santa Fe with his wife, Jen, and three daughters, one of whom has been volunteering with Reading Quest for years.
Amanda Mendez: Amanda has held a fulfilling position as a bilingual Speech and Language Pathologist with New Vistas Early Intervention Program for the past 14 years. She is the proud mother of her two children, Sonya and Lorenzo. Lorenzo currently receives tutoring services from Reading Quest. He has grown immensely in his reading skills and in building his confidence. In this program, he has felt respected, nurtured, and loved. Sonya witnessed the magic that can occur when a child is taught how to read and decided to become a Reading Quest tutor herself. Amanda, her husband Pete, and her children enjoy hiking, traveling, laughing together, and eating good food!
Cindy Montoya - (Advisory Council) Cindy co-founded the New Mexico School for the Arts, a statewide public high school for the arts. Now serving 245 students, the school opened its doors for the first time in 2010 with 127 students. A charter school with a private partner, NMSA-Art Institute, we are committed to providing access to pre-professional arts training and college readiness academics to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to access mastery arts training. She brings 22 years of experience in education, both in high-performing and struggling schools.
Reed Soehnel - Reed is an accounting and investment professional in the private equity space. He has been at Santa Fe-based Sun Mountain Capital for the past ten years, where he currently serves as the firm’s CFO & CCO. Before joining Sun Mountain, Reed spent time as a financial statement auditor with both Deloitte & Touche and KPMG. Born and raised in Michigan, he moved to New Mexico in 2013 to be closer to family. Reed and his partner Maya, a freelance artist and children’s book illustrator, reside in Santa Fe with their daughter. Reed has a Bachelor's degree in Professional Accountancy from Saginaw Valley State University and is a Certified Public Accountant in New Mexico.
Alicia Vadillo~ Alicia is a bilingual educational diagnostician in Santa Fe. She arrived in New Mexico 19 years ago and has since earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in TESOL from New Mexico Highlands University. Alicia recently obtained her licensure as an educational diagnostician through the University of the Southwest.
She brings more than 19 years of extensive experience in early childhood, bilingual, and special education, having worked in both Mexico and the United States. Alicia remains committed to professional growth and continues to participate in ongoing training in the field of education.
In her free time, Alicia enjoys walking with friends, spending time with her husband, and visiting her daughter. She currently works for Santa Fe Public Schools and serves as a board member for Reading Quest.
CONTACT INFO
Executive Director: Rayna Dineen
Phone: 505-920-9709
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address (for mailing only):
Reading Quest PMB # 652
369 Montezuma Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501-2626
501(c)3 #47-3350742
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