Turquoise Trail Charter School 6th, 7th and 8th Grades
Krystal Medina, Middle School Teacher, Math
Hello,
I am so excited to be a part of TTCS this year! I have been a TTCS parent for 6 years and this is my 3rd year teaching Math in the Middle School. I am originally from Texas and moved to New Mexico when I got married. I have 2 children, both girls and both at TTCS. I love flowers and all things Disney. I look forward to an amazing year!
~Krystal Medina~
Kate Swift, Middle School Teacher, Art/Capstone
Ms. Swift is starting her fourth year at Turquoise Trail. She grew up in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. In addition to teaching, she is an avid potter, musician, and baker. She is also working to complete a Master's degree in Philosophy.
Ilya Rake, Middle School Teacher, Science
My name is Ilya Rake, I grew up in Philadelphia, PA. I graduated from Ithaca College in New York with a Major in Communications and a Minor in Jewish Studies. I moved to Los Angeles, CA after graduation, I lived there for about 4 years and recently moved here to Santa Fe about 2 months ago. I have a 7 year old son who does not go to Turquoise
This is my first year here as a teacher at Turquoise Trail, I'm so excited to teach the science of nature, engineering, technology, biodiversity as well as how we affect our environment! There will be lots of experimentation and hands-on learning, my goal is to truly convey the power of science and how our entire world around us is enveloped in science; i.e the understanding of the universe.
One interesting fact about me is that while working in Los Angeles, I worked on shows for Sony, and Netflix as well as producing a short sketch series. I also background acted in a Sci-Fi show called RZR.
I'm so excited to get to know all my wonderful students and parents this year, keep on keepin on!
Aida Martinez Suarez, Middle School Teacher, Spanish
Hola! My name is Aida Martinez Suarez and I am the middle school Spanish teacher. I come from Spain, from a small region in the northwest called Asturias. I came to Santa Fe in 2013 and have been here ever since! I am passionate about teaching and I have been an educator for 15 years.
Aurora Del Valle, Middle School Teacher, ELD
Aurora was born and raised in Mexico City. She graduated from the Benemérita Escuela Nacional de Maestros (BENM) and Universidad Pedagógica Nacional (UPN) with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She obtained Master's degrees in education and educational sociology from Centro de Actualización del Magisterio (CAM) and Instituto de Ciencias Tecnologías y Humanidades de Guanajuato (ICYTEG). She is currently pursuing her PhD in Pedagogy.
In 1986 she moved to Guanajuato State and worked as a teacher and principal teaching levels pre-K through university in public and private schools. She has NMPED teaching and administrative license pre-K through 12 with Bilingual, Social Studies, Math, TESOL endorsements. After moving to New Mexico in 2005, she started working as a teacher in Santa Fe. She has been a presenter at La Cosecha and is a Mexican folklore dancer and neuromuscular therapist. She is excited to be a part of Turquoise Trail Charter school and their commitment to work collaboratively to achieve student success.