Kristin Hsueh
AmeriCorps Serve New Mexico Executive Director
Kristin Hsueh joined AmeriCorps and Serve New Mexico team in
February 2024 as the Executive Director. She is excited to rejoin the
team after having previously served as the Outreach and Events Officer for the
Serve New Mexico (previously known as the New Mexico Commission for Community
Volunteerism). Kristin is looking forward to working with the amazing
Serve NM team and Commission to bring increased awareness of the importance and
benefits National Service can have in a community, to the individual members,
and to those that they serve. Kristin will continue to promote the
AmeriCorps programs and the benefits of volunteerism throughout the state of
New Mexico. In addition to her commitment to National Service, Kristin
has worked over a decade in Museums in roles including being an AmeriCorps site
supervisor, Educator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Museum
Director. In her spare time, Kristin enjoys gardening and
exploring the outdoors with her husband, two dogs, and two goats.
Nixo Lanning: Keynote Speaker
Deaf Interpreter, ASL Instructor
I am Deaf person and native from California, born and raised in
the Bay area. I have been in New Mexico for 16 years now. I have 3
educational backgrounds, a BA recreational degree, Masters degree in sports
administration from the University of New Mexico & I attended an outdoor
leadership program in Greenfield, Massachusetts that included a gamete of
outdoor certifications like backpacking, kayaking, etc. I also hold
Conservation certification in Wilderness First Responder, CPR/First Aid Instructor
along with “A” in Chainsaw. I am a well experienced world traveler, I
love adventure and new and exciting opportunities. I love anything that
produces that feeling of adrenaline. I have a love for many different arenas in
sports and work. I am always seeking a new thrill and challenge from what is to
come in life.
Melani Buchanan Farmer, PhD
Educator, Wellness and Community Advocate
Melani Buchanan Farmer is a passionate advocate for education equity and community empowerment. With over 25 years of experience, Melani is dedicated to creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for all.
As an Instructional Manager in the Public Schools, A Nonprofit Founder and Director, and CrossFit Affiliate Owner and Coach, Melani leads initiatives to bridge the gap between educational institutions and the communities they serve, and a holistic lens to include the connection with wellness at all ages. Her work focuses on building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and developing programs that empower students, families, educators, and community members.
Melani's commitment to equity extends beyond her professional role. She is actively involved in a number of community collaborations ranging from city boards, NM Special Olympics, and Team Bravo’s Veteran support nonprofit. Her efforts aim to dismantle barriers to promote access to resources for long-term success and systems change.
A dynamic speaker and facilitator, Melani has presented at numerous conferences and workshops on topics related to community engagement, diversity, equity, and wellness. Her engaging presentations inspire action and challenge participants to think critically about themselves and that connection to others.
Melani holds a doctorate from the California Institute of Integral Studies, focusing on wellness and systems change through transformative studies. She is driven by a vision of a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of background or circumstance.
Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom
Founder and CEO of Do Good, Be Good
Founder and CEO of Do Good, Be Good, Sharon is a professional facilitator with extensive experience working with AmeriCorps as a former service member and as an AmeriCorps Project Director. Sharon received her master’s degree in Organizational Development and Knowledge Management from George Mason University’s School of Public Policy. Sharon lives in Flagstaff, Arizona and spends her free time volunteering at the community theater, local history museum, and hiking the Arizona Trail. After finishing grad school, Sharon and her husband spent a year road-tripping across the United States and Canada, volunteering for a week in each community they passed through.
Michelle Velarde
Division Director Employment Services Operations, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
Ms. Velarde has eight years’ experience as an accomplished career development and education professional. She is responsible for the agency’s partnership efforts in the 25 Workforce Connection Offices across the state. Recognized for contributions in the field of workforce development, career services and organizational development. She is proficient in the areas of employer engagement and career placement. She is acknowledged for creating partnerships with State, Federal, and not-for-profit agencies. Her areas of expertise include rapid recruitment, program management and career advisement, staff training and workforce partnerships.
Anthony Jenks
Regional Manager, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
Anthony is a Regional Manager with The Department of
Workforce Solutions managing employment services managers and staff in the
Eastern and Central Regions of the state of New Mexico. Anthony has been
with NMDWS for 9 years. During his time with NMDWS Anthony has also served as a
Career Consultant in the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, An Area
Supervisor and Area Manager in the Central Region.
Rachel Donovan
Owner of Albuquerque Meditation Services, LLC; NM Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission
Rachel Donovan is a native Chicagoan relocating to NM in 2004. She
is owner of Albuquerque Mediation Services, LLC. She sits on the NM
Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission and is also the
Co-Chair of the NM State Bar ADR Committee.
Rachel is a mom, sister, friend, volunteer, public servant,
mediator for the courts, and past Chaplain for police and fire where she was
awarded 'Chaplain of the Year' for 2020.
She is a published author with her first book, "He Is Enough,
God Needs People Who Don't Scare Easily." She also has several written and
published blogs and posts for several different organizations.