St. Joseph Mission School

​Mr. Trujillo serves as the Principal of St. Joseph Mission School. He was born and raised in the nearby village of San Rafael, New Mexico. He was able to get his degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in History and Philosophy. He went on to receive his Master's degree in Divinity from St. Thomas Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado and his certificate in Catholic School Administration from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.   

He and his wife Lucinda own a quarter acre vineyard that produces Muscat wines. Antonio's favorite professional sports teams are the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions.

Tonya M. Louis, MSW, LMSW, is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma, located in New Mexico. Currently, Ms. Louis is a Licensed Master Social Worker, serving in the capacity of Director for the Pre-K Program.    
 
Mrs. Louis has extensive experience working with program development, youth/adolescent curriculum development, grant management/writing and program evaluation.  While her primary experience is providing culturally appropriate public health, behavioral health treatment, prevention, and intervention models; Mrs. Louis works with various tribal and non-tribal service agencies and a wide range of clientele.  Mrs. Louis previously served as the Unit Director, and Education Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of America-Pueblo of Acoma and AmeriCorps VISTA as a Literacy Coordinator.
 
Mrs. Louis deeply appreciates the importance of academic excellence as well as stewardship and draws on a wide range of skills and knowledge to serve students in a myriad of ways including preparing and inspiring our students to lead meaningful ways, rooted in the mission, vision and values of the St. Joseph Mission School. 

Kathryn was born and raised in Long Beach, California, she enjoyed early adult life between New Mexico and California. She comes from the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, and is also of Filipino descent. Having always had an affinity working with youth she has previously worked with Pre-K/head start children; and has 7 years of experience in the mental health field with at-risk youth.  

When not at the school Miss Kat enjoys cooking, fishing, crafting, listening to audiobooks, and doting on her turtle and 9 dogs.

Donna and her late husband, Stephen, share 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way. She is a busy sports grandma attending events for football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball. 

Ms. Hardy is in her second employment with St. Joseph Mission School, this time serving as our Office Manager. She enjoys everything from the squeaky wood floors to the bell chiming at different times throughout the day. She especially loves the students; seeing their smiling faces and hearing their laughter brightens each day for her. It gives her great pride knowing and seeing the students being raised and taught with a strong Catholic faith and foundation.

Miss Jordan Chino is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna. St. Joseph Mission School is grateful for Miss Chino's 6 years of service, as a Pre-K Teacher Assistant. She recently received her Certificate in Early Childhood Education, and now serves as Pre-K Lead Teacher. Her passion for teaching is driving her continuation of classes in Early Childhood Education, at Central New Mexico Community College. Being a full-time mom she takes every challenge presented to her with grace.
 

Miranda was born and raised in McCartys, New Mexico and comes from the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna. She has 2 younger siblings that attend St. Joseph Mission School. Her reason for working at SJMS is attributed to her grandmother, Judy Washburn, who's wish was for her grandchildren to be enrolled here.  

Miss Miranda's service to St. Joseph Mission School began over 2 years ago, as bookkeeper then Office Manager. She now enrolled in Early Childhood Education classes and serves as the Early Childhood Teaching Assistant. Although she was never enrolled at SJMS, she has stated this is the perfect work environment for her.

Christina Rodriguez is an enrolled member of Laguna Pueblo, where she was born and raised. She lives in the village of Paguate. Mrs. R, as the students like to call her, has 2 adult daughters and 8 grandchildren. 

She is currently enrolled in Holy Cross College in South Bend, Indiana, pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. For the past 2 summers she has attended 3 week in-person classes, then continues with virtual classes during the regular school year. 

Outside of the classroom you will find her studying, sewing, reading, and spending time with her family watching movies.

Mrs. R loves seeing the smiling faces of her students and is excited to witness all the amazing things they will learn and do.

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” – B.B. King

Isabelle is from the Village of Paraje within the Pueblo of Laguna, where she spent all her life and is an enrolled member. She has 2 daughters, 1 son, 5 grandchildren and another on the way, and 1 great-grandchild.  

16 years after graduating from Laguna-Acoma Jr./Sr. High School she attended New Mexico State University in Grants, New Mexico, where she acquired an Associate's degree in Education. Miss Riley is currently working towards a Bachelor's degree in Education. She has been serving as an educator for over 20 years. Her service at SJMS started in Pre-K and transitioned to 6th & 7th grades. Miss Riley now serves as the 4^th/5^th/6th grade teacher.

Anthony Sando is from Jemez Pueblo but grew up in and is now married in Laguna Pueblo. He is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Education at NMSU Grants. Mr. Sando does have an Associates in Applied Science in Accounting, and an Associates of Applied Science in Business Administration from Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. His life is devoted to educating youth on the football field, but recently made the decision for a career change to educating in the classroom. With his commitment, communication and perseverance Mr. Sando knows he can help prepare our students for the next step in their education. If you have any questions feel free to stop by his classroom, he is located on the second floor in the St. Paul Classroom.

Michelle Lowden serves as the Librarian and Title I Teacher at St. Joseph Mission School. A proud member of the Pueblo of Acoma, she grew up immersed in her community’s traditions, stories, and close connection to the land – values she now weaves into her work with students. In addition to her passion for books, Miss Lowden is an accomplished artist whose work is inspired by traditional Acoma Pueblo designs. She brings that creativity into the library and classroom, encouraging students to explore their own artistic voices and see the connections between reading, art, and imagination. In her role as a Title I Teacher, she provides personalized support to help every student grow in confidence and strengthen their skills. Miss Lowden believes learning is most powerful when it connects to students’ lives, cultures, and dreams, and she is excited to help them find their place in the larger story of learning and community.

Francilia “Rose” Leon was born in Acoma, New Mexico. In 1976 she attended Long Beach City Business College in Long Beach, California, where she received a Medical Secretary degree. She lived in Long Beach for 17 years. She has called Pueblo of Acoma home since 1992.

St. Joseph Mission School thanks Miss Rose for 11 years of dedicated service as Cafeteria Manager.

"My focus as a cook is student nutrition, traditional and home cooked meals."

​Mr. Lockwood was born and raised in the Village of Laguna. His parents were Tony and Rose Lockwood. Lester is married to Ellena (Leon), and together they have 9 children and 14 grandchildren. He attended St. Joseph School in 1972/73, continued at Laguna Elementary and finished at Santa Fe Indian School. 

Lester previously worked in food service for over 30 years, and is currently serves SJMS as Maintenance Manager. Working at St. Joseph Mission School gives him a sense of pride and harmony within his heart. It is his belief that the education children receive here is excellent, and the teachers and staff do all they can to make SJMS a fun and happy place to learn.

Some of Lester's hobbies include spending time with his family, going out dancing with his wife, fixing things, listening to music, and watching movies.

Ann Rose Ray is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, and retired at the close of the 2023-2024 school year. She has not left St. Joseph Mission School permanently, and will return as part-time support staff when needed. Her time at SJMS began as a receptionist, and transitioned to librarian.  

Prior to her employment with SJMS Ms. Ray had previous experience as a clerk at ACL Hospital, secretary at St. Joseph's Church, and a contract worker for Census & Surveys.

As a multi-medium artist Ms. Ray now has available time to teach basket making within the Laguna community. She enjoys sewing, beadwork, and assisting with various fundraising activities in her community.

Andrew “Drew” Ammons is from Placitas, New Mexico. He has been a musician for over 4 decades, throughout the United States, and enjoys teaching music to the students of St. Joseph Mission School. Mr. Drew has been involved in after school programs for over 15 years, teaching and mentoring children in Maryland before coming to New Mexico. He feels blessed to be a part of St. Joseph Mission School.