Project Key Personnel
Monique Matute-Chavarria, Ph.D
Principal Investigator-Project RISE
Dr. Matute-Chavarria is an assistant professor of Special Education at New Mexico State University (NMSU). Before obtaining her Ph.D. in Special Education, she worked with Nevada Early Intervention Services working with children from birth to three with disabilities. Dr. Matute-Chavarria identifies as a Black mother scholar, and Afro-Latina; therefore, her research focuses on Black students and families. Her research centers on the intersections of race, family, and dis/ability. Dr. Matute-Chavarria was awarded the must-read award in 2022 for her article “Giving Voice to Aspirations: Engaging African American Parents with Children with Disabilities” in the Journal of Intervention in School and Clinic. She has also garnered $12,000 in internal grants at New Mexico State University. Dr. Matute-Chavarria’s academic responsibilities are teaching, advising, and mentorship. She serves on several committees and is committed to mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Anita Hernandez, Ph.D
Co-Principal Investigator-Project RISE
Dr. Anita Hernández is a professor of language, literacy, and culture, the Don and Sarah Kidd Endowed Chair for Literacy, and the interim Associate Dean of Research at New Mexico State University. Dr. Hernández was a bilingual primary grade school teacher working with bilingual learners and their families. She identifies as a Mexican/Latina Spanish-English bilingual scholar. Dr. Hernández completed her Ph.D. at Stanford University, where she studied language and literacy, bilingualism, and sociolinguistics. Dr. Hernández was a P.I. on National Professional Development grants in California and New Mexico. She has mentored numerous bilingual teachers to earn their M.A. degrees, and to serve the needs of Spanish-English bilingual children and their families. She has partnered with Chicano Programs to implement a Mother-Daughter Generaciones project and a Tech Goes Home/Tecnología para familias project with Spanish-Speaking parents in local schools.
Gabe Garner, BBA
Program Manager
Gabe Garner is Diné (Navajo) of the Hónágháahnii (One Who Walks Around) clan, born for bilagáana (Anglo). He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration and is dedicated to serving as an ambassador for Diné people in Las Cruces. Gabe brings over 10 years of experience in finance and procurement with Sanders Unified School District, located along the border of the Navajo Nation. He is committed to community engagement and the reclamation, education, and celebration of Indigenous culture, tradition, and heritage. In his spare time, Gabe enjoys outdoor activities with his family and cohosts a podcast with his spouse that uplifts Indigenous and mixed-identity voices.