Meet Us
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.
Sarah Wiegand, Ph.D
Co-Principal Investigator-Project RISE
Dr. Wiegand is an assistant professor of early childhood and special education at New Mexico State University. Prior to pursuing her doctorate, Dr. Wiegand worked as an early intervention provider and autism specialist for children birth to three and their families. Dr. Wiegand completed her PhD at the University of Georgia, where she studied special education with areas of emphasis in autism, early intervention, and professional development. Dr. Wiegand’s research centers around improving policies and practices to promote equity in Part C early intervention through professional development and personnel preparation and autism conversations with families.
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
Program Manager
Gabe Garner is Diné (Navajo) and is Hónágháahnii (One who walks around) clan born for bilagáana (anglo). As an undergraduate student pursuing his Baccalaureate in Business Administration, Gabe is dedicated to serving as an ambassador for Diné people here in Las Cruces. He has over 10 years experience in finance and procurement with Sanders Unified School District located on the border of the Navajo reservation. In his spare time he enjoys outdoors activities with his family and cohosts a popular podcast with his spouse. Gabe is recognized for his ambitions in the reclamation and education of Indigenous culture, tradition, and heritage.