Staff Directory

Denise brings 26 years of teaching experience to Northpoint. She earned a degree in fashion merchandising and business from New Mexico State University before pursuing a career in education. She holds teaching certifications in STEM, social studies, business and consumer science, and gifted education. In 2026, she was named NMPED Teacher of the Year.

Denise especially values the relationships she builds with students. She loves working one-on-one with them in Smart Lab, helping them master challenging STEAM projects and learn to use professional tools.

Outside Northpoint, Denise enjoys traveling to beaches and amusement parks, watching movies, reading, and exploring new technology. She recently bought a 3D printer for home use. A former singer and dancer, she still loves music and the arts, even if most of her performances these days happen in the car.

Jennifer joined Northpoint in 2025 after five years as a researcher at Sandia National Laboratories, where she worked on algorithms for supercomputing, remote sensing, and cybersecurity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Oklahoma Christian University and both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in mathematics from Baylor University. At Northpoint, she teaches Algebra I and II, geometry, and financial literacy.

Jennifer loves finding the right explanation that gives a student an “aha” moment in math. She also enjoys helping students explore potential careers in programming and computer science.

Originally from northeast Texas, Jennifer moved to New Mexico in 2020. Outside Northpoint, she enjoys visiting the zoo and aquarium. She has also volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and served as a foster parent in New Mexico.

Amelia has worked in education since 2011, beginning as an educational assistant before becoming a teacher in 2013. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of New Mexico, with teaching endorsements in business, math, and career and technical education. At Northpoint, she teaches Smart Lab, coordinates dual credit, and serves as senior sponsor.

Amelia enjoys getting to know students and discovering their interests. She especially loves seeing them develop practical skills in Smart Lab that they can carry into their future careers.

Outside Northpoint, Amelia enjoys traveling, hiking, crafting, and listening to music with her family. She also holds professional licenses as a master barber and cosmetologist, bringing another set of hands-on skills to her background.

Riley has spent all 10 years of his teaching career at Northpoint, where he teaches English language arts (ELA) and sponsors Student Council. He graduated cum laude from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree and earned his master’s degree from Wayland Baptist University. He holds teaching certifications in English language arts, psychology, and theatre arts.

Riley’s favorite part of teaching is helping students learn how to think, encouraging them to develop their own ideas and perspectives.

Outside Northpoint, Riley and his family participate in community theatre around Albuquerque. He also takes students on international trips every other summer. Growing up in a rural area, Riley traveled 50 miles each way by bus to attend high school—an experience that gives him a unique perspective on the journey to school.

Mathias teaches biology, physical science, environmental science, earth and space science, physics, chemistry, and Algebra II at Northpoint. A graduate of the University of New Mexico, he has been teaching for 10 years and holds endorsements in both mathematics and science. Beyond the classroom, he supports students through Geek Squad and Northpoint’s esports program.

Mathias especially enjoys helping students discover new ways to approach problems, giving them the tools and support to work through challenges from a different angle.

Outside Northpoint, Mathias is an avid gamer who enjoys both board games and video games. He also occasionally helps foster kittens, bringing a little extra patience and problem-solving to life outside the classroom, too.

Elizabeth brings more than 20 years of experience in education to Northpoint, with a focus on special education, student advocacy, and reading fluency. Her career has included roles as a teacher, instructional coach, supervising coordinator, and special education director. She holds degrees in psychology, biology and mass communications, and creative writing for gaming, film, and television, with teaching certifications from Santa Fe Community College. At Northpoint, she teaches literacy and study skills.

Elizabeth especially enjoys helping students recognize their strengths, build confidence, and discover strategies that work for them. Seeing a student realize “I can do this” is one of her favorite parts of teaching.

Outside Northpoint, Elizabeth is a screenwriter, director, and producer of independent films, with a particular passion for Western stories. She also enjoys reading, spending time with family and her dogs, and exploring New Mexico.

Lori brings 25 years of experience in education to her role as special education and English language learner (ELL) coordinator at Northpoint. Her educational background includes studies in special education and elementary education at the University of New Mexico and Grand Canyon University. She also teaches study skills, helping students develop strategies to support their learning.

Lori especially enjoys watching students grow from ninth grade through graduation. Seeing students overcome challenges, meet graduation requirements, and reach important milestones is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Outside Northpoint, Lori enjoys gardening, cooking, watching sports, and spending time with her family. She’s especially passionate about her granddaughter, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and a good cup of coffee.

Rebecca brings more than 20 years of public education experience to Northpoint, including a decade with Albuquerque Public Schools. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum development from Walden University and is certified in math, English, science, social studies, health, and gifted education. In addition to teaching, Rebecca coordinates Northpoint’s 504/SAT Team, sponsors the Film Criticism Club, and co-sponsors Geek Squad.

Rebecca especially values the personal connections she builds with students and families. Her favorite role is serving as a sponsor teacher, where she can work one-on-one with students and see that “lightbulb” moment when something finally clicks.

Outside Northpoint, Rebecca stays busy with her family, including an elementary-aged child and her grandchildren. She also loves to crochet and considers herself very crafty—though, in her words, “not artsy, and therefore not fartsy.”

Zoe teaches social studies, Life and Career Seminar, and Smart Lab at Northpoint. She earned her bachelor’s degree in earth and planetary sciences from the University of New Mexico and later returned to UNM for a graduate certificate in teaching. Before joining Northpoint in 2024, Zoe spent six years as an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service and New Mexico Historic Sites. She also coordinates the yearbook and sponsors the English Expo team.

Zoe enjoys seeing new ideas spark students’ creativity and carry over into other parts of their education. She also appreciates the kindness and empathy Northpoint students show one another.

A Northpoint alumna herself, Zoe values the school’s small environment and opportunities for STEM and dual enrollment. Outside Northpoint, she enjoys reading and traveling with her husband, family, and friends.