Professional Staff

Veronica Salcido, M.A., LMHC

She/Her/Ella
Sr. Program Manager
verosalcido@unm.edu

I am originally from Las Cruces, NM. I am a proud daughter of an immigrant, first-generation college student. My extensive professional experience spans over 22 years in programmatic design, implementation, and evaluation. I have 14 years in higher education. Additionally, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I am trained in motivational interviewing and have 24 years of experience in convening and facilitating diverse groups. I am strengths based and believe in the collective approach to leadership. I am the Project Director for the Title V PASOS grant, it is my job to ensure the program objectives are met and to build the future leaders in Higher Education. I am passionate about equity and being student centered. My personal passions include: cooking, traveling to Mexico any chance a get, and enjoying live music.

Beatriz Villa

She/Her/Ella
Supervisor of Student Success
beatrizvilla@unm.edu

My name is Beatriz Villa, and I am currently the Supervisor of Student Success, a role I've proudly held for the past two years. Before this, I spent seven years at my alma mater as an English instructor and Coordinator for American Language and Culture, where I had the rewarding experience of working with ESL students from various countries, helping them develop their language acquisition skills. I hold a Master's degree in English and am actively pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration. As a first-generation student, I am incredibly proud to be the first in my family to achieve a master's degree and to be on the path toward earning a PhD. Outside of my professional life, I am an avid reader and have a deep passion for remodeling and house improvements. I also have a love for dogs, horses, and gardening, which bring me a lot of joy and relaxation.

Shalaine Castillo

[Pronouns]
Education Specialist
sbuck07@unm.edu

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Katie Abrego-Lozano

She/Her/Ella
Student Success Specialist, Sr.
katieabrego@unm.edu

Hello everyone! I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Student Success Specialist, Sr. and program coordinator for the ILEAD Program. I’m thrilled to be part of this incredible team and to have the opportunity to support you on your academic journey. I began my journey at PASOS as a Peer Mentor from 2021-2022. Since then, I have graduated with a BS in Psychology, with a minor in Statistics. I’m so happy to be back at PASOS, where I discovered my passion for helping students navigate college life. I genuinely enjoy working with students, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. On a more personal note, I’m a proud cat mom of two adorable furballs, and I have a slight obsession with SpongeBob and Shrek! My latest hobby is crocheting, and I’m fluent in Spanish, with French as my latest language-learning adventure. Don't hesitate to reach out to me for anything you may need. I'm here to help!

Frances Duran

Student Resource Navigator
fduran@unm.edu

In 1992 I entered the doors of UNM-Valencia and became a full-time student overnight. Being out of school for 12 years, I discovered the joy of higher education and engulfed myself in the adventure of a lifetime. Five years later, I received a bachelor’s degree from UNM, obtained a full-time job at UNM-Valencia, and achieved a 26-year career, serving as Branch Registrar for 15 years of that tenure. I am now the Student Resource Navigator for the PASOS Resource Center and continuing my passion for student success. My focus is to assist students navigate through barriers, researching and partnering with campus and community resources.

Sarah Clawson, GCDF, CCSP

[Pronouns]
Career Services Manager, Equal Access Coordinator, & Academic Advisor
sjclawson@unm.edu

Ivy Okunor

[Pronouns]
Data Analyst
ivyok@unm.edu

John Bollweg

[Pronouns]
Institutional Researcher
jbollweg@unm.edu

Laura Musselwhite

She/Her/Hers
Dean of Instruction & Professor of History
lmusselwhite@unm.edu

Dr. Laura Musselwhite is the Dean of Instruction and a Professor of History at UNM-Valencia. She has been at the campus for ten years. Because the PASOS grant falls under Academic Affairs, Dr. Musselwhite has been a part of the planning process since the start. She is passionate about all aspects of PASOS, but was particularly involved in the creation of the Pathways and the program mapping that followed. She believes fully in the work that PASOS has been doing for student success, and is committed to making that work a sustainable and permanent part of the fabric of UNM-Valencia.

Student Employees

Soren June

He/Him
Peer Mentor

Graysen Riedel

He/Him
Peer Mentor

My name is Graysen Riedel, I am currently working towards my Associates in Game Design & Sim, and I am currently a Peer Mentor at PASOS! As a Peer Mentor, I want students to feel comfortable in their space; striving for an environment where one can learn and socialize. I don’t want anyone to feel afraid to approach me, as I am willing to help you with anything I can possibly do! Feel free to say hi to me whenever I’m walking around campus!

Link Juarez

They/Them/Elle
Peer Mentor

Hello, my name is Link Juarez. I am a non-binary person who uses they/them/elle pronouns. I am a peer mentor in the PASOS Resource Center. Being a peer mentor means I am there to help students with pretty much anything they need, from homework to registration. I am currently going to school to be an early childhood education teacher. I decided to go down this path because I am very passionate about it. I love working with kids and love my current job in PASOS. My current favorites are the color pink, my cat Riley, and coffee.

Richard Padilla

[Pronouns]
Peer Mentor

Darryl Garcia

Peer Mentor

Hi, my name is Darryl Garcia. I graduated from LLHS in 2013. I went to CNM for the brewing and beverage management program and worked my way up to become a brewer for Marble brewery and The 377 Brewery. I've decided to come back for more education at UNM-VC in pursuit of a bachelor's degree to get better chances at becoming a head brewer and gain more knowledge that can be applied to opening up my own business or helping run an existing operation. I love dogs, outdoors activity, trying new flavors and experiences, music, and my family.