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
She/Her/Hers
Education Specialist
sbuck07@unm.edu
My name is Shalaine Castillo and I am the Education Specialist for the Pasos Resource Center's STEM Tutoring program at UNM-Valencia. I grew up in rural Navajo Nation communities such as Window Rock, Arizona and my mother's ancestral home of Hogback, New Mexico. After graduating high school, I attended UNM-Gallup and earned my Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts. Afterward, I went to UNM Main and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Statistics. I have been working in higher education since 2013 initially as a student employee for two years, then subsequently as a full-time staff member.
Currently, I oversee math and science tutoring in addition to tutoring math and statistics. As a Pasos team member, I co-educate our Peer Mentors in leadership, professionalism, and mentorship skills. My goal is to be an advocate for students and to empower them on their academic journeys. As a former and current STEM student from a rural community, I understand and relate to the struggles our students potentially face, especially when it comes to overcoming difficult subjects like math. Yes, math can be difficult, but if a rez kid like me can learn and understand math, so can anyone!
Katie Abrego-Lozano
She/Her/Ella
Student Success Specialist, Sr.
katieabrego@unm.edu
Hello everyone! I'm one of the Academic Success Coaches (or Academic Advisors) here at UNM-Valencia. 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, and I am currently pursuing an MBA. 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!
Kaydra Townsend
Student Success Specialist, Sr.
ktownsend@unm.edu
My name is Kaydra Townsend and I currently serve as a Student Success Specialist Sr. at UNM-Valencia, where I provide academic advising, success coaching, and holistic support to help students navigate their college journey. Since joining UNM in 2019, I have worked closely with a diverse group of students. I am the chapter advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. My passion is developing tools that empower students to succeed academically and personally. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communication from UNM in 2017 and am currently completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership & Administration at New Mexico State University.
Elizabeth Raaff
She/Her
Student Success Specialist, Sr.
eraaff@unm.edu
Hello! I’m Elizabeth Raaff, a Student Success Specialist, Sr. here at UNM-Valencia. As a first-generation college graduate, New Mexico native, and proud alum of both UNM Valencia and UNM Main Campus, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with higher education. I earned my Associate of Arts in Secondary Education at UNM-Valencia and my Bachelor of Arts in English Studies with a minor in Psychology at UNM. Before joining PASOS, I taught with Albuquerque Public Schools and worked with TRIO Student Support Services, supporting first-gen, low-income, and disabled students. In addition to being a Student Success Specialist on the PASOS Team, I also co-educate our Peer Mentors in leadership, professionalism, and mentorship, while advocating for and empowering students throughout their academic journeys. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring different forms of art and spending time in my garden. If you ever need support or have questions, I’m here to help!
Book an appointment to meet with an advisor here.
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 Lead
Soren June is a philosophy major at the University of New Mexico's main campus, where he explores a lot of thought-provoking ideas and ethical dilemmas. With a passion for critical thinking and a love for engaging discussions, Soren seeks to understand the complexities of human existence and the philosophical underpinnings of society. Beyond his academic pursuits, Soren is an active member of PASOS, a student organization aimed at fostering a supportive environment for fellow students. He believes in the power of community and strives to create an inclusive atmosphere where all students feel welcomed and valued. Soren's commitment to enhancing the student experience is evident in his efforts to make the UNM Valencia campus a vibrant and enjoyable place for socializing and learning.
Darryl Garcia
Peer Lead
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.
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!
Manuel Torres
Peer Mentor
About Me: I’ve been a student at the University of New Mexico – Valencia campus since Fall 2023 and began working as a student employee in Summer 2025. My journey through college hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has helped me grow stronger and more determined. Over time, I’ve learned to take pride in the progress I’ve made, to stay consistent with my goals, and to use creativity to express myself. Through my experiences at UNM, I’ve discovered how meaningful it is to collaborate with others, support my peers, and build projects that inspire both myself and those around me.
Success to me is not only about grades. It’s about growth, confidence, and using my education as a base to build my future. Overcoming challenges, staying motivated, and helping others along the way is part of my journey to success. Also to just be cool, and be kind.
Fun Fact: I have a pony.
Axel Triantafillou
He/They
Receptionist
Hey y'all! My name is Axel Triantafillou and I am one of the Front Desk Receptionists for the PASOS Resource Center! I help book appointments, finding where you need to go, and more! I love helping peers to the best of my abilities!
I am currently a Senior at UNM and am finishing up my Bachelor's degree in Anthropology; I plan to one day do Anthropology Grad School! I specifically enjoy Forensic Anthropology but anything with bones would make me happy. I also am a cross stitcher, and love my video games.
Chiara June
She/Her
Receptionist
Hi! I'm Chiara June. I am one of the receptionists for the PASOS Resource Center. I am also a student here at UNM Valencia. I am usually the first face you see when you walk into PASOS. I help with setting up appointments, checking in students, and answering basic questions you may have! As a student at UNM Valencia, I am pursuing a major in psychology. Outside of work and school, I love spending time with my family on our compound, and I love horseback riding!
