Native American Advisory Council

The Native American Advisory Council (NAAC) provides resources, Tribal Liaison services, and information on upcoming events.

About the Native American Advisory Council 

New Mexico’s rich Native American heritage is evident in the 20 Pueblos and the Apache and Navajo Nations located around the state and in other tribes represented in the Albuquerque area. The Native American Advisory Council (NAAC) is comprised of advisors, an Outreach Specialist, and a Veterans Program Specialist with specialized knowledge for a special component of CNM's student body.

Tribal Liaisons Services

Team members, also known as Tribal Liaisons, strive to foster a friendly environment that encourages success and meets the academic needs of CNM’s Native American student population.

With this goal in mind, Tribal Liaisons support students in making the best use of the many resources and opportunities at CNM and in the local community through: advisement; academic planning; career exploration; referrals to resources that support student goals and needs; referrals to tribal funding, private scholarships, and other scholarships; and support of Native American focused events.

Contact a NAAC Team Member

Select the name of a NAAC team member to begin an email and learn about Native American student support services, resources, or advisement.

Name and Email Link Role Additional Information 

Alexis Torres

Academic Technician Assistant

(505) 224-3040
CNM Main Campus

Brian Hudson - Cherokee

English and Native American Studies Instructor (505) 224-4000 ext. 53402
CNM Main Campus

Cara Thunder - Menominee

Grant Writer (505) 224-4000 ext. 54630
CNM Main Campus
Christopher “Chris” Kerns - Santa Ana Pueblo Math Instructor 505-224-4000 ext. 50159
CNM Main Campus
Devonna James - Navajo Senior Program Manager, CNM Ingenuity
505-224-4000 ext. 53637
CNM Main Campus
Dr. Austin Megli - Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Business Instructor
505-224-4000 ext. 54637
CNM Main Campus
Dorothea "Dee" Bluehorse – Navajo Veteran Program Specialist
Video: Meet Dee
(505) 224-4000
 ext. 51292
CNM Main Campus
Jamilee Gerzon English Instructor
Video: Meet Jamilee
(505) 224-4000 ext. 53038
CNM Main Campus
Jackie Walker - Cochiti Pueblo New Student Orientation Manager
Video: Meet Jackie
(505) 224-4000 ext. 52003
CNM Main Campus
Larrison Nelson- Navajo Academic Technician Assistant
(505) 224-4000 ext. 53244
CNM Main Campus
Laura Toledo Navigator
Video: Meet Laura
(505) 224-4000 ext. 53499
CNM Main Campus
Mary Silentwalker Student Workforce Success

505-224-4000 ext. 54942
CNM Main Campus

Natalie Martinez CHSS

505-224-4000 ext. 50735
CNM Main Campus

Patrick Gomez Advisor

Video: Meet Patrick
(505) 224-4000 ext. 5056
CNM South Valley Campus

Rochelle Yazzie - Navajo Advisor

(505) 224-4000 ext. 53300
CNM Main Campus

Stacey Cooley Director of Career and Job Placement Services

505-224-4000 ext. 53156
CNM Main Campus

Teresa Billy - Navajo Advisor

Video: Meet Teresa
(505) 224-4000 ext. 52626
CNM Main Campus