LANL Foundation  /  About  /  Denise Balderas

Denise Balderas

Denise Balderas has served as an Exemplar school administrator both within Rio Rancho Public Schools and Albuquerque Public Schools, a highly qualified educator, professional trainer, and children’s advocate for 24 years.

She is now utilizing her skills to promote the ABLE NM Act within the state of NM Office of the State Treasurer for the disability/exceptionality communities. She is responsible for building a strong bridge of communication, sharing of information and services for exceptional individuals state wide through ABLE NM Newsletters, Zoom conference calls and trainings. She has quadrupled the number of ABLE NM Accounts in a year in a half to over 500 active accounts within New Mexico. New Mexico is the fastest growing ABLE NM Account state within the Ohio STABLE Consortium.

Her classroom experience ranges from K-8 grades and she has taught in rural and urban school districts throughout the state of New Mexico. Denise served as an effective Education Program Manager with Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD), focusing on efforts to improve graduation rates and success strategies for at risk youth. For the past 8 years, Denise has served as an instructional coach for educators to improve student performance and expand teachers’ knowledge on best teaching practices while utilizing data in order to assist teachers with instructional decisions in the classroom. As a professional trainer, Denise has delivered effective strategies to various school districts focused on improving curriculum, meeting federal and state compliance standards, and expanding cultural competency awareness. Denise trains and advises clients on the importance of cultural competence in 21st century education, and strategies to build trust when integrating with Hispanic and rural communities.

As an advocate, Denise has supported Assistance Dogs of the West with fundraising efforts, and has volunteered with New Mexico Cares to strengthen foster care youth services during their transition out of state custody into adulthood. Denise has served on the governing board of Parents Reaching Out and the Developmental Disability Planning Council. She assisted with passing legislation for state funding to support community members with disabilities who require services for their safety and inclusion throughout the State of New Mexico.

She is married to Hector Balderas and they have 3 children, Hector Jr, Arianna, and Mariola.