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Siembra Board

Kelly Callahan - Board Member

Kelly Callahan,
Member & Development Lead

For 40 years, Kelly Callahan has dedicated her career in education to reaching “At Promise” (also known as “at risk”) students.  Currently, Kelly is retired and working as a part-time educational consultant specializing in governing board training and principal support. Her professional experience includes work as a teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, charter school principal/head administrator, charter school authorizer, charter school governing board member, and educational consultant. Kelly was the founding principal of SIATech (School for Integrated Academics and Technologies) Charter School, a dropout recovery school that served students wishing to return to high school. In 2008-09, Kelly was honored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as the New Mexico Secondary School Principal of the Year. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico.

Charles Olquin
 
Jules Salinas - Board Chair

Juliann "Jules" Salinas, Board Chair

Jules joined the Siembra Board of Directors as a parent delegate, bringing over 15 years of experience in charter school development and reauthorization. She served as Assistant Director of the Greater West Town Community Development
Project in Chicago, overseeing West Town Academy, a charter school for re-engaging at-risk youth. Jules led a major advocacy campaign highlighting Chicago's dropout crisis, resulting in new programs and funding from public and private sectors.

In New Mexico, she served on the NMPTA board as a BIPOC liaison. Jules holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder and an MBA in Environmental Management from the University of Arizona GC/ Ashford University. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she believes in fostering an inclusive, feminist-driven economy. Currently, Jules serves as the Director of Grants and Programs with La Cosecha CSA/Agri-Cultura Network in Albuquerque's South Valley.

 

 

Dr. Daniel Tarango - Board Treasurer

Dr. Daniel Tarango, Board Treasurer

Dr. Daniel Tarango, DPT, is a physical therapist, community advocate, and first-generation college graduate with deep roots in New Mexico’s public education system. As the child of an immigrant parent, Dr. Tarango understands the opportunities and challenges that students and families can face. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2018 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. His professional career has included serving Albuquerque’s homeless population through a student-run pro bono health clinic and working in rural home health, skilled nursing, and hospital settings across New Mexico. He has also gained valuable experience managing property and financial responsibilities on behalf of his elderly parents and grandparents, strengthening his understanding of long-term planning, stewardship, and balancing immediate needs with future goals.

 

 

 

 

  Mary Avila, Board Member

 
Janel Salazar - Board Vice Chair
Janel Salazar, Parent, Board Vice Chair
Mrs. Janel Williams-Salazar is the Scholars Success/ Special Education and Attendance Coordinator for Rio Gallinas School for Ecology and the Arts.  Mrs. Janel is a veteran teacher with 30 years in the classroom setting in the WLVS District and 4 years at Rio Gallinas School for Ecology and the Arts.   This school year, Mrs. Janel will be supporting all scholars and families with IEP, 504 plan, and Health plan management.  She will be monitoring the Wellness Room and Reset Room for scholars and staff.  
On a personal note, she spends as much time as possible with her husband and children.  Her youngest son, Ricardo, is currently a student at Siembra and is set to graduate in December 2025. She is active with Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Alpha Delta Kappa International Teacher Sorority, where she is the immediate Past President.