Administration / Instructors / Staff
Administration
Office: 505.243.1957
Email: mtafoya@nmmediaarts.org
Manuelito was born in Albuquerque, NM, and was raised in the South Valley. As an Albuquerque local, he worked in the fields of the food industry, retail, clerical, healthcare, warehouse, and with the NM Bio Park Society.
Manuelito enjoys his time listening to records, painting, gardening, going to the gym, thrifting, and being in nature (preferably walking along the Rio Grande Bosque).
He feels blessed and happy that he is included in part of the Media Arts team and is looking forward to learning and growing with us.
Office: 505.243.1957
Email: cclyne@nmmediaarts.org
Courtney has lived in New Mexico for over half her life. She loves the sunsets and sunrises of New Mexico. Courtney has lived in Tennessee and came back to where her heart really is. She comes from a small family here in Albuquerque and Bosque Farms.
Courtney has most recently become a medical assistant. This is how she was introduced to NMAMA. She loves how friendly the staff and students are and she chose to become part of the school family.
She has several hobbies some of which including making Jewelry, paper quilling, and most recently making vinyl decals.
Office: 505.243.1957
Email: rburton@nmmediaarts.org
Rose Burton was born in the Philippines and emigrated to the United States in 1995. She quickly became a naturalized citizen and began working in numerous fields, including retail, healthcare, and the food industry.
She likes to spend her leisure time cooking, gardening, interior decoration, and flower arrangement.
She is excited to be a part of the NMAMA team and work with the great students who attend the school.
Rose enjoys her family life with her husband and two daughters.
Office: 505.243.1957
Email: avicente@nmmediaarts.org
Andrea Vicente has worked as a SPED Teacher Assistant on the Pueblo of Isleta. She enjoys working with students on a one-to-one basis specializing in Reading, often creating incentives for students to work on assignments. She has also helped with the after school programs and with parent nights where she would frequently send home progress reports. Lastly, Ms. Vicente visits senior citizens around the Isleta Pueblo community and is an active member of the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha group.
Office: 505.243.1957
Email: taihg.mccabe-dexter@nmmediaarts.org
Email: mediaarts@nmmediaarts.org
Taihg McCabe is a student filmmaker, writer, photographer, and journalist in Albuquerque, NM. He currently attends New Mexico Academy for the Media Arts (f.k.a. Media Arts Collaborative Charter School) and serves as Student Representative to the Governance Council. In his time at Media Arts, he has produced broadcasts, films, and documentaries, including directing an award-winning documentary, “Hear Our Voices”, focused on the youth mental health crisis.
Taihg is also a reporter for a local newsletter, Nob Hill News, which follows news in the areas surrounding and in Nob Hill’s district of Albuquerque.
Taihg regularly volunteers for multiple nonprofits and local organizations, including Indivisible Albuquerque, where he is a board member and chair of the Technology Committee, broadcasting their weekly meetings. Taihg is also the press coordinator for En Unidad Hay Poder, a Dia de Los Muertos Festival held annually in Martineztown, Albuquerque. In addition, Taihg is a board member and webmaster of the Southeast Heights Neighborhood Association.
Office: 505.243.1957
Email: cbeel@nmmediaarts.org
Cathy was born in Albuquerque. She moved to San Francisco after high school. She attended San Francisco City College where she completed the dental technician program. Cathy also attended Diablo Valley College in the east bay where she received her associates degree.
Cathy has worked as a dental technician but found this career too isolating. She later found a new career in the academic field; at Cal State she worked with the admission and testing departments.
After decades of living in the San Francisco bay area she welcomed the move back to Albuquerque to be close to family. She has had the opportunity of working at the courts as a bailiff and most recently working with students at the University of New Mexico.
In her spare time she serves as a board member at her neighborhood association. She also volunteers at her church and helps children learn to read.
She enjoys being with family, taking walks along the Bosque and Sandia mountains, attending community events, and taking road trips to other places in our beautiful Land of Enchantment!
Office: 505.243.1957
Email: cbarffuson@nmmediaarts.org
I am Cecy Barffuson a Bilingual School Social Worker originally from Mexico that has worked for over 18 years with children of all ages around the State of New Mexico. I had the privilege to work in different areas and capacities around New Mexico. Rural and Urban counties like Valencia, Sandoval, Torrance, Santa Fe, Socorro, Cibola, Bernalillo, and Mckiley. I am passionate about helping diverse students to achieve their educational, social, and emotional goals so they learn the necessary skills to achieve quality of life.
Office: 505.243.1957
Email: cjones@nmmediaarts.org
My name is Chris Jones, and I’m honored and excited to serve as the Executive Director of NMAMA. I began my career in charter schools in 2005 and bring over fourteen years of experience as a school and district administrator.
My academic background includes undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Professional Technical Education, along with graduate degrees in Reading Education and Educational Administration.
Outside of work, my greatest pride and joy are my two daughters, Ry and My.
Joining this vibrant community feels like coming home, taking me back to my roots in the UNM/Nob Hill area. I’m truly thrilled to be part of NMAMA and look forward to a great journey ahead.
