Our Team
Jessica Mares
Jessica is a native New Mexican. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Anthropology at University of New Mexico. She completed her teaching certification in Special Education, and holds a Level II teaching License. Jessica has 10 years of experience in the industry. She is continuing to grow as a professional, and completing a Masters in Administrative Education from Eastern New Mexico University.
Jessica’s expertise in Special Education law comes from years of working in different middle/high special education settings, developing and implementing plans for students with disabilities, and advocating for students and parents. The legal trainings she offers emphasize compliance with state and federal law, while her Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy training helps teachers develop truly equitable classrooms.
Charles Ellis
Charles grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a father, parent and student advocate, Special Education teacher, self-published cartoonist, and freelance digital marketer.
As a Special Education teacher, Charles designs and implements curriculum for integrated classrooms, specializing in adapting content for learners with disabilities. He has also done freelance marketing work for various educational organizations, specializing in “explainer videos” and social media campaigns.
As a cartoonist, he has helped organize various successful social media events with other hardworking cartoonists. He ran a successful IndieGoGo campaign to fund his own self-published comic, and is currently working on a strip that celebrates the hobbies of everyday people, The Thing I’m Excited About. His work has been featured in the Weekly Alibi and the Albuquerque Museum.