Albuquerque Public Schools
Celebrating Excellence: January Honorees
This month's honorees include a health assistant, a head custodian, a senior director and a redirector.
Albuquerque Public Schools is proud of the many dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support students. Now in its eighth year, the Employee Recognition Program honors these outstanding staff members.
January’s Honorees
Marcella Anderson
Jacobo Benavidez
Aja Kleinert
Rhiannon Lucero
This recognition is made possible through the support of TIG and the APS Education Foundation, which partner each month to celebrate outstanding APS support staff. The honorees will be featured on APS electronic billboards around town and honored at a reception. They will also receive a lasting memento.
Marcella Anderson – Health Assistant, Armijo Elementary School
As the health assistant at Armijo Elementary School, Marcella Anderson is a steady source of comfort, care and reassurance for students and families alike. Known to many simply as “Ms. Marcie,” Anderson greets everyone with warmth and kindness, creating a welcoming space where students feel safe and supported. Her colleague shared, “She welcomes everyone with a warm smile on her face every day and every time a student comes into her office.” Whether tending to a scraped knee or listening to a student’s worries, Anderson approaches every situation with compassion, patience and genuine care.
Beyond her daily responsibilities, Anderson’s commitment to student wellbeing extends into before- and after-school programming, where her passion for education and connection has helped the program grow significantly. Families trust her deeply, and her coworkers value her reliability and positive spirit. As her nominator wrote, “Ms. Marcie is a dependable, solid and capable coworker who does absolutely everything with a smile on her face!” Through her consistency, empathy and dedication, Anderson helps make the Armijo community stronger, happier and more inclusive every day.
Jacobo Benavidez – Head Custodian, Hoover Middle School
Head Custodian Jacobo Benavidez plays a vital role in shaping the welcoming, supportive environment at Hoover Middle School. A PTA leader shared, “His work goes far beyond keeping our campus clean. He plays an essential role in creating a safe, welcoming environment where our students can learn, grow and feel proud of their school.” Benavidez approaches each day with intention and pride, often anticipating needs before they arise and ensuring staff and students feel supported.
What truly sets Benavidez apart is the meaningful connection he builds with students. “They absolutely adore him,” his nominator wrote. He greets students by name, encourages them, and models respect and responsibility through his actions. Trusted by students and appreciated by staff, Benavidez brings heart, consistency and calm to every corner of the campus. His behind-the-scenes efforts and visible presence make a lasting difference, helping to build not just a well-kept school, but a strong and caring community.
Aja Kleinert – Senior Director, APS Strategic Analysis and Program Research
In her role as senior director, Aja Kleinert serves as a critical thought partner in advancing district goals and guardrails through data-informed decision-making. A district leader shared, “Her perspective in data interpretation enables deep insights into root causes and processes that impact student outcomes.” Kleinert’s work ensures leaders across the district have the clarity and tools needed to make meaningful, strategic adjustments.
Kleinert is also known for her responsiveness and commitment to service, consistently going above and beyond to support district and school site requests. As the data partner for district goals and a member of key steering committees, she plays an essential role in aligning strategy, accountability and program oversight. Her thoughtful approach, professionalism and collaborative spirit strengthen decision-making across the district and help ensure APS remains focused on continuous improvement and student success.
Rhiannon Lucero – Redirector, Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts
Rhiannon Lucero has stepped into her role as Re-Director at Janet Kahn School of Integrated Arts with compassion, resilience and heart. Her supervisor described her as “the calm before the storm, the balm in the middle of the meltdown and the love at the end of a situation.” Lucero builds strong relationships with both elementary and middle school students, approaching even the most challenging situations with patience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow alongside her students.
What distinguishes Lucero most is her unwavering commitment to students who need support the most. “The hardest kids to love are the ones who need it the most,” her supervisor shared, noting that those students know they are “loved, valued and believed in by Ms. Rhiannon.” Through consistency, empathy and perseverance, Lucero shows up again and again for her students, helping them feel seen and capable. Her leadership, grounded in love and compassion, makes a powerful difference for the Janet Kahn community every day.
Nominate an APS employee who’s making a difference today! Learn more and submit your nominations on the APS Employee Recognition Program website.