Albuquerque Public Schools
September Standout Employees
This month's honorees include a custodian, an educational assistant, a licensure technician and a cafeteria manager.
Albuquerque Public Schools is proud of the many dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support students. Now in its ninth year, the Employee Recognition Program honors these outstanding staff members.
September’s Honorees
Luciano Herrera
Crystal Ojeda
Autumn Ortiz
Karina Ramirez de Torres
This recognition is made possible through the support of TIG/Pellara 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.
Luciano Herrera – Custodian, Whittier Elementary
Custodians often work behind the scenes, but Luciano Herrera’s dedication makes him impossible to overlook at Whittier Elementary. A fixture at the school for over 13 years, Herrera is known for his humility and great pride in keeping the campus looking its absolute best. Beyond his routine duties, he goes well above and beyond—frequently coming in on weekends to open the building and giving extra care to the campus grounds. He even brought a struggling memorial tree back to life by hand-picking invasive beetles off one by one and giving it special watering, turning it into one of the courtyard's highlights.
Herrera's impact on campus culture is so profound that the school celebrates an annual "dress like Luciano day." Students and staff honor his signature style by wearing jean or khaki shorts, a white or black t-shirt, tan boots, a hat, and even drawn-on goatees. As his nominator noted, custodians are often "the unseen heroes that make sure the day-to-day things are done," but Herrera stands out because he simply sees going the extra mile as part of his job. He remains "the perfect candidate for Employee of the Month" because of his quiet leadership, devotion to the school grounds, and enduring presence in the Whittier community.
Crystal Ojeda – Educational Assistant, Helen Cordero Elementary
At Helen Cordero Elementary, Educational Assistant Crystal Ojeda is celebrated for her exceptional dependability, proactive nature, and deep commitment to student success. Working closely alongside her team for a decade, Ojeda consistently takes the initiative to ensure the classroom runs smoothly before students even step through the door. She prepares instructional materials, organizes classroom tools, and manages daily tasks without needing to be prompted. When called upon to step in during meetings, she covers the class seamlessly, preserving a safe and continuous learning environment.
Ojeda’s true passion shines in her work with students who have special needs, where her patience and empathy create a warm, reassuring environment. She readily assists with daily tasks, provides regulating sensory tools, and approaches every child with a genuine welcome that puts them at ease. Her nominator shares that Ojeda "acts with students' best interest at heart and seeks additional ways to support learning and social-emotional growth." Her steady, loving attitude over the past ten years has made her an indispensable positive force in her classroom’s daily culture.
Autumn Ortiz – Licensure Technician, Human Resources
Navigating educator licensing can often be a complex and stressful process, but Autumn Ortiz makes it a supportive, seamless experience for Albuquerque Public Schools staff. As a licensure technician in Human Resources, Ortiz goes out of her way every day to clarify NMPED and district procedures with patience, kindness and deep expertise. Rather than simply processing paperwork, she focuses on building strong relationships and trust with educators across the district, frequently receiving calls from personnel who were specifically referred to her for her reassuring guidance.
Ortiz’s supervisor highlights her as an invaluable team player whose strong work ethic and innovative spirit elevate the entire department. By putting others first, she helps ease the administrative burden on educators, allowing them to focus on their classrooms. Her nominator emphasizes that her "unwavering passion for the APS mission truly elevates the image of public education in our community," making her a highly deserving recipient of the Employee of the Month recognition.
Karina Ramirez de Torres – Cafeteria Manager, Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative
For nine years, Karina Ramirez de Torres has been the heart of the food service operations at Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative School. Managing a fast-paced kitchen that feeds 900 students daily in a brief 2.5-hour window, she leads her team with remarkable efficiency and high standards. Every student who walks through her line is greeted with a warm smile, creating an inviting environment that sets a positive tone for the entire school day. In addition to her food service leadership, Ramirez de Torres also manages the school’s before- and after-school programs, learning the names of nearly every student and family she serves.
Her impact extends well beyond standard daily lunch prep, as she enthusiastically supports community-building initiatives like family dining days and the annual Grandparents' Lunch. Her principal notes that Ramirez de Torres "has embraced every wild idea that's been brought to her, never complaining, and serving additional meals to support our community." By embracing new ideas and serving student favorites with care, she plays a vital role in keeping families connected to the school community.
Nominate an APS employee who’s making a difference today! Learn more and submit your nominations on the APS Employee Recognition Program website.