November's Outstanding Employees Announced

The latest group of employees honored by the APS Employee Recognition Program include a CSA, school clerk, digital integration specialist, and school secretary.

Congratulations to this month's honorees:

• Cynthia Caldwell-Benavidez, CSA at City Center 
• Angela Arreola, Clerk at Collet Park Elementary School.
• Brian Kennedy, Digital Integration Specialist 
• Carmen Villegas, Secretary at LBJ Middle School 

The honorees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town, had an opportunity to lunch with Superintendent Reedy, and will be recognized by the APS Board of Education, receiving a lasting memento of the honor.

Learn More about November's Nominees

Cynthia Caldwell-Benavidez, CSA at City Center 

Cynthia, who works the security desk at the APS administration building, is described as a problem solver who is always willing to help people. She greets visitors with a "big, beautiful smile" and loves to make people laugh.

"You can tell she loves her job," said administrative assistant Ashley Griego.

"She is great to work with," added receptionist Tina Garcia. "She is awesome and makes me and everyone that walks through the door feel very loved."

Angela Arreola, Clerk at Collet Park Elementary School 

Angela has been pulling double duty since starting at Collet Park about a year ago, serving both as clerk and secretary while the school's secretary is on leave.

"Angela always has a smile," said school counselor Jill Rogers. "She is doing the work of two people, yet is always willing to help out on additional projects. Angela has attended training to learn how to do the secretary's job in addition to training to learn her job. She advocates for children's education by reminding parents that their children need to be in school. She is kind and helpful to everyone who crosses her path."

Brian Kennedy, Digital Integration Specialist

Brian is the longstanding Digital Learning Conference coordinator and was one of its founders. He has grown the conference over the past 10-plus years. The conference started as an internal APS professional development event to address the training needs for online learning and educational technology. Through his professional networks and collaboration with his department colleagues, Brian was able to create a conference that is now statewide.

"His work with the New Mexico Digital Learning Conference has had major impacts on educational technology in Albuquerque and the rest of the state," said Aaron Jaramillo, director of Educational Technology. "He is a true leader and constantly evolves his approach, as technology changes, to effectively develop and deliver EdTech professional development and resources."

Carmen Villegas, Secretary at LBJ Middle School 

Carmen goes above and beyond what her daily job duties entail, helping multiple departments, families, and faculty always with a smile on her face. She helps bilingual families, making sure they feel as comfortable and welcome as everyone else. 

"Carmen gives the front office a welcoming feeling," said Leena Salcido, family programs coordinator. "All the students, families, and even staff go to Carmen if they need anything because they know they will get either the answer they need or will be sent in the right direction." 

How to Nominate an Employee

You can nominate an employee by filling out an online application. The nomination must be completed by someone other than the nominee (i.e., no self-nominations are eligible for consideration).

 Award recipients will be selected monthly by a Peer Praise Task Force.