Our Faculty

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Lance Dukes, originally from Oxford, MS, has been happily married to his wife, Christina, for 16 years. Together, they have four wonderful children: Gavin (and his wife, Mariana), Haley, and Levi. 

Currently residing in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Lance and his family have embraced the community for nearly two years. He enjoys immersing himself in the local culture and opportunities the area has to offer. In his free time, he is passionate about weightlifting, following both college and professional football, cooking, and spending quality time with his family.

Lance is actively involved in his church, where he dedicates time to both attending and working to make a meaningful impact in the community. Known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his family, he takes pride in the positive influence he strives to have in both his personal and professional life.

Sherry Staggs was born in Gainesville, Texas, and grew up in North Texas. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Youth Ministry and a Master's in Accountancy, bringing together a heart for discipleship and a sharp mind for business and operations. Since 2020, she has owned and operated Staggs Consulting, a bookkeeping firm committed to serving clients with excellence, integrity, and care.

Sherry is a devoted mother of four, with three of her children currently enrolled at La Luz Christian Academy. She and her family attend Desert Springs Church, where they are actively growing in their faith and walking alongside the body of Christ.

With a deep love for Christ and a passion for supporting the next generation, Sherry believes in the power of classical, Christ-centered education to shape hearts and minds for God's glory. She is honored to be part of the La Luz community and looks forward to serving the academy's students, families, and staff with the same dedication she brings to her business and her home.

 Angela Francis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of California, Irvine, and an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Santa Monica College. With six years of experience in early childhood education, she brings creativity, adaptability, and a deep passion for child development to the PreK/Kindergarten classroom.

Angela thrives in nurturing young learners, using observation, engagement, and encouragement to support their growth. Her warm and energetic presence helps create a joyful and effective learning environment.

Outside the classroom, Angela enjoys fitness, hiking, church involvement, and cooking plant-based meals. She is honored to join the La Luz Christian Academy team and looks forward to connecting with students and families.

Born and raised in Tennessee, Haley Robbins recently moved to New Mexico to follow the Lord's calling on her life, a calling that brought her to teach at La Luz and to pursue deeper spiritual growth. She brings six years of experience working with children in education.

Haley takes to heart the picture of Psalm 127: "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." She believes God has called her to help shape those arrows, making a lasting impact on the next generation by helping her students develop both moral and academic integrity. She teaches at the Beatus level and counts it a privilege to lay strong foundations in the hearts and minds of La Luz's youngest learners.

Outside the classroom, Haley loves the outdoors, especially hiking and tennis. She also enjoys baking in her spare time and serving her friends and family. She is grateful to be part of all that God is doing at La Luz Christian Academy.

Chantelle Dawes was born and raised in Albuquerque and has devoted her life to faith, family, and education. Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from New Mexico Highlands University, she has spent the past decade serving as a classical educator, where she has been committed to cultivating both academic excellence and strong moral character in her students.

Guided by her Christian faith, Chantelle approaches teaching as more than a profession—it is a calling to nurture wisdom, integrity, and compassion in the next generation. Her dedication to classical education reflects her belief in the importance of truth, virtue, and lifelong learning.

Beyond the classroom, Chantelle is a devoted wife, mother of four children, and proud grandmother of one grandchild. She values the importance of family and seeks to create a home centered on love, faith, and encouragement.

In her personal time, Chantelle enjoys camping, reading, and sewing—activities that reflect her appreciation for creativity, simplicity, and meaningful connection with others. Through every season of life, she strives to live with grace, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to Christian values.

Drawing on her English heritage, Faye brings a global perspective and a heartfelt love of Christian classical learning to the middle school classroom. With six years of experience in classical education, she delights in helping students explore the richness of literature, history, and the human experience through a biblical lens.
Faye has been married for 35 years and is the proud mother of four grown children. Her journey as both a parent and educator has deepened her passion for nurturing young minds and hearts. She’s excited to be part of the La Luz Christian Academy family.

Born and raised in New Mexico, Ariana Gabaldon earned her degree in elementary education from the University of New Mexico. Ariana has worked with students in both public school and church settings and previously served as the Upper Elementary Coordinator at Calvary Church—a role she deeply cherished. She has a passion for teaching God’s Word to students and helping them learn to think biblically about all areas of life. Ariana is recently married to her wonderful husband, Austin, and together they enjoy serving in various ministry capacities. Outside the classroom, she loves traveling to new places, going on nature walks, and discovering great coffee shops.

Jennifer Munro is passionate about helping students pursue truth, goodness, and beauty 

through a classical Christian education. She holds an Associate Degree in Communication and began her professional career as a commercial producer before stepping away from the workforce to devote herself to raising her two sons.

For the past five years, Jennifer has homeschooled with Classical Conversations, where she served as a Local Representative, hiring and training tutors in classical education pedagogy, supporting new homeschooling families, and helping launch new campuses. She also served as a director for 8th and 9th grade. Her family's journey into classical education transformed not only the way they approached learning but also their understanding of the purpose of education, inspiring Jennifer to invest deeply in teaching and mentoring others.

In addition to her work in classical education, Jennifer leads the Women's Bible Study team at Faith Church, where she writes and teaches Bible studies using the classical method. Jennifer and her husband, Iain, have been married for nearly 24 years and are grateful for the joy of raising their family within a Christ-centered community. She is excited to join the La Luz family and help students cultivate wisdom, virtue, and a lifelong love of learning.

Danney Brown graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied engineering and leadership. He spent four years serving in the United States Coast Guard and has experience as a high school science teacher and athletic coach.

Danney currently resides at the Albuquerque Christian Children's Home with his wife of almost 15 years. The two of them enjoy raising their four biological children alongside many others and doing ministry together.

Danney loves coaching, mentorship, and discipleship and carries a passion for Church planting.

Sarah Romero holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies. She has always loved creative writing and describes herself as a lifelong learner. She is passionate about

equipping youth to think critically, develop their faith, and defend their beliefs. She has

been involved in teaching and caring for children and youth and supporting families as a homeschool mom, tutor, Early Head Start Educator, and church volunteer over the past twenty years. Having minored in Communication, Mrs. Romero has a special love for writing, and expression which she hopes to share with students at La Luz Christian Academy.  She also loves nature, theology, and good coffee. Mrs. Romero attends Calvary Church in Albuquerque.

Andrea Mills holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Print Journalism from UNM. She has worked in various mass media capacities for over 25 years. She has been part of creative Christian communities for 30 years, supporting and enjoying the arts in a variety of ways. She and her husband were missionaries in Montreal for five years, where they had their two children. After that her husband church planted South Carolina for six years.  They are now back in Albuquerque to be with family.

Andrea has classically taught her children since 2011, participating as a tutor, teacher, and director in classical communities. She appreciates the classical approach to learning and is anticipating opening new doors of interest and passion in the students at La Luz as she guides them through the process of studying art and learning how God is the center of creativity.

Gwendolyn Pozun holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and has directed choirs in both academic and church settings. She has years of experience teaching vocal technique, rhythm, and performance skills, and remains actively involved in church music ministry and community theatre.

Raised in New Mexico, she now lives in Albuquerque and enjoys the region’s natural beauty and cultural events. In addition to music, she is passionate about fitness and explores how physical wellness supports vocal performance.

A long-time member of her local church, Gwen values serving her community and spending meaningful time with family and friends through conversation, walks, and shared moments of creativity.