Ingrid Montoya

Ingrid Montoya is a dedicated educator and lifelong learner with a transformative journey rooted in advocacy and a passion for inclusive education. Proud mother of six and grandmother to four, her path into education began in 2012 when she witnessed her daughter struggle in an unsupportive classroom. This pivotal experience motivated Ingrid to champion better learning environments for all students.

Determined to make a change, she returned to high school at 48 and graduated in 2020. She then pursued higher education at New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque, earning an ECECD multicultural associate degree in 2023. Building on this foundation, Ingrid achieved her EA certificate and began working directly in classrooms, developing innovative curricula—such as her capstone project on Social Emotional Wellness through Creativity. Currently, she is expanding her expertise at WNMU, pursuing a BA in secondary education with TESOL endorsement. Inspired by Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory, Ingrid envisions classrooms where safety, respect, and individualized learning are at the forefront, ensuring every student is seen, heard, and celebrated.