General Information
The NMCL encourages and supports community-based literacy programs and is the New Mexico affiliate and coordinator for the national program of ProLiteracy America, overseeing certification and coordination of its volunteer, tutor trainers.
The NMCL's core projects include operation of a statewide, toll-free referral, recruitment, and information hotline sponsored by New Mexico's ABC affiliate, KOAT-TV; administration of the State of New Mexico Literacy Program Appropriation; operation of the New Mexico Literacy Resource Center, as designated by the U.S. Department of Education; and operation of a Literacy Training and Technical Assistance Program providing development opportunities to community-based literacy projects in a wide range of program areas.
Since its inception in 1987, more than twenty new literacy projects have been established in New Mexico. The NMCL conducts an annual survey of literacy programs to assess program needs and trends and maintains a statewide directory of adult education and literacy programs. Currently, the NMCL is serving the following communities.
The NMCL depends upon private donations as well as government funding to conduct its wide ranging development activities. A Board of Directors serves to keep the NMCL in the forefront of literacy program development. The NMCL enjoys the bipartisan support of state's Governor and Legislature. The NMCL works with the New Mexico Departments of Labor and Corrections, the Higher Education Department , and the Public Education Department. The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and State Library have designated the NMCL as the sole provider of statewide literacy coordination and program enhancement activities.
NMCL Staff
Heather Heunermund
Executive Director
Heather joined the NMCL in May of 2001 and has served in many capacities within the organization. Now as new director, Heather follows in the footsteps of the fearless leader who came before her, carrying forth the mission, stewardship, and accountability of her predecessors. She holds a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from St. John's College (the "Great Books Program") and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the College of Santa Fe. She also holds a Master's degree in Education with an emphasis in Community Counseling. Heather completed her clinical work with at-risk youth and their families and is in the process of obtaining her state counseling license. Heather currently volunteers as a grief facilitator for youth. She looks forward to continuing her work with the NMCL, serving at-risk youth grown up. Heather spends what little free time she has with her four beloved felines and sometimes her husband, Jonathan Haack - devoted 7th grade Math teacher and coach at DeVargas Middle School.
Arlene Kinart
Business and Financial Manager
Arlene Kinart is a proud mother, and has had over 13 years experience in nonprofit organizations, including experience in human resource, accounting, payroll, and database management. She holds an Associate's Degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts and dabbles in the arts every now and then. Arlene has been with the NMCL over ten years.
Mikhaila Mulligan
Administrative Assistant
Mikhaila Grace Mulligan was born and raised in Santa Fe, NM and has always had a strong affinity to reading and writing. While attending A.C.A.T. at Santa Fe High School she was the poetry and prose editor for the annual literary magazine “Eclectica” one year and the art and photography editor the next year. With that love of writing, art and reading she left High School early and attended the Santa Fe Community College to study Media Arts but found her interests were sparked more by working at Borders Books, where she stayed for almost 5 years. There she promoted literacy throughout the community by becoming involved in the many events held at the store. Mikhaila brings a fresh young attitude to NMCL and is excited to join a non-profit with a cause so close to home. In her free time Mikhaila can be found attending auditions for roles in films, relaxing with friends over dinner or immersed in a good book at home.
Mariana Bornholdt
VISTA Volunteer
Mariana is an amazing woman who brings a wealth of experience and skills to her position as a VISTA member with the NMCL.
In her role with the NMCL, she plans to enhance agency capacity by updating its roster of donors, developing new funding initiatives, and formulating a survey instrument that will support recruitment of literacy volunteers and students. Mariana is a Santa Fe resident who saw Peace Corps service twenty years ago, training the first ever group of high school counselors-to-be in Ghana, West Africa. Born and raised in California, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Institutions and English from the University of California, Berkley, as well as an M.A. in Counseling Psychology. While teaching in the California state university system, she also had a private practice as a licensed Marriage, Family and Child counselor.
Moving to Oregon in 1970, where she remained for more than 30 years, she taught family life education and sociology in local community colleges, also earning a Master of Education in Gerontology from Oregon State University in Corvallis.
Virginia Pulver
VISTA Volunteer
Virginia is working with our local staff and statewide literacy organizations to enhance our outreach efforts. She is using her skills and experience to strengthen our recruitment and retention of students and volunteers. Virginia’s unique background has prepared her well for this position. She breaks the stereotype when she admits to being a military veteran: yes, Virginia is a retired US Air Force Master Sergeant. She also worked for several years in the demanding world of military recruiting, including a successful stint as a health-professions recruiter in Boston, MA. Virginia ended her active duty career working at the Air Force Personnel Center where she developed and interpreted procedures for on-the-job training programs Air Force wide. While serving in the Air Force she completed an Associates degree (AA) in Instructor Technology, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology and a Master’s degree (MA) in Organizational Management. Just back to the US from a 27 month stint on the shores of the Black Sea on the isolated, easternmost tip of the Crimean Peninsula where the two served as Peace Corps Volunteers.
Joseph Badal, Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, Thornburg Mortgage (Retired, Santa Fe)
Rosina Boyd, Retired (Santa Fe)
Richard Cervantes, Higher Education Administrator (Socorro)
Col. Clarence Culbert, Retired (Corrales)
Bruce Donisthorpe, President, Business Consultant (Albuquerque)
Elba Garcia-Burke, Consultant (Las Cruces)
Dr. A. Elizabeth Gordon, Vice President, Environmental Consultant/Principal Research Scientist (Albuquerque)
Brenda Gray, Literacy Consultant (Albuquerque)
Alma Green, Board Member, Literacy Volunteers of Socorro & Retired
Ellen Harbaugh, Carlsbad Public Library (Retired)
Sally Harper, Volunteer (Las Cruces)
Charley Long, Sr., Navajo Nation Board of Election, Supervisor - Thoreau Chapter & DNA Board of Directors, Legal Services (Continental Divide)
Dr. David O'Brien, Educator (Las Cruces)
Betty Miller, Board Member, Read "Write," Moriarty (Tijeras)
Ernest Padilla, Treasurer, Attorney (Santa Fe)
Harry Pearson, Retired (Las Cruces)
Gary Pierson, Real Estate (Albuquerque)
J. Phillip Preston, Secretary, Minister (Socorro)
Dorothy Redd, Retired (Roswell)
Ex-officio Member:
First Lady Barbara Richardson
Phil Preston (Secretary), Harry Pearson, David O'Brien, Liz Gordon (Vice President), Richard Cervantes, Rosina Boyd, Bruce Donisthorpe (President), Brenda Gray.
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For information contact:
Heather Heunermund, Executive Director
New Mexico Coalition for Literacy
3209 Mercantile Ct., Suite B
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Tel: 505-982-3997
Toll Free: 1-800-233-7587
Fax.: 505-982-4095
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