Green Valley Christian Elementary School

Education:  B.A. in Music Education (K-12) New Mexico Highlands University;  State License in Nevada and New Mexico; Continued M.A. in Counseling

Certification:   ACSI Certification;.Discipleship Training Education; Crisis Intervention Certification

Experience:  1 year; High School Marching Band; High School Chorus; 12 years doing case management; counseling with Mental Health Facilities; 10 years teaching Ethnic, Mariachi and General Music Ed (All elementary grade levels); 3 years as a Car Sales Lady; 4 ½ years teaching Kindergarten at GVCS.

Years at GVCS: 4 ½ 

My name is Mrs. Ortega.  I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ and I know he always places me in the place that he needs me the most.  He gives me the children that I need to work with. The work is so rewarding that words alone, cannot express.  I am so blessed to be able to have a Kindergarten Classroom full of loving children.  I have been blessed in having a network of wonderful parents that I have connected with over the years.  I can tell you that it is extremely important that we work together and I am flexible with this.  I will do whatever it takes when it is in the best interest of the child/children.  They are very important to me!

I was born in Espanola, New Mexico where I was raised in a time when teachers did not want children to speak Spanish and as a result, only my grandparents briefly spoke in the language.  I did go back to school for this and am Bilingual.  I do speak to the children in Spanish and they pick it up.  We do learn a few songs in many other languages as well. 

I was raised in Ojo Caliente, known for it’s hot springs.  My husband is from El Rito; also in New Mexico.  We met here.  My husband is a plumber for the school district.  He has been there for over ten years.  He also does some side work.  He and his brother are Owners of Refined Plumbing.

We have one son, and three daughters; all in their twenties and out from under our roof.  Our son does computer work and repairs.  Our oldest daughter is a supervisor for Los Alamos National Labs; radiation and computer technologies.  Our second daughter is a fourth grade teacher.  Our youngest daughter is going to school to become an X-Ray Technician.  We have two amazing grandchildren.  They light up my life.  Jovan, who is 2 ½ is in New Mexico.  He is a big boy and very independent.  Our newest addition was born right before the end of the year and I call him “Mommy and daddy’s tax deduction for the year.”  His name is Joseph.  He is three months old and just adorable.

I do teach Life’s Healing choices and continue with my discipleship classes.

I have several hobbies including riding horses, hiking, writing, scrap booking, taking pictures, crocheting and some cooking, remodeling or working on home improvement projects.  My big hobby has become playing musical instruments, only because I do not teach this anymore.

There is not a day that goes by when I do not praise God and Thank Him for my job here at Green Valley Christian School.  I thank him mostly for the children whose love, laughter, and hugs I continue to receive.  My grandmother passed away when I was very young and I recall advice that I will always treasure. (One being: “If you feel that you cannot recall even one new thing that you learned today, go back and find one thing to learn.)

My prayer is that I can influence my students in a positive, loving, accepting, Christian Way. 

God knows everything and he will guide you; no matter where that may be. I can tell you that being with us is a great place to be.

May God Bless You!