Through a spirit of collaboration and a passion and commitment to academic and social excellence for children with special educational needs and learning disabilities, Pathways Academy offers a one-of-a-kind school that delivers an innovative approach to evidence-based learning techniques that realize potential and change lives. Pathways Academy is a year-round school, open Monday through Thursday (No classes Friday). All students who graduate from Pathways Academy are eligible for a New Mexico State High School Diploma (the same diploma received if they attended a public school). We have graduates who have attended and are currently attending New Mexico colleges and universities such as CNM and NMSU.
2018-19 Staff Listing
Scott Berry
(Teacher)
Mr. Scott joined the faculty in August 2018. Scott has been working with special needs children since 1994. His experiences include operating an animal therapy program at a residential treatment facility and teaching in a variety special education settings. Prior to teaching, Scott served as a historian for the US Air Force and has authored several books and publications. When he’s not busy with school, he operates a mission working with children in the Philippines.He has an undergraduate degree in sociology and has completed graduate work at both Eastern New Mexico and New Mexico Highlands Universities. Scott lives with his wife and two rescue dogs in Rio Rancho.
Jennifer Cabral
(Teacher)
After working 6 years in the corporate world Ms. Jennifer felt like she was just going through the motions. In search of job fulfillment Ms. Jennifer returned to school to get her master’s degree in education from the University of New Mexico, which she completed in 2011. In 2009 she began working as an autism specialist and became highly qualified in applied behavior analysis. Ms. Jennifer lives in Albuquerque with her husband and four children. She is a member of the upper school staff at Pathways Academy.
Melissa Gaenzle
(Administrative Assistant)
Ms. Melissa joined the staff in January 2018. She has had various jobs ranging from banks, gyms, dental office, therapy offices, and phone company. She found Pathways Academy to be a great fit where she can help out in any way possible. One of her favorite things is photography, but more than anything she loves spending time with her husband of 25 years and three children and two fur babies.
Jim Hering
(Principal)
Born and raised in Ohio, Mr. Jim and his family moved to Albuquerque in 2003. He has worked with students in volunteer and paid positions since 1996. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Social Studies) in 1989 from The Ohio State University. After a short career in reprographics, he earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education in 2002. He lives in Albuquerque with his wife and their four children and three dogs. He has been teaching at Pathways Academy since August 2008 and succeeded Ms. Jan as principal teacher in August 2017 when she became a board member.
Max Powders
(Teacher)
Born and raised in Albuquerque, Mr. Max spent his freshman year of college in Israel. Not long after his return home he became part of the Pathways staff as an educational assistant. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico he became a member of the teaching staff. Most of his formal training is in autism spectrum disorders and he is highly qualified in applied behavior analysis.