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 (closed every 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.
2016-17 Staff List
Jan Secunda
(Principal/Teacher)
Jan Secunda has been an educator for 36 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in special education. She is a certified reality therapist. In 1993 Ms. Jan was trained in the Wilson Reading Systems and in 1997 she was trained as a reading therapist by Lindamood Bell. She was awarded a fellowship in 1996 to study the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance in Poland and Israel. Before joining the staff of Pathways Academy, Ms. Jan taught special education at Madison Middle School, Holocaust Education at Congregation Albert School, and teacher training through the APS Strategic Professional Development Team.
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 three girls. She is a member of the upper school staff at Pathways Academy.
Jim Hering
(Teacher/Vice-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 four dogs. He has been teaching at Pathways Academy since August 2008.
Lynn Rymsza
(Administrative Assistant)
Ms. Lynn joined Pathways Academy staff in September 2016. She has worked in the non-profit sector for over 13 years. Before joining Pathways Academy Lynn worked with adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals in a work setting. Prior to that, she did case management for people with Mutiple Sclerosis (MS) and Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). Born and raised in New York state, Lynn moved to Albuquerque 25 years ago. She lives with her husband and Jazz, the family dog.
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.