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.
2017-18 Staff Listing
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
(Principal Teacher)
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 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.
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.