About Us

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 are currently attending New Mexico colleges and universities such as CNM and NMSU.

2010-2011 Staff List

Jan Secunda (Principal/Teacher)

Jan Secunda has been an educator for 34 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 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, Jan taught special education at Madison Middle School, Holocaust Education at Congregation Albert School, and teacher training through the APS Strategic Professional Development Team.

Will Wintermute (Director of Operations/teacher)

Will Wintermute has over 15 years of combined experience as an educator and corporate director. He began his career in Connecticut where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After teaching kindergarten for many years, he moved to Sweden where he taught a combined Kindergarten/1st grade class. During this time, he also had the opportunity to study Swedish and work with middle school students. Upon his return to the US, Will entered the corporate world, managing the operations of branch offices for two large nationwide corporations. In 2009, frustrated with for-profit corporate practices, he returned to his love of teaching. Mr. Wintermute teaches our elementary class and is also the Director of Operations for Pathways Academy.

Kathy Gampert (Administrative Assistant)

Check back soon for Kathy Gampert’s biography!

Jim Hering (Teacher)

Born and raised in Ohio, Mr. Hering 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.

Jennifer Cabral (Teacher)

After working 6 years in the corporate world Jennifer felt like she was just going through the motions.  In search of job fulfillment 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.  Jennifer lives in Albuquerque with her husband, two girls and is expecting a third baby in 2012.  She is the latest addition to the upper school staff at Pathways Academy.

Max Powders (Educational Assistant)

Check back soon for Max Powders’ biography!