Inaugural Heart & Soul Awards honor the compassion, dedication, and lasting impact of local educators
ESPAÑOLA, NM — The LANL Foundation, in partnership with the Rio Arriba County Early Childhood Collaborative (RACECC), proudly honored five exceptional early childhood professionals at the inaugural Heart & Soul Early Childhood Champion Awards this April.
The awards aim to lift up the voices and contributions of early childhood professionals across Rio Arriba County, ensuring their work is seen, valued, and celebrated.
“The Heart & Soul Awards mark an important step in recognizing the essential role early childhood educators play in strengthening families and communities. Too often, this workforce goes unrecognized despite being critical to a child’s development and a family’s stability,” said Jovanna Archuleta, Early Childhood Program Director at the LANL Foundation.
“As a Nation, we understand that the strength of our future begins with those who nurture and guide our youngest generation. The Heart & Soul Award is a meaningful acknowledgment of individuals who lead with service and compassion. This year’s process honors the compassion, dedication, and lasting impact of local educators, serving as a reminder of the profound impact early childhood educators have within our community,” said RACECC Member and Jicarilla Child and Family Education Center Director Autumn Murray.
2026 Early Childhood Champion Award Winners
Johnna Aguino, Director and Educator at Conjunto Therapeutic Preschool in Española
Johnna works with children as young as three years old, creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can grow and thrive. Supported by her family throughout her career, Aguino has shaped young lives with care and intention.
Roberta Martinez, Teacher and Librarian at Chimayó Elementary SchoolRoberta is known for ensuring every child feels seen and heard. She was nominated by a student whose life she deeply impacted during a year marked by profound loss. Martinez’s unwavering presence and compassion during that difficult time exemplify what it means to be a Heart & Soul Champion.
Melinda Salazar, Home Child Care provider in Tierra AmarillaMelinda is a cornerstone of her rural community. She also recently earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has since opened a New Mexico Pre-K program to expand access for local families, demonstrating her deep commitment not only to children, but to the entire community she serves.
Janie Tafoya, Pre-K Teacher at the Jicarilla Apache Nation Early Childhood CenterJanie brings passion and purpose to her work each day. Deeply rooted in her community, Tafoya is dedicated to supporting children, uplifting her peers, and serving her Tribe with pride and care.
Sandra Trujillo, Pre-K Teacher at McCurdy Ministries in EspañolaSandra has spent more than two decades in the classroom, teaching multiple generations of children in the Española Valley. Her enduring commitment and love for her work have made her a beloved figure in the community.The LANL Foundation and RACECC plan to continue the Heart & Soul Awards annually, recognizing dedicated early childhood professionals across Rio Arriba County.
About the Rio Arriba County Early Childhood Collaborative (RACECC)
The Rio Arriba County Early Childhood Collaborative (RACECC) was formed in 2018 to better connect services for young children and families across the county. Bringing together nearly fifty organizations and community members, RACECC works to ensure all children—from prenatal to age five—have equitable access to high-quality early care, education, and family supports, while promoting collaboration and improving outcomes for the community’s youngest learners.
About the LANL Foundation
Since 1997, the LANL Foundation has been investing in education, learning, and human potential in Northern New Mexico. Through diverse programming and collaboration with key partners, the LANL Foundation works to ensure that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities. LANL Foundation is dedicated to the enhancement of students’ access to academic and technical opportunities, leading to quality jobs by supporting college and career readiness in schools, districts, communities, Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations. For more information visit lanlfoundation.org.