Marlene is a Disciplinary Literacy Coach with NWREC2. She was born in Los Alamos and raised in the Pojoaque Valley.  Before coming to NWREC2, she was a middle school Language Arts teacher. She has also taught all subjects in grades 3-5, with all her teaching being in the Cimarron Municipal School district. Marlene received her teaching degree from New Mexico Highlands and is working on a graduate degree in Educational Technology at Eastern New Mexico University. Teaching is Marlene’s second career after owning a Hallmark shop in Albuquerque: her first dream job. When her son and daughter were young, the family decided to move to the family's ranch near Cimarron, where they farmed and ranched. Marlene’s family is her passion and joy, especially her grandson, Cooper, who joined the family in 2023. Marlene enjoys all things outdoors, especially sunrises, sunsets, and beautiful night skies. Oh, and all things Disney. She lives near Cimarron with her husband, two dogs, 14 chickens, and one abandoned racing pigeon. She is currently coaching at Raton Middle and High Schools.