Mr. Lopez began teaching at Gonzales in 2009.  He served as Assistant Principal in 2019 and became Principal in 2020.  He began teaching in 2002 and has taught seventh, eighth, second, and fourth grades, and a technology class during his career. 

He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Education, a Bachelor’s of Science in History, a Master’s of Science in Education, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence.  Mr. Lopez has attended Eastern New Mexico University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of New Mexico School of Law.  His special endorsements include history, English, physical education and coaching.

Mr. Lopez decided to become a teacher to engage youth in discourse that hopefully leads them to realizing that they are the masters of their own destiny.  Also, to provide an example of someone who grew-up similarly to them and "making it."           

After growing up in Santa Fe and attending university, Mr. Lopez returned to Santa Fe to raise his family because he loves it here and wants to give back to the community that formed him.  Mr. Lopez, loves basketball and football--so much so, that he currently coaches boys middle school basketball and football.  His wife is also a teacher, his two daughters attend GCS, and they have a dog named "Melvin."

Mrs. Kovac was born and raised in Santa Fe and is a product of Santa Fe Public Schools; attending Agua Fria Elementary, Larragoite Elementary, Alameda Junior High, and graduated from Capital High School in 1997.  She began working Santa Fe Public Schools as an educational assistant in 1999 while completing her degree.  Mrs. Kovac has taught kindergarten and second grade.  Mostly recently, she completed her her second year as a sixth-grade teacher at Amy Biehl Community School.

After receiving her Associates Degree from Santa Fe Community College, Mrs. Kovac attended New Mexico Highlands University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree Education.  She has also holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.

Growing up, becoming a teacher was a dream Mrs. Kovac thought could never be reached.  She worked hard, paid for college, and made it happen.  She was the first person in her family to graduate from college.  Mrs. Kovac loves working in her community and helping students realize they are capable of anything they set their minds to.  She encourages other to do better every day and never give-up on themselves.  

Mrs. Kovac and her husband will celebrate their 15 wedding anniversary in 2020.  They have two sons, 13 and 11; two dogs, Izzy and Lucky; and one cat, Miley.

She is very excited to join the GCS family and looking forward to meeting the students, parents, and community.   

email Mrs. Serna

Mrs. Serna is currently a first grade teacher and has been at Gonzales for 19 years.  In her 23 years of teaching, she has taught grades first through sixth and many combo classes along the way.     

She holds a Bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and the College of Santa Fe.  A love of working with children and desire to give back to the community that she loves so much are the reasons she became a teacher.         

Santa Fe has always been Mrs. Serna’s home, so it wasn't a difficult choice to live and work in Santa Fe.  She has worked on many school-wide committees, is a member of La Sociedad Folklorica, and is a former Fiesta Queen.  Most importantly, she loves being a mom and a teacher.

Mrs. Serna enjoys spending time with family, reading, watching movies, and being outdoors.  She has three beautiful children, two of whom will have attended Gonzales Community School through the eighth grade, with her youngest starting this year.  She has a very helpful and supportive husband that has helped moved her classroom throughout the years and attended many school functions.

email Ms. Garcia

Ms. Garcia is currently a first grade teacher at Gonzales Community School.  She began her teaching career at Gonzales in 1995 and has taught kindergarten, first and second grades throughout her career. 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.  She has attended New Mexico Highlands University and Santa Fe Community College.  She is certified to teach Reading Recovery to first graders.  She became a teacher because her aunt was studying to be a teacher and she encouraged her to attend college. 

Ms. Garcia grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico and loves Santa Fe, the city different with no judgement and the best weather.  She was also a soldier prior to becoming a teacher.  She served in the arms forces and received an honorable discharge.  She wanted a challenge and basic training provided both a physical and mental challenge.  It was a huge accomplishment to complete basic training.  Ms. Garcia loves to run every weekend.  She runs 5k's with her boyfriend as often as possible and loves to spend time with family, even if it is watching a movie together.  When she gets home her two dogs are always happy to see her, they are never mad at her, they love her no matter what; they never talk back and they keep her warm at night.