CAPS Staff
Michelle Steiner provides vision and leadership as the Director of the Center for Academic Program Support. She received her PhD in Cognitive Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook, and her research focuses on attachment as it relates to student learning and success. Other research interests include knowledge co-construction, student success scripts, and strategies for developing shared meaning. Dr. Steiner has taught psychology courses (SUNY Stony Brook), race and ethnicity seminars (University of Minnesota), and seminars for freshmen student athletes (University of New Mexico). Her administrative career in higher education has included developing student success initiatives within the realms of advising and peer-facilitated learning, and presenting at national conferences within her areas of interest. Read More
Senior Program Manager, Center for Academic Program Support
Adjunct Research Faculty, Department of Linguistics
Daniel Sanford oversees all tutoring services at the Center for Academic Program Support, drawing on his experience in higher education as an instructor, writing program administrator, and learning center specialist. He also teaches for, and is research faculty in, the UNM Department of Linguistics. He received his PhD in Linguistics from the University of New Mexico, and his research interests include writing center theory, language rights, metaphor, and schema-based accounts of language and learning. Dr. Sanford's work in these and other fields has appeared in Cognitive Linguistics, Corpus Linguistics, and Composition Forum, and has been presented at various national conferences. Read More
Operations Manager, Center for Academic Program Support
Vice Chair, Provost Committee for Staff
Beverly Shead oversees the administrative operations of the Center for Academic Program Support. Her responsibilities include management of the reception team and administrative support staff, department finances, and the preparation and maintenance of all personnel records. Beverly has 28 years of experience in management and administration in academic environments including Foothill College in California, and the University of New Mexico. Beverly is CAPS' liaison to the larger campus community on fiscal, administrative, and operational issues. Read More
Training and Professional Development Manager, Center for Academic Program Support
Jennifer Flores oversees the student employee training and staff professional development programs at the Center for Academic Program Support. She received her MA in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico, where her research concentrated on higher education and professional development. Her interests include personality styles in the work environment, capitalizing on individual strengths in training, and interactive approaches to professional development. With the benefit of more than 10 years of experience in higher education, Jennifer provides mentoring and training for academic and student affairs professionals and her expertise to learning center administrators nationwide. Read More
Lauren Moore provides reporting and technical services at the Center for Academic Program Support, enabling CAPS' staff to accurately track and analyze all programs. She received her MA in Economics from the University of New Mexico, where she engaged in research on international development and access to education. Lauren applies her background in statistical analysis for public policy issues to providing strong qualitative and quantitative evaluations to support CAPS' mission and collaborations with other University departments. Read More
Program Specialist for Math/Science Tutoring Program, Center for Academic Program Support
Beth Kaimowitz oversees CAPS' Math and Science Tutoring Program. She received her JD in Law from the University of New Mexico, where she focused on health equity and public health. Beth applies her experience in legal analysis and the health sciences to providing leadership support for critical thinking in math and science education. Her research interests include STEM education, educational diversity, and critical thinking. Read More
Program Specialist for Supplemental Instruction, Center for Academic Program Support
Piér Gutierrez oversees CAPS' Supplemental Instruction and Study Strategies programs. She received an MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Connecticut, where her research attended to supervision training competencies for student affairs professionals. Her professional focus is on social justice and inclusion for underrepresented student populations, college student development, and assessment in student affairs. Piér offers training and development experience in the areas of collaborative learning, academic success skills, and cultural awareness. Read More
Program Specialist for Writing and Language Center, Center for Academic Program Support
Evan Ashworth oversees the CAPS Writing and Language Center. He is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Linguistics at UNM, where his research addresses language ideologies and the use of writing in indigenous language revitalization programs. He engages the UNM community at all levels in a discussion of writing theory and language learning, as well as the integration of writing into university courses. Evan has served as an instructor in the Departments of English and Linguistics, and has worked at CAPS in various capacities since 2008. Read More
David Lucero coordinates hiring, payroll, and purchasing at CAPS. He received his BS in Mathematics Education from the University of New Mexico in 2008. Building on his background in mathematics and his interest in database development, David works to provide efficient and accurate data/records to support CAPS' financial and employment needs. He also serves as liaison to the larger campus community on issues related to Human Resources and vendor communications. Read More
Matthew Makofske oversees the student reception team and campus outreach operations at CAPS. He is currently working on his MA in Educational Leadership at the University of New Mexico, developing approaches to organizational culture and dynamics in higher education. Applying his background in operational leadership, Matthew leads CAPS' team of receptionists in ensuring that all students who come to CAPS receive exceptional and tailored assistance by connecting them to the most appropriate support. Read More
Stephen Murillo, who received his BA in Criminology from the University of New Mexico, serves as an Administrative Assistant I with CAPS. He is responsible for verifying that supplies and resources are available to CAPS' staff, student employees, and student users. Stephen also ensures accuracy in the reporting of billing information. Stephen has experience in building relationships with numerous UNM departments and staff members, which he acquired as a student employee at UNM and now uses to assist CAPS in accomplishing its vision and mission. Read More
