Meet the Team

Carrie M. Cannella, Propel’s Literacy Coordinator, is a lifelong learner and lover of language who is passionate about literacy and supporting literacy programs. She has worked in adult education for many years as tutor, ESL instructor, writing coach, education specialist, and program coordinator. Her education is in English and Secondary English Education with certifications in TESOL and creative writing. She is a teacher at heart and has special interests in workplace wellness, cognitive science, curriculum design, and using music and literature in instruction. She enjoys all things words, the outdoors, music and the arts, and time with family. She can be reached at cmcannella@nmdelt.org.

Michelle Garza has an educational background in business and game-based learning, with over six years of experience teaching English language learners at Dona Ana Community College. Her work spans digital literacy, introductory courses, and all levels of ESL, delivered in online, face-to-face, and asynchronous formats. She is passionate about project-based and experiential learning, using innovative approaches to engage students. Michelle is now transitioning to an Integrated Education and Training (IET) program focused on small entrepreneurship, where she will continue to empower learners through practical and dynamic instruction. Michelle is an avid hiker and animal lover. She can be reached at migarza@nmdelt.org.

Kathy De La Torre is an experienced ESL tutor and professional with a diverse background. Her many careers include being a photojournalist and photo editor at The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper before co-founding a successful photography company. Kathy has also worked as a legal secretary, real estate agent, and coach. In 2015, she began volunteering as an ESL instructor with the Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe, a role that ignited her passion for teaching and helping others improve their language skills. Kathy holds a TEFL certificate and is always eager to explore new methods for teaching English as a second language. She is excited to join the Propel New Mexico Adult Literacy program, where she looks forward to collaborating with the team to improve adult literacy across the state. She can be reached at kathydlt@nmdelt.org.

Linda Martin has worked in education for over 30 years. Most of that time was spent at CNM as a math instructor, administrator, and data analyst. Currently, Linda works as a literacy/numeracy tutor and as a consultant to organizations, providing professional development to K-12 teachers. Linda is excited to work with adult literacy tutors and programs across the state and can be reached at lmartin@nmdelt.org.