Administration

Abelardo Batista
Executive Director

Abelardo Batista brings more than 27 years of transformative PK-12 educational leadership experience to South Valley Academy, including roles in school administration, from school principalships to district director positions, with a strong focus on community-rooted school innovation. A bilingual and multicultural leader, he has consistently expanded access and improved outcomes for underserved communities through inclusive programs, strong partnerships, and a relentless commitment to student success.

Mr. Batista is committed to South Valley Academy (SVA) mission/pillars and principles, and he looks forward to further empowering the high performing SVA High School and Middle School teams, the amazing SVA students, families, and the South Valley community. He has set off to do this by embracing diversity, nurturing strong relationships, and fostering academic excellence through our SVA legacy of engaging programs, like Service Learning, College and Career preparation, and Advisory — all designed to grow and inspire a love of learning, uplifting lives and community for generations to come.

Contact:
[email protected]
cell: 505-527-6153

Jennifer Gable
Middle School Director

Jennifer Gable received a Bachelors of Science from Rutgers University, a Masters in Science at New Mexico Tech, and her Teaching and Administrative Licensure through the University of New Mexico. She has been in public education for over 25 years. Jennifer discovered her love of teaching while working with young humans in Kazakhstan as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Jennifer is a Level 3 Teacher, endorsed in Science and Mathematics and also holds a Level 3 Administrative License. She has taught in a variety of New Mexican communities including an alternative HS in Santa Fe, a small rural district school in Quemado, and 2 different public charter schools in Albuquerque. She currently works at South Valley Academy, where she has served her community as a teacher, teacher leader, and/or administrator for 21 years. Jennifer loves the outdoors and can often be found on campus before school, during lunch, and after school showing students, staff, or visitors the birds, lizards, flowers or other interesting living things that may otherwise be overlooked.

Contact:
[email protected]
cell: 505-457-0337

Shantelle Quintana
High School Director

Contact:
[email protected]
cell: 505-991-9117

Shantelle Quintana was born and raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico, where her passion for education and community took root. With a Bachelor's degree in Bilingual Elementary Education, she began her journey supporting diverse learners with a strong belief in the power of language, culture, and equity. Building on that foundation, she went on to earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Vocational Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University—an experience that deepened her commitment to holistic student support.

With over 13 years in education, Ms. Quintana brings a unique blend of teaching, counseling, and leadership experience to her work. She holds an administrative license in New Mexico and has spent her career championing student advocacy, family engagement, and leadership development. Her work is guided by a deep commitment to creating inclusive spaces where all students can thrive.

Currently, Ms. Quintana is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Texas State University. Her doctoral work centers on transformational leadership, emotional labor, and the experiences of Latina educators in community-based schools. She continues to lead with heart, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Heidi Gomez
Finance and Operations Director

Contact:
[email protected]
cell: 505-457-0344

Heidi Gomez is an Albuquerque native who was born and raised in the South Valley and is a proud alumna of South Valley Academy, graduating with the school’s first class in 2004. As the first in her family to attend college, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Information Assurance, both from the University of New Mexico.

Heidi brings over 16 years of accounting experience and has been a dedicated part of the South Valley Academy team since 2014. She has extensive experience in school budgeting, procurement, and overseeing the school’s finance and operations, playing a key role in ensuring the school’s financial health and compliance.
Her deep roots in the community and commitment to education are reflected in her work every day. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the great outdoors.