Therese Baca-Radler was born and raised in New Mexico. She is an avid outdoors person, leader, and scholar. She attended the University of New Mexico where she earned a dual BS in General Education and Special Education, an MA in Bilingual Education with an emphasis in TESOL, and a doctorate in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies. She has taught students of all ages in a variety of contexts, and she works as a youth coach. She enjoys volunteering at community events and building strong relationships with and among communities. Therese is a certified raft guide, ski instructor, mountain biking instructor. She is also certified through the Red Cross in First Aid and CPR.