OSE Caregiver Newsletter
OSE Caregiver Newsletter, May 1, 2026 / Issue 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mission Statement
Special Education Stories: Mollie Baland and Catalina Neff
New Support Series: Caregiver and Family Empower Hour
It's the 50th Anniversary of IDEA
Disability Spotlight: Multiple Awareness Celebrations
Our Community in Action: Spring Director's Academy
Events You Don't Want to Miss
May Tip, Family Fun, and Self-Care
Understanding Graduation Requirements
Family Resources
OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION'S MISSION
All students with disabilities are engaged in high-quality curriculum and instruction within an inclusive educational environment with opportunities that are culturally and linguistically responsive, leading to deep learning and preparation for college, career, and community readiness.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION SUCCESS STORY: Mollie Baland, Albuquerque Public School Teacher and IDEA Panel Board Member
Mollie Baland is a first-year teacher of students with visual impairments in Albuquerque Public Schools and a new member of the IDEA Panel. She was raised in New Mexico and born with Aniridia, a genetic mutation that affects vision. With support services throughout her education, including at the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, Mollie learned to advocate for her needs and for others with disabilities.
Mollie studied Peace and Justice in college and further developed her passion for helping others through advocating for her students every day. As a teacher, she supports students by helping them access the tools they need to succeed, such as assistive technology.
Outside of work, Mollie enjoys spending time with her three dogs and a cat. She stays active by taking her dogs for walks, training for a 5K, and singing in her church’s choir.
Mollie’s message to New Mexico students with disabilities is to be patient with yourself; your path will unfold over time. Mollie is proud to support students and families as an advocate, teacher, and IDEA Panel member.
Do you have a story to share? We'd love to hear about your child's progress in special education or really great things happening at your school. Please send your proud moments to connections.news@ped.nm.gov . Let's celebrate together! By submitting family success information to the OSE, you are consenting to the publication of that information in a future newsletter. This consent covers Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)-protected personal identifying information that you choose to include in your submission.
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU: Catalina Neff, Public Education Department Family Engagement Specialist
Catalina Neff was adopted from Cochabamba, Bolivia and raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico, which shaped her deep connection to the state and its communities.
Catalina started her family engagement work in 2011 by supporting at-risk programs in Albuquerque, then moved into advocacy work with Tribal Nations across New Mexico and Arizona. Over time, she built experience in IEPs, resiliency, and advocacy, always focused on helping children and families find their voice. She has over 16 years' experience in this work.
Catalina joined the Public Education Department in 2022, and now leads efforts like the Parent Advisory Board (Family Cabinet) while offering trainings on family engagement and trauma-informed practices. Her work is centered on bringing families, schools, and communities together.
Catalina is always available to support, problem-solve, and collaborate. You can reach her at catalina.neff@ped.nm.gov .
NEW FAMILY SUPPORT SERIES! CAREGIVER AND FAMILY EMPOWER HOUR
Would you like a deep dive into important special education topics, empowering you to support your children throughout their learning journey? OSE has launched Caregiver Empower Hour, monthly information and learning sessions that cover the most critical topics in special education for families.
The next session will be Wednesday, May 27, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Our discussion will remove the mystery of IEPs, IEP meetings, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
To sign up for these virtual sessions, please register here .
CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF IDEA: Send in Projects from Your School
Join OSE in celebrating the 50th anniversary of IDEA , honoring inclusion, equity, and the right to a free, appropriate public education for all students. The national tagline is, "50 Years of IDEA: Every Student, Every Voice, Every Ability."
Invite your school community to create and share a project that celebrates IDEA. Your school can submit a poster with the theme, "What IDEA Means to Us," a short story or poem about inclusion or belonging, or a student video (1 minute or less) sharing how IDEA impacts your school. We will honor selected entries on OSE's website and social media platforms.
Send completed entries by May 15 to Kaity Ellis, kaitlin.ellis@ped.nm.gov . Ensure all submissions that include student names, images, or identifiable work have a media release on file with the school before being shared with us.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Register Your K-8 Child Today!
New Mexico's Summer Reading Program is an innovative, free program set to empower students – from incoming kindergarteners to outgoing eighth graders – with focused reading instruction in small groups with trained literacy instructors. The program is now accepting registration for students. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (833) 550-4300 or email literacy.nm@state.nm.us .
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS, EMPOWERED FAMILIES: Save the Date for this Fabulous Conference!
The Exceptional Students, Empowered Families conference is a FREE conference for families of children with low-incidence disabilities (e.g., Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind,…