Ximena Montez is a retired special education teacher with additional endorsements in gifted education and art. She brings a wealth of experience to Math Amigos, having worked closely with James Taylor for many years in the classroom. Her passion lies in supporting New Mexico students by enhancing professional development opportunities for teachers.]Ximena believes that strengthening students’ math skills is key to opening doors to better career opportunities and brighter futures. In addition to her work with Math Amigos, she continues to engage directly with students through innovative approaches, such as math circles and math contests. During her time as a gifted education teacher, she witnessed firsthand how students can gain confidence and comfort with math when given the right tools and support.