Coral Community Charter School

Susan Steketee, Chair

Sue Steketee studied Physical Education as an undergraduate and has a Master of Arts degree in Education from UNM. She taught K-2 for 10 years, followed by 10 years in the for-profit sector learning about business practices. Sue spent the next nearly 30 years in not-for-profit healthcare. Over that time, she managed clinics and became Vice President of Operations and Finance for Planned Parenthood of New Mexico. She currently volunteers for the Development department at Planned Parenthood, is the treasurer for her religious congregation and is delighted to be involved with Coral Community Charter School. She feels that working with fellow Governance Council members to provide an environment supporting the learning and growth for Coral students is a rewarding endeavor.

Karin Trujillo, Vice Chair

Favorite Quote: Dr. Seuss- “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” 

Ms. Karin Trujillo is a veteran 27-year, Level 3 teacher/librarian from Los Lunas Public Schools with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Literacy.  Upon retirement in 2018, Ms. Trujillo joined Gumdrop Books to continue to spread her love of reading throughout New Mexio and West Texas.  In 2020 she founded Book Me Library Consulting to assist non-certified library personnel in New Mexico with managing their library as well as promoting a love of reading through the use of literature. Spending time with her girls and their families in San Diego and Denver is a favorite activity.  After a trip to Alaska in the summer of 2025, traveling has become another important goal. On her bucket list is sky diving.

Tim Tokarski, Treasurer

Favorite Quote: "If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right".  Admiral William H. McRaven

Throughout his career, Tim Tokarski has balanced his professional life with a commitment to service.  He has spent most of his career as an entrepreneur, in several different industries, and is currently the executive director of a healthcare nonprofit.  As a parent of a former seahorse (now a middle schooler), when the opportunity to join the Governance Council at Coral Community Charter School was presented, he quickly said 'Yes'!   Supporting the growth and development of our student community continues to be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Mary Merchant, Secretary

Mary graduated from Michigan State University in 1976 in Marketing/Sales with a minor in Textile Design. Upon graduation, she joined VISTA and spent a year working with and designing products to be made in a sheltered workshop at the Brainard State Hospital in Minnesota. She then moved to New Mexico. Here she worked numerous eclectic jobs, traveled, and owned a retail business up until her marriage in 1987. Mary began working at UNM when her only child was three years old. While attending UNM, her interest in children was renewed. Prior to UNM, she worked for several years at established Girl Scout camps teaching crafts, nature, and outdoor skills.  It was at that time she became interested in charter schools and all their possibilities. She retired from UNM School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics as an Administrative Assistant Supervisor in 2011. Mary has been a CCCS Governance Council member and officer since 2014.

Melinda Thompson, Member

Favorite Quote:  Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." —Nelson Mandela

Melinda is a semi-retired and currently working in Government Prime Contractors doing procurement and contract administration.  She has worked for several contractors since 1998.  Melinda has lived in New Mexico since 1991.  She enjoys quilting, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Allison Hendricks-Smith, Member

Favorite Quote: “Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow-men.”  Mahatma Gandhi

Allison Hendricks-Smith is a licensed mental health counselor and art therapist, who completed her graduate work at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has been involved in nonprofit leadership positions here in New Mexico for the past twenty years. Allison was the Vice President of Operations for Make-A-Wish New Mexico for ten years, and the Executive Director for Christina Kent Early Childhood Center for four years, before launching Pink Warrior House in 2019. Allison is a proud mother, devoted wife, community organizer, and a compassionate and dedicated leader.