Shepherd of the Valley Preschool Educators
All our teachers go above and beyond their job descriptions to keep our community safe and provide the best care for our children and families. In our 2021 family survey 100% of families “felt that the entire staff are highly qualified and genuinely love teaching children.”
Miss Julie
Julianna Strong is the director of Shepherd of the Valley Preschool. She received her Bachelor of Science at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM. Julianna is a native to Albuquerque’s North Valley. She has worked as a childcare giver and advanced her way into a director. She obtained a Director’s Credential through CCEI.
Outside of preschool, Julianna loves spending time with her husband and kids, Aysa and Andyn as well as her 6 dogs, 12 chickens, 1 Sulcata Tortoise, and 1 King Snake (and possibly more to come.) Julianna enjoys watching a good baseball game, camping and taking her family out to discover nature. She is passionate about working with children to reach their potential through play and discovery. She is excited to take this journey to help develop your children's creativity and imagination.
Miss Julie
Miss Myranda
Myranda Bracken is a Teacher’s Assistant and began working at Shephard of the Valley Preschool in 2023. She has over 10 years of preschool teaching experience. Myranda is married to her college volleyball teammate Daniel, and they live in Albuquerque with their dog Syrup. Myranda still plays volleyball on a regular basis, volunteers for Special Olympics of New Mexico, and in her free time, enjoys hanging out with family and cheering on her Alma Mater, the New Mexico Lobos. Myranda graduated with an associate’s degree in Teacher Education in 2017 and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Art Studio in 2023. Myranda’s favorite thing to do at work is doing artwork with the students and bringing out their creativity.
Miss Myranda
Miss Margy
Margy Montoya is the lead Pony teacher and has been at Shepherd of the Valley Preschool for 10 years. She is currently taking classes at New Mexico Highlands University CNM toward a degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. Margy was born and raised in Albuquerque and attended Shepherd of the Valley Preschool in 1995. When not at work, Margy is busy caring and playing with her 3 sweet little girls and boy, Amelia, Calla, Nolie, and Nico. She likes hanging out with her family swimming and camping! At school, she enjoys playing outside and creating artwork with the children. Margy is excited to continue to learn with the children!
Miss Margy
Miss Gen
Genevieve Larranaga has been at Shepherd of the Valley Preschool since 2013 where her son attended preschool. She assists Margy in the Pony group. Gen is married to her high school sweetheart and they live with their two teenage sons in the North Valley where they were born and raised. She enjoys swimming, camping, backyard BBQ’s, movies, and loving on her sons and animals. Before Gen came to work at the preschool she did IT work for 25 years at Sandia Labs and PNM. She is thrilled to be at the preschool doing art projects, playing dress-up, rolling out play-doh with the children and working with the wonderful staff.
Miss Gen
Miss Chaya
Chaya Rose having been a part of the SOTV community through her children, Chaya joined the staff in 2025. She holds a Master’s in Social Work and brings a background in coaching, personal training, and yoga instruction for all ages. Chaya has been a member of the Family Engagement Committee since 2022 and is excited to deepen her connection to the preschool. Her passions include nature walks along the acequia, creative arts, mindfulness, and supporting children’s well-being through compassion and joy.
Miss Chaya
Miss Susan
Susan Hulsey has been involved with Shepherd of the Valley Preschool since 2017 when her 3 older children were both enrolled at the school. Since then she has helped the school and the Family Engagement Committee with the events that are planned throughout the year. She is excited to broaden her involvement by joining the staff. When she's not at school Susan spends her time driving her children to their activities, skiing or hiking with her family or sneaking in a run with her dog, Holly. She looks forward to working with the staff and students to learn and play in all the fun ways that we can at SOTVP.
Miss Susan