OUR STAFF
ESODIE GEIGER
Executive Director
Over ten years and hundreds of students later, Esodie has had the pleasure of shaping this boutique organization into a formidable education center. Her work in the nonprofit sector began in 1989 when she volunteered at a center in Upstate New York that served migrant farmworkers. By 1992, she received her ESL tutor training through Literacy Volunteers of America. After moving to Albuquerque in 2012, she found herself looking for a volunteer opportunity that led her to Ethos. The right to basic literacy for everyone keeps her plugging away daily. When she’s not working you might find her filming a movie (she’s been in 60 film/ TV productions), walking her three dogs, or watching Svengoolie with her fiancé Shawn.
CINDY KETCHUM
Program Director
Cindy Ketchum joined our team in April 2015. She has a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. For her, it’s all about the people. Cindy enjoys cheering others on and celebrating their successes, so much so that perhaps professional cheerleading should have been one of her career paths, although all that jumping and flipping would have ended that career quickly. During her time here, she’s helped create student curriculum, shored up student testing, improved volunteer onboarding processes and contributed to vital grant reporting.
Desirae mestas
Student Intake and Curriculum Coordinator
Desirae is the newest member to join the team. In her role as coordinator, she provides guidance to students who are just starting the program and encourages them to reach their goals through patience and dedication. After graduating from UNM with a degree in Elementary Education, she taught Pre-K in the South Valley and then transitioned to being a substitute teacher at elementary schools across the city. Books have always been like a close friend to her and have led her to be an advocate for literacy. When she is not working, she likes trying out local eateries, running the Bosque trail, and watching The Office reruns.