About Us
Tara Blanco
I am a New Mexico raised, cleft-affected, Speech Language Pathologist. I was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate and have been immersed in the world of speech therapy since birth. I was very fortunate to have only positive experiences with speech therapists and that is what drove me to become one myself. I received my Bachelor of Science Education in Communication Disorders from New Mexico State University in 2011 and my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2013. I have worked both in New Mexico and Texas; in the public schools and early intervention settings. I have experience in the areas of cleft lip and cleft palate, feeding, Autism Spectrum Disorders, medically fragile children, and pediatric speech and language disorders. I come from a very tight-knit family and understand the importance of the whole family being an integral part of each child’s success. I hope to help families continue their journey forward feeling empowered and supported, ADELANTE CONTIGO.
Cindy Castaneda
I am from El Paso, Texas and moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 2011 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood. I taught in a public preschool classroom for three-, four- and five-year-olds on the autism spectrum for 7 years. I returned to New Mexico State University and completed the master’s program in Special Education with a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders in 2019. Before leaving the public schools I case managed four- and five-year-olds in the New Mexico Preschool and Head Start Programs in Las Cruces where I collaborated with related service providers to ensure and provide quality services through early intervention. I am currently an Early Childhood Instructional Coach for the state of New Mexico working with various districts in the southeast region, collaborating with early childhood educators to enhance their current practices in literacy and social emotional development. Through FUNKtional Foundations I hope to provide practical strategies for children and their families to enhance each child’s independence and ability to successfully complete daily tasks within their home and community environment.
