Manessa has worked in public education for 15 years. She has taught elementary, middle and high school. Additionally, she has served as a gifted IEP facilitator and assistant principal. She is passionate about helping her students achieve their goals as well as supporting teachers as a mentor teacher with her school district and micro-credential facilitator with New Mexico Public Education Department. She earned a Master’s of Science for Teachers Degree from New Mexico Tech and an Educational Leadership Certificate from Eastern New Mexico University. Prior to completing the Transition to Teaching program, she worked as an accountant in both the public and private sectors. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Marietta College.