Administration

Aura Acabal - Principal

Ms. Aura Acabal is honored to serve as the Principal of Valencia Middle School and brings more than 26 years of experience in public education. Her passion for education is deeply rooted in her own life story.

Ms. Acabal immigrated to the United States at the age of 10. As a newcomer student who spoke only Spanish, she experienced firsthand the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. With the encouragement of a caring teacher and through determination and perseverance, she overcame those obstacles and discovered the life-changing impact that educators can have on their students. Those experiences inspired her to become an educator dedicated to ensuring that every child feels welcomed, supported, and capable of achieving success.

After graduating from Highland High School in Albuquerque, Ms. Acabal earned a Bachelor's degree in Bilingual Education and a Master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico. She later completed the Alliance for Leading and Learning program, where she earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) certificate in Educational Leadership.

Ms. Acabal began her career as a bilingual elementary teacher before serving as a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Throughout her career, she has worked in high-needs schools, supporting students and families from diverse backgrounds. She believes every student can learn, grow, and succeed when provided with high expectations, meaningful relationships, and the support they need to reach their full potential.

As Principal of Valencia Middle School, Ms. Acabal is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where students are challenged academically, supported socially and emotionally, and encouraged to become responsible, respectful, and resilient leaders. She values strong partnerships with families and believes that the greatest success occurs when schools, parents, and the community work together to support students.

Outside of school, Ms. Acabal enjoys spending time with her family, playing soccer, dancing, and supporting student activities. Throughout her career, she has coached youth soccer, organized after-school dance programs, and planned family engagement events that strengthen connections between schools and their communities.

Ms. Acabal is proud to be a Jaguar and looks forward to partnering with students, families, staff, and the community to make Valencia Middle School a place where every student is known, valued, and inspired to succeed.

Nichole Villella - Assistant Principal

Mrs. Nichole Villella brings over two decades of experience with Los Lunas Schools and a profound commitment to education. As a devoted wife and mother of four, she understands the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.

With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education, coupled with a Master's degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mrs. Villella possesses a comprehensive understanding of diverse learning needs. Her journey in education began at age 19 as a special education assistant at Desert View Intermediate. Here she honed her skills working with 4th through 6th graders, while pursuing her Bachelor's degree.

Upon earning her Bachelor's degree, Mrs. Villella transitioned into teaching roles, specializing in kindergarten through 4th-grade special education classes. Her unwavering dedication to student success and her background in special education paved the way or her to assume the role of Inclusion Support Coach, a position she has held with distinction for the past eight years.

Mrs. Villella's expertise in both special education and coaching enhances her passionate commitment to supporting the diverse needs of all learners. With enthusiasm and dedication, she eagerly anticipates her new role as the Assistant Principal at Valencia Middle School, where she will continue her mission of empowering students and collaborating with staff to achieve excellence for all Jaguars.