New Mexico State University’s College of Health, Education and Social Transformation has selected Abigail N. Wisniewski to serve as director of the School for Young Children and Myrna’s Children’s Village.
“Family-centered, community-oriented early childhood education and care is a cornerstone of HEST's engagement and outreach mission, no better illustrated day in and day out than by the dedicated teachers at the School for Young Children,” said Rick Marlatt, dean of the College of HEST. “Wisniewski is the perfect choice to lead this renowned preschool program. She is energetic, caring, experienced and collaborative. We could not be more excited for her and the program.”
NMSU’s School for Young Children is a laboratory school that serves as a training and research site for field experience for students in the School of Teacher Preparation, Leadership and Administration within the College of HEST, as well as for students in various other disciplines within the university. The SFYC serves children ages 2-5 from student, faculty, staff, and community families located at Mryna’s Children’s Village.
Myrna’s Children’s Village brings several programs together in one shared space to serve children and families in the Las Cruces community, including Doña Ana County Head Start, NMSU School for Young Children, Las Cruces Public Schools and La Clínica de Familia.
“As director, I look forward to continuing to strengthen these partnerships in ways that highlight the unique strengths of each program and deepen our collective impact,” Wisniewski said. “In this role, I am also committed to sustaining the village itself by overseeing the maintenance, safety and functionality of our shared space, and hope to make well-intentioned choices in shared spaces that promote learning alongside one another.”
Wisniewski joined the NMSU School for Young Children in 2016 and served as lead pre-K teacher until 2023. In 2024, she transitioned to an educational lead role within the school’s administrative team, where she mentored teaching staff and oversaw compliance with Pre-K/FOCUS requirements and daily operations. In September 2025, Wisniewski was appointed interim director.
“During her time as interim director, Wisniewski provided steady leadership and thoughtful support to teachers, staff, children, and families. Her dedication to the mission of the Children’s Village and her care for this community have been evident throughout the transition,” said Leanna Lucero, director of the School of TPAL. “I am grateful for the work she has already done and excited for what lies ahead under her leadership.”
Wisniewski earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from NMSU.
Wisniewski is excited for the opportunity to continue making a positive impact on both students' and staff members' learning and growth.
“I am especially looking forward to collaborating with my colleagues, continuing MCV's mission as a collective model for early childhood education in the community, and honoring and empowering children, college students gaining classroom experience, families and teachers alike,” she said. “My hope is that our work continues to grow as a place where collaboration, inquiry, and community come together to support the learning and well-being of everyone involved.”
To learn more about the NMSU School for Young Children, visit https://tpal.nmsu.edu/research-and-outreach/schoolforyoungchildren.html.
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PHOTO CUTLINE: The College of Health, Education and Social Transformation at New Mexico State University has selected Abigail N. Wisniewski to serve as director of the School for Young Children and Myrna’s Children’s Village. (NMSU photo by Mia Tontodonati)
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A woman standing inside of a building.