BY MARGIE SERRATO
Candidate District 1
Los Alamos School Board

My name is Margie Serrato. Los Alamos County has been home for my family since March 2024. Like many of you, we moved here to pursue career opportunities at LANL, where my husband is employed. We have two children, both of whom attend Piñon Elementary; our eldest is in 6th grade and our youngest is in 3rd grade. 

Our kids’ education is of great importance to me. I say this as a first generation American and first generation college student, who had the opportunities and resources available to advance and excel in education despite an underprivileged background. I also say this from the perspective of a university faculty member and a former homeschooler, understanding that supporting teachers and staff is imperative in providing the educational foundation that our kids need. When I say that “our kids’ education is of great importance to me”, I am not limiting myself to my own children–I mean yours, too. I want our children to thrive, not only as students, but as whole human beings. 

I have met many of you at school functions, soccer games, community events, council meetings, and through local groups. With every conversation, I have the privilege of learning more about the history and culture of Los Alamos and the lives of the people who share this unique landscape with me. There are many more of you whom I have yet to meet and learn through, and I look forward to the continued opportunities to do so.

For over 25 years, my academic background and research experiences focused on human complexity, social justice, mental health, and ethics. I earned a BA in psychology with an emphasis on childhood development, and a PhD in anthropology with a focus on gender, sexuality, and culture. My doctoral thesis was on the military experiences of service members in post-9/11 combat context. I taught over 2500 students at the university level in the USA and Australia, and mentored many more. 

My work as a consultant focused on assessing educational programs and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in public schools, institutions of higher learning, and nonprofits. I have been a Certified Professional Coach for 5 years, and I have facilitated workshops focused on self-empowerment, leadership development, college preparation, career transitions, and entrepreneurship. And I am currently training to become a certified Forest Therapy guide, because our natural environment is an invaluable asset for our collective wellbeing. 

I am eager to apply my expertise in support of our schools and community. We can shape the world that our kids will be proud to inherit and care for. It starts with us. 

If you would like to contact me, you can do so at Serrato4LACSB@gmail.com.