Sundance Elementary
Administration
Jennifer Gaerlan, Principal
I was raised in Los Lunas where I attended Los Lunas Schools and graduated from Los Lunas High School. I am a proud member of Valencia County and have always wanted to be an educator.
I began my educational career in 1998 as a Special Educational Assistant at Bosque Farms Elementary, while finishing up my degree. I attended University of New Mexico where I received a BA in Elementary Education. From 2000-2010 I worked at Los Lunas Elementary as a 2nd grade TESOL teacher. During this time I received my Masters from University of New Mexico in Language Literacy and Sociocultural Studies. From 2010-2017 I moved to Raymond Gabaldon Elementary where I served as the Academic Coach. Moving on in my career I began my journey in administration. I was the Assistant Principal at Valencia Middle School from 2017-2020 and moved to be the Assistant Principal at Los Lunas High School from 2020-2024. Now can proudly say that I am staring my 26th year in Education, I am the Principal of Sundance Elementary.
Family is very important to me. I have been married to my husband, Art, for 25 years and we have 3 children , a son-in-law, and 2 wonderful grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Some hobbies include sporting events and traveling.
I believe that we all play an important part in a student’s education and working all together, we can succeed!
Melissa Lowther, Assistant Principal
I was born in Tennessee and transplanted to Albuquerque where I attended Albuquerque Public Schools and graduated from El Dorado High School. I received my college education at UNM and ENMU and am a proud Alpha Chi Omega alum and loyal Lobo fan.
I began my career in education on September 11, 2001, as an Educational Assistant in APS and worked my way into the classroom in 2006, after earning my master’s degree in Curricular and Instructional Leadership. I taught both second and fifth grades at two different APS elementary schools before following my dream into administration. That dream brought me to Los Lunas Schools, first as an Academic Coach at Valencia Elementary and then to Sundance Elementary as the Assistant Principal in January of 2023.
I live in Albuquerque with my family; my husband of 34 years, Dan and our two married children. I am a very blessed “Nene” to my two grandchildren. When I’m not at school, I love spending time with my family , traveling, watching sports and being active.
I’m dedicated to fostering success for both students and staff. I have a challenging yet rewarding job…and I get to be with children all day!”