SVP’s Governing Council
Brittney Barreras
Chair/Audit & Finance Committees
I am a firm believer that we are all products of our community. I am proud of my roots here in Albuquerque’s South Valley. My mom has always been my hero. She taught me so much growing up, I can still hear her voice telling me “never forget where you came from, when you do good, give that back to the community who raised you up.” My life’s mission is to inspire the people around me through positivity.
I have had a really cool life so far and it just keeps getting better. I have a daughter named Isla who brings me joy everyday. I didn’t ever think I’d become a mom, it is the biggest job I will ever have and also the most rewarding. I hope to pass to her the love and compassion I have for others and also give her the freedom to be happy, whoever that may be.
In 2020, I was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives. I learned so much about local politics and really fell in love with civic service. Although my days as an elected official are behind me, I still stay up to date with the latest political news and my goal is to let as many people as possible know how important their voice is. One vote may not make an impression but together we are a force and we must fight for what is right.
I will continue to do my best in my community and bring attention to inequities we face everyday.
Bernadette Frietze
General Member
Bernadette Frietze returns to the South Valley Prep Governing Council after previously serving for over a decade from 2012 to 2023. Bernadette is currently the assistant principal at Albuquerque Charter Academy an APS authorized charter school that serves re-engagement students ages 16-21. Bernadette holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Multicultural Special Education. She also has endorsements/licenses in TESOL, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, and Administration. Bernadette rejoined the Governing Council in January 2025, bringing her wealth of knowledge and dedication to our small educational community.
Jessica Montoya
General Member
Charlotte Alderete
General Member/Finance Committee
Charlotte Alderete is an educator with extensive background in teaching and school leadership. She served as the founding head administrator of South Valley Prep from 2009 to 2022 before retiring. After her retirement, Charlotte returned to education, now working as the High School/TOPS Coordinator at Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA), where she assists students with disabilities in their transition to adulthood. Charlotte holds a BA in Elementary Education from New Mexico State University and an MA from the University of New Mexico. South Valley Prep is excited to welcome her to the Governing Council, where her extensive experience will be invaluable. Charlotte has been on the Governing Council since January 2025.
Melissa Toledo-Ontiveros
General Member
Melissa Toledo-Ontiveros is the Program Director of the Thriving Families Program at the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico, the largest nonprofit agency in the state. Melissa received a dual BA in Political Science and Sociology from UNM and an MA in Family Therapy from the University of Pennsylvania. Melissa has had various roles in her career including such as case manager, school counselor, mental & behavioral therapist, multi-systemic and problem sexual therapist, developmental specialist, and Registered Behavioral Technician. Melissa also ran for NM Senate Seat 31 in Southern New Mexico in 2020 against long-time State Representative and current State Senator (since 2013), Joseph Cervantes, who ended up winning in the end. It was an incredible experience regardless of the outcome. Melissa's roots are in Albuquerque, including the South Valley and the East San Jose Neighborhood where her grandfather once owned a home. Melissa has been on the Governing Council since June 2024.
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