We are the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition
Chair, Kristina “Kristy” Flores
Kristy serves as Chair of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition and centers her work around a One Health approach that recognizes the relationship between people, animals, and the environment. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion with a minor in Community Health, and her background spans public health, environmental health, animal welfare, and community engagement.
Kristy is passionate about bringing people and fields together to build stronger, more unified communities. She cares deeply about helping people see how their health, their environment, and their everyday choices are all connected, and works to translate that into meaningful partnerships, engaging educational spaces, and opportunities that inspire collaboration and collective action for the desert we call home.
At the heart of her work is a commitment to collaboration and creating a lasting impact.
Vice Chair, Victoria Claudia Cervantes Montes
Victoria was born in Ciudad Juarez and has been passionate about nature since childhood. This passion led her to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in animal science from the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez. Her primary areas of interest are the study of lagomorphs and ecology.
Victoria has actively participated in environmental education programs for children and in wildlife monitoring projects at Ciudad Juarez Central Park. Additionally, she has developed expertise in scientific illustration, hiking, scouting, and dance. She is currently involved in the “Ethnobiological Garden of Chihuahua at Paquimé, Casas Grandes” project, where she serves as both a wildlife researcher and illustrator. Since 2017, she has managed her own camping gear business, “Bravo Camping,” and frequently offers free camping courses to biology students. She is also an educational volunteer at the El Paso Zoo, focusing on the Chihuahuan Desert region.
Treasurer -2, Rick LoBello
In addition to former Board Chair for the Chihuhuan Desert Education Coalition, Rick LoBello also serves as Education Curator and chair of the Zoo Conservation Committe for the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens. As one of the co-founders of CDEC with Diane Perez, Rick’s longtime passion in life has been helping to save endangered species and their related habitats. Read more about Rick at ricklobello.com
Treasurer, Dora Hernandez
A native El Pasoan, Dora Hernandez has held an interest in science and biology since her first biology course. Dora earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science at Washington State University, and eventually accepted a fulltime position as the Parks and Lands Division-Volunteer Program Coordinator for Clark County Public Works. Dora has spearheaded 3 successful restoration and community stewardship programs: VINE (Vancouver Ivy Near Elimination) Squad, VolunTOUR and the Summer Riverside Cleanup Series. She is passionate about environmental issues, helping others connect with nature, and building relationships.
Director Brittany Knight
Brittany was born in a small, rural town in northern Arkansas and was raised to appreciate the wonder and the beauty provided by the Ozark Mountains. While in primary school, her mother joined the United States Army and Brittany then travelled the world with her parents learning about and emerging herself in varying cultures and communities across the globe. After spending many of her formative years in Europe, her military-connected family was then stationed at Fort Bliss, where Brittany finally settled down as she made the El Paso borderland her permanent home.
Secretary, Edward Williamson
Edward Williamson is an Associate Professor of Education and Child Development at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri and has been an educator for nearly 35 years. He has taught at all levels of education from kindergarten through post-graduate programs. In addition, he is a grandfather who wants to preserve the beauties of the world for his four grandchildren to enjoy. He has been a volunteer for the National Park Service for more than 25 years and regularly speaks to schoolchildren about George W. Carver. As a teacher educator, he emphasizes
Place-Based Education and the incorporation of American literature into all areas, especially science. He is happiest when out on a hike and is a long-distance fan of deserts. He presented at the 3 rd El Paso Chihuahuan Desert conference in 2023.
Director, Diana Moy
Diana was born and raised in our border region, she has always been interested in nature and the outdoors and obtained a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a concentration in Biology from the University of Texas at El Paso. Diana has worked in both private and government agencies in fields related to conservation; for the last ten years she has worked as Park Interpreter.
Karen Márquez – Director
Karen was born in Chihuahua City, Mexico. She obtained her bachelor’s degree as a veterinarian and a master´s degree in Animal Science from the UACJ on Ciudad Juarez. She also holds a diploma in zoo animal medicine. She has worked with kangaroo rats and zoonotic diseases in areas of the Chihuahuan desert. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, photography and cinematography. As an advocate for “One Health”, she believes that wildlife conservation is a key point in the health of humans, animals and the environment.
Alberto Garcia Alvarez – Director
Alberto was born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in animal science from the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez. His professional experience includes research on habitat use and ecological niche modeling of mule deer in the Chihuahuan Desert. As an educator in Ciudad Juárez, he is dedicated to raising awareness among his students about the significance of conserving natural areas and resources. Outside of his professional activities, he enjoys attending baseball games, cooking, engaging in outdoor pursuits, and watching films.
Dr. Mark Lenox, DVM
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Dr. Lenox attended Texas A&M University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science and later his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1985.
Dr. Lenox practiced small animal medicine in El Paso for 38 years, providing compassionate care to generations of families and their pets. His work focused primarily on dogs and cats, but his expertise extended to exotics — including small mammals, reptiles, turtles and tortoises, and select bird species. Throughout his career, he developed particular strengths in surgery and internal medicine.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Mark leads an active and well-rounded life. He enjoys hiking, biking, swimming (including eight years of triathlon participation), golf, pickleball, trail running, and snow skiing. He also has a deep appreciation for the visual and performing arts, community service, travel — especially international travel — and is an avid art glass collector.
His lifelong commitment to animal health, outdoor exploration, and community engagement brings a valuable and experienced perspective to our mission.
Jose Jonathan “JJ” Jimenez
JJ currently serves with the City of El Paso’s Food Inspection Program, where he plays an important role in protecting public health in our community.
Beyond his professional work, JJ has a deep love for nature and a strong admiration for those who care for and preserve it. Whether he’s hiking, fishing, mountain biking, or camping, if it’s outdoors, you can count him in.
JJ is passionate about lending a hand in our shared mission to educate and inspire others about the importance of preserving and protecting the Chihuahuan Desert. He is eager to continue learning about our unique arid environment and to help share the beauty and value of our local desert landscapes with the community.
Geronimo Cuauhtlatoatzin
Gerónimo was born and raised in the El Paso del Norte region. When growing up, he had many experiences with nature by visiting local state and federal parks. He became more interested in History and Culture and would frequently visit the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. As he got older, cooking became one of his passions, and he learned to cook traditional and contemporary Mexican & Native American dishes. In his late 20s, he embraced his family’s tradition of becoming a farmer and worked and volunteered on numerous environmental projects. At the same time, he became a Matlachin, then a Danzante for Danza Azteca. He is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education to become a school teacher. Geronimo is the founder and director of Las Milpitas del Norte. This farming organization focuses on creating food forests using the Milpa system, which incorporates edible Chihuahuan desert plants to create organic, sustainable farms or gardens that respect the surrounding environment. The organization teaches how to cook with the foods they grow, along with the history and culture behind them.