Staff

Amber Quintana, Program Coordinator/Instructor

Amber studied Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies at NMHU, where they found a passion in advocating for women’s rights, fighting systems of oppression, and developing their personal feminisms. Resolve is a perfect match for Amber because they believe that the best way to foster social change and heal communities of sociocultural and systemic violence is by engaging the youth though explorative dialog and empowering them with tools to create the future they deserve.

Scott Harrison, Program Coordinator/Instructor

Scott started as a suited instructor with Resolve in 2006.  His first exposure to IMPACT/Resolve was being invited to his wife’s graduation from the Women’s Basic class in Washington, DC.  He was deeply moved and uplifted by what he witnessed, and the experience inspired him to join Resolve after moving to Santa Fe.  As an instructor and trainer, he is grateful to have the opportunity to merge his love of theater with his dedication to empowering people and making our communities safer places to live.

Dave Baskett, Instructor

Dave has taught martial arts for over five years. Upon witnessing the Resolve method of self-defense, he was intrigued by its approach to violence prevention, particularly its strategies for de-escalation. As an instructor, he is excited to create spaces for people to learn to empower themselves and improve our communities.

Jorge Gonzales, Instructor

Jorge has coordinated and facilitated community health and leadership programs for youth and adults for nearly two decades; he has also conducted health research. Through his wealth of knowledge about work being done in New Mexico, he has connected various groups and organizations to Resolve’s programs.  Jorge enjoys engaging youth on topics of social justice and violence prevention and connecting individuals and organizations with resources to make positive change.

Nicole Swentzell, Instructor

Nicole is from Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico. Nicole’s passion to serve others stems from the values that she was raised with. Her values of community, family, love, support, and cultural pride help her to enrich the lives of people with whom she crosses paths. Nicole has coordinated many programs that empower Native American communities and is excited to bring Resolve programs to communities throughout New Mexico.

Kaytea Hendricks, Instructor

After taking her first Resolve class, she was motivated to become an instructor. While in the Peace Corps in Morocco, Kaytea used her physical skills to avert an assailant from causing her harm. Her experience has only solidified her enthusiasm and commitment to bring Resolve to as many people as possible in New Mexico.

Darya Glass, Instructor

Darya was drawn to work with Resolve because of how deeply practical and immediately life-changing she finds the experiential classes to be. She works extensively with young people and enjoys the preventative nature of that work, as well as helping others change their perspective of interpersonal relationships to include expecting joy, satisfaction, and a better quality of life.

Peter Vance, Instructor

Peter has been working as an independently licensed psychotherapist for over 15 years. Peter has a special interest in trauma rehabilitation, nonviolence and equality. He is excited to be part of an organization that supports  empowerment and healing through active personal development and self-awareness.

Matthew O’Reilly, Instructor

Matt has taught martial arts and martial arts-style women’s self-defense for 20 years. While attending a friend’s Resolve graduation, he was impressed at how effective and quick the Resolve training was.  Because of that graduation, he decided to become an instructor. Matt works for the City of Santa Fe and spent two years as President of the Board of Directors for Warehouse 21, a local art-centered youth center.

Alena Schaim, Executive Director/Instructor

Alena has been working to prevent violence and support survivors for over a decade. Her work centers around helping people shift beliefs that shape norms and speak up for themselves & others. She has supported school districts and school staff in implementing policies that support youth most impacted by bullying and violence. Alena has presented at regional and national conferences on topics including Empowerment Self-Defense, sexual and domestic violence, and preventing violence for specific communities.

Marie Schow, Administrative & Development Coordinator

Marie has been active with violence prevention and women’s empowerment organizations for over a decade as both a community educator and a fundraising & communications professional. Upon graduation, she spent a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, which solidified her commitment to working with nonprofits to help them grow and succeed. She loves Resolve’s holistic approach to violence prevention and is inspired by the stories she hears of people finding their strength. She loves supporting Resolve in doing the vital work of making our communities safer.

All of our instructors have received over a hundred hours of training in how assaults occur, the dynamics involved in the cycle of violence, approaches to teaching and support for survivors of trauma and violence, communication skills, as well as in effective self-defense and violence prevention strategies.