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OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF VALENCIA COUNTY
Kimberly Chavez-Burkhard
Kimberly Chavez-Burkhard is an adaptive physical education teacher at Valencia High School. She is also the VHS girls head soccer coach and the Los Lunas/Valencia High School swim team assistant coach.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a minor in special education; a Master’s of Arts in language and literacy and social studies
Her family includes her husband, Christopher Burkhard; son, Andres; and daughters, AvaMarie and Alexandra Burkhard.
How do you achieve work-life balance?
“When I started my student teaching with Dave Hinman, he told me always make your health a priority, make sure to put your workouts in your schedule. So, I also make sure I prioritize my family and health first.”
What advice do you have for aspiring women looking to advance their careers?
“It’s important to have a goal, but it’s also OK to add to it or take a detour, because it might lead you to a better goal.”
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader?
“I’ve always been inspired by my parents, Mildred and Ambrose Chavez. They are the most hard-working and self-motivated people I know. If I can strive to become half the person they are, I’m doing OK.”
What is one of your accomplishments that you are most proud of?
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My co-worker, Karen Hughes, and I came up the idea of a Spring Rodeo for special education students, featuring a donkey, horse and goats. The idea was to have them participate in modified rodeo events and a special day for all the kids we work with. Also, having the privilege of coaching my own kids and watching them grow in their sports.”
What is the biggest challenge and most rewarding aspect of your profession?
“The biggest challenge is being in two places at once. I try to be at each of my students PE time but I usually have at least four kids at the same time. (The) biggest reward is when one of your students meets a goal and are able to accomplish a skill on their own.”
Do you enjoy your job as much today as when you started?
“When I started, I was able to see my students extra time then what was on the IEP (Individualized Education Program). Now, with more students, I only get to see them for one PE time. I truly enjoy my job I just wish I could spend more time with each of my students.”
