Governance Council Members

Meet the dedicated Governance Council Members at MRG Charter School – a passionate team of community representatives, parents, and professionals committed to fostering educational excellence. Through transparent leadership and active collaboration, the council drives impactful school initiatives, ensures responsible financial oversight, and strengthens community connections.

Voting Members

Lawrence Rael, Council President
Email: councilrael@mrgcharter.org
Lawrence Rael is a native New Mexican and seasoned public servant. Raised in Sile, he graduated from Bernalillo High School and the University of New Mexico. Currently, he serves as Interim Chief Operating Officer for the City of Albuquerque. With a background in regional planning and city administration, Rael was pivotal in projects like the New Mexico Rail Runner, the expansion of the Petroglyph National Monument, and the revitalization of downtown Albuquerque.

Laura Erway, Vice President & Community Member
Email: councilerway@mrgcharter.org
Laura is in her second year on the council, representing the Albuquerque community. She owns LaCumbre Brewing and has children enrolled at Escuela del Sol Montessori.

Ryan Hieronymous, Treasurer & Finance and Audit Committee Member
Email: ryan.hieronymus1@gmail.com
With 11 years of council service, Ryan is a public accountant with expertise in government finance, contributing valuable insight to the Finance and Audit Committee.

Ellen Bayard, Secretary & Finance and Audit Committee Member
Email: councilbayard@mrgcharter.org
A resident since 1978 and a retired member of the New Mexico Bar Association, Ellen has been a council member since 2006. She and her husband have a daughter who attended public schools in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Stephanie Bieniarz, Parent Representative
Email: stephaniealynn@yahoo.com
Stephanie is an active participant in the school community, with three children currently attending the school.

Diana Martinez, Parent Representative & Finance and Audit Committee Member
Email: martinez.dianav@gmail.com
Diana is actively involved in the school community and has two children enrolled at the school.

Kata Sandoval, Community Member
Email: Pending
Born and raised in Albuquerque's South Valley, Kata has served in various roles, including Deputy Secretary at the New Mexico Public Education Department. She is a proud West Mesa High School graduate, with degrees from Stanford University and Harvard University, and a mother of three children attending public schools in New Mexico.

Non-Voting Members

Deborah Henwood, Principal
Email: msdeborah@mrgcharter.org | Phone: 842-5993, ext. 20700
With 24 years of administrative experience, Ms. Deborah leads the school with a focus on supporting its vision and mission.

Chris Parrino, Business & Finance Director
Email: cparrino@mrgcharter.org | Phone: 842-5993, ext. 20702
Chris serves as the Business Manager, overseeing financial operations for the school.

The Governing Council welcomes community involvement and encourages contact with its members for questions or input.