Southern Ute tribal member, Jessie Olguin-Sanchez, officially stepped into her role as the new principal for the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA) on the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 24. Olguin-Sanchez has many years within the education field, both as a student and teacher – she began her career at the Ignacio School District in the year 2007 and her personal educational journey at Fort Lewis College that same year. This year, Olguin-Sanchez looks forward to connecting with families, SUIMA staff, and community to provide the best possible educational experience for every student.
Jessie Olguin-Sanchez is an enrolled member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and she is the daughter of Carol and Richard Olguin – her paternal grandparents are Juanita and Adolfo Olguin egap and her maternal grandparents are Esther Coyote Baker and Chris Alvin Baker egap – and she is proud to come from a long line of people who have prioritized and encouraged the pursuit of higher education. Olguin-Sanchez is also the mother of four sons along with a stepdaughter and stepson – whom have given her seven grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and caring for her farm animals, but above all else she most enjoys creating long lasting memories with her beloved grandchildren. Olguin-Sanchez has been surrounded by education for many years, with many of her family members pursuing their higher educational journeys, her mother also served as the first principal for the Southern Ute Indian Academy.
According to an official statement shared by Southern Ute Education, Assistant Director, Michael Kirsch Ed.S. – in the year 2007, Olguin-Sanchez began her educational journey at Fort Lewis College earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. That same year, she also began her career at the Ignacio School District – over the years she served as a first grade and second grade teacher also as the special education teacher for the elementary and high school. In 2024, she earned her master’s degree in Special Education from Adams State University, further strengthening her commitment to serving students with diverse learning needs. In August of 2021, she joined the SUIMA as the Special Education Coordinator where she worked closely with families and staff to ensure students received the support and opportunities needed to succeed.
“I am honored and excited to step into the role of Principal at the Southern Ute Indian Academy, I firmly believe that education extends far beyond the classroom walls. Research consistently demonstrates that students thrive academically when they experience positive parenting practices that include accountability, structure, and consistent expectations,” Olguin-Sanchez said. “As an educator, I value these home supports because they strengthen students’ executive functioning skills, emotional regulation, resilience, and engagement in learning.”
“As we begin this new school year, our school community will be experiencing positive changes within classrooms and throughout the campus – these changes are designed to support academic growth, increase student engagement, and create an environment where all students fell challenged, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential,” Olguin-Sanchez said. “I look forward to partnering with our families, staff, and community as we work together to provide the best possible educational experience for every student.”
“I would like to give thanks to my family who are the most amazing people; especially my mom who was always supportive of us while myself and my sister were pursuing our master’s degrees, my grandparents who supported and pushed our family to obtain our education. I would also like to mention my good friend Deb Otten who was always there and reminding me that we will make it through,” Olguin-Sanchez said. “Also – I call him the man in the back – my wonderful husband, he puts up with my weird little farm and I am so grateful for him.”
“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your principal, I am excited for the year ahead and I look forward to building strong relationships with our students, families, staff, and community.”