In addition to her role at KCLC, Trisha co-created and co-directs the Indigenous Montessori Institute, where she works with adults to train the next generation of educators in Indigenous Montessori pedagogy. Trisha holds a BA from Stanford University, an MA in Bilingual and Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico, and several Montessori teaching credentials. She was also a Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow with the First Nations Development Institute.

Currently working on several writing projects, Trisha’s debut picture book is set to be published by Candlewick Press in 2028. Represented by Lara Perkins at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Trisha weaves her passion for education into her writing, bridging the classroom and the page to celebrate and center Indigenous communities, lifeways, languages, and knowledge systems.

BIOGRAPHY
Trisha Moquino is from the Native Nations of Cochiti, Kewa & Ohkay Owingeh, three of the 19 Indian Pueblos in New Mexico. She is a wife, mama, Indigenous language immersion teacher, author, scholar, and a proud @IndigenousCheerleader! Trisha co-founded the Keres Children’s Learning Center (KCLC) in Cochiti Pueblo, NM, where she serves as a Keres Speaking Montessori Guide for elementary children. Her work at KCLC is not just about teaching; it's about nurturing the connection between her students, families, community and culture through the Keres language.

“I love working at KCLC because children have the opportunity to realize their whole salves inclusive of language and culture. It makes me so happy to hear our emerging bilinguals (Keres/English) and to be a witness to their joyfulness. So much hope.”