What I Learned in School with Julianne Puente

Albuquerque Academy

The official podcast of Albuquerque Academy, hosted by Head of School Julianne Puente. 

  1. Co-education with Claudia Mora

    May 7

    Co-education with Claudia Mora

    In this episode of What I Learned in School, Claudia Mora '76 joins Julianne Puente for a conversation about the early days of co-education at Albuquerque Academy. As a member of the first class of girls admitted to the school, Claudia reflects on her Academy experience, her remarkable journey in geoscience and academic leadership, and the lasting impact of curiosity, resilience, and opportunity.  Plus, don’t miss our Teacher Feature with Katie Dolan '94.

    1h 9m

  2. May 4

    History of the Guitar Program at Academy

    In this episode of What I Learned in School, Julianne Puente sits down with John Truitt, an Albuquerque-based composer, flamenco guitarist, and lifelong music educator with more than 50 years of impact. He founded Albuquerque Academy’s nationally recognized guitar program in the 1970s, and joins us to share the history and evolution of the Academy’s guitar program.  Don't miss the teacher feature with music teacher Carrie Hurtado '07!

    58 min

  3. May 4

    Academy Admissions

    In this episode of What I Learned in School, Head of School Julianne Puente sits down with Judy Hudenko, who led the admission department for more than 20 years, to reflect on the evolution of admissions at Academy and the intentional work behind building a thriving school community. Judy shares stories, insight, and the heart behind welcoming generations of families through Academy’s doors. Don’t miss our teacher feature with science teacher and basketball coach Peter Levin ’11!

    54 min
  4. Think Summer

    Jan 29

    Think Summer

    Perfect timing…. 2026 Think Summer registration on February 9, and we talked to Shelly Campbell about the early days of the Academy summer program in our latest episode of What I Learned in School.  With her background in public schools and UNM’s alternative teacher certification program, Shelly built Think Summer into a nationally recognized model that still shapes student experiences today. Plus, don’t miss our teacher feature with photography teacher Alex McLaughlin '19.

    58 min
  5. Academy Traditions

    Jan 20

    Academy Traditions

    In this episode, Head of School Julianne Puente speaks with John Duncan ’62—one of the Academy’s earliest graduates—about the school’s history and enduring traditions. Don’t miss the teacher feature with Karen Glenn ’85.

    1h 1m
  6. Academy's Athletic Legends

    12/04/2025

    Academy's Athletic Legends

    In this episode of What I Learned in School, Head of School Julianne Puente sits down with two legendary icons of the Albuquerque Academy community — coaches Taryn Bachis and Dave Barney.  Together, they reflect on more than 60 years of Academy athletics, sharing stories of teamwork, perseverance, and the evolution of one of the most successful high-school sports programs in the country. From state championships to life lessons learned on and off the field, Taryn and Dave offer wisdom, humor, and memories that have shaped generations of Chargers.   Don’t miss this episode’s Teacher Feature with Christine Lenhart ’94, who shares insights from the classroom and her journey from student to faculty member and administrator.

    48 min
  7. The Origins of Diversity, Culture and Belonging at Albuquerque Academy

    11/11/2025

    The Origins of Diversity, Culture and Belonging at Albuquerque Academy

    In this episode, Julianne Puente explores the beginnings of Albuquerque Academy’s Diversity, Culture and Belonging (DCB) program. Our special guests are Vincent Cordova, a longtime Academy leader whose vision and compassion laid the foundation for this important work, and his daughter Dr. Loretta Cordova de Ortega ’77, whose own journey reflects the lasting impact of her father’s legacy. Together, they share stories of purpose, perseverance, and progress — from the early conversations that sparked change to the continuing efforts to build a more inclusive and connected community. Plus, don’t miss this episode’s Teacher Feature with Peter Gloyd ’98, director of the DCB program, who talks about how today’s students are carrying the spirit of belonging forward in new and meaningful ways.

    1 hr

  8. 10/21/2025

    The Simms Legacy

    Our 70th anniversary season continues with a special episode celebrating the enduring impact of the Simms family on Albuquerque Academy. Join head of school Julianne Puente as she sits down with Francie Lee '88, Academy alum and member of the Simms family, to reflect on the family’s remarkable legacy and the ways it continues to shape our community. Plus, don’t miss our Teacher Feature with David Gray '98, who shares his journey from Academy student to English teacher — and what he’s learned along the way.

    1 hr
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The official podcast of Albuquerque Academy, hosted by Head of School Julianne Puente. 

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