Superintendent
New Mexico School for the Deaf

New Mexico Hub | USA

Jennifer Herbold is honored to serve as the New Mexico School for the Deaf’s (NMSD) first deaf woman and 10th superintendent. In addition to its instructional programs, the NMSD is also a statewide agency that supports deaf and hard of hearing babies and children across the state.

Born and raised in the DC metro area, Jen received her B.A. degrees in English and Secondary Education as well as her Master’s in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University. During her college years and beyond, she worked as an assistant for the President of the International Deaflympics Committee. During her six years with the Deaflympics, she acquired a wealth of experience in collaboration and organization, as well as a love for working with people from a wide variety of communities, cultures, and countries across the globe.

Jen started her first full time career teaching English to middle school students at the New Mexico School for the Deaf. During this time, she attended the University of Arizona where she earned her PhD in Language, Reading and Culture. She became a literacy specialist and eventually transitioned into administrative positions throughout the years.

Jen believes in continuing to grow and evolve as a leader, especially in this increasingly fragmented educational and socio-political world. When she first learned about Compassionate Systems, it struck a chord in her. The various experiences that Jen had throughout her career lead her to feel a deep connection to systems awareness concepts including knowing and understanding our own selves and how we relate to the world and to each other. 

When she isn’t working, she enjoys reading, knitting, woodworking, traveling, and spending time with her husband, three children and training the family Aussie.