Frances is the proud parent of five grown children, two graduates from New Mexico State University, one a US Navy veteran, one employed by Sandia Labs and one employed by the State of New Mexico.

She is also very proud of her six grandchildren. The oldest, Andrea Montoya, graduated from Los Lunas High School in the Spring of 2001. Andrea has plans to attend the University of New Mexico in the fall of 2001. Kody Grant will be a freshman in high school, Shawnee, Dakota Arciniega; Alicia and Emilio Cherino are all in elementary school.

Frances has been a teacher and presently is the Director of Education for the Pueblo of San Felipe. She work with students who attend Bernalillo Public Schools and with students in pursuit of the GED, University/College degree. Advocacy on behalf of Native American students has sent her to meetings across the country including meetings with State Legislators and Congressional Representatives.

She says "My work is very challenging and gratifying and my hope is that I have contributed to the education of Native American students".

Frances can be contacted on the Internet at echerino@unm.edu.