Rocio Alfaro Miller

Rocio Alfaro Miller is a passionate advocate, educator, and evaluation specialist with over 15 years of professional experience in higher education, disability services, and health equity. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at New Mexico State University (NMSU), where her dissertation research centers on reducing poverty among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by evaluating a pilot career and life skills program. Her work is grounded in the belief that equitable access to education, employment, and healthcare is essential to improving long-term outcomes for individuals with IDD.

As both a parent of a child with ID and an active member of the disability community, Rocio brings a unique lived perspective that complements her academic and professional background. She serves as a board member for The Arc of New Mexico, a graduate of Partners in Policymaking through the University of New Mexico (UNM), Center for Developmental Disability (CDD), a caregiver and support provider, and a longtime supporter and fundraiser for Special Olympics New Mexico. These experiences have deepened her understanding of the systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities and fueled her commitment to inclusive, data-informed solutions.

Professionally, Rocio spent over a decade as a tenured assistant professor and interim program director of a dental assisting program at Doña Ana Community College (DACC). In this role, she led student evaluation, curriculum development, program accreditation, and faculty performance reviews. She is well-versed in qualitative research, case study methodology, and program evaluation. Her background also includes conducting preventive health screenings, recruiting and advising college students, and providing in-home living support to individuals with ID.

Known for her leadership, compassion, and analytical mindset, Rocio is especially skilled at bridging research and practice to create community-informed strategies that promote equity and reduce health disparities. Her cross-sector experience and strong interpersonal skills allow her to collaborate effectively with educators, healthcare professionals, nonprofits, and families alike.