About Melani

Melani Buchanan Farmer is a former public school educator, university professor, nonprofit founder, and small business owner who knows how to bring people together and get results. She has spent her career building partnerships that break down barriers and empower people — whether in classrooms, businesses, or neighborhoods.

An entrepreneur at heart, Melani launched and grew a successful local fitness business focused on wellness and community-building. She understands the challenges small businesses face and the vital role they play in keeping neighborhoods and our city strong and vibrant.

Melani has worked alongside veterans' groups, city boards, and youth wellness initiatives to expand access to services and strengthen community ties. With experience managing programs, leading coalitions, and driving systems change, she’s ready to deliver real solutions for Albuquerque.

A proud Albuquerque native, Melani comes from a family of public servants. Her father and husband are both military veterans, and her mother spent her career as an APS school teacher. Melani raised her family here, and her son — a recent UNM graduate — now works in finance.

Melani holds a doctorate in Transformative Studies with a focus on systems change and youth wellness.

Education

  • California Institute of Integral Studies, PhD, Transformative Studies, with a focus on systems change and youth wellness in school, 2016

  • NM Highlands University, Certificate, Educational Leadership Licensure, 2023

  • University of New Mexico, Masters of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction, 1999

  • University of New Mexico, Bachelors of Science (BS), Elementary Education, 1998

  • La Cueva High School, 1993

Experience

  • BFit505 Burque CrossFit, Founder and Owner, 2021-Present

  • Running505, Founder & Director, 2013-Present

  • Aspen Education Collective, Founder and Director, 2024-Present

  • Albuquerque Public Schools, Administrator, Preschool Special Education, 2023-2024

  • NM Highlands University, School of Education, Assistant Professor, 2016-2023,

  • Albuquerque Public Schools, Wellness Coordinator, 2018-2020; District Support Teacher Language and Cultural Equity, 2011-2016; Classroom Teacher, 1998-2011
    University of New Mexico University Supervisor, Early Childhood Department, 2017

Professional Affiliations & Licenses

  • Member, NM Children's Trust Fund, Next Generation Council.2022 -Present

  • Volunteer Organizer, NM Chapters Phoenix.org Sobriety, Community Wellness Partnerships, Albuquerque Chapter. 2022-Present

  • Member, Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) Leadership Veteran's Wellness Albuquerque Chapter, 2022-2024

  • Member, ABQ Volunteers Advisory Board, City of Albuquerque, 2023-Present

  • Member, City of Albuquerque, Greater Albuquerque Trails Committee, 2020-2023

  • Member, National School Reform Faculty Harmony Project National Association of Bilingual Education, 2003

  • NMPED - Educ. Leadership, Level IIIA Instructional Leader, Bilingual, TESOL, Social Studies, Language Arts

  • CrossFit- Level II Trainer, Kids Trainer Certification