Kandi Branch

Kandi was born and raised in Artesia.  She knew from an early age that she wanted to teach and work with children.  She graduated from Artesia High School and attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales where she received degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education with Minors in Music Education and Language Arts/English.

Kandi recently retired from Artesia Public Schools where she taught fifth grade, kindergarten, and most recently, first grade at Yeso Elementary.  She’s an accomplished musician and has taught private piano and flute for many years.  She has also served as a piano accompanist for junior high and high school students during Band Solo and Ensemble competitions.  She is very active in her church where she’s a member of the worship team, playing piano and keyboard.   

Kandi, her husband Tate, have three children.  Houston is a senior at Texas Tech University majoring in Agriculture Business.   Kassidy is a sophomore at Lubbock Christian University majoring in Early Childhood Education.  Marleigh is a senior at Frenship High School and stays busy with school, church, and community activities.