Meet Our Team
Sebastián Ribas-Normand
Director
[email protected]
(915) 212-3271
Sebastián Ribas-Normand holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Spain. After working at the Deià Archaeological Museum and Research Centre, several heritage preservation projects, and research at the 13th century Bellver Castle, Mallorca, Spain, he moved to the United States in 2003, relocating to El Paso in 2006 to work at the El Paso Museum of History (EPMH). While at EPMH, he worked as Operations, Facility Supervisor, and Preparator for 15 years. In 2022 he was appointed as the Museum Director of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology (EPMArch). Since then, he has worked in upgrading exhibits, and new programming, with a focus on the Chihuahuan Desert outdoors, and the Native American communities from our region.
Diane Vera-Ureño
Membership & Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
(915) 212-3273
Diane Vera-Ureño currently serves as the Membership & Outreach Coordinator. She conducts outreach, coordinates public events, as well as the museum’s social media. Prior to joining the EPMArch team, Diane was an art educator in the El Paso community. She earned both her Bachelor and Masters of Arts from the University of Texas at El Paso. In addition, she has recently earned her Masters in Fine Arts from MassArt in Boston, Massachusetts. As an artist, educator and community advocate, Diane strives to reach out to the community in this unique archaeological museum setting at the foot of the Franklin Mountains.
Emma Garcia
Museum Secretary
[email protected]
(915) 212-3274
Emma Garcia was born and grew up in El Paso, Texas. In 2021, she became a Museum Secretary at the Museum. Prior to this role, she worked for 7 years as a Development Assistant at the El Paso Museum of Art, and subsequently moved to El Paso Water Utilities, where she held the position of Senior Office Assistant for 3 years.
Brooke Thorson
Education & Curatorial Associate
[email protected]
(915) 212-3272
Brooke Thorson moved to El Paso in 2024 and currently serves as the Education and Curatorial Associate. A lifelong museum lover, Brooke graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Museum Studies, and continued her education, receiving a Master of Arts in Heritage and Museum Sciences from Texas Tech University in 2023. Brooke is passionate about sharing the stories of the past through artifacts and exhibits and creating safe spaces in museums for learners of all ages through hands-on, place-based educational programming.
Vanessa Ciocco
Visitor & Service Assistant
[email protected]
(915) 212-0421
Vanessa Ciocco is a museum professional and writer with a passion for public engagement, accessibility, and community-centered learning. Her multicultural upbringing has shaped her appreciation for diverse perspectives and informs her approach to museum work. She earned a BA in Art History with a minor in Museum Studies from UTEP. Through her work in museums, she enjoys helping visitors connect with material culture and history while creating genuine and welcoming experiences. Outside the museum field, Vanessa is an avid poet exploring themes of nature's sanctity, memory, longing, and identity connected to place. She plans to pursue graduate studies in creative writing.