People 2023
"It is people standing next to people that make a difference"

Administrative Staff: (Staff Biographies following Therapists')

THERAPISTS - BIOGRAPHIES and SPECIALTIES

All Therapists are Masters or PhD level in education, with State and National licensure and certification. In addition, the Family Workshop does a credentialing verification on all Therapists. The letters following the names refer to the type of licensure, however, all are certified to do therapy or counseling. Counseling and therapy are virtually the same thing. We are careful to solicit, evaluate and hire the very best Counselors in the area. These people have huge resumes, significant expertise and are well versed in a variety of modalities - they are gifted, creative and, most of all, very good at engaging clients

Kevin Baker, LMHC- University of New Mexico and Webster University. Kevin has previously worked in hospital settings including Vista Sandia and Heights Psychiatric. Kevin was an Air Force brat growing up and has developed a fascination with the Native American Culture, so when he is not in the office you may find him visiting the different pueblos around New Mexico. He is great with kids, single parents, and veterans. Kevin is an alternative preacher (we have three within the agency) and he is our official "welcome wagon" person here for new people. Thank you, Kevin.

Rolando J. Benavidez, LMHC- R.J. has a BA in Sociology (UNM) M.A. in Guidance and Counseling, as well as in Business Administration from New Mexico Highland's University. R.J. did some work for the Geriatric Partial Hospitalization program developing and implementing the psychiatric admission process for Lovelace Health Systems. He has also worked for Central Desert Behavioral Health. R.J. enjoys making his famous salsa and being at home with his wife of 20 years, two awesome kids, and the new little one yet to arrive.

Judy Branham, LPC-Portland State University and Southwest. In another life, Judy was an actress in Oregon, traveled internationally extensively as well as doing some work with the Mayor of Portland. Previously, she worked at Haven Behavioral, Lovelace, Crossroads Hospice and Transitional Living Services, but she likes us best! Judy is great with a variety of clients, certainly grief, a true "generalist."

Jessica Brooks, LMHC - BA in Communications and Journalism from UNM and counseling degrees from NM Highlands, school counseling and clinical counseling. She also does Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused brief therapy, Crisis Intervention/DSMART and is certified as a Nurtured Heart Trainer, that’s a lot!

Monica Buddrius, LMHC - BA and Masters from UNM, Monica has certification in school counseling and licensure in out patient counseling. She has worked, and still works, at various APS schools, now at Manzano Mesa Elementary.

Tamba Calfee, LMHC- M.A. from Grand Canyon University, B.A. in Criminal Justice from Radford University (Virginia). Tamba has also worked at Molina Healthcare, Turquoise Lodge, the Southwest Family Guidance Institute, and Haven House. Outside of Tamba's passion for helping those around her she also has a huge soft spot for dogs.

Jennifer Chavez, LPCC- Jennifer has an M.A. in Counseling and School Counseling from New Mexico Highland's University, as well as a B.A. in University Studies and English, also from Highlands. Her own family has been her focus and continues to be paramount in her life. She has been a tutor, a special education teacher, school counselor, and she is a pro at child development and families. In her free time?... her head down in a book, off on a hiking trail, or traveling and exploring a new place.

Ed Church, LPCC- Whittier College and Heidelberg College, Webster University. U of Missouri and UNM, AND has a master's degree in Divinity. For 38 years, Ed was Pastor for the United Church of Christ at various parishes and University settings. Ed works from an integrated health services model and has experience in substance abuse treatment and co-occuring disorders. He has previously worked at New Day, Carlsbad Counseling, and Valencia Counseling Services. His name is Church, and he is a pastor? Yep.

Jennifer Crispo, LMFT - Maui Community College, University of Nebraska and Kent State University. Jennifer worked here 10 years ago, went to Florida got a sun tan and a son (her favorite thing) and has rejoined us! Totally welcome back. Jennifer has worked as a teacher, clinician, case worker and is a marriage and family pro, also works with adolescents.

Stacy Echevarria, LPCC- M.A. Chapman University and a B.A. in Spanish Language and Latin-American Literature, University of Maryland. Stacy has done mental health counseling on various military/air force bases, mostly with families. She also works as an integrative nutrition health coach, and a Realtor outside of counseling. When Stacy is out of the office you may find her at setting up an open house.

Bonifacio Gutierrez, LMSW- Bonifacio has an MSW in Government and Non-profit Management from New Mexico Highland's University, as well as a B.A. in Spanish and Psychology from the University of New Mexico. Bonifacio worked at the Santa Fe Mountain Center, All Faiths and the 100 mile pilgrimage for vocations for the Santa Fe Archdiocese. He was also a graduate assistant at Highlands and has been a health policy analyst for our congressional delegation. Bonifacio is a bilingual therapist.

Noora Jonaidi, LMHC - George Mason University and Marymount University, Noora is also a school counselor at Ernest Stapleton Elementary School in Rio Rancho. She has also worked at Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, as a testing proctor in Arlington Virginia and with senior citizens in a rehabilitation setting. She is certified as a crisis de-escalation facilitator and is somewhat versed in Arabic, speaking and writing.

Theresa Jones, LMHC- M.A. Southwestern College and a B.S., Texas A&M University. Theresa specializes in Cognitive behavioral therapy, substance abuse prevention and domestic Violence prevention. She is our “go to” Therapist on many cases, a real pro. She has also worked as a therapist at Acadia Healthcare and a Life Skills Instructor for disabled clients. Outside of working you may find Theresa horseback riding, finding the next best herbs, or maybe even at an art exhibit…herbs?

Arianna Martinez, LMSW - Adams State and New Mexico Highlands University, Arrianna recently worked at Central Desert Behavioral Health as kinda a combination Therapist and Nurse “on the floor” with both geriatric and younger patients, mostly behavioral health issues…good for her! She has also worked as the Lead Substance Abuse Tech at Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Care Campus and at The Community Lighthouse…wow, that’s a lot.

Roberto Martinez, LMHC- Roberto has an M.A. in Guidance Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling, as well as B.A. in Human Services and Social Sciences. While Roberto has found his career in Counseling, he has always had a passion for helping others and dedicated years of his life serving our country during his time in the United States Navy.

Connie McNeil, Ph.D.- Connie has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She has specialized in neurological assessments and psychotherapy for adults and geriatrics with psychical trauma. Connie does all of our upper-level psych evaluations. Here's a Connie adventure…one time she was able to carry the Olympic Torch when it travelled across Texas to Arkansas. When she is not carrying the Olympic Torch, you can find her watching the latest movie, reading, or even working out in virtual reality.

Linda Menzel, PhD, LPCC - South Dakota State University and UNM times two, Dr. Linda was a teacher in Australia for four years and at U. of Phoenix, UNM and Western NM University. She has been a mental health counselor at Rio Rancho Public Schools, New Day, La Buena Vida, Zuni H.S> and New Futures School…huge and significant resume and she has had training in Ethics and Clinical Supervision, Stress Management and Strengthening Families…GET HER.

Rod Mercure, LMHC- M.A., New Mexico Highlands University, B.A. University of New Mexico. Rod also works for Sandoval County - counseling for domestic violence cases. He is a coach for youth football teams and holds a position on the Board of Directors of First Choice Community Healthcare.

Pam Meyer, LPC - BA and MA from the University of Central Oklahoma, Mental Health Counseling, and certified as a message therapist/Instructor. She is skilled in play therapy and is presently, also, a school counselor at Painted Sky Elementary School. Pam is also a significant entrepreneur as the inventor and practitioner of “Feeling Friends,” and those are soft fuzzy and scented balls/people that are used in therapy….look ‘em up, very cool, buy one. feelingfriend.com.

Natalie Naranjo-Rodriguez, LPCC- Natalie has an M.A. in Counseling from Webster University, as well as a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of New Mexico. Natalie spent most of her career with CYFD, 20+ years. She has also been a probation officer, and a school and outpatient counselor Outside of the office … spending time with her children and her puppy. Natalie is a prolific Counselor, created a room in her house for tele-health and has certainly responded during the pandemic…thank you Natalie.

Lawanna Newman LCSW- Lawanna has an MSW from New Mexico State University, as well as a BSW from the University of Missouri. Lawanna has done inpatient hospital treatment to outpatient therapy and that transition. She worked for 10 years in Alaska working with three different populations of Eskimos. She did take an artic survival class and spend the night in a snow cave…whoooaaa.

Paulette Pollem, LMHC- M.A. Webster University, B.S. from Hahnemann University (Philadelphia). Paulette spent 16 years working as a Physician's Assistant for the UNM Medical Clinic. At that position, she did research and trials for the clinic, as well as presentations. She was also a PA for Healthcare for the Homeless and has also done some clinical trial work. When outside of the office Paulette loves getting outdoors, seeing museums, and getting together with her friends.

Jonathan Reade, LMSW- MSW from Silver School of Social Work (NYC), an M.A. in Applied Clinical Psychology from Columbia University, and a B.A. in English from Franklin and Marshall College. Jon worked as the assistant and associate Director for the AIDS Service Center of New York City for 10 years, and also in New York did drug and alcohol assessments for Project ACE. Jon relocated to New Mexico to help care for his parents…we are glad he is here. He now, specializes in working with children ages 12 and older. When Jon was just a kid himself, he was a child model from about the age of 4-8…pictures?

Katie Royer, LPCC- Katie has an MA in both Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of New Mexico, and a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. She has been in the counseling field for many years in a wide variety of positions from counseling children within the school environment to recovery centers and is now one of our supervising therapists. Katie previously worked with APS, Turning Point Recovery, and Red Mountain Family Services. In her free time Katie is an avid reader and loves spending time with her family.

Ginny Sanchez, LMHC- Ginny has an MA in Counseling from Webster University, as well as a BA in English and Combined Studies from De Montfort University in the UK. Ginny has worked for APS through Arbor Counseling to help a wide range of clients and needs. Through her time in the field and the recent pandemic Ginny has found a passion for treating suicidal adolescents. Ginny is originally from England (loves to still visit her hometown) and has been in the U.S. for 28 years. In her free time, she loves getting outdoors, writing poetry, and her puppy Primrose. Ginny is our counseling coach.

Katherine Roe Sainz LMHC- Katherine has two master's degrees one for Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University and the other in General Psychology from Walden University. Katherine has worked in various areas of counseling including school guidance counselor, education and intervention services to behavior consultant, and individual therapy. A number of times, she sat with WILLIE NELSON in her kitchen, while her mother sewed his shirts…..whaaaaat?

Dena Laino, LMHC- Dena has an M.A. in Clinical Counseling from New Mexico Highland's University and a B.A. in Psychology from American Public University. Dena did an internship with Rio Rancho Public Schools and has collaborated with CYFD and foster parents to help children within the foster care system. Dena was born and raised in New York and when she is not at work you can almost guarantee she is doing something with baseball! She has twin boys and an older son who are all involved in sports and Dena couldn't be happier being a sports mom.

Leslie Ulibarri, LPC- Leslie has an MA in Counseling from Webster University, as well as a BA in Criminology and Social Welfare from the University of New Mexico. Leslie has an extensive history working with mental health within the justice system spending some years working as a probation officer and then moving on to become a probation counselor for the New Mexico District Attorney. In her free time, you can find her out on a lake catching fish or even on the dance floor showing off her ballroom dancing skills. She is the co-caretaker for the therapy dog at the DA's office.

Briana Van Schuyver, LMSW- Bri has an M.A. in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University, as well as a dual B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy. Bri is relatively new to counseling but has been an office manager here since 2018. She also did an internship with the Office of Medical Investigators grief department for about a year. Outside of her life as a counselor Bri used to be a professional dancer in New York, so you may still catch her dancing around from time to time…yes, she does dance therapy!

Sandra Silverman, LPCC - BA and MA in Psychology and Counseling from Cleveland State University, Sandy is an independent licensed mental health counselor, she left here some years ago and came back – very glad to have her back. She has also been a health education teacher at Albuquerque Academy, worked at LifeRoots in Albuquerque, various clinics in Ohio and is a certified facilitator for “becoming a Love and Logic Parent.”

Lucille A. Vega, LPC- Lucille has an MA in Counseling and Guidance from New Mexico Highlands University, as well as a DPCC from Anderson Theological Seminary. Lucille has a long history working with domestic violence at both the Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families and Mano De Ayuda Counseling. She is also one of our bilingual therapists. Before Lucille found her passion for counseling, she used to get "Goofy" during her eight years spent working at Walt Disney World.

Heidi Wolne, LPC, LPAT - BA from Colorado State University and her MA in Art Education and Art Therapy from UNM. She is also a school counselor at Roosevelt Middle School (ASCA Model) and was recognized as APS SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR last year!!! Heidi has also done art therapy at La Buena Vida, Desert Hills, Memorial Hospital and All Faiths. Lots of energy and infectious!!! She does partnership dancing, outdoors and loves her dogs…of course she does, great to have her here.

Melissa Wood, LMHC- Southwest College and the University of New Mexico. Melissa is great with kids, adults, couples and families. She can offer a Christian based therapy, and does art, dance, and somatic counseling…wow, that's a lot! She is a mother of four and a husband and animals and 20 acres on the East Side of the mountains in Cedar Crest. She also is a school counselor with APS and did a "stint" with a very unique population at a residential treatment center. Melissa is "outdoorsy" and we are grateful that she makes the trek to the Family Workshop on a regular basis.

STAFF BIOGRAPHIES

Jeff Burrows (Owner/Director)- MA,Ed,Soc. Springfield College, Harvard University, UNM and Texas A&M. Jeff was most recently the Director of Social Services at the Pueblo of Laguna, the former Executive Director of Valencia Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, the former Executive Director and co-founder of New Day Shelters and an original member of the Watermelon Mountain Jug Band, "always a standing ovation." He is an avid, unfortunately not frequent, golfer. Jeff was the recipient of the 1987 United Nations Humanitarian Award.

Chris Dickmeyer (Bookkeeper)- Chris is a contract bookkeeper for us. She has a master's from UNM and was a hockey mom for ten years. She has worked at Summit Food Services, the Federal Housing Administration, as a mortgage loan underwriter, Albuquerque International Association and as an historical consultant and research specialist. She is a major hiker, and keeps us honest ."Jersey Girl."

Tina Fajardo (Medical Biller)- Tina has an A.A. in social work from Central New Mexico Community College, Billing and Coding from Carrington College. Tina is a "jack of all trades" and has done it all from working in a lumberyard, cosmetologist, to a burn unit and pain and spine clinics within one of our local hospitals. Tina has a passion for learning, so when she doesn't have her head down in her office or spending time with family. You will certainly find her with a book in hand off learning the next new thing. She is our billing manager, extraordinaire, and gets all of us paid.

Marnie Gregg (Senior Office Manager)- Marnie is originally from California, worked also as a bartender for PF Chang, booth manager for Safeway, and has been a "Burquena" for six years now. She has Just celebrated her sixth year anniversary with the Family Workshop. Marnie has been married to her best friend for almost 17 years now, and together are raising their fur baby (Peanut) and taking care of Marnie's mom after the recent passing of her "Pop. Marnie likes to relax by going to concerts of 80's hair bands and hiking & camping in the Jemez.

Dawn D- Dawn is originally from Virginia. She made the move to New Mexico about 17 years ago. She has done a variety of jobs from working for a local jeweler to an insurance agent with State Farm. She loves to ride on a motorcycle with her husband and friends, out in the woods camping, or with her kids and five grandchildren.

Meg McKenney- Meg has a B.A. in Anthropology and Geology from the University of New Mexico. She also attended nursing school. Meg spent years traveling all over the Pacific Northwest until settling back in Albuquerque in 1998. When She moved back, Meg helped open and was a co-owner of a local yarn company up until 2015. Now in her free time instead of running a company you can find her relaxing and working in her garden.

Sherry Spencer, (Billing)- NM Community College, cooking certificate, business admin., bookkeeping and payroll…wow, that's a lot. Sherry is a welcome addition with a varied background and able to do Office Management and billing, AND she has a bunch of kids of her own. ALSO, she coaches wrestling, checks out breweries, hikes, bikes and does sewing! Welcome Sherry.

Amy Toth, Office Manager, West- Amy is a certified Medical Assistant, has worked as an operations manager at CVS, a manager at S&P Data and as a general manager at Arbys. Amy loves to shoot pool with her husband, keep track of two grown kids in college in Florida, go out to dinner and watch movies…me too. She has a great work background, and we are lucky to have her.

April Trujillo, Office Manager, West April has an associate of applied science in science from Central New Mexico Community College and a certificate in Phlebotomy (usually do not use that here). She was recently the Office Manager at Turning Point Recovery Center, has worked at Addus Health Care, Fresenius Kidney Care, Quest Diagnostic, Tricare and Woody’s Furniture in Espanola. April loves board games aand visiting her family in Taos She is a great Office Manager. Bi-lingual and she ain’t leavin’ here ever!