Rita Pacheco-Gonzales, MD, Medication Management Clinical Director
Rita Pacheco-Gonzales MD was born and raised on a farm in a small village in northern New Mexico named Maxwell. After graduating with the same 12 classmates with whom she first started head-start, Dr. Pacheco-Gonzales attended University of New Mexico and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Pacheco-Gonzales studied at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, which also included guidance and mentorship by Dr. Frank Crespin at La Clinica de Familia in San Miguel, New Mexico. Upon earning her Doctor of Medicine degree, Dr. Pacheco-Gonzales relocated with her husband and son to San Antonio, Texas to complete her internship, residency in adult psychiatry, as well as a two- year fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Sciences in San Antonio. After completing her training and certifications, Dr. Pacheco-Gonzales returned to Las Cruces and has practiced in the Mesilla Valley since 1995. She currently serves as Medical Director for Behavioral Health Services at La Clinica de Familia and provides psychiatric care to children, adolescents and their families. Dr. Pacheco-Gonzales also oversees residents from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

When asked about the passion she holds for her work, Dr. Pacheco-Gonzales said, “No matter what, I always planned to return home to serve New Mexico. My extended family has lived in New Mexico for over 600 years, in communities all across the state. I truly feel it is my duty to help care for the same communities that inspired those ancestors who came before me, and continue to inspire the next generation of New Mexicans.”

Joann Cooke, LCSW, Northern Outpatient Clinical Director
JoAnn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in social work. The first 5 years of her career were spent working with teenage boys dealing with substance use , anger, depression, and legal issues within a residential treatment center. She came to LCDF in July of 2018 as a clinical supervisor with adult outpatient where she maintained a caseload of adult clients and provided clinical supervision to other therapists. She transitioned to director role in August of 2022 where she has strived to create policy and procedure changes to best serve the staff, patients, and community. JoAnn still maintains a small caseload and specializes in working with clients with trauma, substance use, depression, and anxiety. She is trained in a variety of approaches including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), collaborative management of suicidality (CAMS) , CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). She is passionate about making LCDF an agency in which all patients feel safe and welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, immigration status, or mental or physical ability.

DeAnna Jaramillo, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor
DeAnna, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW. She attended New Mexico State University where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. She joined LCDF in 2017 where she has been a part of the adult outpatient behavioral health therapist team. She is trained and utilizes a client-centered approach incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities based on client need including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, Emotional focused therapy (EFT) and Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing ( EMDR ) therapy. She has also facilitates an evidence-based parenting group for over four years at La Clinica de Familia. She views the trust that clients offer to her as a privilege and respects the opportunity to witness each person’s healing as a gift. She believes that therapy should be an enjoyable process, it is her intention to be a therapist who is welcoming of the full range of human experiences.

Anthony Esquibel, TFC, Clinical Supervisor
Anthony Esquibel, LPCC, attended New Mexico State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and his Master’s Degree in Counseling & Guidance. He currently is the clinical supervisor for the Shelter and Treatment Foster Care program at La Clinica De Familia. Anthony hopes to continue his work in community mental health and build upon his experience of helping children and adolescents.

Eric Gomez, LMFT, Clinical Supervisor
Eric Gomez is a Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in marital, family, and Christian-based counseling. He obtained his Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University, and his Bachelor’s in Psychology from New Mexico State University. He enjoys studying theology and American history, and maintains the firm belief that every life matters and contains immeasurable value.

Edward Alvarez, LPCC, Clinical Supervisor

Erika Thompson, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor

Amanda Curry, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor

Natalia Martinez, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor

Ghirmay Haile, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Ghirmay Haile, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. He received his Bachelor Degree in Sociology and Social Works from the University of Asmara, Eritrea, a Master’s Degree in Sociology from the New Mexico State University and a Doctorate Degree in Nursing Practice with a specialization in Mental Health from New Mexico State University.

Prior to joining La Clinica de Familia, Dr. Ghebreslasse worked in psychiatric inpatient, (Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric) units at Mesilla Valley Psychiatric Hospital for 7 years as a Psychiatric Mental Health Technician and Psychiatric Nurse. He has also 5 years work experience as Adjust Professor at Donna Anna Community College, teaching Sociology classes to freshmen students.

Currently, Dr. Ghirmay Ghebreslasse is providing service for Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric clients both at Children Behavioral Health (Central) and Adult Behavioral Health (Griggs). He brings to clinic a humanistic philosophy of holistic care for both mind and body, and an abiding commitment to individualized, personalized, comprehensive care for patients.

Obi Chinyelu, LMSW
Chinyelu “Devine” Obi, LMSW, attended University of Nigeria where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work/Community Development. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work at New Mexico State University. She currently provides Clinical and Behavioral Health services to Adult Outpatients at Las Cruces LCDF Behavioral Health Specialties. Her passion and goal is to continue her education in mental health with opportunities to work and impact lives domestically and globally. She would also love to establish a Non-profit that will cater to the overall mental health and basic needs of the under-served population.

Kelli Giron, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC
Kelli Giron, DNP, PMHNP-BC currently cares for clients in the ACT Program at Motel Blvd. She is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Giron graduated with honors from New Mexico State University with her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2019.

Jade Jenkins, LMSW
Attended University of Texas at El Paso and earned a BA in Psychology. Went on to attend New Mexico State University and earned a Masters of Social Work. Currently providing outpatient therapy for adults with La Clinica Behavioral Health. I am pursuing a clinical license in social work and hope to continue a career in mental health as an independent clinician.

Erika Milo, LCSW

Rosanna R. Camarena, LMSW
Rosanna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW. She attended the University of Texas at El Paso, where she received both a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in social work. She joined LCDF in 2021, where she works with adults in the Miranda outpatient clinic. Rosanna’s passion is to continue the work of destigmatizing mental healthcare and to strive to give attention, empathy, and care to the most vulnerable in our communities. Rosanna has experience with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, veterans, adolescents, and migrants. Rosanna has a background in research of homeless and immigrant populations. Rosanna hopes to provide healing, advocacy, strength and trauma informed practices to those who struggle with mental health concerns.

Jacqueline Arroyo, LCSW
My name is Jacqueline Arroyo, I attended New Mexico State University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I have also attended Western New Mexico University where I received my Master’s degree in social work and received a graduate certificate for Rural Community Social Work Services. I began my career by working with children ages 0-3 in Early intervention as a Family Service Coordinator (FSC) for 2.5 years. I continued my career path as a Treatment Coordinator for Treatment Foster Care (TFC) for children and youth for 2.5 years as well. I have provided Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) for children in youth in the community to promote recovery and resiliency in their treatment goals. As well as providing guidance to develop skills for daily life experiences. My hope is to continue to work with children and youth to provide behavioral health services. My goal is to provide guidance and support to children and youth with their mental health to help them become strong independent individuals in the future.

Susan Brown, DNP PMHNP-BC
Dr. Brown comes to La Clinica de Familia with over 30 years’ experience as a nurse and over 9 years as a PMHNP. She has worked extensively in acute care with all age groups. She has many years of experience in treating the severely mentally ill adult populations. She has specialized training and original research in the treatment of eating disorders.

Selina Angel, LMSW

Oscar Alvarez, LAMFT

Gabriela Prieto, LMSW

Maria Bagwell, LCSW, LADAC

Madison Smith, LCSW

Akua Anokey B (AB), LMSW

Brittney Ramos, LPCC

Corina H. Preciado, LAMFT, LSAA

Alondra Suarez, LMSW

Domonique Hernandez, PLMSW
Domonique received her provisional license in Masters of Social Work and is continuing to reach towards her licensing. She attended New Mexico State University and received her Bachelors in Public Health and Masters of Social Work. In her past experience she worked as a certified nurse assistant and took care of the elderly and individuals with disabilities. She transitioned into working at Hospice and worked in admissions, and has a background experience with elders, and coping with grief and loss. Domonique works currently with a diverse caseload population of anxiety, depression, and trauma. She is continuing her training in other issues and is a strong advocate when it comes to providing mental health services in the community.

Francisca Serrano-Flores, LMSW

Joey Mazzuca, LMSW

Maria Brady, LCSW

Adam Hunt, LMSW

Oscar Lopez, LMSW

Nichole Dowell, PLMSW
Nichole and received her Bachelors and Masters of Social Work from New Mexico State University completing her education in the spring of 2023. She obtained her PLMSW shortly thereafter and is continuing to work towards obtaining her LMSW. Nichole has a long history of working with others in a variety of settings and has completed internships at a Dual Diagnosis Rehabilitation Center for Substance Use Disorders and completed her second internship in outpatient therapy services at La Clinica de Familia treating a variety of mental health concerns for individuals with a large variety of backgrounds. Nichole offers services including individual therapy, couples counseling as well as leading a relapse prevention group. 

Melanie Trejo, LMSW
Melanie received her Bachelor’s in Social work from New Mexico State University in May of 2022. Melanie immediately continued her education at Western New Mexico University and graduated with her Master of Social Work in July 2023. Shortly after graduation, Melanie became an LMSW. Melanie has a long history of helping others with a twenty-five-year background of working in the medical field as a Medical Assistant/Laboratory Assistant before graduating as a social worker. Melanie completed her first social work internship at a dual diagnosis rehabilitation center for substance use disorders. Her second internship in the master’s program was with the Children Youth & Families Dept.  working alongside families and their children.

Jaclyn Berger, LMSW
Greetings, I’m Jackie, a devoted champion for mental health, and I take pride in my journey as a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, holding both a Bachelor’s of Science and a Master’s in Social Work. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a heartfelt commitment to comprehend and respond to the intricate facets of mental health. My path has been shaped by a diverse array of experiences in partial hospitalization, inpatient behavioral health, and specialized programs designed to address challenges related to anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

In the course of my professional endeavors, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound and uplifting effects of comprehensive care on individuals facing profound mental health struggles. This includes those within the LGBTQIA+ community, whose unique experiences have enriched my understanding and deepened my dedication to fostering an inclusive and affirming approach to mental health care.

Mayra Alvarez-Bernal, CCSS Clinical Supervisor

Dora Caro, LPCC
Dora is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in NM. Dora attended New Mexico State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a minor in Spanish Counseling. Dora currently provides Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) services at the San Miguel Medical Clinic. As the IBH Provider, Dora provides walk-in crisis services, outreach and psychoeducation, individual, family, and group therapy, to the surrounding communities of San Miguel and Anthony.

Graciela Ponce, LMHC

Marva Fonseca, LPCC

Nancy Y. Lopez LPC, LPCC – Southern Clinical Director
Nancy Y. Lopez (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas. Nancy attended University of Phoenix in Santa Teresa, NM, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in the Science of Human Services and her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling of Mental Health. Nancy is currently the Southern Clinical Director for our Anthony and Sunland Park Behavioral Health services locations as well as the Comprehensive Community Support Services program.

Rosalva Blanco LCSW – BHS Clinical Supervisor
Rosalva Blanco (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Mexico. Rosalva attended the University of Texas at El Paso where she received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and her master’s degree in Social Work. She is the clinical supervisor at the Sunland Park location and continues to provide outpatient services to the community.

Amelia Furrow, LCSW – BHS Clinical Supervisor
Amelia Furrow is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She completed her Master of Social Work degree from The University of Texas at El Paso. Amelia began working at La Clinica de Familia as an Outpatient Therapist at Anthony Behavioral Health Specialties in 2020. In 2022 she became the Clinical Supervisor for Anthony Outpatient. Amelia is dedicated to helping provide high-quality mental health services to every member of the community.  

Fonseca Marva, Therapist
Marva Fonseca, LMHC, attended Park University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Psychology: Clinical & Abnormal and her Master’s Depress in Mental Health Counseling. She currently provides integrated Behavioral Health services to adults in Anthony, New Mexico LCDF. Marva hopes to advocate for better quality of life while providing strength, hope and rehabilitation for people struggling with mental illness and substance abuse.

Angel Hernandez, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Angel Hernandez, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry. Angel received his Master of Science in Nursing from MidWestern State University with Honors and has been working in the mental health field since 2000. Angel currently assesses and treats children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics with depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and personality disorders. He has experience in both inpatient and outpatient care.

Courtney Gilkison, LMHC
Courtney is an LMHC recent graduate from Southern New Hampshire University. She is trained in EMDR and has experience working with sexual trauma, severe depression, and the LGBTQ+ population. Courtney has three children who she loves spending time with, along with three cats who are spoiled beyond belief. She and her husband have been married since 2010 and they love going hiking together. Courtney has a passion for mental health and her main goal is to help others grow. No matter what is going on, she believes you can get through the fire and come out better on the other side.

Leasette Hernandez, LCSW
Leasette Hernandez, LCSW attended University of Texas at El Paso where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and University of Texas at Austin where she received her Master of Science in Social Work Degree. She currently provides Integrated Behavioral Health services at LCDF Chaparral Clinic. As an IBH Provider, Leasette provides walk-in crisis services, individual, family, and group counseling service. Leasette’s goal is to provide the community with safe and supportive care, and continue to work towards reducing the stigma against mental health.