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.

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.

Selina Angel, LMSW

Oscar Alvarez, LAMFT

Maria Bagwell, LCSW, LADAC

Madison Smith, LCSW

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

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. 

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.

Sandra Hernandez, LPMSW
I received my Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from NMSU in 2015. Having worked with children in different capacities for over 7 years, I decided to pursue my Master’s of Social Work from the same university. Coming from a family who imigrated to the states, I understand the barriers faced, from language to being underprivileged. My goal is to empower everyone I come across as they rediscover their purpose and realize their full potential.

Angela Anaya, PLMSW

Brenda Gonzalez, LCSW

Eliseo Cisneros, LMFT

Jacqueline Lucero, LMHC

Jocelyn Moore

Karen Flores, PLMSW

Lynn Winters, LCSW

Rudy Ruacho

Sara Ornelas, PMHNP-BC, MSN, RN
Sara is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who received her Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Texas at El Paso.  Sara has 24 years of experience working in healthcare and is passionate about providing excellent patient care to each patient that she serves.  Sara has experience taking care of patients with multiple mental health care needs including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and more.  Sara cares for her faith, family, friends, and every patient that she serves.

Diamond Ogodo, DNP, PMHNP
My name is Diamond Ogodo, born on March 26th, 1969, in Nigeria. I attended six elementary schools as my father was in the Nigerian Army and moved around quite a bit. After completing high school, I attended the University of Calabar, Nigeria where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History. I worked for Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) for 3 years before relocating to the United States in 2004 when my wife was selected to come to the US through the visa lottery program.

On getting to the shores of the United States, we stayed briefly in West Virginia, before relocating to Florida where I worked for Burger King Restaurant, Center for Comprehensive Services, Hillsborough Kids, and Eckerd Kids until I started nursing school. My experience majorly included running background screening checks on prospective foster parents, adoptive parents, and placement options. I also gained experience as a supervisor at some point supervising as many as twelve employees. I obtained a Master of Business Administration from Ashford University in 201 O while working at Eckerd Kids.

My love for helping people resulted in my decision to go to nursing school and obtained my Associate of Nursing in 2018. I was hired as a registered nurse at Mesilla Valley Hospital in September 2018 and have worked for this facility since then. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2020 and got accepted into the Doctor of Nursing program at NMSU in 2021. I graduated with a doctorate in 2024 with a specialty in psychiatric mental health nursing.

I am joyfully married with three children, two of whom are adults in college. Our youngest child is a freshman in high school. We have lived in Las Cruces New Mexico since the fall of 2017. We love it here, as the people are very friendly, genuine and loving. I cannot conclude this brief autobiography without a mention of God’s immeasurable love for me. He has been the sustainer of my entire life. I would not achieve anything in life without His grace and strength.

Mayra Alvarez-Bernal, CCSS Clinical Supervisor

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.

Angela Anaya (P)LMSW
Angela is a Clinical Social Worker, serving the community as an outpatient therapist. She earned her education in social work from the University of Texas at El Paso. She has gained experience working with diverse populations including children, adolescents, and adults utilizing person-centered approaches and evidence-based practices to address the mental health needs. Angela is dedicated to increase the quality of life and well-being of individual through advocacy and delivery of quality services.

Eva Gonzalez-Lewis
Eva Gonzalez-Lewis is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with extensive experience in providing therapeutic support to families, children, teenagers, and adults. Throughout her career, Melinda has worked in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and shelters, where she has developed a strong background in mental health interventions. She is skilled in utilizing approaches such as play therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help her clients address and overcome emotional challenges.

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.

Maria Murphy, LMSW, IBH
Hello, I’m Maria Murphy, a Veteran and Gold Star Widow. My time in the military instilled in me core values of discipline, integrity, and resilience. I learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and perseverance, which would later prove invaluable as I pursued my personal and professional goals. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Sociology at the University of Texas at El Paso. I gained experience volunteering with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and CASFV (Center Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence. These roles allowed me to advocate for victims of child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. I worked directly with individuals and families, ensuring their voices were heard and that they had the support they needed to navigate incredibly difficult circumstances.  This foundation led me to further my studies, earning a Master’s in Social Work at Our Lady of Our Lake in San Antonio, Texas. I knew I wanted to combine my passion for advocacy and justice with the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, especially those often overlooked or underserved. My ultimate goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Achieving this license will allow me to provide mental health services on a broader scale and continue advocating for individuals and families in need. My passion lies in helping people heal, grow, and reclaim their lives, regardless of their obstacles.