Kandy Aboud, PCNP
Kandy Aboud, MSN, CNP graduated from NMSU with a Master of Science in Nursing. She did a Post Master Certificate in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Nursing at University of Maryland and is currently working with children and adolescents Behavioral Health  at LCDF, Central.  She is also a registered yoga teacher and had given classes at Stepping Stones Group Home before it closed and has also given classes to co-workers.

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.

Rita Pacheco-Gonzales, MD
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.”

Malathi Pilla, MD
Malathi Pilla MD, specialized in psychiatry. She obtained bachelor’s degree in medicine in India. Did residency in psychiatry at Southern Illinois University, Illinois.  She currently works as an outpatient psychiatrist providing services at 100 W. Griggs . she also serves as a voluntary faculty for University of New Mexico. She plans to continue to provide psychiatric  services for the community of Las Cruces .

Fernando Guillen, PCNP

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.

Cynthia Coba, LAMFT
Cynthia worked on both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at NMSU. She received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Cynthia was drawn to the field of counseling from learning about family systems and her enjoyment of helping families to develop their unique structure; she truly takes a scientific approach to treatment.  Cynthia is most interested in working with the younger population, ages 7-12, as well as their families. She enjoys helping parents learn new and exciting ways to help their children, especially when they come from blended families.  Cynthia has a positive attitude. She is also bilingual, and is an important addition to the team to serve our community who are solely Spanish speakers.

Victoria Compean, IBH
Victoria Compean, LMSW, attended the University of Texas at El Paso where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social work. She currently provides Integrated Behavioral Health services at our Central Medical clinic. Victoria is passionate about preventative care and mental health and hopes to be an advocate for our patients at La Clinica De Familia for many years to come.

Cathy Baeza, LCSW
Cathy attended UTEP and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in commercial music and recording. Cathy was naturally drawn to counseling, as she was a support in her social circle. This led her to pursue her Master’s Degree in Social Work.  Cathy has been with LCDF as a children’s therapist for over 3 years, and she just recently earned her independent license in social work in January 2020.  Cathy has a passion for working with individuals who struggle with depression and self-harming behaviors, especially within the adolescent population. 

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.

Jannet Miramontes, Therapist
Jannet Miramontes, LMSW attended New Mexico State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. She is an outpatient clinician for Anthony BHS where she sees adolescents and adults. Jannet’s focus is on serving patients with severe mental illnesses and substance use disorders. She plans on becoming independently licensed and gaining her EMDR license in the near future.

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

Joann Cooke, BHS Health Specialties

Kelly Carmichael, LCSW
Kelly attended Purdue University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Boston College where she received her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She currently serves as the Clinical Team Lead at the Las Cruces Assertive Community Treatment Program where she provides therapeutic services to adults with severe mental illness and clinical supervision for staff. Kelly specializes in treating substance use disorders and in community mental health services. She hopes to continue her education in treatment of psychosis and extend her interest of holistic wellness for adults with mental illness.

Elizabeth Fernandez, LCSW
Elizabeth attended New Mexico State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Bachelors of Arts in Foreign Languages and her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She provided intensive in home services to Dona Ana County as a Multi Systemic Therapist for Problem Sexual Behaviors (MST-PSB) both as a therapist and supervisor, for about nine years, collectively. Elizabeth is currently the Children’s Clinical Director. Elizabeth hopes to continue to grow access to behavioral health services across the county to ensure all children, youth and families can receive quality mental health services.   

Kelli Sierras, LCSW
Kelli is born and raised in New Mexico.  Kelli attended Western New Mexico University for both her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice and her Masters of Social Work and ultimately obtained her independent license to practice clinical social work. She is currently employed as the Director of Assertive Community Treatment providing community based services to adults experiencing difficulties with severe mental health conditions.  Kelli hopes to continue development and growth of community based services throughout Dona Ana county focusing on promoting mental health wellness and meeting the needs of individuals throughout their livespan.

Maria I. Gonzales, LCSW
Maria received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from New Mexico State University in 2011. Her training includes counseling services to individuals and families in a variety of settings. In June of 2014, she joined La Clinica de Familia’s team and embarked on the journey of integrating behavioral health services into primary care with the goal to make behavioral health services accessible to the community. She is currently the Integrated Behavioral Health clinical supervisor and provides direct patient care at the OB/GYN clinic. Maria’s goal is to continue to provide safe and compassionate care to patients as well as reducing mental health stigma and increasing patients’ access to behavioral health services.

DeAnna Jaramillo, LMSW
DeAnna attended New Mexico State University where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work. She currently provides adult outpatient therapy at La Clinica de Familia Behavioral health location. She is trained in EMDR therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing along with other evidence based models of treatment. DeAnna hopes to continue her education in adult mental health and serving the community of Las Cruces.

Chanelle Stoltenberg, LCSW
Chanelle attended University of New Mexico and received bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology.  Attended New Mexico Highlands University and received master’s degree in social work with an emphasis on substance use disorders.  In addition, Chanelle received graduate certificate in Substance Use Assessment and Treatment.  Chanelle has been providing direct services since 2016 working with substance use population, incarcerated population, and severe mental illness population.  Chanelle is currently providing direct services to the adult outpatient population with La Clinica De Familia. 

Yajaira González, IBH
Yajaira González, LMHC, attended New Mexico State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She currently provides Integrated Behavioral Health services to patients at LCDF East Mesa Medical. Yajaira has been living in Las Cruces for 10 years and is very proud to serve the surrounding communities that make Southern New Mexico great.

Dora Caro, IBH
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.

Aragon Brenda, PCNP
Brenda Aragon, PMHNP-BC, originally from Bachiniva, Chihuahua, the land of the apple. Came to United States, to pursuit a Business Administration Degree and a Nursing Degree in The University of Texas at El Paso. Ms. Alderete has been in the Medical Field for 10 years plus, in Texas and New Mexico, and she has work in the Mental Health Field most of the years.  Brenda Alderete has a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, from Walden University. Ms. Alderete is familiarized with many cultures as she has lived in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Ms. Alderete is bilingual in English and Spanish. Her dedication to always help the patients and their families, especially those of minorities of social and cultural backgrounds.

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.

McGuinness Erin, MPH, LCSW
Erin attended The University of Chicago where she received her Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Political Science and Saint Louis University for her Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health. She currently supervises the Anthony and Sunland Park Behavioral Health Clinics and the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program. 

Leasette Hernandez, IBH
Leasette Hernandez, LMSW 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. Leasette enjoys being able to provide the community with support and advocacy for behavioral services, and will continue to work towards reducing the stigma against mental health.