Elizabeth Fernandez, LCSW, Children’s Clinical Director
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.

Thomas Sanchez, LCSW, Outpatient-BMS Clinical Supervisor
Thomas received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from NMSU and completed his Master’s in Social Work in 2014. Thomas’s own life experiences lead him to pursue the counseling/therapy and social work field. Thomas has worked in various settings, including an RTC, boys’ youth shelter and group home, as well as in the academic setting as a guidance/advisor for high school students. Thomas enjoys working with teenagers and helping this population transition smoothly into adulthood. Thomas is passionate about working with those that struggle with substance abuse and defiant behaviors and supporting them in lifelong recovery and sobriety. Thomas has been independently licensed in Social Work since 2019. Thomas serves as one of our Outpatient Clinical Supervisors here at LCDF, and he plays an important role in developing and supporting this team of therapists.

Cynthia League, LPCC, Clinical Supervisor
Cynthia received her master’s degree from (UNTD) University of North Texas at Dallas in 2015. Cynthia felt confident that she was a natural helper, and this led her to the field of mental health and counseling. Cynthia enjoys working with children, and sees she works best with ages 3- 10. Cynthia’s focus in graduate school was on Play Therapy, and she is interested in becoming a (RPT) Registered Play Therapist in the future. Cynthia recently received training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing, a treatment identified for trauma) in September 2019. Cynthia received her LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), independent license in August 2019. Cynthia enjoys spending time with her family on the weekends at the local farmer’s market.

Teresa Samaniego, LCSW
Teresa received a master’s in social work from Western New Mexico University while working full time in Child Protective Services. Teresa’s experience surrounds working with children in foster care, adoptions, trauma, suicide prevention, and mental health advocacy in schools. Some of her passions include trauma work, children who are in the foster care system and working with foster parents. Teresa is currently the Treatment Foster Care Therapist. Teresa is certified in QPR, TFCBT and is working towards a certification in EMDR. Outside of work, she is a published author, loves the outdoors and a good book!

Irene Rodriguez, LPCC
Irene worked in the education setting as a teacher in a 1st grade classroom, as well as a high school guidance counselor. She received her degree in Guidance and Counseling from UTEP. Irene was inspired to be a mental health counselor after working in the classroom and recognizing the need for emotional support for her students. She started working closely with the school to develop her therapeutic skills and eventually received her independent licensure as an LPCC. Irene enjoys working with underrepresented populations; and she has experience with working with many different groups of children. Irene most enjoys working with middle school and high school age children. She is also bilingual and is an important addition to the team to serve our community who are solely Spanish speakers.

Rachel Pena, LMSW
Rachel recently graduated from NMSU with a MSW in 2022. During her educational experience, she completed her internship with LCDF and made the choice to become a more permanent part of the team. She also completed a BSW in social work with a minor in early childhood education. Her passion is working with children and especially working with teenagers. She likes to help adolescents as they work to navigate complicated social systems and work to overcome obstacles brough on by their mental health. Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and reading books as a form of self-care.

Sabrina Carter, LMSW
Sabrina graduated from NMSU with a BSW and a MSW in 2021. Sabrina started her career with LCDF as a BMS (Behavior Management Services) provider for 3 years prior to finishing graduate school and coming on board as a therapist. Sabrina enjoys working with teenagers; and helping them work on trauma, depression, anxiety, and anger, as well as working with complex family systems. She is working to build her skills in working with trauma and play therapy interventions. Sabrina likes to spend time with her family and has a passion for reading.

Migdalia Perez, LMSW
Migdalia graduated with a bachelor’s in social work in 2017, followed by her master’s in social work in May 2022. She has experience working with CASA(Court Appointed Special Advocate), PSR(Psycho Social Rehabilitation) as well as(CCSS) Comprehensive Community Support Services. Her most recent experience in acute care is with children and adults. Migdalia enjoys working with adolescents and teaching mindfulness techniques, paired with cognitive restructuring. She likes to implement solution focused therapy techniques to support her patients. In her free time Migdalia likes listening to audio books and spending time in nature.

Terry Hummel, LMHC
Terry attended Arizona State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development and then attended Walden University where she obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Terry enjoys working with all children and adolescents, but most recently has worked with youth who are questioning their sexuality/identity. She believes in giving adolescents a safe place to talk, share, and feel understood. Outside of her job as a therapist, Terry enjoys music, gardening, and laughing with her family.

Madelon Winters, LCSW, TFC Clinical Supervisor

Mariana Cazares Rodriguez, LMHC
Mariana Cazares Rodriguez (LMHC) attended New Mexico State University where she received two bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Counseling & Community Psychology and later received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She currently provides integrated behavioral health services at LCDF school-based clinics, focusing on providing walk-in crisis services, and individual and group counseling services.