Medical Providers

Las Cruces

Jose Leos Flores, MD Medical Director

Jose Leos Flores, MD Medical Director
Jose Leos Flores, MD is our Medical Director and cares for patients at our Anthony Medical Clinic. Dr. Flores is a New Mexico native and a NMSU graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of the Arts in Chemistry. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA. Dr. Flores is Board Certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Flores has worked at other medical facilities in the Las Cruces area; his combined total years of service at La Clinica de Familia is close to 18 years. Most recently he was honored with his appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine in Albuquerque.

Monica Moya, MD

Monica Moya, MD
Monica Moya, MD currently cares and sees patients at our Central Medical location. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Moya attended New Mexico State University. As a NMSU Aggie, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry and Human Biology. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM and completed her residency at the University of California, San Diego. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

John Reynolds, MD

John Reynolds, MD
Dr. John H. Reynolds is a Internal Medicine Specialist. He received his medical degree from University of New Mexico School of Medicine and has practiced for over 20 years. Dr. Reynolds is Board Certified in Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology.

Brenda Cuellar, MD

Brenda Cuellar, MD
I am a Salvadorian Physician. I discovered my passion for helping others at a very young age by working with very poverty-stricken children. My decision to enter medicine is a coalescence of several driving forces. My admiration and respect for doctors and their noble work is one of my primary reasons for wanting to pursue a career in medicine. The other is the simple fact that the vast ocean of knowledge, the continual advances in treatment, and the ability to cure disease fascinate me. I do not know of a better way to serve others than by providing medical services to sick people. On a personal note, I feel that being a physician is a privilege and an honor that should not be taken lightly.

The responsibility of caring for one’s health is awe-inspiring. I’m reminded of a quote that I once read which states that “medical education is not completed in medical school. It is only begun”. Thus far, my journey has been most gratifying and has reached beyond all my expectations helping the community where I lived. I moved to Las Cruces ten years ago and since then I had the privilege to serve as a Family doctor. Now, joining “La Clinica de Familia” will give me the opportunity to teach the future generations of family physicians!

Syed Ali Fahad Kazmi, MD

Syed Ali Fahad Kazmi, MD
I graduated from Ziauddin Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan in 2018, following which I immigrated to the United States. I am passionate about contributing to the welfare of underserved populations and want to become a reliable and well-respected primary care physician. During my free time, I love to ride my bicycle and spend time with my family.

Tanjia Arif, MD

Tanjia Arif, MD
I was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Watching my father as a physician from childhood, I always wanted to be a physician to provide care for the community. I attended medical school at Rangpur Medical College, Bangladesh. After graduation, I moved to Las Cruces and started working closely with the community at a local health care clinic. I am excited to become a primary care physician and look forward to providing primary care to rural communities. I love to spend time with my family and children. I also love cooking and hanging out with family and friends close to nature.

Zachary Britt, MD

Zachary Britt, MD
I am from Peoria, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix, and went to Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, another suburb of Phoenix, for medical school and the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, not a suburb of Phoenix, for my undergraduate education. I enjoy having the opportunity to care for the whole family and build meaningful and long-lasting provider-patient relationships. I am particularly interested in preventative medicine, pediatrics, and sports medicine. My personal interests include emo music, cats, burritos, and other spicy foods. I like to play/listen to music, play video games, and hike.

Johanna McNair, MD

Johanna McNair, MD
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I moved to Boulder, Colorado where I attended the University of Colorado at Boulder for my undergraduate education, and where I started my family. I went to medical school at De La Salle University. My professional interests include OB/Gyne, pediatrics, outpatient medicine and sports medicine. My personal interests and hobbies include working out trying to stay fit and lift weights, biking, climbing, throwing a frisbee, football (Go Broncos!), yoga and playing outside. During my off time, I spend time with my family especially my husband, 4 year old daughter and 5 month old son. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of SNMFMR and learn and practice unopposed full-spectrum family medicine. I am excited to be back in my home state where I can serve the people of New Mexico.

Eric Hummel, MD

Eric Hummel, MD
I was born in California, raised in Arizona with a background in health insurance and finance. My undergraduate degree is in microbiology. My wife and I have called New Mexico home for five years now. I love it here. Las Cruces is our home and we’re never planning to leave. I enjoy all the patients that I meet. I love hearing their stories.  I’m very dedicated to getting to the root of their medical problems and helping them so they may live longer, healthy lives.

Rebecca Arciniega, CNP

Rebecca Arciniega, CNP
Born and raised in Southern New Mexico she has a great love for Las Cruces and the surrounding areas. After graduating from Las Cruces High School she was a Certified Nursing Assistant and an Emergency Medical Technician. Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New Mexico State University in 2013. She worked in a local Emergency Department and was a Certified Emergency Nurse during her time there. In 2019 she decided to further her education by obtaining a Master of Science with a focus in Family Medicine and graduated in 2019 from the University of Texas at El Paso. Rebecca has always been committed to serving her community. Her focus is on meeting the patient where they are at in their lives and assisting to educate and empower them to live their best life. Juntos podemos!/ Together we can!

Laxman Bhandari, MD

Laxman Bhandari, MD
Dr. Bhandari was born and raised in Nepal and attended medical school at College of Medical Sciences. Belonging to a large family and being the youngest child, he was also the first one in the family to have a medical degree. After medical school, he worked as a senior medical officer and tutored medical and nursing students. Dr. Bhandari has holistic medical care interests which is why he chose Family Medicine. He is looking forward to utilize the skills and knowledge gained to make a difference to people’s lives by giving them the best care possible. Aside from medicine, Dr. Bhandari is a sporty person and loves playing soccer. He also likes to spend time with his family and friends, cooking and travelling to new places.

Yamini Kahlon, MD

Yamini Kahlon, MD
Dr. Kahlon is from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Before attending medical school, she completed her degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. She then attended American University of Antigua College of Medicine for her medical studies. Since graduating she has worked as a researcher and a coordinator at Larkin Community hospital in Miami, Florida. Additionally, she worked as a peer tutor for the CUNY School of Medicine, New York. Her goal is to serve underserved communities and provide continuity of care to her patients. She enjoys playing tennis, bowling, and skiing in her free time.

Chhaya Kamwal, MD

Chhaya Kamwal, MD
I am from Virginia, and I went to medical school in India. I am excited to begin my residency journey in New Mexico. One of the key drivers for me in Family Medicine is the opportunity to help make a difference in patients’ lives. I see each patient as a unique learning opportunity, and believe patients are as important a part of the healthcare team as doctors, nurses, and more. Medicine to me is a constantly changing puzzle – no one patient or disease process is the same. Outside of medicine you can find me traveling, going for runs, reading books, and spending time with family.

Estelle Sanchez, FNP-C

Estelle Sanchez, FNP-C
Estelle is originally from Rhode Island. She moved to New Mexico and has lived here in Las Cruces for many years. She started her nursing career at Memorial General Hospital and spent 3 years there, worked in hemodialysis nursing for 5 years and management in Home Health Care. She met and married her husband David Sanchez here in Las Cruces in May of 1988. They have 3 beautiful daughters. With a growing family Estelle continue working in varied nursing positions until 1996 when she started at First Step Women’s Health. She was the lead nurse for First Step Women’s and Pediatrics for 19 years but was not the end goal.

Estelle has always wanted to become a nurse practitioner. She felt that she wanted to expand her knowledge and care for patients in a different role as a provider. Estelle had been a nurse with varied experience for 25 years before going back to Nursing School in 2008. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at New Mexico State University in 2011. Estelle went into her Master’s Program at The George Washington University School of Nursing September 2012 and finished her program receiving a Master of Science in Nursing Specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in August 2015. Estelle joined LCDF in October of 2015 and began as an FNP in February 2016. She has grown in her role as an FNP with the help of her colleagues and supervisors.

Her hobbies include all things Harry Potter, knitting, crocheting and enjoying a variety of music. She also enjoys family time with her own family and extended family.

Rosemary Melendez Acosta, PharmD., Rph.

Rosemary Melendez Acosta, PharmD., Rph.
Rosemary Melendez Acosta, PharmD., is the consultant pharmacist for all LCDF clinics. She is a Registered Pharmacist in the state of New Mexico and Texas. Dr. Melendez Acosta attended New Mexico State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Her future goal is to become a clinical pharmacist to help serve patients with diabetes.

Zarmeena Sethar, MD

Zarmeena Sethar, MD
I owe my deepest gratitude to my parents and husband for their unwavering support, and for making this entire adventure possible.

My medical journey began at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences in Jamshoro, Pakistan. Increasingly, I became drawn to family medicine for its all-encompassing nature: from caring for the tiniest of infants to our wise elders. Above all, I am passionate about treating underserved, historically marginalized communities—with a focus on women’s health and preventive care.

Beyond the hospital’s walls, I’m a proud parent of two wonderful kids. Amidst the daily hustle, you can find me engrossed in the pages of a captivating book or seeking out the calming embrace of nature.

These different pieces of my life come together to form my commitment to comprehensive healthcare and education. I cannot wait to dive into this new adventure and see where it leads.

 

Syed Anis, MD

Syed Anis, MD
I am from Toronto, Canada and my family originally comes from Pakistan. I was drawn to family medicine because of our ability to manage all ages, a full range of medical conditions and the chance to build relationships with our patients. I went to National University in Oman for my medical school after earning my undergraduate degree from McMaster University in Canada. I am thrilled to begin the next step of my physician training as a resident in Las Cruces with my goal to become a successful hospitalist. Besides my passion for medicine I enjoy soccer, basketball, history, trying to understand physics (unsuccessfully), baking and gaming.

Saba Sharif, MD

Saba Sharif, MD
I am from a very rural part of Punjab Pakistan. I completed my medical education from Lahore Pakistan. I have seen my father working hard to provide health care to his very underprivileged and underserved community despite being the only doctor of his town. Being raised in such environment has instilled deep sense of empathy towards the people who didn’t have a fair chance at life.

I also owe my deepest gratitude to my husband for being one of my biggest support system.

For me, the ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of someone is always my biggest motivation. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of medicine during my residency and later to serve my community in the best of my capacity.

 

Bipul Joshi, MD

Bipul Joshi, MD

East Mesa

Fabio Spadaro, MD

Fabio Spadaro, MD
Dr. Fabio Spadaro is American board certified in Family Medicine, and provides a full spectrum of care for patients of all ages. His philosophy of care is providing individualized care following evidence-based medicine. He has received his medical degree from the University of Padova, Italy, has completed his Internship in Internal Medicine at the University of Alabama, Birmingham-Montgomery, and his Residency in Family Medicine at Southern New Mexico Family Medicine Residency Program, Las Cruces, New Mexico. He has 15+ years of practice as a family medicine doctor in New Mexico and Arizona. He speaks English, Spanish, and Italian.

Robin Hopkins-Wright, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Robin Hopkins-Wright, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Robin Hopkins-Wright, CNP cares for patients at our East Mesa location. She is a Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Robin attended University of Phoenix where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing followed by Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in health care education. She later attended Frontier Nursing University and received a Master of Science in Nursing with specialization in Nurse Practitioner followed by Doctor of Nursing Practice. Robin started her career in nursing 26 years ago as Licensed Professional Nurse. She has found great joy during her career caring for patients of all types. She and her husband moved to Las Cruces from Southern Ohio to enjoy more time in the sunshine, and they avidly enjoy this time together. 

San Miguel

Daniel Armistead, MD

Daniel Armistead, MD
Dr. Daniel Armistead works at our Central Medical location but you can also find him caring for patients at our San Miguel Clinic, which he has done for over 21 years. Dr. Armistead received his medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and completed his Family Medicine residency at Texas Tech University in El Paso, Texas. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Armistead is fluent in Spanish which he learned while studying in Ecuador.

Cecilia Tellez, MD

Cecilia Tellez, MD
Cecilia Tellez, MD, provides clinical leadership as the Medical Director and cares for patients at our San Miguel Medical Clinic. She has cared for LCDF patients for over 10 years. She obtained her Doctor of Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, NM and completed her residency program at McAllen Family Practice Residency Program. Dr. Tellez has worked for several local organizations including the Southern New Mexico Family Medicine Residency Program, and served as Medical Director at the Camino de Vida for HIV Services. She continues to be a devoted physician to that special population.

Sunland Park

Eva Aguilar MSN, FNP

Eva Aguilar MSN, FNP
Eva Aguilar is a native of the Las Cruces area, raised in Stahmann Farms/Sari Miguel & Las Cruces. She brings over 40 years of nursing experience having completed her LPN at 19 years old at Dona Ana Branch Community College and an Associate in Nursing at 21 from NMSU. After completing her Bachelors in Nursing from Grand Canyon College/University, she joined the Navy Nurse Corps and was stationed at National Naval Medical Center/Bethesda. She was deployed on the hospital ship, USNS Comfort during the Persian Gulf War. After returning to Las Cruces, she completed her Master’s in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner at University of Texas-El Paso. Her experiences include medical¬surgical, telemetry, ER, & labor & delivery as a nurse with nurse practitioner experience in allergy/asthma, methadone clinics, urgent & primary care. She was one of many nurse practitioners that worked in the school based health centers at Las Cruces High, Gadsden, &: Chaparral High school when they were first opened. She taught nursing at NMSU for ten years & was awarded the Rousch award for excellence in teaching in 2006.

Pablo J. Valerio, FNP-C

Pablo J. Valerio, FNP-C

Anthony

Lydia Macklin, CNP, Chief Medical Officer

Lydia Macklin, CNP
Lydia Macklin, CNP, cares for patients at our Anthony Medical Clinic. She is Board Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor’s in Nursing from New Mexico State University and obtained her Masters in Nursing from University of Texas in El Paso. Not only does she serve the great people of southern New Mexico as a Certified Nurse Practitioner, she serves our nation as a member of the Army Reserves.

Cynthia Salazar, CNP

Cynthia Salazar, CNP
Cynthia Salazar, CNP, cares of the patients at our Anthony Medical Clinic. She is Board Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio and returned to El Paso where she completed her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at El Paso. She is an active member at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, where she also providers medical assistance for ACT Women’s Retreat and has volunteered at the Women’s Shelter Food Bank.

Jane Swanson, CNP

Jane Swanson, CNP
Jane Swanson, CNP currently cares for patients at our Anthony Medical clinic. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Phoenix and obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing at New Mexico State University. As a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, she returned to the classroom at the University of Texas, in El Paso to obtain her Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Priscilla Pedraza, FNP

Priscilla Pedraza, FNP

Priscilla Pedraza, a compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner, hails from the heart of Las Cruces, New Mexico, but her roots run deep in the rural community of Chaparral. Growing up amidst the challenges of accessing healthcare in remote areas, Priscilla developed a profound understanding of the barriers faced by families like hers. Thankfully, La Clinica de Familia in Anthony became their beacon of hope, providing essential care and support.

Raised in a household where both parents toiled in the chile and onion harvest fields, Ms. Pedraza’s family qualified for subsidized services under the LCDF farmer’s program, ensuring they received the care they needed. Driven by a passion to make a difference, Priscilla embarked on a career in nursing. She commenced her professional journey at La Clinica De Familia in Chaparral as a Registered Nurse, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the medical and socioeconomic complexities prevalent in her community. With seventeen years of invaluable experience in nursing, Priscilla’s commitment to serving her community led her to pursue advanced education and training, culminating in her current role as a Family Nurse Practitioner.  Her commitment to service and intimate knowledge of her community make her a trusted advocate for health and well-being in the region.

 

Chaparral

Gaston Berrios, MD Medical Director

Gaston Berrios, MD Medical Director
Gaston Berrios, MD is our Medical Director and cares for patients at our Chaparral Medical Clinic. Dr. Berrios attended medical school at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Nicaragua in Leon, Nicaragua. He completed his Family Medicine Residency at Texas Tech University in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Berrios exhibits exemplary efforts in assisting patients including participating in relief efforts with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Mitch; he also participated in Project Health for Leon and the Duke University Medical Team assisting with translations preparing patients and their families for heart surgeries on a pediatric population. Dr. Berrios was also on the team of surgeons that performed the First Cardiac Valve Replacement in Nicaragua.

Jesus Hernandez, DNP

Jesus Hernandez, DNP
Jesus Hernandez, DNP, cares for patients at our Chaparral Medical Clinic. He is a native of Venezuela and has lived in El Paso for many years. After attending the University of Texas in El Paso, TX where he received his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Nursing, then returned to obtain his Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Bertha Lorena Martinez, DNP

Bertha Lorena Martinez, DNP
Lorena Martinez, DNP is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Lorena sees patients at our Chaparral Medical Clinic and joined La Clinica de Familia with many years of experience in Critical Care. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas in El Paso and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN.

Sylvia Montes

Sylvia Montes

Chaparral High School

Gustavo Gutierrez, CPNP

Gustavo Gutierrez, CPNP
Gustavo Gutierrez, CPNP cares for patients at our Gadsden and Chaparral School based clinics. He is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. He received his Bachelors’ of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas in El Paso. Gustavo obtained his Masters of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care also from the University of Texas at El Paso, School of Nursing in El Paso, Texas.

Leasette Hernandez/Angelica Montes, IBH Provider

Leasette Hernandez/Angelica Montes, IBH Provider
(temporarily covering)

Raquel Gutierrez, IBH provider

Raquel Gutierrez, IBH provider

Tammi Bone, FNP

Tammi Bone, FNP
Tammi Bone is a Family Nurse Practitioner and is the provider at Chaparral School Based Health Center. Prior to taking on this role, Tammi worked over 14 years providing care as a registered nurse in the medical and oncology settings of an inpatient hospital unit as well as outpatient case management.

She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at NMSU in Las Cruces, NM in 2017 and Master of Science in Nursing through an online program via Walden University in 2023. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, she holds a national certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Tammi is passionate about providing quality, accessible, youth-friendly health care services to adolescents and families that are conducive to health and well-being.

In addition to being a dedicated Provider for Chaparral SBHC, Tammi enjoys hiking and camping locally with family as well as traveling to new places. Engaging in new experiences offers the chance of learning something new about the world around us and within ourselves. “My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

 

Berenice Cangas, IBH

Berenice Cangas, IBH
Berenice Cangas is a temporary mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of New Mexico. She graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education) with a concentration in Special Education. After 5 years of teaching, she received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Mexico State University. Berenice currently provides Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) services at LCDF in Chaparral, NM.

 

Centennial High School

Melissa Watson, FNP-C

Melissa Watson, FNP-C
Melissa Watson, FNP-C currently cares and see’s patients at Centennial and Rio Grande School-Based clinics. She is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from New Mexico State University. As a nurse, she worked in the intensive care unit, pediatric unit, and the emergency room where she found her passion was working with the pediatric and young to middle-aged adult populations. She went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Medicine.

Gadsden High School

Gustavo Gutierrez, CPNP

Gustavo Gutierrez, CPNP
Gustavo Gutierrez, CPNP cares for patients at our Gadsden and Chaparral School based clinics. He is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. He received his Bachelors’ of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas in El Paso. Gustavo obtained his Masters of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care also from the University of Texas at El Paso, School of Nursing in El Paso, Texas.

Leasette Hernandez/Angelica Montes, IBH Provider

Leasette Hernandez/Angelica Montes, IBH Provider
(temporarily covering)

Raquel Gutierrez, IBH provider

Raquel Gutierrez, IBH provider

Desert Pride Academy

Audriana Apodaca, CPNP

Audriana Apodaca, CPNP
Audriana Apodaca, CPNP cares for patients at our school based clinic located in Santa Teresa. She is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Cum Laude and obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at El Paso, School of Nursing in El Paso, Texas.

Areli Guajardo, IBH Provider

Areli Guajardo, IBH Provider

Rio Grande High School

Melissa Watson, FNP-C

Melissa Watson, FNP-C
Melissa Watson, FNP-C currently cares and see’s patients at Centennial and Rio Grande School-Based clinics. She is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from New Mexico State University. As a nurse, she worked in the intensive care unit, pediatric unit, and the emergency room where she found her passion was working with the pediatric and young to middle-aged adult populations. She went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Medicine.

Santa Teresa High School

Audriana Apodaca, CPNP

Audriana Apodaca, CPNP
Audriana Apodaca, CPNP cares for patients at our school based clinic located in Santa Teresa. She is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Cum Laude and obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at El Paso, School of Nursing in El Paso, Texas.

Areli Guajardo, IBH Provider

Areli Guajardo, IBH Provider

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