THERAPISTS - BIOGRAPHIES and SPECIALTIES

​

All Therapists are Masters or PhD level in education, with State and National licensure and certification. In addition, the Family Workshop does a credentialing verification on all Therapists. The letters following the names refer to the type of licensure, however, all are certified to do therapy or counseling. Counseling and therapy are virtually the same thing. We are careful to solicit, evaluate and hire the very best Counselors in the area. These people have huge resumes, significant expertise and are well versed in a variety of modalities - they are gifted, creative and, most of all, very good at engaging clients

​

Salmha Azimy, LMHC - graduated from University of the Southwest and holds a M.A. in School Counseling and a Doctor of Psychology in Elementary Education. She has worked as a school counselor for seven years and specializes in working with children and teenagers, utilizing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Outside of work, she loves spending time with her two nephews and watching basketball.

​

Kevin Baker, LMHC - graduated from the University of New Mexico and Webster University. Kevin has previously worked in hospital settings including Vista Sandia and Heights Psychiatric. Kevin was an Air Force brat growing up and has developed a fascination with the Native American Culture, so when he is not in the office you may find him visiting the different pueblos around New Mexico. He is great with kids, single parents, and veterans. Kevin is an alternative preacher (we have three within the agency) and he is our official "welcome wagon" person here for new people. 

​

Rolando J. Benavidez, LMHC - R.J. has a BA in Sociology (UNM) M.A. in Guidance and Counseling, as well as in Business Administration from New Mexico Highland's University. R.J. did some work for the Geriatric Partial Hospitalization program developing and implementing the psychiatric admission process for Lovelace Health Systems. He has also worked for Central Desert Behavioral Health. R.J. enjoys making his famous salsa and being at home with his wife of 20 years, two awesome kids, and the new little one yet to arrive.

​​​

Tamba Calfee, LMHC - M.A. from Grand Canyon University, B.A. in Criminal Justice from Radford University (Virginia). Tamba has also worked at Molina Healthcare, Turquoise Lodge, the Southwest Family Guidance Institute, and Haven House. Outside of Tamba's passion for helping those around her she also has a huge soft spot for dogs.​

​

Jennifer Duggin, LMHC - earned her Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from the University of Florida and completed two Master’s degrees through University of Phoenix in Elementary Education and Community Counseling. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play-based therapy, and trauma-informed practices, while also honoring faith as an important part of healing and growth. She believes that God is central to true healing, and she strives to reflect His love, patience, and grace in my work with every child and family.

​

Mark Emeka, LCSW - earned his Master’s degree in Social Work and my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Africana Studies from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) he believes therapy works best when you feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. His approach draws from both professional training and my personal lived experience with cerebral palsy, paired with a deep understanding of systemic oppression, racism, and marginalization—particularly their impact on Black communities and other marginalized groups. He practices from a trauma-informed foundation, centering safety, empowerment, collaboration, choice, and trustworthiness. Mark welcomes adults and couples from all backgrounds and bring cultural humility to conversations around identity, race, culture, and historical trauma.
He integrates evidence-based approaches including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and somatic techniques and strengths-based perspectives

Mark is a Los Angeles native who spent high school in Rio Rancho and recently moved back to Albuquerque. He enjoys spending time with his family, listening to hip hop (a huge Kendrick Lamar fan), and watching hip hop news on YouTube.

​

Jessica Garcia, LMHC - is a high school counselor at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho in addition to working with Family Workshop. She specializes in working with teenagers and young adults, using Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and CBT. Jessica’s approach is empathetic, supportive, and goal-oriented. Outside of counseling, she enjoys running, hiking, yoga, and spending time with her three children.

​

Joselyn Glicco, LMHC - earned her BA in Psychology from Hawaii Pacific University and her MA in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She has supported children and families through behavioral health, residential services, and case management, and she currently serves as a high school counselor with APS while continuing coursework in School Counseling at NM Highlands. An Army veteran and proud mom of a tween and teen, Joselyn is also Level 2 trained in Sand Tray therapy.

​​

Bonifacio Gutierrez, LMSW - Bonifacio has an MSW in Government and Non-profit Management from New Mexico Highland's University, as well as a B.A. in Spanish and Psychology from the University of New Mexico. Bonifacio worked at the Santa Fe Mountain Center, All Faiths and the 100 mile pilgrimage for vocations for the Santa Fe Archdiocese. He was also a graduate assistant at Highlands and has been a health policy analyst for our congressional delegation. Bonifacio is a bilingual therapist.

​

Clarissa Hastings, LMHC - Being a native New Mexican, Clarissa Rudolph-Hastings grew up in northern New Mexico and graduated from New Mexico Highlands University with a Master of Arts in Counseling along with a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry. She has over 25 years of experience working with children and teenagers, as a counselor and a teacher. Using different therapeutic techniques like Gottman therapy for couples, art therapy, grief therapy, brief therapy, CBT therapy, DBT therapy, and play therapy, she demonstrates resilience to her clients. She grew up loving the outdoors, spending summers on her grandparent's ranch in Rainsville, New Mexico, cooking and baking with her grandmother, and taking long walks near their garden.  She also enjoys reading various genres of books and writing books about healing, inspired by her beautiful memories with her grandmother.

​​

Michael Hays, LMHC - earned degrees from the University of New Mexico and Webster University. With over 30 years of experience as an English teacher in the US and abroad, he has also worked as a mental health therapist. Now retired from teaching, Michael sees clients of all ages at Family Workshop, addressing family issues and providing in-depth psychotherapy. He is married with two adult daughters and enjoys composing and performing jazz on the string bass.

​

Noora Jonaidi, LMHC - George Mason University and Marymount University, Noora is also a school counselor at Ernest Stapleton Elementary School in Rio Rancho. She has also worked at Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, as a testing proctor in Arlington Virginia and with senior citizens in a rehabilitation setting. She is certified as a crisis de-escalation facilitator and is somewhat versed in Arabic, speaking and writing.​

​

Theresa Jones, LMHC - M.A. Southwestern College and a B.S., Texas A&M University. Theresa specializes in Cognitive behavioral therapy, substance abuse prevention and domestic Violence prevention. She is our “go to” Therapist on many cases, a real pro. She has also worked as a therapist at Acadia Healthcare and a Life Skills Instructor for disabled clients. Outside of working you may find Theresa horseback riding, finding the next best herbs, or maybe even at an art exhibit…herbs?

​

Nick Kadlec, LMHC - has been providing counseling at Family Workshop since May 2024. He helps clients build resilience, find balance, and navigate life’s challenges in a supportive, collaborative environment. Nick has also been a school counselor with Albuquerque Public Schools for over 15 years. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing music, and spending time with his family.

​

Jazmin Krizizke, LMHC - is a full-time school counselor and part-time therapist at Family Workshop. She earned her BA in Psychology and Sociology and her MA in Counseling from the University of New Mexico. Jazmin is passionate about supporting Albuquerque’s unique community and brings enthusiasm and care to her work with clients.

​

Bobbi Lujan, LMHC - holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from New Mexico State University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from University of Phoenix, and is dually licensed as a Licensed School Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and teens, helping them navigate anxiety, trauma, and big emotions through play therapy and experiential, hands-on approaches within a supportive, relationship-based framework that includes both play and age-appropriate talk therapy. She integrates elements of CBT, DBT, and creative activities to help clients build coping skills and emotional awareness. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with my two kids, camping, hiking, and playing with her dogs, Clare and Rosie.  

​

Angela Luna, LCSW - earned her Associate's Degree in Psychology from Santa Fe Community College and continued her education at New Mexico Highlands University, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work. She is currently a School Social Worker with Cooperative Educational Services (CES), where she continues to support children and families through advocacy, emotional support, and educational services. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, reading, and walking her dog, Bella.

​​

Matthew Newman, LMHC - earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and his Master’s from New Mexico Highland’s University. With over 15 years in youth behavioral health and 20 years coaching youth sports, he now works as a 9th Grade Academy Counselor at Cibola High School and also works at Family Workshop. He uses CBT, Mindfulness (DBT), and Person-Centered approaches and values humor, family, and creating a lighthearted space for others

​

Jennifer Oesterling, LCSW - Originally from New Jersey, Jennifer graduated from UNM with a BA in Sociology and earned her Master of Social Work from NMSU in 2001.  She has been licensed as an LCSW since 2005 and certified as a board approved supervisor since 2016.  Jennifer's background includes workplace settings such as: an acute care psychiatric hospital, community agencies, hospice, and school social work.  Jennifer has also been an adjunct professor for NMSU, teaching various graduate level courses.  She is a published author, contributing to “The Art of Becoming Indispensable: What School Social Workers Need to Know in Their First Three Years of Practice” as a co-author of Chapter 16, Challenges to Ethics and Values:  How to Handle Difficult Situations.

Jennifer has been a middle school social worker for the last 11 years and she loves working with this age group.  

Free time is spent traveling far and wide and spending time with her husband, 22 year old daughter, 2 cats and one dog.

​

Kelley O'Keefe-Taico, LMHC - As a transplant to New Mexico from Oakland, California, where she graduated from St. Mary's College with her Bachelor's degree and John F Kennedy University with her Master's, Kelley has practiced for over 20 years. She specializes in working with children with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), Dual Diagnosis, Addiction and the unhoused population, including both adults and children. Kelley has a deep passion for helping those she meets through her work reach their fullest potential. When she is not working she enjoys time with her pets. 

​

David Otto, LMSW, JD - went to New Mexico State University and New England School of Law. A veteran of the US Army Reserve, Dave has worked in K-12 schools, clinical child and family settings, and high-stakes legal advocacy. He is great at working with kids and parents navigating complex systems and people in transitional moments. He has an interest in Native American culture and enjoys visiting pueblos on feast days, shooting pool, hiking the Sandias, and exploring New Mexico’s small towns.

​

Marc Paley, LCSW - earned his Master's in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Arizona. He has a specialty in play based and experiential therapy from his 7 years in school social work, working with children ages 5-18. His practice emphasizes a trauma informed humanist approach to counseling that is solutions focused while assisting clients with dynamic change-work while cultivating deeper insights into the internal motivations and  deeply held patterns we carry. He is passionate about helping children and young adults, the LGBTC+ Community Youth, HIV+ Youth, and Native Youth. In Marc's free time he loves to garden, hike, walk his dog Xóchi and travel both locally and internationally. He also has a deep appreciation for music, theatre and the arts, having performed in some community theatre himself in the Albuquerque area in recent years.

​

​Lynn Ramsey, LMHC - was a school counselor in APS for 26 years, specializing in college, career, and mental health counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s from the University of North Dakota and her Masters in Counseling in New Mexico. In her spare time, Lynn enjoys mountain biking, live music, cooking, and camping in her restored 1963 Shasta camper.

​

Natalie Naranjo-Rodriguez, LPCC - Natalie has an M.A. in Counseling from Webster University, as well as a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of New Mexico. Natalie spent most of her career with CYFD, 20+ years. She has also been a probation officer, and a school and outpatient counselor Outside of the office … spending time with her children and her puppy. Natalie is a prolific Counselor, created a room in her house for tele-health and has certainly responded during the pandemic…thank you Natalie.

​

Janaiah Shields, LMSW - earned her degree from New Mexico Highlands University and has experience in school-based and community social work. She has provided counseling, crisis intervention, and family engagement with a focus on culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. She is passionate about helping students and families overcome barriers to education and mental wellness. Originally from Texas, Janiah enjoys exploring New Mexico with her two miniature schnauzers.

​

Jocelyn Strauss, LMHC - earned her BA in psychology from Fort Lewis College and her MA from the University of Colorado at Denver. She has worked in schools, hospitals, and mental health centers before joining Family Workshop. Most days, she is joined by her certified therapy dog, Princess Leia, who loves cheering up clients. Jocelyn enjoys working with all ages, especially children, teens, and moms expecting postpartum depression.

​

Bernice Ulibarri, LMHC - Originally from Las Vegas, New Mexico Bernice has a Masters degree in School and Professional Counseling and her undergraduate in Psychology Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. Outside of work she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her family and pets and cheering on her son during high school football games.

​

Leslie Ulibarri, LPC - Leslie has an MA in Counseling from Webster University, as well as a BA in Criminology and Social Welfare from the University of New Mexico. Leslie has an extensive history working with mental health within the justice system spending some years working as a probation officer and then moving on to become a probation counselor for the New Mexico District Attorney. In her free time, you can find her out on a lake catching fish or even on the dance floor showing off her ballroom dancing skills. She is the co-caretaker for the therapy dog at the DA's office.

​

Emily Voorhees, LMSW - earned her Masters of Social work from Columbia University and also studied at Oxford University. She provides individualized trauma-informed psychotherapy that integrates traditional talk therapy, behavioral modalities, and EMDR. In addition to co-developing social services curriculum for universities in Kazakhstan, the Republic of Georgia, and Albania, she is also a longtime birth doula and pilates instructor.

​

STAFF BIOGRAPHIES​​

​

Jeff Burrows (Owner/Director) MA,Ed,Soc. Springfield College, Harvard University, UNM and Texas A&M. Jeff was most recently the Director of Social Services at the Pueblo of Laguna, the former Executive Director of Valencia Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, the former Executive Director and co-founder of New Day Shelters and an original member of the Watermelon Mountain Jug Band, "always a standing ovation." He is an avid, unfortunately not frequent, golfer. Jeff was the recipient of the 1987 United Nations Humanitarian Award.

​​​​​​

Raja Burrows (Operations) earned a B.M. in Vocal Performance and a B.A. in Spanish from Northwestern University. He worked as a test prep and college admissions tutor for a high-end test prep company in New York City before becoming their Head of Strategy and Operations. He is also a professional actor and has appeared in a recurring role on Hulu's "The Path" with Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad). He is also a competitive Magic: the Gathering player, and in his free time, he likes to spend time with his girlfriend and their two cats, Baxter and Tulip.

​

Amanda Marquez (Lead Office Manager) is a U.S. Army veteran with years of experience in the medical field. She currently serves as the Lead Office Manager at Family Workshop, where she oversees daily operations and supports both staff and families. Outside of work, Amanda devotes her time to her children, who are her greatest focus and joy. In addition to finishing her degree in Business, she enjoys getting tattooed and caring for the family's bearded dragon.

​​

Jenny Cardenas is the Office Manager at the Westside location of Family Workshop; she is known for her kindness and is often described as the heart of the location. She previously worked in the medical field caring for elders, bringing compassion and experience to her role in supporting both staff and clients. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her kids and exploring the outdoors.

​

Gail Simmons works in the billing department. Prior to this, she spent many years working for a veterinarian. After the veterinarian retired, she transitioned to a role in billing and accounts receivable for an HVAC company. She has two dogs and is passionate about caring for her pets. In her free time, she enjoys reading, camping, and fishing.​

​

Meg McKenney has a B.A. in Anthropology and Geology from the University of New Mexico. She also attended nursing school. Meg spent years traveling all over the Pacific Northwest until settling back in Albuquerque in 1998. When She moved back, Meg helped open and was a co-owner of a local yarn company up until 2015. Now in her free time instead of running a company you can find her relaxing and working in her garden.

​

Courtney Stimson is the part-time Office Manager at the Westside location of Family Workshop. She previously worked as both an operations and logistics manager. She has two dogs and in her free time enjoys going hiking and spinning her own yarn from wool she sheared herself. 

​

Lacie Forde Since learning medical billing on the job back in 2014, Lacie has become the kind of biller people rely on—steady, detail‑driven, and genuinely invested in helping patients feel supported. She’s known for her knack for untangling complicated claims and her ability to bring clarity to confusing insurance processes.

When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her surrounded by yarn, fiber, and a rotating cast of beloved critters. She’s an enthusiastic fiber artist who loves creating things that feel warm, textured, and full of personality. Whether she’s stitching a new project or doting on animals big and small, she brings the same gentle dedication that defines her work.

​