Meet the Staff

Psychologists

Bethany

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Bethany Wellman, PsyD
Position/Areas of Responsibility:

Psychologist, Sr. 

 

APA Training Coordinator
Degrees: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Emphasis)- Marshall University  
Licensure and Certifications: Licensed Psychologist NM PSY-1541/ TX PSY-39070
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: My primary training and experience has been working with individuals navigating socio-economic stressors, including housing and food insecurities. I also enjoy working with non-traditional students (ex: previously incarcerated individuals, youth aging out of foster care, students with serious and persistent mental illness). I have also received specialized training in working with undocumented clients and mixed-status families.
Theoretical Orientation:

My primary theoretical orientation is humanistic/person centered, grounded in attachment theory. I frequently utilize interventions from feminist-multicultural theories and third wave CBT approaches.  
Personal Interests: I enjoy visiting road-side attractions, live music, and ghost hunting.

Marshall

Name: Marshall Schroeder, PsyD
Position/Areas of Responsibility:

Psychologist

Assessment Facilitator 
Degrees:

University of Denver-Graduate School of Professional Psychology-Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)- 2020

University of Denver-Graduate School of Professional Psychology-Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology)- 2017
Licensure and Certifications: Licensed Psychologist (NM PSY-1717)
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, depression, OCD, couples counseling, psychological assessment (e.g., learning disorders, ADHD, transgender hormone-affirming and readiness for surgery letters, and personality), group counseling (e.g., interpersonal process, mindfulness/meditation, compassion-focused and LGBTQIA+), family of origin concerns, grief and loss, outreach, and working with various cultural identities (e.g., ethnic and racial, sexual orientation, gender, social class, ability, those with severe and persistent mental health concerns and religion and spirituality).
Theoretical Orientation: Functional/contextual behavior models. As such, my theoretical orientation approach is primary Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Functional-Analytical Psychotherapy (FAP), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). Working from a functional-behavioral model, I consider clients’ current behaviors within the context of their function in relationship to one's values. By taking an acceptance-based models approach, clients can expect to learn how to live a more valued-congruent life with increased self-compassion. I teach clients that despite the fact that being human invites us to life struggles, we do not have to let these struggles be in the driver’s seat of our lives. I enjoy teaching clients how to recognize who is driving their car, to stop the car, and to make that life struggle sit in the passenger seat. Additionally, I also enjoy working with couples and work primarily from an Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). As each couple has their own dance in life, I enjoy teaching couples how to recognize their style of dance, and participation and teaching them to be more harmonious dancers in the future.
Personal Interests: Growing up in Hawaii, I became an avid swimmer and surfer. Since the ocean and waves are hard to come by in the mainland, I have expanded these interests to include: skiing, cycling, running, and spending time with my partner and our Golden Retriever.

 

Alejandro

Name: Alejandro Cervantes, PhD
Position/Areas of Responsibility:

Psychologist & Practicum Facilitator
Degrees: Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from New Mexico State University, 2020
Licensure and Certifications: Licensed Psychologist (NM PSY-1739)
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: First-generation college students, students of color, men of color, men's mental health issues, relational concerns, and group therapy.
Theoretical Orientation: Relational Cultural Theory and Multicultural Feminist within a social justice and multicultural lens. I also utilize gestalt therapy, interpersonal process therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and systems approach in my clinical work. Because my therapeutic approach integrates Relational Cultural Theory and Multicultural Feminist, I assist students through creative and experiential interventions to best navigate and understand their multiple intersecting identities within oppressive structures. Through this integrative approach, I help students increase awareness of internal and external interruptions to accept and understand how they feel. Finally, I enjoy working with all students and presenting concerns.
Personal Interests: I enjoy watching sports, particularly teams from Los Angeles, California. I also enjoy playing tennis, and I hope to be more involved in the Las Cruces Tennis Association one day. I am a fan of awards shows and cooking shows. My partner and I love to watch movies and television shows together, whether the shows are comedy or drama. My partner and I are getting ready to have a baby, so we learn how to be parents. Therefore, my current personal interest is preparing how to be a father!

Counselors

Louie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:Louie C. Atencio, LPCC
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Counselor, Employee Assistance Program- EAP
Degrees: M.S. in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University
Licensure and Certifications: Licensed by the NM, Therapy and Practice Board as a License Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
Licensed by the NM, Therapy and Practice Board as a License Alcohol Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC).
NBCC National Board, of Certified Counselors, since 2006.
Completed EMDR II training for adolescents and adults suffering from trauma and PTSD.
Certification- Trauma Focused CBT, for adolescents and adults’ suffering from PTSD.
Certification- Key Supervisor for the Matrix Model Intensive Outpatient Program.
Certification- Matrix Model, Intensive Outpatient Program,
Certification- MRT Moral Reconation Therapy Advanced Training.
Certification- CRAFT, (Community Reinforcement and Family Therapy) Model.
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, depression, trauma, physical abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, and group therapy, clinical supervision.
Theoretical Orientation: I like exploring with clients what their strengths and challenges are, and then developing a treatment approach that helps support them to be able to retain their strengths and to work on their challenges.
Personal Interests: I like fishing and spending time with my family. I also like to listen to audiobooks. I enjoy cooking with my family on the weekends.

 

Name: Callum Grevas
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Counselor
Degrees:

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fort Hays State University, 2022
Licensure and Certifications: Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, Perfectionism, Grief, Mindfulness, Student-Athlete Mental Health
Theoretical Orientation: My theoretical approach stems on the cognitive therapy model as well as mindfulness practices. I like to work with clients on accepting their struggles and learning to live with them in a healthy way. I reach into the bag of multiple different counseling therapies during sessions and often pick and choose depending on the client’s needs.
Personal Interests: Sports ranks high at my list of hobbies and interests. I enjoy following my favorite sports teams closely throughout the year. If I am not watching sports, I am probably watching movies or TV shows with my wife. I was born and raised in Kansas and am looking forward to exploring the beauty that New Mexico has to offer.

Josie

Name: Josie Schmidt, LMSW
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Counselor, Mental Health Services Coordinator
Degrees: Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University 2019
Licensure and Certifications: Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Mexico and North Dakota
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise:

Trauma including interpersonal violence and sexual assault, adjustment disorders, anxiety, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Theoretical Orientation:

My theoretic approach is guided by a strength-based, client-centered, and interpersonal process perspective. I utilize different counseling techniques tailored to the student’s needs while welcoming student feedback to further adapt my approach. I have training in the following areas; trauma, sexual assault, motivational interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and continue to seek additional training to expand my professional knowledge.
Personal Interests: Hiking, reading, escape rooms, traveling, and cooking new foods.

Vanessa

Name: Vanessa Paz, LMHC
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Counselor & Outreach Facilitator 
Degrees: MA in Counseling from New Mexico State University 2014
Licensure and Certifications: Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico 
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: Identity-based, empowerment-focused, trauma-informed approaches
Theoretical Orientation: Feminist Therapy, Multicultural Counseling
Personal Interests: Family, furry friends, finding beauty through art, enjoying live music, and cooking for pleasure.

 

Position/Areas of Responsibility: Counselor
Degrees:
Licensure and Certifications:
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise:

 
Theoretical Orientation:
Personal Interests:

 

 

Psychology Interns

Name:

Elysa Fraginals
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Psychology Intern
Degrees:

Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology

M.A. in Clinical Psychology
Licensure and Certifications:
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: My professional interests include working with young adults, group and individual therapy, assessments, anxiety, depression, identity development, working with individuals of varying cultural backgrounds and creating a space where individuals feel comfortable to connect and practice interpersonal/social skills.
Theoretical Orientation: My theoretical orientations include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Humanistic/Person-Centered Therapy, practiced through a multicultural lens.
Personal Interests: My personal interests include traveling, live music events, spirituality/astrology, trying new foods, being in nature, practicing mindfulness and being a cat mom J   
Name: Daianna Ortiz-Rivera 
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Psychology Intern 
Degrees:

M.S. in Science in Clinical Psychology from Albizu University in Puerto Rico

B.A. in Arts Major in Psychology; Minor concentration in Marketing from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in Puerto Rico
Licensure and Certifications:
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: Hispanic and Latin Community, Community Mental Health, Positive Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Disadvantaged Populations, People with Disabilities, LGBT+, Feminism, Compassion and Self-Compassion, Psychological Wellbeing.  I also worked with persons who have experienced adjustment disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, family concerns, grief, and others. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, young adults, and the elderly. Individual, family, and couples therapy. I am able and willing to work on mental health awareness in different spaces. Spanish and English language.
Theoretical Orientation: I embrace an integrative theoretical model approach that can address the person’s needs. My theoretical orientations include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy Model, Problem-Solution Focus Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focus Therapy; through a humanistic, biopsychosocial, and cultural sensibility lens.
Personal Interests: Traveling, taking care of my plants, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, spending time with family and friends, watching the sunsets, practicing gratitude, and mindfulness, and enjoying the little things.
Name: Kevin Rodriquez, MS
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Psychology Intern 
Degrees:

B.S. in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University

M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University  
Licensure and Certifications:
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: Mindfulness, trauma-informed care, culturally congruent cognitive behavioral therapy, dialect behavioral therapy, complex trauma, community mental health, Latinx mental health, grief, suicide intervention and risk assessment, health psychology, and community mental health.
Theoretical Orientation: Culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy, multicultural counseling, and Mindfulness
Personal Interests: Traveling, music festivals, concerts, hanging out with my dog, being a social justice advocate and videogames.  

Practicum Counselors

Name:  Matt H. 
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Practicum Counselor
Degrees:

M.A. Human Geography
M.S. Community Mental Health Counseling
Licensure and Certifications:  Previously licensed as an LPC in Oklahoma
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: I enjoy nearly all areas of counseling practice. I've worked most with individuals in addiction treatment who also suffer from PTSD. I enjoy theoretical and philosophical aspects of counseling (they work pretty well for living life as well), and enjoy working with clients using self-compassion, mindfulness, existential, and narrative therapy techniques.
Theoretical Orientation: I'm most interested in existential and post-modern theories and approaches to counseling. I believe people are inherently good, trying their best, and organized toward growth. I also believe our sociocultural situations, academic stressors, personal relationships, and world events get in the way of us moving forward. In practice with clients, I hope to help identify these "stuck points" - the things that keep us from moving forward - and work with the client to navigate over, around, or under that obstacle.
Personal Interests:

I like being outdoors, animals, and kiddos. I like making bread - mostly for the eating part. I enjoy dipping gram crackers in milk because it tastes like ice cream. I don't watch the NBA, but I do follow NBA player drama on Twitter sometimes. I also try to pay attention to politics.
Name:  Danisha C. Baro
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Practicum Counselor 
Degrees:

Ed.M. & M.A. 
Licensure and Certifications: NY State LMHC license and TX State LPC license 
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise:

DEI and Mental Health Consulting, Global Mental Health, Cultural Humility, Afro-Latinx/e identity development, and psychological impacts of Racism.
Theoretical Orientation: REBT and Psychodynamic 
Personal Interests:

Exercising, Reading (currently on Dominicana), Traveling, and completing my art projects. 
Name:  Chloe McCaw
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Practicum Counselor 
Degrees:

B.A. in Psychology and B.A. in International Relations from University of Delaware

In progress - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Mexico State University (Graduating May 2023)
Licensure and Certifications:  
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: Migrant and Refugee Mental Health, Trauma, Anxiety, Grief, Mindfulness, Body Image, Intimate Partner Violence, LGBTQ+
Theoretical Orientation: Existentialism, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy, Relational-Cultural Therapy 
Personal Interests:

I love to spend hours in the kitchen baking cakes, cookies, and more. When I'm not baking, I can usually be found dancing, running, or reading fantasy and science fiction books.
Name:  Adan G. Saucedo Gonzalez
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Practicum Counselor 
Degrees:

B.S. in Psychology; Minor concentration in Sport Administration from Lewis-Clark State College (ID)

In progress - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Mexico State University (Graduating May 2023)
Licensure and Certifications:  
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: Student-Athlete mental health alongside performance in sport, mindfulness, depression, intergenerational trauma of the Latinx population, and grief.
Theoretical Orientation: My Theoretical orientation consists of ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy), CBT (Cognitive-Behavorial therapy), and Person-Centered Therapy alongside mindfulness and practicing through a multicultural lens.
Personal Interests:

Hiking, running, watching college basketball, and lastly a huge Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan fan.
Name:  Aurora Tomberlin
Position/Areas of Responsibility: Practicum Counselor 
Degrees:

Counseling & Community Psychology B.S.
Licensure and Certifications:  
Professional Interests and Areas of Expertise: Grief, Anxiety,  Perfectionism, and Life Transitions. 
Theoretical Orientation: Person-Centered, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I take a client-centered approach. I believe that you are the expert of your own life. Therapy is a very collaborative process in which we will work together to work towards your goals. I encourage my clients to examine some of the thoughts and feelings they are experiencing and help reframe the viewpoint of their emotions from a hindrance to a helpful tool that can help guide and shape life decisions.
Personal Interests:

I love being outside, whether it's just sitting out and reading or going on a run or a walk. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, and I usually try a new recipe once a week. I'm a huge Disney fan and used to be a Disney cast member. Therefore, I will be nerd out about any conversation about theme parks or movies.