- Our Staff -

Meet Our Providers

Maggie Armendariz

Maggie Armendariz​

- LCSW -

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Norma Casado

Norma Casado

- LCSW -

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Melanie Dunne

- LCSW, IMH-E III -

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Breckon Patch​

Breckon Patch​

- LCSW, IMH-III & Clinical Director -

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Meghan Sierra

Meghan Sierra

- LCSW -

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Kristin Knight

Kristin Knight

- LPCC -

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Hannah Hagan

Hannah Hagan

- LMSW -

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Dianna Perea

- LMHC, IMH (II) -

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Charles McNamara

Charles McNamara

- LMSW -

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Anthony Esquibel

Anthony Esquibel

- LPCC -

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Cynthia Montes

- LMSW -

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Silvia Quinones

Silvia Quinones

- LMSW -

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Jasmine Renteria

Jasmine Renteria

- LMSW -

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Karla Rivera

Karla Rivera

- LMHC -

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George Bernal

- LMSW -

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Maggie Armendariz

Maggie Armendariz

- LCSW -

Maggie Armendariz is a Bilingual Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico.  Maggie completed her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at New Mexico State University and her Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Texas El Paso. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Emotional Triggers Treatment (ETT) and is a certified Circle of Security (COS) Parenting facilitator.  She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to strengthen the “positive thoughts” while understanding how our thoughts affect how we feel, and how we behave. Maggie’s clinical specialties include working with children, adolescents, college students, young mothers, adults, and families who are experiencing a variety of concerns, such as, trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, PTSD, behavioral concerns, divorce reaction, self-esteem issues, and parenting struggles.  It’s about finding and strengthening “YOUR BEST SELF”.  Maggie is a mother of three adult children and is a grandmother to 3 amazing grandchildren.  When not working with her clients she enjoys time with her family, significant other and watching movies and sports.

Norma Casado

Norma Casado

- LCSW -

Norma is a bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of New Mexico. She earned her master’s degree in social work from New Mexico State University in 2010. Norma has over 13 years of experience in working in the mental health field. Norma has worked in a variety of setting including outpatient, inpatient, primary medical setting, and in-home. Her background in mental health includes families, couples, and individuals who experienced adjustment issues, self-esteem, abuse, neglect, grief, anxiety, depression, post-partum depression, behavioral concerns with children, parenting difficulties, substance abuse or addiction, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Norma utilizes client center approach in working with her clients, she utilizes an array of evidenced based treatment for therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

Norma is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Triggers Treatment (ETT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, Circle of Security (COS), and in Integrated Behavioral health in medical setting.

Melanie Dunne

- LCSW, IMH-E III -

Melanie completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work at New Mexico State University. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Circle of Security Parenting Classes (COS), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) & Child-Parent Psychotherapy – Supervision, Emotional Triggers Treatment, and is an endorsed Infant Mental Health (III) Specialist. Melanie is also available to provide clinical and reflective supervision.

Her education and professional background of understanding the mind and body has given her a unique approach to counseling that fits the philosophy here at Amistad Family Services.

Melanie currently serves Amistad as a Clinical Supervisor.

Since 2017, Melanie has been a part of a non-profit organization that supports veteran’s and their families across the southern part of New Mexico. She is also a Soroptimist Ruby Award winner (2017) for her work in supporting women veteran’s returning to school after service.  Melanie is a New Mexico native who grew up in Silver City, NM.

Breckon Patch​

Breckon Patch

- LCSW, IMH-III & Clinical Director -

Breckon Patch is the Clinical Director at Amistad Family Services, Inc. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is endorsed as a Category III Infant Mental Health Specialist. She has been with Amistad since 2012 and specializes in treating trauma in infants and young children in relationship with their caregivers. Breckon is trained in Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Circle of Security™ Parenting. Her clinical practice includes working with infants, children, adults, and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, adoption, attachment difficulties, grief, anxiety, depression, post-partum depression, behavioral concerns with children, parenting difficulties, divorce, domestic violence, and trauma.

Breckon completed her Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work at New Mexico State University. She has experience in child advocacy, domestic violence treatment, school social work and outpatient behavioral health. Breckon has resided in New Mexico for over thirty years and enjoys the unique culture and diversity. Alongside her career, she is passionate about her Christian faith and spending time with her two sons.

Meghan Sierra

Meghan Sierra

- LMSW -

Meghan is a Licensed Clinical social worker whose clinical practice includes working with infants, children, adults, and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, attachment difficulties, grief, anxiety, depression, post-partum depression, behavioral concerns, parenting difficulties, domestic violence, and PTSD. Meghan uses mindfulness, attachment-based approaches, trauma informed approaches, and psychotherapy with integrated child-directed play/art/music/movement approaches while working with clients. Meghan has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Emotional Triggers Treatment (ETT), Infant Mental Health, and is a Certified Circle of Security – Parenting facilitator.

On her spare time, Meghan loves spending time with her husband and toddler, going on walks, practicing yoga, and eating yummy Mexican food.

Kristin Knight

Kristin Knight

- LMHC -

Kristin spent over 27 years in public education before joining Amistad, where she has provided clinical therapy since April of 2020. She taught 7th grade English Language Arts for 7 years and was a school counselor at the middle school level for 20 years, as well as Student Counsil Advisor. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Science in Education, as well as her master’s degree in counseling and psychology at New Mexico State University. She became a National Board-Certified Teacher in 1993 and renewed the rigorous certification 3 times. She was selected as the Middle School Advisor of the Year for the State of New Mexico by the New Mexico Association of Student Councils in February of 2020. She is trained in the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Circle of Security, couples counseling and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She has a passion for supporting the homeless and supports the fundraising efforts for Community of Hope her in Las Cruces.

Kristin is a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) who works with adults and couples. Kristin’s therapy style is creative, straightforward, and honest, yet supportive and caring. She makes therapy comfortable and perhaps even fun, despite it being an uncomfortable activity that most people don’t look forward to. She asks questions that encourage clients to honestly think and evaluate themselves in a safe space. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients reflect on their thoughts and determine how their thinking colors their world. Having been a teacher, she is able to help clients have that “aha!” moment that allows them to better understand their relationships and their place in the world in a different, more effective way. Her clients expect to have homework!

She has been married to her husband for over 29 years, and therefore understands the joys and challenges of marriage. Kristin is grateful to be a breast cancer survivor and comprehends the gravity of health scares and managing chronic pain. She is a mother of two and knows the stress of taking care of a family while maintaining a career. Because Kristin’s mother is a minister, she is comfortable talking about prayer, religion, the Bible, and all the struggles that go with exploring one’s faith. She relates to dysfunctional families, blended families, families living overseas and crazy families because she is in one! Her experience in the classroom, the therapy office and in life, give her extensive knowledge and understanding of life’s challenges.

Hannah Hagan

Hannah Hagan

- MSW -

Hannah grew up in the Kansas City area but has lived in Las Cruces since 2019. She received her master’s degree in social work from New Mexico State University. She has helped clients navigate depression, anxiety, grief, divorce reaction, self-esteem issues, gender/sexuality, and trauma. She is trained in EMDR therapy. She enjoys working with children and adolescents of all ages but has a soft spot for children ages 0-5. To best serve this population, she is a trained Circle of Security – Parenting facilitator, she recently completed Amistad’s infant mental health apprenticeship, and is receiving ongoing training and supervision in child-parent psychotherapy.

Prior to moving to New Mexico, Hannah taught reading recovery at an elementary school in Kansas City. She enjoys reading, hiking, yoga, and exploring the natural beauty of the Southwest.

Dianna Perea

- MA, LMHC, IMH (II) -

Dianna Perea is a native New Mexican who was born and raised in the rural mining town of Silver City. She’s currently a NM Licensed Mental Health Counselor and has been working with Amistad Services since May of 2021.  Dianna received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from New Mexico State University and went on to receive her Masters in Counseling from Western New Mexico University.  Upon graduation from her counseling degree, Dianna worked within the field of home visitation for several years working specifically with prenatal mothers, children 0-3 and their families.  Dianna’s passion of working with young children and their families propelled her into wanting to pursue mental health treatment full time as she witnessed the vital mental health needs of New Mexico’s families firsthand.  Dianna enjoys working with a variety of populations and ages through individual and family therapy.  She has experience in treating anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, behavior concerns, life transitions and parenting struggles.  Dianna is a trained Circle of Security™ Parenting Program (COS) facilitator and utilizes a trauma informed approach in her treatment.  She utilizes a variety of evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.  She holds a Level 2 infant family specialist endorsement through the New Mexico Association of Infant Mental Health and is currently working towards her Clinical endorsement.  Dianna is excited to learn and gain more training and specializations in her work with parents and their children.

Charles McNamara

Charles McNamara

- LMHC -

Charles McNamara is an LMSW who graduated from NMSU with a master’s in social work. Having moved to Las Cruces in 2016 he enjoys both the warm and cool seasons in the area, always hoping for a chance of snow in the winter. Joining the Amistad team, he looks forward to new encounters and experiences with both the staff and clients. When Charles is not working at Amistad he enjoys playing with his pets, morning walks, and various games

Anthony Esquibel

Anthony Esquibel

Anthony Esquibel is a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of New Mexico. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology from New Mexico State University. He has dedicated the past 12 years to working with youth and families in the Las Cruces area. This work includes providing behavior management services, supporting the group home, supervision of a treatment foster care program, in-home services with CYFD, and outpatient therapy. He enjoys working with school-age children and their families with an emphasis on at-risk adolescent males. He is knowledgeable with many childhood disorders including anxiety, depression, and trauma. He enjoys poetry, doing his podcast and time with his son outside of work.

Cynthia Montes

Cynthia Montes

Cynthia is a native to the Las Cruces area and received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New Mexico State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in counseling and community psychology and a master’s in social work. While completing her degree, she provided mental health services to a variety of populations, ranging from age 4 to middle adulthood. She has experience in supporting clients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, self-esteem issues, trauma, grief/loss, divorce, and other family/relationship conflicts. Cynthia especially enjoys working with younger populations to help lay the foundation for healthy development, as well as teach skills young people can take with them for the rest of their lives. Cynthia is eager to get trained in EMDR and Circle of Security this Fall. She is excited to continue working with populations in an area she has always called home. In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys reading fantasy novels, doing yoga, watching movies, and spending time with her two cats.

Silvia Quinones

Silvia Quinones

Silvia Quinones is a Licensed Master Social Worker she received her bachelor’s degree in social work at New Mexico State University and her master’s degree in social work at Western New Mexico University. She has been with Amistad Family Services since her practicum in 2020. Silvia is bilingual and is a certified facilitator for English and Spanish in Circle of Security (COS) and early intervention program for parents and children. Silvia has been trained in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and EMDR. Silvia is consistently involved in Infant Mental Health training. Her experience specializes in children, families, and individuals with a variety of cultural backgrounds and concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, issues and parenting struggles. Some of the therapeutic techniques she uses include play and art therapy.

Silvia grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico and moved to Las Cruces in her teenage years. She enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs. She is very passionate about the importance of self-care and something she emphasizes within her practice.

Jasmine Renteria

Jasmine Renteria

Jasmine is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her bachelor’s in Family and Child Sciences, Minor in Child Advocacy Studies, and Masters of Social Work all at New Mexico State University. She is working towards being trained as a Circle of Security Parenting Program facilitator. Her professional goals include becoming certified in EMDR and achieving Infant Mental Health Endorsement within the next year.

Jasmine’s clinical practice includes supporting infants, children, adolescents and families with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, self-esteem issues, and attachment difficulties. She has experience in school social work at the elementary level and working with community resources. Jasmine uses a variety of evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Born and raised in Las Cruces, Jasmine enjoys gardening, being with her dogs, exploring outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Karla Rivera

Karla Rivera

Karla Rivera is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She attended NMSU where she earned her bachelor’s degree with her focus in Secondary Education. She later completed her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. Karla was born and raised in Las Cruces where she has worked in a variety of settings. She has experience working with children and adults, treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, behavioral concerns, parenting difficulties, ADHD, domestic violence, trauma, attachment conditions, relationship struggles, PTSD, and abuse. Karla uses the therapeutic approaches of DBT, CBT, and motivational interviewing.

At home, Karla enjoys spending time with her children and pets, learning languages, studying different cultures, and loves traveling!

George Bernal

George arrived at Amistad as an intern with the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, where he completed his Master’s in Social Work, emphasizing mental health and trauma. George completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Arizona Global Campus. After his internship, he accepted a full-time position as a staff therapist. He has an extensive law enforcement, Firefighting, and Emergency Medical Services background. He looks forward to continuing his work with clients from diverse backgrounds and first responders. George was potty trained as a one-year-old and still holds the record for the youngest member of his siblings to use the restroom by himself. He also caught a fish and could correctly spell his name before entering the fifth grade. George enjoys cruising Sonic and combing his extensive wig collection in his off time. He is the proud father of countless boys and girls, now primarily men and women, in and around Grant County. His favorite food is anything he can pick up with his hands, and his favorite color is clear. 

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