Teresa Arizaga, MD

Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Psychiatrist 
Doctor of Medicine 

Dr. Teresa Arizaga is a Psychiatrist. A native New Mexican, Dr. Teresa Arizaga learned the importance of serving her community and medical profession at a young age. Dr. Arizaga obtained her B.A. in Psychology and chemistry from New Mexico State University. Choosing to remain in New Mexico to be near her family, she earned her M.D. in 2000, completing her residency in psychiatry in 2004 from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. She practiced at Gila Regional Medical Center beginning in 2005 and remained there for 15 years, and will always hold a special place in her heart for her patients, coworkers and experiences she shared at GRMC. She also ran a part time private practice for several years in Silver City, NM.

Entering a new era of practice, Teresa is excited to continue serving her community as the CMHO at Hidalgo Medical Services. It is her hope to continue developing best practices with existing programs and to collaborate with GRMC, county detention centers, local providers, and with others. It is her vision to enhance behavioral health systems for children as well as proactive measures that can come with outpatient support, including drug and alcohol treatment. She believes that together, the potential for continued high-quality behavioral health systems can be attained. Teresa proudly raises her two children Elena Maria (11) and Enrique Luis (8).

Jesse Berkowitz, LMSW

Behavioral Health Therapist
Licensed Master Social Worker 

Jesse Berkowitz is a Behavioral Health Therapist who recently moved back to his hometown of Silver City after living in Texas for many years. Jesse received his Master of Social Work degree from Western New Mexico University and has a passion for providing low-barrier, community-based behavioral health services. Jesse has spent the last few years in Austin, Texas, working on an integrated treatment team providing behavioral health support to individuals who are unhoused or exiting incarceration and experiencing challenges related to serious mental illness and substance misuse.

Through his experiences providing psychosocial rehabilitative services to people with complex needs, Jesse has learned to consider how every element in an individual’s environment can have an effect on mental health. Jesse approaches therapy from a whole-person point of view and focuses on supporting individuals by helping them to explore personal values, utilize existing strengths, and reconnect with what is truly important to them. Jesse specializes in a variety of cognitive behavioral approaches and works to empower his clients to commit to making lasting changes that move them toward what they deeply care about.

Melissa Palmer, LPCC

Director of Behavioral Health Specialty Programs
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Melissa Palmer is the Director of Behavioral Health Specialty Programs at HMS, which includes Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) and New Beginnings Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) programs. She grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1995, and from Western New Mexico University with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling in 1997. She has been working as a Licensed Counselor in Silver City since 2001, and has worked in Community Behavioral Health Centers since 2004 through transitions of different agencies to Hidalgo Medical Services in 2015, and has been supervising the Comprehensive Community Support Services program in Silver City since 2012.

Melissa started her career working with children and adolescents utilizing play and art therapy, and has specialized in trauma treatment with clients of all ages throughout her career. She has been facilitating a weekly Seeking Safety therapy group focusing on improving management of substance use disorders and trauma symptoms since 2019.

Melissa feels that the most rewarding part of her job is when clients benefit from learning how to manage behavioral health symptoms and stressors in positive ways, leading them to establish beneficial daily living practices, develop healthy relationships, and ultimately meet their individual recovery goals to lead satisfying and fulfilling lives. She believes there is always hope if people are determined and engaged in services provided by a team of caring professionals working together to help them manage all aspects of their health and well-being. Melissa enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time with family, and playing with her dogs in her spare time.

Katherine Convery, LSSA

Substance Abuse Counseling

Katherine has a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling and is a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate pursuing a higher degree of licensure. She is also a graduate student and currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Western New Mexico University. Katherine employs a holistic, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach to recovery and she has experience working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.

Katherine is well-versed in the field of addiction and is working to develop her clinical skills and expand her scope of practice so that she can help others address the root causes of their issues. She uses an eclectic and multi-theoretical approach that includes humanistic and psychodynamic perspectives and she employs cognitive behavioral strategies, motivational interviewing, and social-emotional learning among others in her clinical practice.

Katherine is excited to be a part of the HMS Family and is committed to excellence in client care. She was born and raised in Silver City, NM, and she is deeply committed to improving and strengthening this community by empowering others to become the best version of themselves and promoting connection to the 4-natural relationship (self, family, community, and spiritual/higher power). Katherine has a background in personal training and various exercise instruction including dance, swimming, and martial arts and her hobbies include anything outdoors, making crafts, star gazing, and enjoying time with her loved ones. She is grateful and excited to be serving the community of Silver City and she looks forward to developing her career with HMS.

Frida Gonzalez, LPCC

Director of Community Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Therapist
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Frida Gonzalez is a Behavioral Health Therapist, and works with a diverse range of behavioral health issues and enjoys helping and working with anxiety, depression, and grief - working primarily with adults. She got her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Fraser Valley. In 2014 she got her Master of Arts in Counseling from Western New Mexico University and began working at HMS. As a child of immigrant parents and an immigrant herself, Frida enjoys working with bilingual patients as well as culturally diverse populations

As a child of immigrant parents and an immigrant herself, Frida enjoys working with bilingual patients as well as culturally diverse populations. In addition to working and serving the Grant County population, Frida likes to volunteer in the community and serves on a Forums Committee, is a member of 24 Club, and has taught for the Language Institute at WNMU.

Sarah Haan, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Sarah is a board-certified psychiatric behavioral health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), who has been in practice since 2016. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Simmons College in Boston, MA. Her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oakland University Rochester, Michigan and graduated with honors from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan where she received her Master’s degree in nursing. Sarah is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive behavioral health services to her patients 18 and up.

Sarah possesses strong clinical skills and believes in building authentic therapeutic relationships with clients by becoming familiar with their life experiences, challenges and goals then works through assessment diagnosis, treatment, and education to promote wellbeing

She follows evidence-based guidelines, personal observation, and intuition. As a PMHNP, Sarah’s role is multifaceted, including being an educator, behavioral health advocate, providing counseling, with a variety of holistic and pharmacologic approaches. As clinical faculty, Sarah values interdisciplinary collaboration and will readily refer out to ensure treated the whole person.

Hidalgo Medical Services for Behavioral Health is a bit of a homecoming for Sarah, who returns to a full-service outpatient setting after two years of serving patients as a silo behavioral health provider in a primary care environment. Sarah is always advocating for her patients, and innovations in healthcare. Sarah belongs to Sigma Theta Tau a global organization for the field of nursing and as a member of IPSM (International Society of Psychiatric Behavioral health Nurses) currently serving on the DEI committee (Diversity, equity and inclusion). Locally, She enjoys serving her community from volunteering at the Tour of Gila to active board member at El Refugio. After spending two years in Central America, Sarah has dedicated her career to working in underserved areas and loves to work on improving her Spanish

When Sarah is not working she enjoys hiking, gardening, reading and relaxing with friends.

Andrew LeFave, LMSW, LCSW

Behavioral Health Therapist
Licensed Master Social Worker

Andy LeFave is a Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist, who works with people who want to transform their current life into their best life. Andy holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. He supports the client's change process with a combined approach, a strategic focus on helping clients get clear and connected to their personal beliefs, meaning, and sense of purpose and a tactical focus on finding mindfulness in the present moment and making effective choices.

Andy is a US Army and Department of Defense Veteran and has worked as a counselor at Army and Air Force bases across the United States, in the Middle East, and Asia. He also started and ran a regional Employee Assistance Program in his long-time home of Austin Texas. He and his wife Laura moved to Silver City two years ago, and are excited to be part of this great community.

Cameron Meyer, LMSW

Behavioral Health Therapist
Licensed Master Social Worker

Cameron Meyer, Behavioral Health Therapist, is originally from Tucson, AZ, and is new to the Silver City area. He fell in love with this area when visiting as a boy and then later as a young man. Cameron and his son chose Silver City because they love the wilderness and especially the community, which has welcomed them with open arms. Cameron states that the same feeling of welcome and community has been given to him by HMS, and he is honored to work with this organization, helping to bring excellent care to the wonderful residents of this area.

Cameron received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Arizona State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in both degrees. He has a special passion for working with survivors of trauma and considers it a privilege to work with all clients, from kiddos to elders and everyone in between. Cameron takes an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing top-down (cognitive) approaches with bottom-up (somatic) approaches. His training and experience have also taught him the importance of taking a whole-person and ecological approach to therapy.

When not having the honor of working with members of the community, you might find Cameron out in the wilderness hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, or simply poking around listening to Nature. Or you may find him with his partner and their children being silly and playing in the grass at any given park or The University.

Nichole Mohr, LSAA

Substance Abuse Counselor
Licensed Substance Abuse Associate

Nichole was born and raised in Anaheim, California, and moved to Silver City, New Mexico in 2001. She’s married and has three wonderful children; Dylan (14), Isabella (11), and Alexis (17). After earning her high school diploma from Silver High School in 2005, she went on to Ultimate Medical Academy in Florida where she received her Associate's in Public Health and a Graduate Certification as an Administrative Medical Assistant. Nichole continued her education until 2018 when she received her Bachelor's in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University in New Hampshire. In July 2018, Nichole started at Hidalgo Medical Services as a Certified Medical Assistant for 1 year then transitioned to a Patient Specialist and Behavioral Health Referral Clerk. After working in Operations for 5 years, she has obtained her License as a Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) and is currently enrolled at Western New Mexico University to obtain a Graduate Certification in Chemical Dependency Counseling. In the Spring of 2024, she will be attending Arizona State University to obtain her Masters in Addiction Psychology.

Nichole became a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate because of many obstacles in her personal life that surround addiction and behavioral health. Her primary focus is to provide evidence-based

Anita Parada, PhD, LP, CBIS

Neuropsychologist
Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Dr. Anita Parada, PhD is a Neuropsychologist licensed in New Mexico and Certified Brain Injury Specialist. She was born and raised in Poland. During her education and career, she lived in several countries in Europe and North America. Yet, she fell in love with New Mexico/green chili, moved here with her family, and has joined the HMS to serve her neighbors.

Dr. Parada obtained her PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in neuropsychology from the University of Warsaw, a postgraduate degree in psychotherapy from the Jagiellonian University in Cracow and completed postdoctoral training in advanced rehabilitation research on mild traumatic brain injury. Before joining HMS, she had worked for five years as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso.

During her career, Dr. Parada has worked in academic and clinical settings, doing research, teaching, performing neuropsychological evaluations, and as a psychotherapist. She has worked with the military, veterans, first responders, people who experienced violence, and athletes with brain and psychological trauma or brain disorders treating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems.

Dr. Parada integrates various assessments, therapies, and neurorehabilitation in her approach, including behavioral and non-invasive brain stimulation and strong collaboration with other health providers and the community. She believes every person is a unique compilation of body and spirit, a dynamic result of biology, individual, family, human history, and environmental challenges and opportunities.

Susan Russo, LPCC

Behavioral Health Therapist

Susan Russo is a L.P.C.C. and graduated from Webster University with a Master Degree in Counseling. Susan has twenty years of experience in the Behavioral Health and Substance Use Field with experience including: Program and Clinical Director; Clinical Supervisor; Intake Coordination; Crisis Response Coordination; and Utilization Management and Quality Assurance. Susan’s direct care experience includes but is not limited to Crisis/Suicide assessment/intervention; Diagnosis and treatment of multicultural and SED adults; adolescents and children presenting with dual diagnosis; chemical dependency; anger management; grief and loss; and verbal, physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse and trauma.

David Tio, MA

Clinical Psychologist

David Tio is a psychology intern at Hidalgo Medical Services via the New Mexico Psychology Internship Consortium and is currently completing a PhD in Clinical Psychology from St. John’s University in Queens, New York.

David’s interests have always been centered on advocating for underserved communities. He appreciates a generalist approach to training and seeks to build his repertoire to expand his scope of practice. David has taken on many roles, which has served to enhance his understanding of the different systems involved in providing support to marginalized communities. David has experience supporting care for elderly residents experiencing psychiatric and behavioral concerns in long-term care settings; working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as a Registered Behavior Technician; addressing issues of neglect, abuse, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, truancy, gang violence etc. for ACS-referred families as an In-Home Family Consultant; leading therapeutic groups and activities of daily living for children and adults on psychiatric inpatient units; delivering interventions to foster children with intellectual developmental disabilities at  residential treatment centers; and delivering assessments and interventions in community outpatient clinics in Queens and Manhattan. David is bilingual and always eager to improve his cultural competencies.

Since the birth of his daughter, who was diagnosed with a genetic condition, David has become increasingly enthralled in the role of metabolism and lifestyle factors in offsetting the risk of developing chronic illness. Having had success in using the tools of psychology to effect daunting changes in the stubborn and self-defeating behaviors of many past patients, David is a firm believer that the field of psychology is well-suited to motivate and guide patients to adjust lifestyle practices to improve their physical and behavioral health.

David’s goals involve introducing efficacious programs that target prevention of salient health concerns in underprivileged populations and empowering individuals by educating them on how to be critical evaluators of their own health metrics. David also aims to eventually be part of a collective of like-minded healthcare practitioners who subscribe to a holistic perspective on treatment and emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. David has a fuzzy canine companion named Señorita Bonita.

Eddeana Ueland, BA, LADAC

Tu Casa Director
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

Eddeana has an undergraduate degree in Bachelor’s of Art in Counseling. She attended UNM, Louisiana State to concentrate on Addiction Studies, She Came to New Mexico in 1996. She has extensive knowledge in substance use/abuse disorders. She has worked in Therapeutic communities both in a prison setting and out of prison. She came to New Mexico to assist with the startup of Amity at Fort Stanton where she lived and worked until 2003.

She then worked for Dept. of Corrections as a probation/parole officer for two years. She also worked in the prison as an Addition’s Counselor. In 2009 She came to Grant County to be the clinical supervisor of Yucca Lodge. She was the Yucca Lodge Program Director from 2010-2017 when the DOH relocated Yucca Lodge to Roswell, NM. In 2020 she retired from The Department of Health.

Anna Yniguez, LMHC

Behavioral Health Counselor

Anna Yniguez graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2021 with a Master’s of Science in Professional Counseling. She completed her internship with the Family Counseling Center on the campus of Western New Mexico University between January 2020 and May 2021, where she gained experience working with children and their families. Anna’s experience and training includes a person-centered approach, non-directive play, and cognitive behavioral therapy. She primarily serves clients with anxiety, depression, and adjustment reactions of childhood and adolescence. She enjoys working with children of all ages, and has a passion for supporting survivors of trauma. Anna discovered her interest in counseling while providing emotional support for her friends, family, and peers through various trials of their lives.

Anna has lived in the Silver City area for most of her life. She appreciates this community for its natural beauty, four gentle seasons, and the compassion of strangers. Anna has been married to the love of her life for twelve years and together they have two beautiful children.

Kasuma Awolola, MLP

Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Kasuma is a board-certified psychiatric behavioral health nurse practitioner who currently resides in Texas. She attended the City University of New York, College of Staten Island where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She then completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University in Minneapolis. Kasuma is a member of the Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Houston and currently serves as secretary. She is also a member of the Neuroscience Educational Institute and says she loves learning and attending conferences. Kasuma is married with four boys and as a soccer mom, she loves taking her boys to soccer games and cheering them on. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and dancing. She also loves spending time with her family and watching movies or going to concerts. She also loves helping people in her community and even teaches Sunday school on the weekends. She is also a member of the TKP health team, a church-based organization that serves the community by providing screenings and distributing food.

Patricia Hamilton, LCSW

Behavioral Health Therapist

Patti graduated from University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2000 with a Master in Social Work and from Park University in 1983 with Bachelors in Social Psychology. She most recently worked at Gila Regional Medical Services as the psychotherapist in the Behavior Health Unit after retirement as a Child Protective Supervisor with New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department in 2016. Patti has worked with a diverse population of clients since 1990: foster and adopted children and their families, trauma survivors, the homeless, chemical dependent individuals, LGBTQ, former incarcerated individuals and individuals diagnosed with DSM-5 diagnoses both inpatient and outpatient. Her practice is based on a Strength-Based Approach focusing on individuals’ self-determination and strength within their systems, specifically seeing clients and families as resourceful and resilient when in adverse conditions. Patti was born and raised in rural East Tennessee. Patti is married to Tim, also a Social Worker and has 2 daughters, 3 stepdaughters and 1 stepson who have given her wonderful grandchildren.

Simon Laine, DNP, APRN-CNP

Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Simon Laine joined Hidalgo Medical Services in September 2023 as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Simon earned a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Florida International University. He is also a foreign-educated physician from Haiti. Simon has completed rotations in the ICU, ER, and Pediatrics department at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. He did his internship in the inpatient and outpatient mental health unit at Broward General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Simon has worked at different community health centers in South Florida providing medical and mental health services. Simon is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Creole. Simon enjoys playing basketball and soccer with his two sons. He is excited to work with Hidalgo Medical Services to continue to provide behavioral health services to the underserved community of New Mexico

Dani Maier, DNP

Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Dani Maier is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She has been in practice since 2013, after earning a Master’s in Nursing from Oregon Health and Science University. In 2020, Dani earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from New Mexico State University. From 2013-2017, Dani worked in person for HMS at several locations. In 2017, she moved home to Portland, Oregon, and has continued to work with patients via telehealth. She values her ongoing relationship with patients, local providers, and community members in Grant and Hidalgo counties. Dani has three young sons, who take up most of her time outside of work. When she has free time, she likes to garden, hike, play sports, and be outside.

Reynald Omega, MLP

Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner

Reynald Omega has a unique background and expertise in both primary care and mental health. He started his career as a foreign physician in his home country, where he provided primary care services for over five years. However, he faced challenges in obtaining a medical license in the USA, so he decided to pursue a different path. He enrolled in a Master of Science in Nursing program at Florida International University and became an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). He then completed an internship at an integrated clinic in Fort Lauderdale, where he saw the need for a more holistic approach to health care that addresses both physical and mental aspects. This motivated him to further his education and obtain a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification from the same university. Reynald Omega has been working as a dual-certified nurse practitioner for eight years now, serving various populations and settings. He has worked in substance abuse centers, correctional health, mental community centers, and long-term care facilities. He is passionate about providing quality care to his patients and improving their well-being

Pat Rowan, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist
Doctor of Psychology

Dr. Rowan has been an HMS psychologist since 2017. She earned her Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) degree in Clinical Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduation, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in general adult psychology and psychoeducational assessment. Dr. Rowan also holds a BS in General Studies degree from Washington State University, a BS degree in Computer Science from Sonoma State University, and an MA degree in Applied Psychology from Golden Gate University.

Pat enjoys training and mentoring new therapists and feels that the HMS approach integrating medical, psychological, and social services provides an excellent training ground for interns to hone their skills in general behavioral health as practiced in a multicultural, rural environment. She is hoping to complete her private pilot’s license in the near future.

Paris Williams, LCSW

Behavioral Health Therapist

Paris Williams is a Behavioral Health Therapist who resides in Chicago IL. She has one 9-year-old son AJ who is her everything and a very friendly 3-year-old Pitbull named Duke. Paris is a football mom who enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves nature walks, hikes, biking on Lake Michigan, cruises, and boat rides. She enjoys journaling, meditating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Paris received my BSW from Illinois State University in Normal, IL in 2014. After that, she worked in child welfare for two years while obtaining her MSW from Governor State University in University Park, IL in 2016. Over the past ten years, Paris has worked with diverse populations. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, the geriatric population as well as end of life. Paris has worked in inpatient, outpatient, and home health settings. Her passion is health and wellness.

As a clinical therapist, Paris’s specialties are stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, depression, and life stressors. She believes that you are the author of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. Paris is here to support you In that process.

Jose Ramon, LCSW

Behavioral Health Therapist

Jose Ramon is a highly dedicated and compassionate Clinical Social Worker, specializing in mental health. With over a decade of experience as a behavioral health provider, Jose brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to helping individuals enhance their well-being and navigate life's challenges. Since beginning his career in 2009, Jose has focused on providing exceptional care and support to individuals struggling with various mental health conditions. He possesses a comprehensive understanding of mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and he employs evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address the unique needs of his clients. Jose's empathetic and non-judgmental approach to therapy creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals can openly express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. By utilizing a client-centered approach, he collaborates with his clients to develop personalized treatment plan. On his off time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing his guitar and working out at the local gym.