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Teresa Arizaga, MD

Psychiatrist
Doctor of Medicine

Chief Mental Health Officer

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).

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Melissa Palmer, LPCC

Mental Health Therapist
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 Mental 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.

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Sheryl Anderson, LMHC

Mental Health Therapist
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Sheryl Anderson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico (LMHC), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Ohio, a Registered Nurse (RN) in Ohio, and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). She works with people of all ages to help clients reach their goals in life using evidenced –based interventions and interventions with expressive therapies. Sheryl holds a dual Master’s of Art degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College at Pepper Pike, Ohio, and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from Kaplan University in Florida.

Sheryl uses a holistic approach for each client with an emphasis on individual choices in treatment. Sheryl is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, art therapy, trauma-informed care, group therapy, individual, and family therapy.

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Tim Basha, LADAC

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

Tim W Basha is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) with the state of New Mexico and has been in the field of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) over 20 years. He is well-rounded and experienced with the 12 core functions and the 8 practice domains for SUDs counselors. He was born in Roswell New Mexico and raised in Alamogordo New Mexico. In the 90s and in the early 2000s, he served in the United States Navy. He graduated from Western New Mexico University in December of 2004 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a minor in Chemical Dependency Counseling. Tim W Basha has been a LADAC clinical supervisor since 2005 and enjoys working with new individuals in the field of SUDs and with his clients.

He believes in just being himself while implementing his favorite clinical/ counseling theories of reality theory, client centered/person centered, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavior therapy during educational and process groups, and individual sessions. He strives to continue to give the best counseling services and supervision to his clients and LADAC supervises under his professional code of ethics and personal code of ethics. He would like to thank his family because without them he would not be where he is today. His favorite hobbies are watching his favorite NFL football team, the Seattle Seahawks, on Sunday, collecting Seahawks memorabilia, spending time with his family, and spending time with the family’s 2 pugs and rescued golden retriever. He has been a hardcore Seahawks fan since the age of eight, going on 44 years.

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Matthew Dahlsten, LPCC

Mental Health Therapist
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Matthew Dahlsten is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He completed his Undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of New Mexico and his Masters in Counseling at the University of New Mexico in 2008. He then worked for many years as a case manager for severely mentally ill and homeless individuals, as a paratransit bus driver for the disabled and elderly and as a staff member in a day treatment center for homeless teenagers.

Since then he has been working in community mental health agencies providing counseling services to adolescents, adults, couples and families in New Mexico. He has been living and working in Silver City since 2013 and has worked as a mental health counselor at HMS since 2015. He has felt grateful to be able to provide professional counseling services that help to improve the mental health, relationships and quality of life for the people in this community.

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Frida Gonzalez, LPCC

Mental Health Therapist
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Frida Gonzalez is a Mental Health Therapist, and works with a diverse range of mental 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.

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Sarah Haan, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Sarah is a board certified psychiatric mental 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 mental 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, mental 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 mental 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 Mental 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.

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Andrew LeFave, LMSW, LCSW

Mental Health Therapist
Licensed Master Social Worker

Andy LeFave is a Licensed Mental 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.

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Natahsa McCants, LCSW

Mental Health Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Natasha McCants joined HMS in June, 2015 as a mental health therapist. She earned her Masters of Social Work degree from Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico. After graduation, she worked towards her independent licensure in social work by completing her supervision hours required and passing her clinical social work exam in 2019. Natasha holds a Bachelors of Social Work from Western New Mexico University and an Associate of Arts in Human Service Management from University of Phoenix. She currently serves as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Hidalgo Medical Services in Lordsburg, New Mexico. Natasha is humbled and grateful to be able to work in her native home town and share her craft that she studied with the purpose of giving back to her community. She enjoys spending her time with her two sons, her mother, the family dog and friends. She likes connecting to nature, rock hunting, shopping, yoga and watching her favorite series.

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Meya Mongkuo, MS

Clinical Psychology Intern

After being born and raised by the ocean in St. Petersburg, Florida, Meya is thrilled to have new adventures in the mystical Gila Wilderness. Meya Mongkuo [Me-yuh Mong-kwo] (she/her/we) is a doctoral clinical psychology intern at HMS via the NM - Psychology Internship Consortium. She is currently earning her PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in clinical health psychology from Virginia State University. She is interested in developing her skills as a culturally competent psychologist who values the intersection of health and culture while honoring clients’ mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. It is her passion to research and cultivate healing spaces for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) communities. In addition, she is interested incorporating mindfulness based therapies from a trauma informed perspective in treatment settings. She is excited complete her training at HMS while learning to deliver quality whole person care to the Hidalgo and Grant county communities. Her hobbies include being an avid mediator, sky watcher, and enjoying quality time with loved ones.

Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Health Psychology - Virginia State University (anticipated graduation 2023)

Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology – Virginia State University

Bachelors of Arts in Psychology - East Carolina University

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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.

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Johnny Rehm, LSAA

Substance Abuse Counselor

John C Rehm IV is a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) with the state of New Mexico. He graduated with an Associate’s Degree from ENMU-Roswell at the height of the pandemic and he is a brand-new counselor. He has a strong desire to help people, and has for most of his life. He served in the US Navy and worked on the flight deck of the USS Independence and was stationed in Yokosuka Japan. He worked for 10 years as a CNA, with 3 years in Pediatrics Float pool at UNM Hospital. He’s an entertainer/fire dancer and has spent some years fire dancing with the circus and a few other fire troops preforming all around the US. He still loves his fire. He also loves driving his Jeep through the Gila. This is a beautiful part of NM and that’s why I’m with HMS.

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Pat Rowan, PS

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 mental health as practiced in a multicultural, rural environment. She is hoping to complete her private pilot’s license in the near future.

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Susan Russo, LPCC

Mental 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 Mental 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 assessemnt/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.

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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.

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Anna Yniguez, LMHC

Mental 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.