“Dr. Anjali Taneja and Sophia Weatherly are shining examples of what it means to truly care for their communities,” said Executive Director Linda Candelaria. “Dr. Taneja has devoted herself to creating accessible, holistic healthcare for those who need it most, and Sophia’s leadership shows us the incredible potential of young people to drive meaningful change. Their passion and dedication to improving the lives of others are exactly why they were chosen as our Heroes of Health this year.”

Dr. Anjali Taneja: A Champion for Integrative and Community-Based Healthcare

For more than nine years, Dr. Anjali Taneja has dedicated her career to advancing integrative, culturally attuned healthcare at Casa de Salud in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Her work goes beyond treating illnesses; she empowers communities through education, advocacy, and holistic care. Dr. Taneja has been a transformative force in delivering equitable health services to underserved populations, ensuring that every individual—regardless of background—receives compassionate, comprehensive care.

Dr. Taneja’s approach integrates Western medicine with traditional healing practices, meeting patients where they are and addressing the broader social determinants of health. Her unwavering commitment to health justice has inspired many to rethink what healthcare can and should be.

“I believe strongly that healthcare has a responsibility to not only provide service to community, but to build power with community and transform the structural conditions under which we all live. I also believe it is imperative that we build systems from the ground up – systems that are rooted in community and in values of anti-racism and health rights for all.” she said.

Dr. Taneja plans to donate her $1,000 award to Casa de Salud, supporting their mission of providing integrative healthcare services to those who need them most. The funds will help sustain critical programs that address physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Sophia Weatherly: A Youth Leader with Vision and Heart

At just 18 years old, Sophia Weatherly is already making waves as a health advocate and community leader. Through her work with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Sophia exemplifies resilience and dedication to environmental and community health. Her leadership fosters a deep connection between youth and the land, recognizing that a healthy environment is foundational to human well-being.

Sophia’s journey as a Hero of Health began with her personal commitment to overcoming adversity and channeling her experiences into empowering others. As a Public Health AmeriCorps member with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, she supports students and provides substance abuse prevention services at Taos High School. She has been instrumental in initiatives that educate and inspire young people, proving that youth leadership is vital to shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for New Mexico.

“Student and youth voice is vital for communities to grow, they are the future generation, and they know what they are talking about. Our youth is extremely smart and intuitive and that should no longer go ignored and dismissed. Our youth should know that they capable of making change if they simply just make action possible.” she said.

Sophia plans to direct her $1,000 award to Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, helping to fund youth leadership and environmental stewardship programs that connect young people to meaningful work and their community.

A Shared Commitment to Community Health

Both Dr. Taneja and Sophia Weatherly embody the spirit of Con Alma’s mission: to improve health equity and build a healthier future for everyone in New Mexico. Whether through integrative care or youth empowerment, their efforts demonstrate the power of community, resilience, and innovation in addressing New Mexico’s unique health challenges.

We are honored to celebrate these incredible Heroes of Health and their ongoing contributions to our communities. Their stories inspire all of us to take action and imagine a world where health equity is not just a goal but a reality.

About the Heroes of Health Initiative

The Heroes of Health initiative, launched by Con Alma Health Foundation, recognizes individuals and youth who are making extraordinary contributions to health and well-being in New Mexico. Each year, the program celebrates those who go above and beyond to address the unique challenges faced by their communities, emphasizing health equity, advocacy, and resilience. Honorees are awarded $1,000 to support their chosen causes, further amplifying the impact of their work and inspiring others to create positive change.

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“The review committee was impressed with Lisa’s leadership in bringing telehealth, grief and healing, employee wellness, and laundry services to Alamogordo Public Schools and surrounding areas,” said Denise Herrera, PhD, Con Alma’s executive director. “In our second year honoring a youth hero, we are inspired by Rayven Ward’s passion, advocacy, and fundraising efforts to provide outdoor education and bring about community change.”

Con Alma will donate $1,000 each to 100% Otero, a community partner focused on ensuring access to vital services, on behalf of Patch and Valencia County Community Gardens for its Outdoor Equity Project on behalf of Ward.

Holly Noelle Chavez nominated the oldest of her four children because of her dedication to helping animals and people in need, protecting the environment, and supporting outdoor education. She’s a Teen Court attorney, a member of the Valencia County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, and Youth Move, an advocacy group, and she co-teaches two religious education classes as well as helps tutor kids involved with her mom’s H2 Academic Solutions business in Belen.

“I think she’s amazing,” Chavez said. “For being only 13 and the things she’s doing, it’s exciting to see what she’ll do next.”

Ward attributed her advocacy to a mentor who taught her the value of the environment at Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area. After a fire burned the area, Ward and her sister sold handmade art and donations to support Whitfield, and later did the same for the local animal shelter. Now her advocacy has broadened; she’s currently developing a proposal to help educate middle-school students about the dangers of fentanyl.

“I like to inspire people that if they have excess money to give it to someone in need or buy a plant or something that can help the community,” she said.

Cally Finnegan of Alamogordo nominated Patch for her “compassion, dedication and leadership” in ensuring services for students and families who need it most. “In times of uncertainty and change, creative thinkers find solutions to challenges. Lisa Patch, MSN, RN, NCSN, is one of those thinkers,” Finnegan wrote in her nomination letter.

Patch coordinated several initiatives that have made a difference for students and families, such as a healing camp for grieving students and a “store” at school where families can get donated clothing, food, and necessary supplies. Her extensive partnerships expand her reach, including a school telehealth initiative and a partnership with MTC Prison Facilities that builds beds for students who don’t have one. During the height of the pandemic, Patch worked with Alamogordo schools to convert an RV into a mobile health unit that visited skateparks, ballfields and neighborhoods to provide support and resources for school and mental health.

“Our goal has been to remove barriers to learning for every child in our district, so that each one can reach their full potential,” she said.

Patch chose 100% Otero for her $1,000 donation “because they share the mission of working together to address areas families need to survive and thrive. In my 25 years here at Alamogordo Public Schools, I have seen the impact of having several different organizations come together with one goal, to help children. When we share ideas, hard work and resources we can change the lives and health of children and families and set them up for a successful and bright future.”

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Tina Cordova

Meet Tina Cordova, co-founder of Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, and this year’s Hero of Health for her advocacy on behalf of New Mexicans exposed to nuclear testing. She inspires us, for her unwavering commitment to fight for compensation and acknowledgement that the government’s nuclear testing caused incredible suffering in south central New Mexico.

Her inspiration:
The beauty of the people and the landscape in New Mexico is breathtaking. Our state has an ancient history that has developed into a beautiful, multi-cultural place with deep roots and traditions. I love that. Footprints were discovered at White Sands Monument that date back 23,000 years. Few people can say they live in a place with proof that their ancestors have been here for 23,000 years. I love that.

Her definition of healthy communities:
It means all people have access to good health care no matter their circumstance, that people have a place to go when they are well and to be screened for potential problems. I survived thyroid cancer because I had access to good health care in Albuquerque and it was detected early. I may have had a much different outcome if I had been living in rural New Mexico. I believe access to good health care is a right that all people living in the United States should be afforded.

Her commitment:
Being overexposed to radiation has taken a significant toll on the health and well-being of many New Mexicans, beginning with the uranium miners/workers. We will never fully know what this has cost in our lives or the economic impact it has had. I cannot and will not look away. The truth has to be told, and there will come a day when we receive the justice we so deserve.”

Noah Blue Elk Hotchkiss

Meet Noah Blue Elk Hotchkiss, southern Ute on his maternal side and Southern Cheyenne and Caddo on his maternal grandfather’s side, and this year’s youth Hero of Health. He co-founded Tribal Adaptive Organization when he was 17 to give Native youth with disabilities sports opportunities. He inspires us for overcoming personal challenges to succeed in life, and then lift up people in his community who face similar hardships.

His inspiration:
My father truly encompasses all the qualities I think a father/leader in the community should be. As a single father taking care of four kids, he always provided for us and ensured that I could participate in life. He even modified a raft frame so I could row when we went rafting. He also made sure to keep us connected to our heritage, teaching us ceremonies, songs, and history. He is someone I strive to embody today.

His definition of healthy communities:
I was surrounded by hardships growing up on the reservation. I witnessed people struggling with drugs, alcohol abuse, and suicide. As I grew older, I found new communities through sports and ceremonial practices. A healthy community supports and pushes each other to reach new heights. Healthy communities learn to embrace change and push on, even when things seem lost. I plan to continue fostering healthy habits to create a long-lasting community for generations.

His commitment:
When I was injured, I thought I had lost all value in life. I was no longer able to be the child I once was. When I was introduced to adaptive sports, my whole life changed. I competed against other kids in wheelchairs, traveling to competitions while building lifelong friendships. Not everyone has those opportunities. My dad and I decided to start Tribal Adaptive to make an impact, and to use sports to change Native lives the way it changed mine

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“Melissa’s nomination stood out to us for her advocacy and direct support of staff who work at Mandy’s Farm as well as her local and national advocacy for caregivers,” said Denise Herrera, Con Alma’s executive director. “Throughout the pandemic, McCue recognized that direct support of individuals with disabilities was more essential than ever, as was ensuring her staff’s needs were met.”

Once the pandemic started, McCue ensured coverage of staff’s healthcare premiums for several months, and provided retention wages for furloughed employees and temporary $4/hour pay raises for essential employees working in the homes of adults who have disabilities. In addition, she advocated for higher wages with funders, community members and the Board of Directors, resulting in permanent wage increases for staff.

“She has advocated tirelessly to highlight the role of caregivers in our community, and how essential their contributions are,” wrote Jessie Calero, director of development at Mandy’s Farm, who nominated Melissa. “She continues to emphasize the need to advocate with Federal and State Medicaid to increase provider rates to support increased wages for our staff, as well as fundraise to fill those wage gaps.”

McCue believes bringing awareness to the value of direct support professionals is essential in her role as executive director for almost 10 years.

“We must continue to work for a living and thriving wage, an equitable career pathway and recognition of the work of our valued direct support professionals in our New Mexican communities,” McCue said. “They provide an essential lifeline to the health and safety and meaningful community engagement to individuals with disabilities.”

Con Alma will donate $1,000 to Mandy’s Farm on McCue’s behalf as well as $100 each to nonprofits that Cordova, Greydanus, Lugo, Mann-Lev and Yazzie choose.

“We had a record number of nominations this year and recognize the additional burden the global pandemic has had on community leaders. On our 20th anniversary, the selection committee is excited to honor more individuals who give of their time and energy to make a difference in New Mexico,” Herrera said.

Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, volunteers her time to advocate for the federal government to recognize and provide restitution to New Mexicans who have suffered negative health effects due to radiation exposure from the first atomic bomb test in south central New Mexico. Restitution and health-care coverage could lift people out of poverty.

Greydanus, a pastor in Shiprock, expanded his partnerships with the local grocery store and food bank during the pandemic to increase outreach to isolated families who needed food. Also, he contributes his homegrown produce to address food insecurity through farm-to-school initiatives and by feeding the homeless.

Lugo, a promotora at La Mesilla Food Center, juggles multiple community projects involving nutritional health, farmworker rights and environmental health to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for people who are disenfranchised in southern New Mexico. She is a volunteer and an advocate for Latino people.

Mann-Lev, president of New Mexico Public Health Association, is an important contributor to systems change toward health equity and racial justice in New Mexico as she advocates for equity in vaccine distribution, collaborates with organizations to support state policy changes, empowers diverse Board members, and improves public health systems through workforce development projects.

Yazzie, president of the Shiprock Chapter of the Navajo Nation, is a lifetime advocate for justice and equality for indigenous people with issues involving education, environmental and economic justice, and sacred site and cultural resource protection. Among his many contributions, he spearheaded efforts to engage young people and elders in a community farm as a way to transfer cultural knowledge and support the health of indigenous people.

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Leroy “Buster” Silva, Pueblo of Laguna, community coordinator at Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3) in Santa Ana Pueblo
Simone Duran, program coordinator at NB3, nominated Silva for being “a passionate leader who loves to help communities create positive changes to live healthy, strong and resilient.” In her nomination letter, she wrote that he led a unique initiative with nine organizations to increase the number of Native American youth participating in physical activity and sports in Albuquerque.

“There isn’t a day where he doesn’t have a new idea of how to make better connections and include communities’ voices, no matter their background,” Duran wrote. “He has created his own movement where he shares stories from all over Indian Country about health and fitness.”

Silva’s philosophy is that everyone has an obligation to protect and nurture the wellbeing of communities. “As a team member at the Notah Begay III Foundation, I have been able to use my experience to rally community partners around one common goal — to create more opportunities for Native American youth via physical activity, healthy nutrition, youth development, and cultural connections — so that they can live happy and fulfilled lives. Da’wa’eh to all to my family, friends, and mentors: When I shine, You shine.”

The NB3 Foundation is a national, Native-led nonprofit in Santa Ana Pueblo that supports and funds Native-driven, culturally centered programs and provides opportunities for Native youth to live healthy, active lives.

“We are honored to recognize Leroy for making a significant difference in the lives of Native youth,” said Dolores E. Roybal, Con Alma’s executive director.

For more than 10 years Con Alma has recognized people who diligently work to improve the health of New Mexicans, and contributed to the nonprofit of his or her choice. This year Con Alma will donate $1,000 to the New Mexico Autism Society on Silva’s behalf. He chose the organization in honor of his late sister LeeAnn Silva, who advocated for people with autism after her 14-year-old son was diagnosed at a young age.

“I hope this donation helps bring comfort and happiness to families during this challenging time,” Silva said.

Con Alma usually honors the selected hero at its annual grantee celebration. This year, the foundation is recognizing Silva and all of the incredible nominees through a multimedia campaign involving print and social media.

“We always learn about so many people making amazing contributions to their communities, and this year we thought it was important to recognize every individual from the frontline health care providers who are working extra hard to care for COVID-19 patients to individuals who recognize and address health needs in their community,” Roybal said.

Honoring Our Heroes

This has been an exceptional year, not only for its challenges but also for the individuals who became heroes during a time of critical need because of COVID-19. In hospitals and clinics, people risked their lives to care for others. Teachers reworked lesson plans while administrators developed safety measures. Child-care providers enabled essential workers to stay on the job. Policy makers made tough decisions as restaurant owners supported their staff. Grocery workers stayed late for extra cleaning, and food-service staff kept kids from going hungry when schools closed. We appreciate their dedication to their profession, for their willingness to adapt during uncertain times.

Beyond that, New Mexico’s volunteers stepped up – they ran errands for their older neighbors, cooked for the sick, donated to the unemployed and stocked food at community pantries. We are blessed with these heroes throughout our state, in our cities and rural villages.

Jim Gannon, CEO of Catholic Charities, nominated the stranger that became a neighbor, inspiring us to honor them as well. “It is pretty obvious so many overlooked folks in our society became essential and necessary overnight in our communities,” he wrote. “Truly it is all of those folks who became our closest neighbor. Who risked health and their welfare for me, for you, for us.”

“Thank you to our 2020 hero of health recipient and nominees and to all of the heroes among us in our business, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. You remind us what’s possible when we put caring into action.” – Dolores E. Roybal, executive director of Con Alma Health Foundation

COVID-19 Hero Nominations:

Dr. Michael DeBernardi, PsyD, MS, CEO at Life Link in Santa Fe
Michael’s calm, insightful leadership was essential as he led Life Link to become one of the first agencies to pivot exclusively to telehealth services to continue serving clients during the pandemic. He kept staff spirits high with encouragement, gratitude and a new, innovative employee benefit.

David Elliot, education & emergency preparedness coordinator at Holy Cross Medical Center in Taos
David was instrumental in forming a partnership of private, business and government entities to identify and address unmet community needs at the beginning of the pandemic. A true leader, he secures needed resources, provides critical communication and champions a “mask up” campaign.

Elizabeth Muller and Priscilla Juarez, operations director and office supervisor at UNM School-Based Health Center Program in Albuquerque
They both kept clinical services available to more than 80,000 students after schools closed in March. Despite pandemic-caused disruptions, their steady, consistent guidance ensured that the program continued delivering the best in adolescent health care.

Tram D. Nguyen, RN at Paradise Urgent Care for Presbyterian Healthcare Services in Albuquerque
Tram has worked at a COVID-19 testing unit under all weather conditions for the past eight months, risking her life for her community, missing time with her children, and enduring such challenges as sleeping in her garage when she had symptoms and didn’t know if she was sick with COVID-19.

2020 Hero of Health Nominations:

Pamela Angell, CEO at St. Luke’s Health Care Clinic (Amador Health Center) in Las Cruces
Pamela creates a diverse and inclusive environment in the health center as it expands services. She is a great leader who cares for everyone in the center and community.

Victoria Baca, admissions intake and peer support specialist at Rio Grande ATP in Las Vegas
Victoria helps hundreds of addicts through the recovery process and openly shares her personal story of addiction, domestic violence and suicide attempts to people in recovery and at community conferences.

Glenys Carl, founder/executive director of Scott’s House Inc. in Santa Fe
Glenys has served the Santa Fe community since the early 1990s, first as a hospice nurse for patients with AIDS. She started a volunteer in-home caregiving program, trained more than 500 volunteer caregivers and opened a free volunteer hospice house.

Tina Cordova, co-founder of Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium in Albuquerque
For more than 15 years, Tina has been devoted to her work on behalf of the Consortium, advocating, researching and participating in public events to get New Mexicans included in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. She does all this work while also running her own business.

Shakera Crawley, outpatient therapist at Families & Youth Inc. in Las Cruces
Shakera serves youth at My Friend’s Place who have experienced trauma in their lives. Shakera’s gentle, kind approach makes youth feel safe and free to be themselves. She repairs their spirit, mends their heart and shows them they are worthy of love.

Jessica Delgado, Pathways to Hope program manager at HopeWorks in Albuquerque
Jessica provides compassionate and kind care to those experiencing homelessness, and domestic and sexual violence. She led the implementation of pandemic care packages for clients living on the streets and empowers and encourages her staff to implement best healthcare practices.

Brenda Dunn, program manager at New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight, Inc.
Brenda was nominated by professionals in Hobbs, Cuba and Las Cruces for ensuring students receive free eye exams, eyeglasses and surgery. She is kind, professional and eager to promote the NM Lions operation KidSight Program that enables students to see and reach their full potential.

Dr. Rebecca Evanko, volunteer at Wilderwood Equine Therapy and Rescue
Rebecca worked tirelessly to provide a therapeutic program to help autistic adults and veterans – two underserved groups in New Mexico — reach their full potential of a healthy life. Without salary, she has developed therapy curriculum, wrote grants and organized volunteer training.

Christopher Lara Jr., respiratory therapist at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces
Chris goes above and beyond to ensure excellent care for his patients. He assists his colleagues after his shift and is consistently learning more skills to help his patients and fellow employees.

Grace Vickers Lassiter, RN, at Mimbres Memorial Hospital and volunteer at Care Net Crisis Pregnancy Center in La Mesa
Grace is devoted to giving to others — through her fulltime job as well as her volunteer work. She’s spent many years supporting women at the Pregnancy Center, including when she was pregnant and studying for her RN degree. She consistently challenges herself to learn new skills.

Nancy Laster, assistant chief nursing officer at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque
Nancy is a wonderful leader and joy to be around. She is incredibly creative, thinking outside of the box so her team and patients are safe and considered. She’s quick to respond to any need that arises, and ensures the highest level of nursing care as well a transparent communication.

Fatima McElveen, NP, medical director at Amador Health Center in Las Cruces
Fatima is the heart of Amador, a health-care clinic for the homeless and near homeless. During the pandemic, she has been a positive leader in times of crisis, coordinating COVID-19 testing and the center’s Rapid Response team as well as caring for patients in the clinic and community.

Lawrence Medina, executive director at Rio Grande ATP in Taos
Lawrence has been deeply committed to serving people with substance-use disorder for more than 20 years, partnering with others to enhance the systems of services. He has opened a detox center and established a hub where individuals and providers can access services.

Blanca Pedigo, clinic director for One Hope Centro de Vida Health Center in Albuquerque
Blanca works diligently to promote healthcare and ensure that uninsured, underinsured, immigrant populations have safe, affordable health care. During the pandemic, she has worked extra hard to connect with every clinic patient, so they get the care they need and are not isolated.

Jackie Perez, LCSW at Centro Savila in Albuquerque
A tireless advocate for immigrant rights, Jackie provides compassionate bilingual/bicultural care to Spanish speaking families. Her commitment to professionalism, collaboration and advocacy have helped build a healthier, more engaged and more equitable New Mexico.

Elais Ponton, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer at Nurses with Heart Home Care in Santa Fe
Elais is a gentle and loving soul who never tires of visiting and communicating with clients and families, ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met. When the pandemic first started, she assured clients they would receive comfort and expertise safely in their homes.

Melissa Roberts, RN, at Hobbs Family Health Center for Presbyterian Medical Services
Melissa has brought her passion and skills to hospice services, nursing homes, hospitals and clinics for more than 20 years. She is a leader, teaching medical-support staff. When half the clinic staff were quarantined, she performed all their duties efficiently, never compromising patient care.

Rosita Rodriguez, adult services program manager at Las Cumbres Community Services in Española
Rosita has fiercely advocated for equity of service for people with intellectual and/or developmental challenges, embodying Las Cumbres’ mission to help families connect and thrive. She’s never too busy to check on people who have trying medical conditions or unmanageable loss.

Julissa Rubio, CNA, at Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces
Julissa is a smart, helpful, big-hearted person who always puts others before herself. She serves as her grandmother’s caregiver and cares for patients in and out of the hospital.

Gail Stamler, RN, certified nurse midwife at Cassie Health Center for Women in Silver City
Gail has protected and improved the health of women and infants in southwestern New Mexico for the past 33 years. A force of light and hope, Gail mentors student midwives and nurse practitioners, is active in community education and a passionate voice for disease prevention.

Tom Starke, board chairman of Santa Fe Recovery Center in Santa Fe
Tom has spent years helping other combat addiction. He is guiding the Center through a period of growth and challenges, leading every aspect of the Center’s expansion. He works on everything from high-level strategic issues to the smallest details, doing whatever is needed.

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Arguello and her husband founded Compostela Community and Family Cultural Institute in 2014 to provide quality, culturally appropriate behavioral health and substance abuse services primarily for people of color in Taos County and surrounding rural communities. Its innovative model provides those suffering from addiction and chronic illness with both treatment and job training as part of their recovery process. She is a former member of the Behavioral Health Planning Council as its Chair for one year, and has currently been appointed as a  member to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Interdepartmental Services Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC).

Arguello moved to the Spanish Harlem of Manhattan from Puerto Rico when she was seven. “My experience in the cultural cocoon of my neighborhoods exposed me to the indigenous cultural practices of healing,” she said.

Having mentors who encouraged her to overcome linguistic and academic challenges as well as her experience working with intellectually challenged children propelled her into an extensive health and advocacy career, which started in 1973 in New Mexico. According to nominator David Fermin Arguello, co-founder of Compostela: “She has directly contributed to the well-being of Latino citizens as provider, community activist and adjunct faculty in New Mexico, Wash., Utah and Calif.”

This year people across New Mexico nominated almost 50 individuals as possible heroes, including volunteers, doctors, nurses, a teacher, a chaplain, nonprofit directors, health workers, community organizers and advocates for minority and underserved populations. Past heroes include Dr. Tom Faber of Zuni Pueblo; Ophelia Reeder, facilitator of the McKinley County Health Council; Mary Stoecker, retired health promotion specialist for the New Mexico Department of Health in Silver City; Doug Meiklejohn, director of New Mexico Environmental Law Center in Santa Fe and Lauren Reichelt, director of Rio Arriba County’s Health and Human Services Department. Con Alma honored this year’s heroes at its annual grantee recognition event on Nov 14.

2019 Hero of Health Nominees

Michelle Allen, Las Cruces Public Schools

Lilly-Marie Blecher, DOM, Taos Whole Health Integrative Care

Enrique Cardiel, Bernalillo County Community Health Council

Mary Carter, Women’s Intercultural Center

Jess Clark, Solace Crisis Treatment Center

Tina Cordova, Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium

Barbara Crowell Roy, Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives

Megan Délano, Las Cumbres Community Services

Marisol Diaz-Bolivar, The Center for Health Innovation

Patti Farley, Brews & Props, Angel Flight

Sharon Finarelli, Appletree Network

Jessica Frechette-Gutfreund, LM, CPM, Breath of My Heart Birthplace

Christine S. Glidden, Women To Be

Allison Hendricks-Smith, Pink Warrior House Foundation

Lisa Jimenez, MD, After Hours Pediatric

Petra Jimenez-Maes, JD, NM Supreme Court

Bill Jordan, New Mexico Voices for Children

Diana Kinney, First Born Program, Northwest NM

Jacob Kualapai, Dental Care In Your Home

Marnella Kucate-Yepa, Pueblo of Zuni

Jennifer Landau, New Mexico Immigrant Law Center

Havens Levitt, SAGE Albuquerque

June L. Lorenzo, Laguna-Acoma Coalition for a Safe Environment

Shelley Mann-Lev, New Mexico Public Health Association

Holly Mata, PhD, Adjunct Faculty NM State University and Univ. of Texas at El Paso

Stephanie Michnovicz, Cancer Services of New Mexico

Roger Montoya, Moving Arts Española

Catherine A. Offutt, Manage Your Chronic Disease (MyCD)

Jackie Perez, Centro Sávila

Veronica Plaza, MD, MPH, University of New Mexico

Matt Probst, PA, El Centro Family Health

Valerie Quintana, Presbyterian Healthcare Services

Lori Ray, SE Region DOH Hobbs, Public Health Division

Tomás Rivera, Chainbreaker Collective

Elba L. Saavedra Ferrer, Comadre A Comadre, UNM

Kym Sanchez, Not Forgotten Outreach, Inc.

Arika E. Sanchez, NMCAN

Therese Sankovitz, Albuquerque Speech Language Hearing Center

Loretta Sesbeau, ARCA

Paula Smith, MyPower Inc.

Edith Sparks, Solace Crisis Treatment Center

Phoebe Spencer, MyPower Inc.

TBDC Steering Committee, Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium

Cynthia Tena, Cibola General Hospital

Terri Tewart, Santa Fe Community College

Jose Villegas, Jr., County, State & FBI Law Enforcement

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Con Alma Health Foundation has named Tom Faber, a pediatrician and clinical director at Zuni Indian Health Service Hospital, as a health hero for collaborating with community members to increase opportunities for physical activity and healthy food options. Together community members are transforming what it means to grow up in Zuni, a pueblo of about 8,000 people in the northwest corner of New Mexico.

For the past decade we have recognized people who make incredible contributions to improve the health of their community, and contributed to the nonprofit of their choice. This year Con Alma will donate $1,000 to the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project on behalf of Faber.

“We received a record number of nominations this year telling us how people are improving health across New Mexico,” said Dolores E. Roybal, Con Alma’s executive director. “We chose Dr. Faber for bringing people together to provide children organized physical activity that hadn’t existed before, spearheading the development of more than 70 miles of walking trails and increasing families’ access to healthy food in a rural, isolated pueblo.”

Joseph Claunch, co-director of Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, and Jason Kurland, Diabetes director of Zuni Indian Health Service Hospital, both nominated Faber for the hero award. Ten years ago Dr. Faber founded the nonprofit organization, Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, which now serves more than 600 adolescents each year through summer camps, sports leagues, mentorship, youth leadership, cultural education, gardening, and food sovereignty.

“He understood that the foundation for a healthy Zuni community could be realized by connecting youth with caring, competent adults, challenging youth within a nurturing environment and facilitating a connection to Zuni traditions,” wrote Kurland in his nomination.

Dr. Faber, who moved to Zuni Pueblo in 2006, began partnering with community organizations to provide wrap-around services to his pediatric patients. After building relationships, he invited tribal programs, the public school district, government agencies and local businesses to develop a coalition, officially recognized by the Tribal Council, that works together to enhance local healthy food options and increase physical activity opportunities.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by the Con Alma Health Foundation, an organization which has done so much to elevate the health of all people in our state,” said Dr. Faber. “This award is particularly meaningful to me because of Con Alma’s commitment to respecting each community’s cultural strengths and advocating for equal access to health services.”

This year people across New Mexico nominated 56 individuals as possible heroes, including volunteers, doctors, nurses, nonprofit directors, health workers, community organizers and advocates for minority and underserved populations. Past heroes include Ophelia Reeder, facilitator of the McKinley County Health Council; Mary Stoecker, retired health promotion specialist for the New Mexico Department of Health in Silver City; Doug Meiklejohn, director of New Mexico Environmental Law Center in Santa Fe and Lauren Reichelt, director of Rio Arriba County’s Health and Human Services Department.

2018 Hero of Health Nominees

Esther Abeyta, San Jose Neighborhood

Charlie Alfero, Southwest Center for Health Innovation

Ashley Armijo, NM Center for Therapeutic Riding

Glenn Banks, CHRISTUS St. Vincent Sports Medicine

Jesse Barnes, MD, First Choice Community Health

Jack Barrett, Mountain Home Health Care

Curtis Breitner, Epilepsy Research Association

Yolanda B. Cruz, San Miguel County DWI Program

Sandy Dawson, Luna County Parents As Teachers

Colleen C. Dearmin, Solace Crisis Treatment Center

Yolanda “Yoli” Diaz, CARE (Cancer Aid Resource & Education)

Brenda Dunn, New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight

Caren Gala, Santa Fe Indian Center

David A. Gonzales, MD, Presbyterian Medical Services

Bud Hamilton, Cancer Foundation for NM

Lynn Haynes, El Puente de Encuentros

Daniel Hena, Tesuque Pueblo Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court

Olga Hernandez, Strong Families New Mexico

Janet Johnson, Santa Clara Pueblo

Bill Jordan, New Mexico Voices for Children

Stacy Keener, Mental Health Resource

Bob Kristy, The Sky Center

Nandini Pillai Kuehn, PhD, Health Services Consulting

Jenny Landen, Santa Fe Community College

Mary Laumbach, Harding County Health Council

Suzanne Lawson, SL Consulting

Nevin Marquez, HopeWorks

Terri McCaslin, Inside Out Recovery

Marsha McMurray-Avila, Bernalillo County Community Health Council

Claudia Medina, Enlace Comunitario

Stephanie Michnovicz, Cancer Services of New Mexico

Leslie Morrison, MD, UNM Hospital

Sunshine Muse, Black Health New Mexico

Dolly Narang, Pueblo de San Ildefonso

Barbara Nelson, Imagination Library of Grant County

Michael C. Parks, Senior Citizens’ Law Office

Judith Pierce, Taos Public Health Office

Verónica Plaza, MD, University of New Mexico

Jan Rivera-Velasquez, Guadalupe County Health Council

Lewis Rosenthal, Mountain Home Health Care

Lupe Salazar, Barrios Unidos

Allen Sanchez, CHI St. Joseph’s Children

Siena Sanderson, Las Cumbres Community Services

Olivia Seppi, Dona Ana County Head Start

Loretta Sesbeau, ARCA

Michele Suina, PhD, Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board

Karla Thornton, MD, UNM Medical School & Project Echo

Adela Trujillo, Community Action Agency of Southern NM

Amanda Trujillo-Gonzalez, McCurdy Ministries Community Center

Mary Vallejos, Dental Care in Your Home

Victoria VanDame, The OT Circus

Juventino Vasquez, Dona Ana County Head Start

Patricia Walsh , New Mexico State Parks

James Ziomek, MD, Los Alamos Medical Care Clinic

Marcos Zubia, Esperanza Shelter

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Con Alma is proud to announce two health heroes who have built coalitions with partners to improve the health of their communities: Ophelia Reeder, facilitator of the McKinley County Health Council, and Mary Stoecker, who retired this year as health promotion specialist for the New Mexico Department of Health in Silver City.

This is the ninth year we have recognized health heroes — people who make incredible contributions to improve the health of New Mexicans. For each health hero, Con Alma donates $1,000 to a nonprofit of the hero’s choice. Con Alma will donate to Inmate Support Program of the Behavioral Health Collaborative Continuum of Care on behalf of Stoecker, and to the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter on behalf of Reeder.

“This year we are focusing on the power of partnerships because we have seen the successful results when organizations work together to make life better for people in their community,” said Dolores E. Roybal, Con Alma’s executive director. “We are proud to honor Ophelia and Mary, who have invested their lives in creating and sustaining strong partnerships that aim to give everyone a chance at living a healthy life, regardless of their income, zip code or race.”

Stoecker fostered a culture of regional collaboration and public health innovation in southwestern New Mexico, according to Melanie Goodman, who nominated Stoecker for the hero award and is a field representative for U.S. Sen. Tom Udall in Las Cruces. Goodman described Stoecker as fearless, a person who knows when to lead and when to let others lead.

“To Mary partnerships mattered greatly and she facilitated ground breaking dialogue so counties could identify needs and turn ideas into action,” Goodman wrote in her nomination letter. “An early adopter working upstream on social determinants of health and improving economic resiliency for rural New Mexico, she was a master cultivator of our collective capacity for systems change.”

Stoecker said many incredible people work on partnered initiatives in New Mexico communities. “It takes so darn long to affect system and policy changes that a ‘kudo’ to those working and volunteering in the field of health promotion and community organizing really helps them to keep at it,” she said. “I’ll be representing all those folks in Grant County and our three partner counties of Catron, Luna and Hidalgo.”

In the northwestern part of New Mexico, Reeder has spent years building coalitions with partners and participating in many aspects of improving public health, according to her nominator, Helen Tso, a health services outreach officer for the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center’s Office for Community Health.

“Her focused attention to health-related matters is being harnessed by both hospitals in Gallup as well as by various initiatives designed to capitalize on collaborations,” Tso wrote in her nomination letter. “Her tenacity for equality and her insights about the broad spectrum of health in a part of the state that depends on such dedicated individuals continue to be a benefit for the whole community.”

This year people across New Mexico nominated 32 individuals as their communities’ heroes, including volunteers, doctors, teachers, nonprofit directors, health directors and advocates for caregivers, immigrants, dental care, minority populations, people with disabilities, health-care access, healthy-food access. We have included a list of the 2017 Hero of Health Nominees below.

Past heroes include Doug Meiklejohn, director of New Mexico Environmental Law Center in Santa Fe; Lauren Reichelt, director of Rio Arriba County’s Health and Human Services Department. Follow this link for full list of past heroes.

2017 Hero of Health Nominees

Trinidad de Jesus Arguello, PhD, Compostela Community & Family Cultural Institute

Alida Brown, Quay County Health Council

Neal Devitt, MD, La Familia Medical Center

Donald Clark, MD, Brain Injury Alliance New Mexico

Shirley A. Ellison, Ed.D, American Diabetes Association

Ron Hale, NM Alliance of Health Councils

Alisha Hawthorne-Martinez, Second Chance Counseling, Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

Jeffrey Holland, Endorphin Power Company

Pixie Hopkins, Nor-Lea Hospital District

Erin Hourihan, Childhaven, Inc.

Donald Hume, Molina HealthCare

Philip Jameson, MD, Sandia Lab Health Management Clinic, Amer. Diabetes Assoc.

Jennifer Landman, Presbyterian Hospital

Stephanie Gurule Leyba, Santa Fe Public Schools- Capital High School

Azul La Luz, PhD,  Nuevalight Enterprises

James H. Lubowitz, MD, Taos Orthopaedic Institute

Michelle Melendez, Rio Grande Community Development Corp.

Andrés Mercado, City of Santa Fe Fire Department

Mary Meyer, Kids Cook!

Ana Morelos, Las Cumbres Community Services

Josue De Luna Navarro, NM Dream Team/ United We Dream

Aamna Nayyar, DDS, Santa Fe Community College Dental Dept.

Maria D. Otero, Nuestra Salud

Wanda Ross Padilla, DPA, A Better Life Now

Nick Pavlakos, Share your Care Adult Day Services

Allen Sanchez, CHI St. Josephs Children

Renee Sandoval, Española YMCA Teen Center

Adrienne R. Smith, New Mexico Direct Care Givers Coalition

Lisa D. Thompson, Lea Regional Medical Center

Donna Ortiz & Judith Trujillo, UNM Robertson High School

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Con Alma Health Foundation congratulates this year’s heroes of health: Doug Meiklejohn, director of New Mexico Environmental Law Center in Santa Fe, and Lauren Reichelt, director of Rio Arriba County’s Health and Human Services Department.

“Both of our heroes have dedicated their lives to removing barriers people face in living healthy lives and working toward health equity in which every New Mexican has an equal chance at living a healthy life regardless of a person’s ethnicity, zip code or income,” said Dolores E. Roybal, Con Alma’s executive director. “We are grateful for Lauren and Doug’s tireless work to improve the health of New Mexicans.”

Meiklejohn founded the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, a nonprofit, public-interest law firm that provides free and low-cost legal services in 1987. He has spent 30 years giving voice to the poor and often predominately minority neighborhoods, towns and tribal communities at risk of becoming the waste dumps of New Mexico, wrote Juana Colon of the Law Center in her nomination letter.

Meiklejohn said he is honored to accept the Hero of Health award on behalf of everyone at the New Mexico Environmental Law Center. “This award is special because it recognizes that the health and wellbeing of all New Mexicans depend on equal access to clean air, water and land. The Environmental Law Center works every day to ensure that access,” he said.

Sheila Vigil, who nominated Reichelt, said before social determinants of health became well known and used by many leaders in the field, Reichelt was focused on the need to create a larger frame of reference when talking about health for Rio Arriba County. “For decades, she has dealt with the social determinants such as employment, education, poverty and others,” wrote Vigil of Rio Arriba County.

Reichelt credited the collaboration of Rio Arriba’s Health and Human Services Department and the Rio Arriba Community Health Council for working together to develop and carry out shared solutions to problems facing their county.

“As a result, Rio Arriba is a leader, developing health care reimbursement models that encourage providers to produce healthy clients instead of just treating diseases,” she said. “I am deeply gratified that Con Alma values the importance of advocating for all the members of our community at all times and bringing our communities together to solve problems.”

For each health hero, Con Alma donates $1,000 to a nonprofit of the hero’s choice. Con Alma will donate to Las Cumbres Community Services’ Grandparents Raising Grandchildren on behalf of Reichelt and to the New Mexico Environmental Law Center on behalf of Meiklejohn.

This year people across New Mexico nominated 24 individuals as possible heroes, including nurses, volunteers, doctors, healers, nonprofit directors and advocates for at-risk adolescents, health-care access, healthy-food access and minority populations.

Past heroes include Kim Posich, executive director of New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty; Vicki Johnson, creator of a home-visiting, educational program for first-time parents; Juliana Anastasoff, a health extension rural officer in Taos for the University of New Mexico; Chuck Howe, founder of the National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center in Angel Fire; Rebecca Palacios, who addresses health disparities by improving drinking water in the colonias and enhancing the diets of Mexican-American households; and Kristine Suozzi, a public health advocate with New Mexico Health Equity Working Group.

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“It’s always hard to choose between our nominees who make a wonderful difference in our state, but Kim clearly rose to the top because of his incredible leadership and the far reaching impact he has had in assuring people access to affordable health care,” Roybal said.

Pamelya Herndon, executive director of Southwest Women’s Law Center, nominated Posich for carrying out the Center’s mission “in a manner to ensure that basic human rights are met, especially the right to quality, affordable health care,” she wrote in her nomination letter.

“He truly embodies the spirit and purpose of the award as a dedicated advocate for healthcare, and the improvement of healthcare, for low-income families in New Mexico,” wrote Herndon. “Most importantly, hundreds of thousands of low-income New Mexicans are leading healthier, more secure lives because of his efforts.”

In honor of this year’s health hero, Con Alma is donating $1,000 to a nonprofit Posich selected, New Mexico Immigrant Law Center.

“I am pleased and proud to be called Con Alma’s Hero of Health,” Posich said. “And I know, as we all do, that there are thousands of us advocates, providers, funders and other community members who, on any given day, are working hard to promote health and health equity in New Mexico. I am grateful to all of you who do so, for your commitment and energy and for your own daily acts of heroism in service to others.”

Con Alma chose Posich from among 23 nominees. Nominees included state legislators, nurses, volunteers, doctors, healers, nonprofit directors and advocates for, the homeless, cancer services, health-care access, healthy-food access, and minority populations.

Past heroes include Vicky Johnson of Silver City, Juliana Anastasoff of University of New Mexico, Rebecca Palacio of New Mexico State University, Chuck Howe of National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center, and Kristine Suozzi of New Mexico Health Equity Working Group. Con Alma will honor Posich at its annual grantee recognition event on Nov. 12.

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