Sandi Maynes, M.A. CCC-SLP is a licensed and registered bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist who received her Bachelor of Science Education in Communication Disorders from New Mexico State University in 2005 and her Master of Arts Education from New Mexico State University in 2007. She has experience in the areas of pediatrics, young and adolescent school ages, and geriatric populations. Sandi has worked in the public schools, early intervention settings, skilled nursing facilities and home health settings. Sandi has worked in inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. Sandi is experienced in the areas of cleft lip and cleft palate, dysphagia, feeding, apraxia of speech, Autism Spectrum Disorders, medically fragile children, Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, speech and language disorders, traumatic brain injuries, aphasia, and voice disorders. A the youngest of four children. I grew up and was raised in a bilingual home and through the years have completely embraced and completely lived the two cultures of Mexican and American decent to the fullest. I enjoy spending my time with my husband, children as well as my immediate and extended family. We all love the outdoors as that is how we typically spend our time together! What I love most about my job is having the opportunity to interact, work with and establish professional relationships with my clients and their families to support their communication skills. It is so important to me to get to know them and build a relationship with them to feel connected, comfortable, and confident in working with them as they are allowing me to work with their child to increase the vital life skill of communication.
Allison Norris, M.S. CCC-SLP Hey y’all! My name is Allison Norris and I am an ASHA licensed speech-language pathologist. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Communication Disorders from Auburn University in 2018 and my Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Alabama in May 2020. I knew after starting graduate school I wanted to work with the pediatric population and have gained so much knowledge working alongside such brilliant and creative professionals throughout my career thus far. I have specific interests in speech sound disorders, early language skills, school-age language skills, and gestalt language processing. I value the relationships I build with my families and want to continue to provide a welcoming, safe environment where all families feel supported on their speech and language journey. As an Alabama native for most of my life, it has been such a fun journey for my husband and me since moving to Las Cruces two years ago. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my husband, spending time our friends and with our four cats, amateur photography, and visiting my family and friends back in Alabama. I look forward to serving the families of Las Cruces and surrounding areas!
Leanna Galardo, M.S. CCC-SLP Hey everybody!! My name is Leanna Gallardo, and I am an ASHA and New Mexico licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. I earned my Bachelors of Science in Communication Disorders at New Mexico State University and my Masters of Science in Communicative Disorders with Emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology at Eastern New Mexico University in 2022. I have worked with a wide range of clients, from pediatrics to geriatrics, but my passion has always been working with children. I have experience in the areas of apraxia of speech, Autism spectrum disorders, speech and language disorders, fluency, traumatic brain injury, aphasia, voice disorders, Down Syndrome, phonological disorders, behavioral difficulties, AAC, medically fragile children, cleft lip and cleft palate, dysphagia, and feeding. I enjoy being able to build relationships with my clients and their families to support them in achieving their goals. To be able to give back to a community that I have grown up in is such a rewarding feeling. I love helping children find their voice. I look forward to connecting with more families and making a difference one child at a time.
Nicole graduated from Western New Mexico University earning her associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2016. She has experience and knowledge in early intervention services, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient rehabilitation. Nicole is passionate about providing family centered services to encourage maximal growth of each child and to foster empowerment of families. She feels incredibly blessed to be working as an occupational therapy assistant to help children and families reach their individual goals. Nicole is a local of Las Cruces, NM. She is a wife and mother, and is always on the go as her family would say. She enjoys spending time with family, camping, fishing, sports, and volunteering in children’s ministry for her church.
Robin was born and raised in Las Cruces, NM. She graduated from New Mexico State University in 2020, with her Bachelors in Psychology and a Minor in Art. Later, she moved to Albuquerque and attended the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program at the University of New Mexico and graduated in 2022. She completed her Level II Fieldwork rotation at Rio Rancho Public Schools which kindled her love for working in pediatrics. Occupational Therapy has been a passion for her, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to work within this career field. Robin found that this career explores creativity and science, both of which are another passion of hers. Additionally, she relishes the diversity of patients and she highly enjoys the challenge of helping each patient improve their abilities and reach their fullest potential. In her free time she works with her deaf Australian Shepherd named Nymeria in agility. You can also frequently find her working with some medium to create artwork, out hiking, traveling, reading, or spending time with friends and family.
Cynthia grew up in Hatch N.M. and attended Pima Medical institute in El Paso, TX where she earned her associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She is passionate about working with children and making a positive impact in their lives. She believes in the power that OT provides to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in daily activities and enhance their overall well-being. Her experience includes working in Special Education classrooms, where she honed her skills in helping children achieve their fullest potential. Even before completing her degree, she knew her calling was to work with children, and her Level II Fieldwork rotation at The Play Lab solidified that desire. She is committed to providing compassionate care and fostering an environment where children can thrive. She believes to be very fortunate to return to the incredible Play Lab team full-time and continue to grow in her profession. In addition to her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family on their chile farm in Hatch, reading, visiting farmers markets, traveling, and going on nature walks.
My name is Alondra India Villa. I am a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional with an associate’s degree in occupational therapy and Kinesiology. I am driven by a deep commitment to my family and community, I enjoy being actively involved in events and initiatives that bring people together. I am especially passionate about my career in occupational therapy, and I am continuously seeking opportunities to grow within the field and make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy exploring creative ideas through DIY projects and baking. I am a Disney movie enthusiast, and a collector of Stitch-themed items. In my downtime, I also enjoy watching "novelas" and spending quality time with loved ones. I am looking forward to working with little ones, families, and The Play Lab Family.
