Occupational Therapist, Yoga Therapist,
SIPT Certified Sensory Therapist,
Reflexologist
Kim’s life work has centered around helping others. Her 16-year career as an occupational therapist and 31 years as a yoga teacher are driven by the ideals of self-realization. Kim has opened three yoga studios and continues to teach within her community.
Kim’s experience as a pediatric interventionist, specializing in the area of Sensory Integration and Autism have inspired her to support her clients to be
the best they can be in every moment. Through support and guidance during therapy, Kim empowers others by helping them to know their bodies, self-challenges and strengths. Kim’s vast knowledge of the human body helps her to inspire clients to connect, accept and be challenged to reach higher goals of independence, and to achieve their most functional, and productive selves. Kim uses a holistic approach to help others promote, maintain and develop the skills needed to be functional in daily routines and in meaningful relationships in life.
Active participation in life promotes:
…learning
…self-esteem
…self-confidence
…independence
…social interaction
Melanie completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work at New Mexico State University. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Circle of Security Parenting Classes (COS), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) & Child-Parent Psychotherapy - Supervision, Emotional Triggers Treatment, and is an endorsed Infant Mental Health (III) Specialist. Melanie is also available to provide clinical and reflective supervision.
Her education and professional background of understanding the mind and body has given her a unique approach to counseling that fits the philosophy here at Amistad Family Services.
Melanie currently serves Amistad as a Clinical Supervisor.
Since 2017, Melanie has been a part of a non-profit organization that supports veteran’s and their families across the southern part of New Mexico. She is also a Soroptimist Ruby Award winner (2017) for her work in supporting women veteran’s returning to school after service. Melanie is a New Mexico native who grew up in Silver City, NM.
Donna grew up in Las Cruces and attended MacArthur Elementary, Fairacres Elementary, Court Jr. High and May field Jr. High. She is a class of 1981 Mayfield graduate! She attended ENMU-R and obtained her Associates degree in Occupational Therapy. What Donna finds most challenging about her job is learning something new. She has made the transition from geriatric care to pediatrics and she says it makes her have to think differently but she is up for the challenge! Donna loves what she does and finds it rewarding to establish what works for each individual, identify their strengths, and help them achieve their goals. In addition to being a professional, Donna is a wife/pit crew member. Donna and her husband have a super truck and race at Vado Speedway Park. Fun fact: Donna is quite adept at scraping lots of mud off a race truck.
Charles McNamara is an LMSW who graduated from NMSU with a master's in social work. Having moved to Las Cruces in 2016 he enjoys both the warm and cool seasons in the area, always hoping for a chance of snow in the winter. Joining the Amistad team, he looks forward to new encounters and experiences with both the staff and clients. When Charles is not working at Amistad he enjoys playing with his pets, morning walks, and various games.
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.
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.
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.
