Dana Paine, CEO
Dana has been in private practice in Albuquerque, N.M. since 1994, beginning his healthcare career as a Sports Massage Therapist, working with professional runners and Olympians helping them prepare for and recover from competition.
In 2000, Dana graduated from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree emphasis in Psychology, Nutrition, and Exercise Science. Dana spent several years as a Certified Health Fitness Instructor with the American College of Sports Medicine and also became a Certified Nutritionist.
In 2004, Dana completed a Master’s degree in Counseling from The University of New Mexico and has worked full-time as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Life Coach since 2004.
Dana is skilled in the use of Positive Psychology, Health Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Existentialism, Life Coaching, and Spirituality to help his clients realize deeper levels of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in their lives.
Dana Specializes in:
~ Helping Couples who are struggling with Poor Communication Patterns, Unhelpful Behaviors, Lack of Emotional Connection & Sexual Intimacy, Rebuilding Trust, Overcoming Infidelity, and when need be; Conscious Uncoupling. Dana is experienced at working with Monogamous and Consensually Non-Monogamous couples.
~ Helping Teens, Pre-Teens, and their Parents to navigate emotional and behavioral challenges through the use of Collaborative Problem Solving and Enhancing Executive Functioning Skills to Decrease Screen Time, Build Emotional Regulation Skills, and Increase Goal-Directed Behaviors.
~Helping Clients Overcome Depression, Anxiety, and Negative Emotional states, as well as helping Clients Overcome Addictions (Substance and Behavioral) and Transform Maladaptive Habits into Healthy and Functional Habits.
~Helping Clients Overcome Obesity and Health Problems as well as Improve their Eating Habits and Lifestyles.
~ Helping Clients Grow Personally and Professionally through Building Self-Confidence, Enhancing Self-Discipline, and Improving levels of Inner Peace.
When Dana is not working with clients, or providing supervision and support to our team of therapists; he enjoys living life to the fullest in ways that are authentic and meaningful for him.
Dana enjoys sharing time with the special people in his life, exercising, learning new things, growing in new ways, connecting with nature and people, and spending as much time by the Ocean as possible.
MA Counseling, LPCC # 0095841
NFPT Certified Nutritionist
ACSM Certified Health & Fitness Instructor
Melinda Frasco
Melinda Frasco is the Clinical Director of our counseling office located at 920 Madeira Dr. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 81708
Melinda graduated from The University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, where she went on to work for the state of New Mexico advocating for victims of violent crime. Melinda then attained her Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University beginning her career in therapy and working with clients of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
Melinda incorporates strength-based counseling supporting her clients to maximize their potential using solution focused, mindfulness and cognitive behavioral techniques. Melinda is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) a cutting-edge intervention that helps accelerate healing and peace of mind in clients having difficulty with PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and other ailments
When Melinda is not working with clients she enjoys the outdoors and finds great pleasure in hiking, fishing, and snowboarding. She loves spending time with her spouse and two children, going to the zoo, and enjoying time with her family in nature on camping trips. Melinda is also an advocate of physical fitness, using long walks, kettlebell workouts, and hot yoga to help maintain health, wellness and balance in her life.
Clinical Director
Licensed Clinical Social Worker C-10973
Certified Case Manager 4239525
Certified Brain Injury Specialist 22066
Mari Lyford
Mari has worked in healthcare for over 20 years, and specializes in the areas of Health and Wellness, Healing from PTSD and Trauma, Addiction Recovery, and Resolving Difficult Life Situations. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (QSAP). She is also trained in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), the Resilience Toolkit, Therapeutic Tremor, and Brainspotting. Mari also holds a degree in Exercise Science and has worked as an exercise specialist in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and as a yoga instructor for many years.
Mari is experienced in helping people heal from trauma, overcome addictions, and resolve difficult life situations. She listens carefully to what her clients want and need, and then, helps them to make positive changes to improve their lives. Mari believes in the innate potential within each person to create a better life for themselves.
Mari maintains an active lifestyle, including a regular Yoga practice, Pilates, and running with donkeys. When Mari is not working with clients or exercising, she enjoys being out in nature and around animals where she gains inspiration.
MA Social Work, LCSW # C-10176
Brainspotting & Resilience Toolkit Practitioner
Brian Giron
Brian Giron is the Clinical Director of our main counseling office, located at 920 Cardenas Dr. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87108.
Brian graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. In addition, Brian has been formally trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma recovery, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Seven Challenges (adolescent substance use model), and he is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS).
Brian is very skilled at working with individuals recovering from difficult life traumas and substance abuse problems. He also works effectively with children, teens, and families to help them overcome challenges. During adolescence, Brian was diagnosed with ADHD, which he has learned to successfully manage through building executive functioning and mindfulness skills.
As a seventh-generation New Mexican, Brian enjoys re-creating delicious food from recipes which have been handed down in his family over the years. Brian also enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, cooking, exercising, and is a Dallas Cowboys Football fan.
Clinical Director
Licensed Clinical Social Worker C-11250
Certified Case Manager 4243255
Certified Brain Injury Specialist 25956
Debra Anaya
Debra has been a licensed counselor since 2005 and has worked in the healthcare industry in Southern New Mexico and West Texas for many years. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso and completed her master’s degree at New Mexico Highlands University in counseling and educational psychology. Debra utilizes patient centered counseling including cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, solution focused guidance, and motivational interviewing. She is bilingual and is available to provide counseling services in Spanish as well.
Debra is passionate about helping her clients tap into the strength and resiliency they have within themselves. She helps her clients to overcome self-defeating patterns so that they can harness their emotional energy and positive actions to improve wellbeing and relationships.
When Debra is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her large extended family. She has an interest in traveling throughout the beautiful state of NM, all over the US, and to other countries. Debra has an avid curiosity about various topics including philosophy, health science, and psychology; she also enjoys baking cookies and other delicious baked goods.
MA Counseling, LPCC # CCMH0110871
Codi Azuela
Codi graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her academic emphasis at UNM was on positive and health psychology. Codi earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from UNM in 2017.
Codi has years of experience working with individuals and families helping them to heal from trauma, improve parenting and co-parenting and reduce anxiety and depression. Codi is also experienced in addiction recovery, eating disorder and marriage and family counseling. Additionally, Codi is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with skills and experience helping her clients heal complex trauma wounds.
Codi effectively works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. She utilizes various therapeutic modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, attachment-based, art and sand tray, experiential, health & positive psychology, dialectical behavioral and acceptance & commitment therapies. Codi is dedicated to life-long learning and is continually expanding her education and skills to enhance her capabilities as a therapist.
During Codi’s free time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys hiking, swimming, doing acrobatics on horses and exploring new places. She also has developed a new found love for cooking vegetarian dishes..
MA Counseling, LPCC #CCMH0219631, CCTP
Heather Garcia
Heather has been a Licensed Counselor since 2009. She graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Science in 1995, and then went on to obtain a Master's degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 2001. Additionally, Heather has completed two graduate certificates from the University of Arkansas; one in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2008, and a second in Conflict Mediation in 2012.
Heather is passionate about working with individuals on issues such as self-esteem, reducing stress, regaining balance, and thriving in one’s personal life and career. She helps clients to address negative self-talk, mood instability, challenging irrational beliefs, life transitions, and identity development. Heather is equipped to work with a range of therapeutic approaches depending on each person’s needs and interests. For instance, she has extensive experience in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral treatment strategies, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Heather provides a holistic approach to counseling by addressing each client’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. She approaches therapy in a very integrative, client-centered manner to ensure the highest quality of care is provided. Heather promotes growth by offering a safe, accepting atmosphere so that clients feel heard, validated, and empowered.
When Heather is not working with clients, she enjoys hiking, biking, and traveling with her family. She has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, biked the state of Michigan from end to end, and thru-hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain. She also enjoys open water diving and hang-gliding from time to time.
LPCC-CCMH 0222251
GCDFI-10579
CWDP-5069
Elizabeth Kraus
Elizabeth Kraus is the Clinical Director of our Westside Counseling Office, Located at 4111 Barbara Loop, SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124.
Elizabeth graduated from The University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then attended New Mexico Highlands University where she earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. Following graduate school, Elizabeth obtained experience working in child-protective services as a Permanency Planning Worker. Elizabeth also worked as a Behavioral Support Consultant for the developmentally disabled population. Her true professional passion, however, lies in providing individual and family therapy. Elizabeth has been a licensed clinician since 2014.
Elizabeth believes that clients are the experts on their own lives and strives to meet them where they’re at. She believes in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship, and that creating a strong, collaborative partnership between clinician and client allows for growth to occur. Elizabeth uses a trauma-informed approach in working with clients and has extensive training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Other modalities Elizabeth draws from are motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. She has experience helping clients address a wide range of issues that have negatively impacted their lives. Elizabeth feels honored and humbled to guide clients through the challenging and beautiful process of healing, self-discovery, and creating a life worth living.
When Elizabeth is not working with clients, she enjoys spending time with her supportive partner and two amazing children. Elizabeth has a passion for yoga and hopes to soon become certified to guide. Other pastimes Elizabeth enjoys are traveling, playing tennis, hiking, listening (and singing along) to music, and working on creative projects.
Clinical Director
Licensed Clinical Social Worker C-10354
Dr. Katey Milliken
Dr. Katey Milliken, LPCC, graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then attended Florida State University to obtain both her Master’s of Science degree and Education Specialist’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Following the completion of these degrees, she continued her education at The Florida State University to earn her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. Katey has clinical experience working with individuals, couples, families, and at an IOP specializing in substance use recovery.
Katey believes in a compassionate and empathetic approach when working with clients. She seeks to understand the client through their own eyes, as she believes clients are the experts on their lives She uses a solution-focused approach that draws on setting goals and helping clients find motivation to achieve them. Her clinical passion is working with couples and families, and when doing so she uses an emotion-focused approach seeking to improve healthy communication and empathy within the family system. She has extensive experience working with clients with trauma as well as substance abuse. She has training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she is Level 1 trained in Gottman Couples Therapy. Katey feels passionate and honored to help clients improve their lives and acknowledge the challenges they have been through.
Outside of the office, Katey enjoys spending time with her husband and exploring Albuquerque. They have two dogs and enjoy taking them on hikes and swimming in the Rio Grande. She enjoys painting and exercising in her free time.
Ph.D. Marriage and Family Therapy
LPCC # CTB-2023-0429
Dora Sandoval
Dora Sandoval graduated from New Mexico Highland University with a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work.
Dora has extensive experience and successful outcomes using Guided imagery and EMDR treatments for severe trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem concerns. Other modalities are cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, art, play and sand therapy.
Dora has worked with: families/victims of domestic violence and generational abuse and trauma; hospice patients to find peace and forgiveness to allow for a more gentle and peaceful passage to the hereafter, and people struggling with anxiety and depression related to Covid pandemic isolation, which continues to affect individuals in their academics, jobs, and in relationships.
My most valuable time away from work is the time with my family, my children and grandchildren. Family time means fun, laughter and heart-to-heart communication. Their touch, their voices, laughter, the innocence and beauty of a child fills my soul.
* Envision your life different; happier, more peaceful. I believe self-love, appreciation, and forgiveness are the stepping stones to a path of healing and new beginnings. Life is what we make it… let’s make it a fulfilling life!
Licensed Clinical Social Worker SWB20230074
Vanessa Palmer
Vanessa Palmer has over 16 years of experience supporting New Mexico's diverse families in various environments and communities. Vanessa earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2018 from New Mexico Highlands University. She was then accepted into the advanced standing school of social work program by New Mexico State University and earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2019.
Vanessa has provided services in the schools as a former educator and school social worker. She supported families in the comfort of their homes for children diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Vanessa gained extensive experience in Trauma-Informed Care while she worked at the Children, Youth and Families Department as an In-Home Services Practitioner and Placement Supervisor. She also advocated for individuals and families without homes. Vanessa has continuously provided quality care by implementing evidence-based interventions as well as holistic modalities for individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children as an outpatient therapist.
Vanessa is passionate about exploring with you, your trauma, grief, life transitions, familial and relational concerns, areas of growth, and/or what you feel you need support with so that you achieve a quality of life as a healed person. Vanessa looks forward to establishing a trusting, working relationship that makes you feel empowered to create a difference in your life that is positively impactful.
As a Native New Mexican, Vanessa admires and appreciates New Mexico's rich culture. She enjoys the topography that New Mexico offers by hiking, rafting, exploring national and state parks, fishing, and camping with her family and friends. Vanessa's other passions include being a proud mom of four beautiful young adult children, a love for all animals (domestic and wildlife), music, and cooking traditional and gourmet dishes. It is important to Vanessa that you feel the intrinsic rewards of growth and transformation, even if it's incremental, because that matters just as much!
"Unwavering incremental change can create remarkable and monumental results." ~Ryan Lilly
MA Social Work, LCSW # SWB-2023-1253
Deirdre Anderson
Deirdre has been a Clinical Social worker for the past 35 years, working in New Mexico for the last 29. She received her BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University and MSW from UC Berkeley with an emphasis on direct service and health.
Prior to her graduate education, she worked in the medical field as a Neurology technician doing EEG and other neuro procedures in a variety of medical settings. She discovered she enjoyed working to set patients at ease and was fascinated by the brain-mind interface. From there, she obtained training in biofeedback and began working in a rehab hospital as a certified Biofeedback therapist in the early days of mind-body medicine. In this capacity, she began teaching stress reduction employing techniques such as progressive relaxation, breathing exercises, visualization, and meditation.
Deirdre began a meditation practice as a teen with TM. From there she learned the practice of Buddhist Vipassana meditation while journeying through India, after a ten-day retreat under the tutelage of Sri S.N. Goenka. Many years later, she was able to share her knowledge of mindfulness while working in a DBT Program at the University of New Mexico Mental Health Center. Decades later, she studied under the venerable Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh in several in-person Mindfulness retreats.
Clinically, Deirdre works with individuals, families and teens. Deirdre has extensive experience in Dialectical Behavior therapy, CBT, Trauma-informed therapy, Mindfulness and Brief Solution-focused therapy. She utilizes a trauma-informed approach and is trained in EMDR. She has worked extensively in EAP settings, working with addiction, substance issues and recovery. Deirdre has deep regard and respect for all her clients and feels privileged to guide and accompany them through their healing and growth process.
Deirdre spends her free time swimming, singing, gardening, yoga, volunteering in community arts, and hiking in nature. She also enjoys time spent with her friends and family; especially time with her two wonderful adult sons.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, # C-4194
Rita Franken, M.A., LMFT
Rita Franken is an experienced therapist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in providing effective therapy to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-based and Solution-focused approaches, as well as mindfulness techniques, Rita empowers her clients to overcome challenges and achieve positive mental well-being.
With decades of experience in the field, Rita has honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of various therapeutic modalities. Her commitment to providing compassionate and evidence-based care has earned her a stellar reputation among her clients and colleagues alike. Rita believes in the power of collaboration, working closely with her clients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals.
Rita's foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy enables her to help clients identify and modify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, empowering them to develop healthier coping strategies and achieve sustainable change. She recognizes the importance of building on individuals' strengths and values, fostering resilience and personal growth. By utilizing Solution-focused techniques, Rita helps clients identify their desired outcomes and focuses on finding practical, achievable steps to reach those goals.
Moreover, Rita is a firm believer in the transformative potential of mindfulness. She incorporates mindfulness-based interventions into her therapy sessions, guiding clients to develop a greater sense of self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional regulation. Through cultivating present-moment awareness, Rita helps individuals navigate their experiences with increased clarity and resilience.
Rita Franken holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has completed extensive training in CBT, strength-based approaches, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness techniques. Throughout her career, Rita has worked with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Rita's warm and empathetic nature creates a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients, allowing them to explore their thoughts and emotions freely. She is dedicated to providing personalized care and tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, Rita supports her clients on their journey towards improved mental well-being and overall life satisfaction.
We are delighted to welcome Rita Franken to our practice, knowing that her wealth of experience and diverse therapeutic toolkit will greatly benefit our clients. If you are seeking a compassionate and skilled therapist who can guide you toward positive change, Rita is ready to support you on your path to healing and growth.
In her spare time, Rita likes to spend time with her family, be out in nature, gardening, playing with her pets, reading and meditating. She believes in holding the light for her clients until they are ready to hold the light for themselves
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, # C-06157
Amanda Hutchinson
A dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), is fueled by a passion for trauma work and an unwavering commitment to positive change. With a degree from Western New Mexico University, her professional journey is enriched by diverse experiences, showcasing her expertise in working with rural and urban communities, Veterans, the LGBTQIA+ population, and BIPOC communities. Amanda's dedication to diversity extends to her impactful work in youth detention, residential treatment, and individual therapy.
Employing a holistic treatment approach, Amanda utilizes various therapeutic modalities tailored to individual needs. As a certified Clinical Trauma Specialist - Individual, she brings specialized knowledge to trauma-focused interventions. Formally trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Written Exposure Therapy, Amanda specializes in trauma therapy. Her approach is deeply rooted in recognizing and honoring neurodiversity and respecting the unique strengths and perspectives of each client.
When Amanda is not working, she enjoys spending time with her partner and fur-babies at home or outdoors. Amanda has a strong desire to travel and experience different cultures and environments. Amanda also enjoys hands-on do-it-yourself projects, spending time with family and friends, and gardening.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
# SWB-2023-0230
Karola Loos, LISW
Karola graduated from Highlands University in 2011 with a Master of Social Work degree. She has over 12 years of experience as a practicing therapist. She has completed training in cognitive behavioral therapy and uses this in combination with a range of modalities—including narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness.
Karola is passionate about helping individuals to heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strength. She is experienced in helping clients address a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, isolation, hopelessness, and codependency, among others. In addition, she works with clients across the age spectrum—from at-risk youth to adults and to older adults facing end-of-life issues. It is her goal to help clients grow from their struggles and heal from their pain, moving toward a life they envision. She believes this is achieved by providing a safe space, listening to clients’ concerns, and using relevant counseling modalities.
In her spare time, Karola likes to go on long hikes in the Sandias with her rescue dog. She also enjoys going to the gym, kickboxing, and spending time with friends.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, # C-09394