Spring 2015 DVR-POCCOMMITTEE@STATE.NM.US

A P o s i t i v e O r g a n i z a t i o n a l C l i m a t e P u b l i c a t i o n

We whom tooteth not our own horns,

“getteth them notteth tootethed!”

In Rememberance…

We would like to take the time to

give Adam Carrasco, our

colleague, friend, confidant and

one of the best VRC’s in the

business, credit for showing us

that the best thing in life is

helping others simply out of the

goodness of your heart and

expecting nothing in return.

Adam is dearly missed and

thought of daily by the Roswell

team members.

Recognition at the Federal Level

Congratulations to Roxanne Garcia and Karen

Wasson for their recently received SSA Dallas

Regional Commissioner Citation awarded in February

2014. Their team accomplishments were noted in the

nomination, but their most notable achievement was

complete reduction of the NM DDS Hearings’ Unit backlog

FY 2013. We would also like to give additional kudos! to Karen who

was awarded the individual SSA Commissioner’s Citation

Award January 2015 for her leadership with the hearings

unit and numerous above-n-beyond activities including the

POCC.

Well done DDS!

Transition Fair

The Las Cruces office held their first Transition Fair April

16, in collaboration with the Las Cruces Public Schools.

There was approximately 26 service providers which

consisted of services for

persons with disabilities,

employers, post-secondary

programs, apprenticeship

programs, & the Job Corps.

There were 4 presentations,

including Samuel from ATS, along with Rosie Talamantes,

employers, Dion’s and Tresco. Refreshments were provided

by the culinary class of Las Cruces High. Approximately 98

persons consisting of 32 students, 54 parents and 12 Non-

Student Participants (ie. Educators, other service providers,

etc.) from various districts excluding LCHS and DVR

staff. The staff hosting this event included: Maggie

Armendariz, VRC, Lillie Vega, VRC, Linda Fisher, VRC

and Camille Garduno, FOS. The team is already looking

forward to next year with their objective being to increase

the number of students and family members to 200. Special

thanks to Charlene Chavez for coming out to support us.

7th Annual Veteran’s Information Fair

Area 3 held their 7th Annual Veteran’s Information Fair in

Las Cruces. Over 60 vendors, service providers, veteran’s

organizations, and employers were in attendance.

Representative from Senator Udall’s office and Senator

Heinrich’s office read a statement on behalf of the

Senator’s. The Mayor of Las Cruces welcomed everyone

The

Horn

Spring 2015 DVR-POCCOMMITTEE@STATE.NM.US

and sponsored the event held at the Las Cruces Convention

Center. At least 100 plus veteran’s attended the fair.

Congratulations to the team of Camille Garduno, Stephanie

Mariscal, Hermila Ortega, and Shirley Gonzales for

collaborating with Disability Rights New Mexico in this

valuable event. A big thanks to VRC David Joyce, who

created our fabulous flyer.

AREA 4 “A MINION 2 ONE”

On April 11th, Area 4 (Roswell) put a team together to

participate in the March for Babies. The 6 team members

made up of Cecelia Leaton (Administrative Assistant);

Nash Sisneros (Program Manager); Rosa Chacon

(Rehabilitation Technician); Jessica Banda (Benefits

Advisor); Elyda Grado (Vocational Rehabilitation

Counselor); and Lisa Chaves (Rehabilitation Technician).

The event took place early morning Saturday, April 11th.

Team members along with their children and other family

members walked the 3 miles and collected $1355 as a team,

which was the highest collection from a team. Our team, A

Minion 2 One, also won the T-Shirt contest for the event.

The cause meant something to each of us for different

reasons. The Roswell office employees have developed a

very unique bond that has created a fun, safe, and enjoyable

work environment. Staff share much more in common than

your normal group of ladies. We all have many different

pieces to us, and have found with all our different pieces,

we can, and do create a whole. The Roswell office is full of

humor, support, friendship and professionalism. We have an

utmost respect for one another. As a team we have been

through many ups and downs, but have remained a team.

The continued development of building a successful team

takes time, commitment, compassion and empathy from

each of us. We have a long way to go in building

relationships in this life, but feel grateful to be working

together and for DVR.

Benefit Advisor Nationally Certified

Norma Campos received her Community Work Incentive

Coordinator Certificate. It has been a long

and arduous journey. She had been in the

job just a few months before she had to

do a week long training out of state,

learning just about Social Security

Disability Benefits followed by online

classes. Once she successfully passed the

skills test, she was given a mock case and

had to write up a report and plan. After waiting the nail

biting period of grading and making required corrections,

she had to then submit three actual cases to her peers for

review at three separate points. The process usually takes a

full year, but Norma passed in nine months and is now

recognized as competent to provide benefits advisement per

Social Security Administration and her peers at Virginia

Commonwealth University.

Congratulate Norma next time you see her. She wants to

thank everyone who stood by her as she put in her blood,

sweat, and tears.

Great Las Vegas Employers

Las Vegas had their First Employer’s Recognition

Luncheon and it was a huge success. The staff in Las Vegas

has made some long term employer relationships that have

trained and hired many of our Participants and we wanted

to honor their amazing work with people with disabilities.

Here is what was read during the ceremony: Las Vegas

NMDVR awarded Lisa Apodaca of the New Mexico

Behavioral Health Institute; public relations department,

our 1st Annual Employer Commendation Award. DVR staff

can contact her to obtain information on job vacancies, job

descriptions, and potential training sites for our

participants. She assists with negotiation of on-the-job

Spring 2015 DVR-POCCOMMITTEE@STATE.NM.US

trainings, provides employee orientation, as well as HIPPA

training on a one to one basis for DVR participants. Lisa

maintains contact with the supervisors overseeing DVR

participants and the DVR staff to ensure success all around.

In addition to Ms. Apodaca’s regular duties, she makes time

to meet with DVR participants to provide information and

instruction pertaining to submitting applications to New

Mexico State Personnel Office.

The Las Vegas DVR office would also like to award Mr.

Ron Martinez, Manager at Lowe’s Grocery store with a

Commendation Award, in recognition of his contribution in

assisting individuals with disabilities to obtain

employment. Mr. Martinez and the Lowe’s grocery store

have been a partner with DVR for several years, providing

training and employment opportunities to the most

significantly disabled populations.

His impact towards helping DVR participants obtain and

maintain suitable employment is greatly appreciated by the

participants, our community and the agency. This event was

featured in the newspaper. Congrats Area 9!

Collaborative Efforts

This year’s Walk MS 2015 Albuquerque

took place Saturday, April 11th, offering

a great opportunity to support

research for treatment &

prevention of Multiple Sclerosis,

a disease that affects the lives of

approximately 2.3 million citizens around the world.

The NM DDS professional organization NewMade (New

Mexico Chapter) of NADE-(National Association of

Disability Examiners) rallied support from DDS Staff for

our very own Jessica Hash and other fellow New Mexicans’

like her living with MS.

We created a team of actual and virtual walker’s self-titled

“NewMade #-A-Longs.” Together we raised $710 thus far

as a single team! The National goal is $129,000 of which

over $92,000 has been achieved for the Multiple Sclerosis

Society. MS stops people literally, from moving and efforts

towards ongoing research are vital. THANK YOU to

everyone who participated and who may consider future

fundraising events.

State Office With a change in leadership, we here at DVR enter another

phase of development. Mr. Hipolito “Paul” Aguilar has

recently assumed the

position of Interim

Director of the Division of

Vocational Rehabilitation.

Paul has served as the

Public Education

Department’s Deputy

Secretary for Finance and

Operations since early

2011. As such, he is very

familiar with DVR, its role

and mission, and the

challenges that we face and

work through on a regular

basis. As you know, DVR

is a division of PED.

Paul earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and

Special Education and his Master’s Degree in Education

Administration, both from New Mexico Highlands

University; he also attended Harvard University’s School

for Senior Executives in State and Local Government.

Paul began his career in education as a math teacher in

Bernalillo, New Mexico. We won’t mention what decade

that was, suffice it to say it that it was a while back! Paul

has also worked as a school principal and school

administrator, and, for nearly eight years, as an analyst for

the State Legislature with the Legislative Finance

Committee, where he dealt with matters ranging from water

rights to higher education to public school finance. As you

can imagine, working for 112 members of the Legislature,

with all of the proposed legislation, issues, discussion, and

Spring 2015 DVR-POCCOMMITTEE@STATE.NM.US

recommendations that goes with them, can be quite

challenging!

Paul also served in the U.S. Army as a gunner with a missile

battalion. With his background, education, and drive, Paul

is well suited to help guide DVR as interim or acting

director. Please join me in welcoming Paul to the helm of

DVR. We are fortunate to have him, both as a boss and a

leader. Please make every effort to be positive, embrace

change (it is one of the few constants in life), and continue

to serve our participants as the professionals that you are.

Disability Determination Services

Chris Dunk was born and raised in San Antonio, TX.

College years spent in

Waco, TX while attending

Texas State Technical

College. Later he moved

to Austin, TX to work IT

for the Attorney General’s

Office for almost nine

years. Wife/girlfriend at

the time graduated from

St. Edward’s University,

and was offered a job with

an advertising company here in Albuquerque. His journey

to New Mexico with her continued there, and roots were set

in Albuquerque. He is currently a proud husband and papa

of a 5-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter (more like

“threenager”).

He has been working with IT across all of New Mexico for

the past six years and continues to do so. He was an IT Field

Technician for Professional Document Systems for almost

five years dealing with private, medical, law, and state

government businesses. Later he worked on the statewide

ASPEN project for the State of New Mexico’s Human

Services Department from start to finish. Most recently,

Chris has joined DDS with the position of IT Generalist 1

and is looking forward to his time here. He has fun learning,

teaching and using technology to help make daily tasks

easier and more efficient.

On his off hours, Chris spends time with family, drawing or

doodling and playing video games with his wife and friends.

He enjoys being outside doing yard work, watching wildlife

or just soaking up what Mother Nature has to offer.

Please assist DDS in welcoming Chris aboard and wishing

him much success in the future!

Lina Sabado has re-joined the staff here at

DDS. Previously she was worked on team one from August

2010 to November 2014. She resumed her role as an initial

adjudicator with team three on 4/25/15. DDS is delighted

to have her back!

Area 2

Chantal Hopkins, Admin Assistant

1. What information would you like to relay about your

personal self? Family, hobbies, education, work

experience?

I have been married for almost 17 years and have 2 amazing

children, ages 16 and 14. My family has faced numerous

struggles over the past 8-10 years and we always pull

through and thrive to overcome the obstacles. I never

finished college but my main focus in school was Special

Education. After losing my mom to ALS in 2007 I became

the Executive Director of the ALS Association New Mexico

Chapter and realized how much I loved helping people with

their struggles and helping them receive the assistance and

equipment they needed. I try to live by the motto I recently

heard "There are no bad days only better tomorrows!"

2. What prompted you to choose a career in vocational

rehab?

I have always loved assisting people and helping them

succeed. It makes my heart smile when I see someone

achieve something and knowing I was able to assist them

with achieving that.

3. As a new staff member, what is something that has

surprised you about NM DVR that you did not know since

staring your new job?

All of it! I never even knew DVR existed until I applied for

the position. All of it makes my heart smile knowing how

there is a wonderful organization out there helping people

find jobs! The Best part is now I get to be a part of it!

4. As the newest team member of Area 2, what contributions

to the team would you like to make over the next year?

I hope to streamline some things within the office that will

help everyone have more time.

Toni Rodriguez, Rio Rancho VRC

1. Toni is a native of New Mexico and recently moved back

to Albuquerque from Phoenix, AZ to be closer to her family.

July of last year, she welcomed her first child named

Penelope. In her spare time she enjoys watching football

and spending time with her family and three Chihuahuas.

Toni has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in

Sociology/Criminology, Master’s of Arts degree in Human

Resource Development, and a Master’s degree in Public

Administration. Toni has eleven years of case management

experience specializing in criminal justice, behavioral

Spring 2015 DVR-POCCOMMITTEE@STATE.NM.US

health, and education. Also, she was an adjunct college

instructor for Estrella Mountain Community College

(Maricopa County) located in Avondale, AZ for four years

where she taught Sociology classes.

2. In my past work experience as a job development

specialist for a small non-profit company, I had the privilege

of working with Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation

counselors. I worked with these counselors one on one to

help assist my clients and I got to learn some parts of their

jobs. I enjoyed witnessing the passion these VR counselors

had when working with the clients. I had one VR supervisor

express to me that I should pursue a career in vocational

rehabilitation someday because I have the passion to help

VR clients find employment. I was inspired at that point and

here I am.

3. I would have to say the financial/budget that is allowed

for each VR counselor. Also, how it pertains to our large

caseloads.

4. I would like to provide some of my experience working

with specific clients as well as learning and gaining more

skills about vocational rehabilitation from my supervisor

and coworkers. My overall goal is to provide the best

guidance and counselling to my clients and assist them with

obtaining and maintaining employment.

Jordan Vargas, Rio Rancho VRC

1. I have a one year old son who is my driving force in

everything that I do. I strive to work hard to provide him

with a great life and make him proud. I have 3 years of case

management experience and Bachelor’s Degree in Special

and General Education.

2. I chose a career in Rehabilitation Counseling because I

enjoy giving back to the community. My goal is to help as

many people in my life that I can become successful and my

passion is striving to help people overcome their barriers.

3. One thing that I did not know about DVR was the

availability to help fund clients’ goals. In my previous work

experience, all clients were under income guidelines. There

was no extra money in the pot to help fund client activities

other than the occasional transportation voucher. It made

cooperation for the clients a difficult task. I look forward to

being able to provide clients with services that can help

them reach their full potential of success.

4. As one of the newest members of the Area 2 team, my

goal is to help my clients and coworkers be as successful as

possible with the resources that are available in our

community. I want to learn as much about the program as

possible so I am able to be the most effective employee that

I can be for the amazing DVR team.

Area 3

Stephanie Barncastle recently began working for the Area

3 Las Cruces office as a

Rehabilitation Secretary.

Stephanie has over 10

years of administrative

secretary experience

working at White Sands

Missile Range. She also

has 10 years of experience

working in the human

resource field. She is the

proud mom of ten year old

Brynden. She enjoys

watching him play sports,

football and baseball. She also likes the outdoors and

traveling. She loves cooking and describes herself as a

culinary experimenter. Welcome to DVR!

Mr. Rodolfo “Rudy” Hernandez started working at

NMDVR on February 28,

2015 as the Las Cruces

Benefits Advisor.

Previously, Rudy worked

with Southwest Airlines as

a Flight Attendant. He is a

Retired Army Sergeant

Major with over 30 years of

military of service. His

work experience as a Flight

Attendant has taught him

much about providing

Outstanding Customer

Service and his military experience has taught him how to

deal with difficult people and difficult situations but most

of all has taught him genuine concern for others.

Rudy is very involved in the local community, his favorite

event/project is helping raise money for Ronald McDonald

House Charities. Rudy and his committee organize an

annual golf tournament fundraiser, sponsored by Southwest

Airlines to help families in need of assistance in Southern

New Mexico and West Texas.

Rudy is married to his lovely wife Eileen, has a daughter

Bridgette and two grandchildren, Farrah and Santana. It is

unclear if Rudy is inherently polite or if the military career

has had an influence, but be ready to be addressed as Sir or

Ma’am. In his spare time, Rudy relaxes by playing golf.

Stephanie Rivera joined the Las Cruces office March 2 as

a VR Secretary. She had previously worked at NM Taxation

Spring 2015 DVR-POCCOMMITTEE@STATE.NM.US

and Revenue in the motor

vehicle division as a

customer service agent. She

has many years in the

banking industry. She has

three beautiful daughters,

ages 8, 11, and 14.

Stephanie enjoys spending

time with her family and

going to church. She has a

positive and sunny

disposition and has been a

great addition to the Area

3/DVR team. Welcome Stephanie.

Area 4

Valerie Broesamle, Roswell VRC

Originally, a local from Roswell, NM. She and her family

moved from upstate New

York to accept the position

with the Division of

Vocational Rehabilitation in

Area 4. Most of her related

experience comes from her

time spent in the military.

She had been in the military

since January 2008, where

she assisted people with

multiple severe disabilities.

She conducted training for

soldiers and supervisors on

chemical dependency and

treatment. She was involved in handling crisis situations

and handling emergencies with soldiers and civilians

through her military experience. Valerie has a tremendous

amount of skills in keeping records and documentation as

an effective team member, mentor and supervisor. She

assisted in tailoring services for over 400 personnel in the

military company. She participated in development of

company procedures, rules and guidelines and provided

guidance and instruction in order to maintain company

procedure as a supervisor. She has fulfilled the academic

requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at

American Military University. Valerie has always been a

team player and able to communicate effectively and

efficiently with others to get the job completed.

Valerie and her husband have four boys and enjoy the

outdoors. Some summer activities they enjoy are camping,

hiking, fishing and hunting. During the winter months there

is no slowing down on activities. She and her family are

active in skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding.

Valerie is excited to be part of the Area 4 team and start a

new chapter in her career as a Vocational Rehabilitation

Counselor. She looks forward to the challenges ahead.

Please welcome her to the DVR family.

Susan Vazquez, Carlsbad VRC

My name is Susan Vazquez

and I am the new Vocational

Rehabilitation counselor in

Carlsbad. I came over to

DVR after having worked at

HSD/Income Support

Division for the past 9 years.

My previous employment

background consists of

working with

developmentally disabled

individuals as well as the

severely mental ill

population. I worked with DVR staff in the past and am very

familiar with what the agencies does to assist individuals

with disabilities.

In my spare time I enjoy movies and books. Though I have

to admit that lately, since my granddaughter was born, 21

months ago my spare time is spent with her and not with

books. She is quite an active girl and the apple of my eye.

I look forward to learning all the aspects of my new job and

look forward to working with the area IV team.

Area 4 is very happy to WELCOME Susan to our DVR

family. She has a wonderful sense of humor, very motivated

and enthusiastic about learning and opening up a whole new

world of knowledge.

Area 5

Paul Gruber began work as the Area 5 Administrative

Secretary. He was previously employed for 2 years as a

Licensing Specialist II with the NM Gaming Control

Board. Paul’s work experience also includes 10 years as a

Research Specialist II for Wells Fargo Bank. He has

completed CNM’s General Business Certification Program,

Records Liaison Officer Training with the NM State

Archives Center, and he is a Notary Public. Paul has also

completed training in fraud investigation with multiple

training providers. Paul is married and has 3 young adult

daughters. He enjoys golfing and spending time with his one

year old grandson.

Nisha Jackson began work as a VRC at the Area 5 Office

in March 2015. She has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in

Social Work and over 25 years’ experience in human

services. Her areas of expertise include providing services

for the homeless population, child survivors of abuse, and

teens in group home settings. She has worked extensively

Spring 2015 DVR-POCCOMMITTEE@STATE.NM.US

with the unemployed, and single parent families as

well. Nisha is a published author and a singer who comes

to NM DVR by way of Texas and Nashville,

Tennessee. She enjoys spending time with her sister who

lives in Las Cruces.

Congratulations to Kathy Ritz in her promotion as the new

Program Manager at the Lomas office (Area 5).

She has 13 years’ experience working at DVR

as a counselor and was a founding team

member of the Lomas office during the

reorganization back in ’08. She has been acting as lead

counselor at the Lomas office and has National Certified

Rehabilitation Counseling status. She completed a Master’s

in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Utah

State. Kathy also has experience working as an AFSCME

union steward, a UNMH case manager, and as a private

sector Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. She started her

career as a Recreation Therapist. In her spare time she does

Wildlife Rescue.

Kathy’s institutional knowledge and organization will be an

immediate asset to the Lomas office.

Terrence Saunders began work as a VRC at Area 5 in

March 2015. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and

Management. He is currently attending UNM and is

working on his Master’s in Public Administration which

includes studying the Mandarin Chinese

language. Terrence has 3 years’ experience in providing

direct care to persons with disabilities in a group home

setting. He also worked in a temporary position for NM

CYFD. He is the proud owner of a boxer mix named

Brooklyn and enjoys cooking.

Area 6

Rhonda Estrada is new to

DVR Area 6 as the

Administrative Assistant.

My favorite thing to do is

play with my first

grandbaby. I've been with

the State of New Mexico

for 18 years. I was a

Correctional Officer for

CYFD, then a Probation

Officer for CYFD, and a

Financial Specialist for the

Business Office for

Juvenile Facilities for CYFD, then came to DVR. I'm a

University of Phoenix graduate with an Associates in

Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors in Human Service

Management. I'm enjoying my new surrounding and look

forward to the next 7 years with DVR.

Area 7

Jane Lindt, Administrative Assistant

Jane brings in many years of experience providing

administrative support, business accounting and project

management. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business

Administration. Jane worked in various capacities

including at a Healthcare Insurance facility and Engineering

Firm.

Debby Matthews, Rehabilitation Secretary

Debby is the newest secretary for the South Valley

Office. She brings in extensive knowledge of working with

individuals with disabilities and worked as a statewide

Trainer/Mentor for Department of Health for the DD

Waiver for over twelve years. She provided training to

direct support staff along with record keeping for each

individual being served. Debby is very familiar with the DD

Waiver Standards/Regulations and reporting on a federal

and state levels. She also comes with experience in Quality

Assurance in this field which included handling state audits

and accreditations.

Her passion has been working with and training family

members and staff who work with individuals who have

disabilities as well as with the individuals themselves. She

believes that the more information you can give a person

with disabilities, the better they are to make an informed

choice for themselves.

Area 8

Debbie Hambel (CRC) will be the new Area 8

Program Manager! She has both an MA and

BA in Vocational Rehabilitation from the

University of Northern Colorado. She has been

working in the field since 1989. She started working with

NM DVR in 2001. As most of you know, she has extensive

VR counseling and case management experience. She is

also known for her work in Transition, Supportive

Employment, Jackson, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Coordination.

Neil Marzullo comes to us from Pennsylvania. He has six

years of direct Vocational

Rehabilitation Counselor

experience from both New York

and Pennsylvania. He also has

extensive substance abuse and

psychiatric experience. He holds

an MS Ed. from Hunter College

and has his CRC.