Support Encuentro
Our Team
STAFF
Susana Aranda
Educational Programs AssistantSusana is originally from Ciudad Juárez, Chih., but has lived in Albuquerque for 20 years. She began working at Encuentro in 2010 as a childcare teacher and is now in the Department of Education as an Assistant for Education Programs and Digital Education. In his free time, he enjoys working at his item customization company.
Norma Casas
Community Support ManagerNorma is originally from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Her vocation was always to be a teacher to share her knowledge with the people around her. Her career at Encuentro began in 2011 as a kindergarten teacher, then she became an administrative assistant since her studies were more focused on accounting. Over time she decided to add more studies to her knowledge, graduating with a Child Development Certificate and as a Certified Community Health Worker. With this knowledge Norma supports her community by educating and sharing resources.
Julia Cusatis
Development DirectorJulia was born in Wisconsin, the proud daughter of Italian and German immigrants. She raised her son in North Carolina before moving to New Mexico in January 2019 to join Encuentro’s team as the Director of Development. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, has lived, worked and studied abroad, spent a year and a half backpacking around the world, and holds a Master’s degree in Education and post graduate certificate in Training and Development. Her eclectic career includes professional experience across fields of higher education, hospitality management, experiential learning and development, and organizational consulting. Click here to view her LinkedIn profile. To explore how you can help fuel Encuentro’s mission with your time, talents or treasures, contact Julia at [email protected] .
Felipe Durán
Educational Programs AssistantFelipe was born in Guaymas Sonora Mexico on October 5, 1961. Later, life took him to live in the city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa where he completed his high school studies. He completed a degree in Business Administration at Autonomous University of Guadalajara. These are the Mexican cities that have seen him grow. Now he feels happy in Albuquerque, NM in this generous country of the U.S.A. which has given him the opportunity for a better future for his family. His position at Encuentro is that of Educational Program Assistant. Felipe is proud to share the same history of courage and desire to improve that distinguishes every immigrant.
Ilse Grijalva Lastiri
Communications ManagerIlse is a radiohost/communicator/migrant originally from Chihuahua. Her decade-long dedication to serving the community in various capacities has been centered on empowering immigrant families and strengthening community ties. With experience in digital media production and storytelling, Ilse’s goal, through her role as Encuentro’s communications manager and coordinator of the Tu Voz Digital community journalism program, is to change the negative narrative that exists around our communities of color and give them a voice. In her free time, Ilse is also a radio host on a local FM station, facilitates leadership workshops, and could easily win a knowledge championship on the series “Grey’s Anatomy”.
Teresa Guevara
Director of EducationTeresa has been the Director of Educational Programs since 2012. Three decades of transnational experience in the field of Adult Education, combined with her identities as a feminist Mexican immigrant mother, grandmother, and English language learner, shape her vision and understanding of the challenges and educational needs of the immigrant community. Her educational background includes a Master’s degree in TESOL and a PhD in Language and Sociocultural Studies from UNM. A firm believer in the transformational power of education, Teresa loves learning every day from the cultural richness and lived experiences of adult learners and witnessing the impact of Encuentro’s educational programs in their lives. She plays social justice folkloric music with two local bands, LasOtras and Mala Maña.
Rosalina Lopez
HHA Economic Opportunities CoordinatorRosalina is originally from Durango, Mexico. She has experience working as a tax preparer with Liberty Tax and nutrition instructor for Presbyterian Healthcare Services. She studied the Home Health Aide and PCA course at CNM/Encuentro in 2018. She is a domestic worker and independent contractor. Rosalina also has experience as a Volunteer for several organizations such as Roadrunner Food Bank, APS and Encuentro. Her current position at Encuentro is Economic Opportunity Coordinator in the paid internship and EnCasa Care Connections. She is excited to be a part of this organization that provides educational opportunities for our community. Rosalina enjoys time with her family and loves traveling!
Yessica Maese
HHA Program CoordinatorYessica was born in CD Juarez Chihuahua Mexico, she came to the United States in company of her two daughters. She learned about Encuentro for the first time in 2020, since then, she has taken the English class, business, and graduated from the HHA program. Thanks to her studies and the HHA program, Yessica now owns her own senior care company, which has completely changed her work and financial life. She is a very family-oriented person, she enjoys family gatherings and receiving her relatives when they visit from Mexico. She is very happy to be part of the Encuentro team, and having the opportunity to express her commitment to help the community and grow personally and professionally.
Dalia Medina Bustillos
Executive DirectorDalia and her family moved to Albuquerque from Mexico City more than two decades ago. After graduating from South Valley Academy, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of New Mexico. In 2016, she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. For more than 15 years, she has devoted herself to providing services to children, youth, and families, many of whom have been directly affected by migration.
Ernesto Martinez
Digital Equity CoordinatorErnesto is a computer expert with experience in technical support and has lived in Albuquerque since 2007. Originally from Zapopan, Jalisco, his family moved to San Diego, California, when he was 10 years old. He pursued an associate degree in Network Administration, obtaining his CCNA and CompTIA Security+ certifications. In July 2018, he completed the IT Professional Program at CNM. A music enthusiast, Ernesto also enjoys contributing to the growth of his community through his work in adult education, helping others overcome technological barriers. In high school, he joined the activist theater group “Teatro Con Safos,” performing in schools and colleges to raise awareness about the daily challenges faced by immigrant communities.
Adriana Ordonez Dieguez
HHA Program CoordinatorOriginally from Cuba, Adriana arrived in the US in 2021 with experience in the medical and pharmaceutical fields and 3 years as a home health assistant. She discovered the need to continue her studies. She graduated as a Community Health Worker at CNM in 2023 and it was then that a friend recommended she visit Encuentro and discover its programs. There she took Leadership classes and obtained her certification as an HHA. Thanks to this program, she currently runs her own company dedicated to the care of older adults. It makes her happy to be able to help other people, she firmly believes in the need to implement empathy among society!
Veronica Salazar
Digital Equity ManagerVeronica was born and raised in Mexico City amd migrated to the United States in 2002. On 2003 She joined a group called “La Comunidad Habla”, group of women leaders in which she learned to connect and work with the community, She also gained experience as a recruiter, computer instructor, training the Hispanic community in the search for resources and everything always focused on technology. From 2010 to the present She have worked at Encuentro NM as a Computer Instructor teaching classes focusing on digital skills. Vero, as known by all of the coomunity, believe in collective transformation breaking down the barriers of technology and her goal is to build and learn more on a personal and professional level to continue helping her community.
Jara Silva
Educational AssociateJara, originally from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, emigrated to Albuquerque, NM, with her parents when she was just one year old. She graduated from Albuquerque High School, standing out with three bilingual seals. During her school years, she was a member of the “Líderes en Acción” club, where she cultivated and strengthened her leadership skills. She later earned associate degrees in Criminology and Sociology and joined the New Mexico Dream Team for a year and a half, enhancing her experience in organization and leadership.
In her final year at CNM, through NMDT, she taught a leadership workshop for students and workers. She started as a facilitator in the “Summer of Dream” program for elementary and middle school children and eventually became the “Canvas lead.” In this role, she helped participants advocate for justice within the immigrant community and defend their educational rights. Outside of her community activities, Jara enjoys drawing and baking in her free time.
Adilene Solano
Educational AssociateAdilene is originally from Chihuahua and a little over two years ago, she emigrated to Albuquerque, N.M. in search of better opportunities for personal and professional growth. Adilene has a degree in Education and has taught preschool and primary school. In a change in her work career, she had the opportunity to work at the Ministry of Health of the State of Chihuahua, where she realized the importance of the care provided to the community and the lack of training of staff towards taxpayers. This experience motivated her to delve deeper into the area of Human Resources, obtaining a master’s degree in Business Administration with a specialty in Human Resources with the aim of making a difference and leaving a mark on the assistance provided to people within that area.
Her passion for helping and listening to others led her to join organizations where she has given workshops to parents in low-income communities. Additionally, Adilene has her own eyelash business, which she runs in her spare time. She is an enthusiast of travel, nature, and learning about emotions. She also loves to cook, and to try good food.
Leah Steimel
Career Development DirectorLeah has served in variety of leadership and consulting roles with non-profit organizations and government entities to promote community health and well-being and address health inequities. She has worked with Encuentro as a consultant since 2015 to co-create the original Home Health Aide training course and has been involved in the evolution of the program’s growth as a strategic thinker and in the design and launch of new components. Before starting her consulting business, Leah served as executive director of two immigrant-serving nonprofit organizations and worked in various capacities as a community liaison and program director at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. She was the 2012 recipient of the New Mexico Public Health Association Jonathan Mann Award for lifetime commitment to public health and social justice issues and received recognition by New Mexico State Senate for dedication and betterment of Albuquerque’s International District in 2013. In her free time, Leah likes to bake, go camping, and hang out with family and friends.
Alma Torres, CHW
Office CoordinatorAlma was born in a small town in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Without the opportunity to study, she emigrated to Albuquerque at the age of 18. She raised a family in the United States and has taken advantage of opportunities to serve her community as she learned first-hand of the needs herself. Alma has been a student, volunteer and employee in different organizations. As a student, she joined Encuentro from its inception, completing High School Equivalent, and receiving the Child Development Certificate and become a Community Health Worker. Since then she has worked in the field to support the community, and share knowledge on everything she’s learned.
Childcare
Lucy Hernandez
Child Care TeacherLucia Hernández, born in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, embarked on a journey to the United States in 1990, driven by the desire to create a brighter future for her three children. With over four years of experience in early education, Lucia has developed a unique understanding of the developmental needs and abilities of children from three months to 13 years old. As a dedicated educator, Lucia has been part of the team at Encuentro childcare since March 2023, where she continues to nurture and inspire young minds. Beyond her passion for teaching, Lucia is a vocal advocate for immigrant communities and has been committed to supporting her community as a member of El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos since 2006. Lucia has a profound love for music and enjoys singing in the church choir.
Georgette Tellez
Child Care TeacherFrom Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, Georgette Tellez is a passionate and dedicated teacher at the Encuentro childcare center, since February 2024. Recently, she graduated from the Child Development Center (CDC) program. Georgette is a responsible and fun person who enjoys playing, talking, and listening to children to help them develop. As a teacher, she is committed to continuous learning and improving her methods to make learning fun and interactive for her students. Georgette is a proud mother of two children, a girl and a boy, and in her free time, she enjoys going for walks and listening to music.
Board
Guiovanna Aguirre
TreasurerGuiovanna, a proud New Mexican, began her nonprofit journey after earning an MBA from the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico. With over 15 years of experience, she has honed her skills in human resources, accounting, budgeting, grant writing, reporting, and program management—key elements for nonprofit success. Beyond her professional endeavors, Guiovanna passionately contributes to her community by serving on the boards of Encuentro, La Cosecha C.S.A., and Three Sisters Kitchen.
Martha Hurtado
Board MemberMartha Leticia Segovia, a native of Durango, Mexico, graduated with a degree in Accounting and went on to build a successful career in various institutions. She lived in several places, including Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and El Paso, Texas, where her six children were born. After retiring, Martha discovered a new path at Encuentro, where she has learned technology and English skills. She has also achieved a certification in Home Health Assistance and dedicates her time to caring for her family. Martha continues to advance her education at Encuentro, and is proud to be the voice of the student community within the Board of Directors. In her free time, Martha enjoys crocheting, knitting, and macrame, creating beautiful and unique pieces that showcase her creativity.
Ignacio V. Gallegos
Board MemberIgnacio has been an attorney since 2005, and an Administrative Law Judge since 2014. Ignacio holds degrees from Reed College (BA ‘95), Universidad de Salamanca (DEH ‘98), and University of New Mexico (JD ‘05). He donates time volunteering as a KUNM radio host and as a PTA board member at his children’s school. In the past, he has been a director of a bank and a preschool. He and his wife Sarah raise three children ranging in age from 7 to 17. He enjoys operating a small farm, cooking, listening to old LPs and exploring new music.
Claudia Garcia
Board MemberClaudia is originally from the city of Chihuahua, Mexico. After completing her degree as a Data Entry Clerk in her hometown, Claudia decided to emigrate with her family to the city of Albuquerque 30 years ago. In 2012, she discovered the services offered by Encuentro, and that is how she became a student in classes such as finance, healthy relationships, digital skills, English, and business. In 2019, she graduated as a Home Health Aide. In addition to her extensive academic career, Claudia has experience as a domestic violence prevention promoter with the organization Enlace Comunitario and is an activist for migrant rights, having collaborated with organizations such as El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos. Thanks to her vast experience, Claudia has established her own business as a health caregiver and continues her activist work with a deep love for her immigrant community.
Pauline Lucero
Board MemberPauline is originally from northern NM and has lived in ABQ since 1985. She received her MA in Counseling from UNM in 1987. She is a bilingual licensed mental health therapist and behavior support consultant on the NM DD Waiver. She does a variety of consultation work with local, state, and federal agencies. She has been a supporter of immigrant families and services for the past 20 years, including many years as a volunteer, fundraiser and board member of Enlace Comunitario. She is a proud daughter, sister, and mother to 3 grown children.
Eduardo Martinez
Board PresidentEduardo grew up in Laredo, TX, a community composed mostly of Mexican-Americans and Mexican immigrants. He is the Owner and Lead facilitator of Meridian Strategies LLC, a consultancy that provides strategic planning, organizational development & nonprofit management support throughout the Southwest. A former research scientist with an M.S. degree in Systems Analysis, he has been supporting youth development, health, education, economic development, and social benefit initiatives since 2000. He recently completed a 12-year term as an Organizational Development Specialist with the NM Economic Development Department (New Mexico MainStreet). Eduardo enjoys motorcycle camping and traveling with his family.
Claudia Medina
Board MemberClaudia is the CEO of Transformar, a consulting firm working to build the capacity of nonprofits and their leaders. Claudia was the co-founder and executive director for almost two decades of Enlace Comunitario (EC), an Albuquerque nonprofit serving Latino immigrant victims of domestic violence and engaging in community development efforts. Ms. Medina has a Law Degree, an M.A. in Family Studies and an M.A. in Latin American Studies with a concentration in Community Planning.
Patricia Telles
Board MemberPatrícia is originally from El Paso TX where her family still resides. She is a psychologist and has been in practice for over thirty years. Beginning with her grandfather, and her uncle being the first Mexican – American mayor of El Paso, she grew up in a family that has always been active in securing Latinx equity and their right to vote. Early on, she became aware of the disparities and, with her upbringing and her own experiences, she has been committed to pitching in where she can to lessen those disparities. She volunteers in her neighborhood association, Asylum Seekers, and loves to dance. Her mother is now 107 ½ years old and doing well. Imagine!
Shalini Thomas
SecretaryShalini was born in India, grew up in Iowa, and has been in the Southwest most of her adult life, starting when she moved to El Paso, TX in 2009. She has spent her career working with the immigrant community, from co-founding and organizing with the Comité de Justicia Laboral, a grassroots organization that fought wage theft through community empowerment; to working at Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services as an Accredited Representative; to volunteering with Annunciation House, coordinating family reunifications. Shalini moved to Albuquerque in May 2019 and is now a Managing DOJ Accredited Representative with New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, which has had a strong relationship and partnership with Encuentro since its inception in 2010.Two truths and a lie: She is fluent(ish) in Spanish, she has an MBA, she loves camping and hiking.
Instructors
Bill Ancker
ESL Instructor
Melanie Bartholomew
Citizenship and ESL Instructor
Joaquín López
HSE Instructor
Barbara López
Financial Literacy Teacher
Rebeca Martínez
ESL Instructor
Dair Obenshain
ESL INSTRUCTOR
Emilia Rivera
Financial Literacy and Citizenship Instructor Veronica Salazar
Digital Equity Manager
