NMMHCA Board Members,
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Committee Chairs, and

Regional Representatives

President

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Dr. Christine Herzog, PhD, LPCC, NCC is a graduate of Capella University's  Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program. She is an Assistant Professor of Counseling New Mexico Highlands University. She is licensed in NM and MN as a clinical counselor and clinical supervisor, is a Nationally Certified Counselor, and is owner of a clinical private practice. She served as NMMHCA President-Elect in 2023-2024, and is now the 2024-2026 NMMHCA President.

President-Elect

Vacant: The president-elect assists the President as directed. In the absence or disability of the President, the President-Elect assumes the powers and duties of the President.

Secretary

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Emma Vdoviak-Markow, LPCC-S, LMFT-S, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH  (She/Her) is a Licensed Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and clinical supervisor in both NM and CA. She is also a CEU Provider in NM. Additionally, she is a PhD Candidate in UNM's Counselor Education doctoral program and teaches counseling courses as an adjunct instructor. She has been on the NMMHCA board since 2024.

Treasurer *seeking new Treasurer; see below position description*
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Kathleen Charest, LPCC, LSAA, NCC, CCMHC, licensed in NM and TX. She is a NM state-approved Tier II LMHC Supervisor; she specializes in CBT, MI, and faith-based counseling for diverse populations, including LGBTQ+, teens, adults, and veterans. She has served the NMMHCA since 2013, as Treasurer since 2022, President 2014-2015, and President-Elect/Central Region Representative 2013-2014. She has also served as liaison to the NM licensing board.

Public Policy & Legislations​ Chair

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Dr. Lori A. Miller, Ph.D., NCC is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) and a level three K-12 School Counselor. She is currently an Associate Professor of Counseling at New Mexico Highlands University.  She has been a career counselor, school counselor, and a mental health counselor. With over twenty-five years of experience of working with adults and adolescents, her specialties are career, trauma, and school counseling.  Some of her training is in EMDR and Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II).

Professional Development Chair

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Dr. Leandrea Romero-Lucero, PhD, LPCC, ACS, CSOTS​ is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the CMHC program at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven Campus. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and has been an LPCC in NM since 2008, is a NM state approved supervisor, an NBCC Approved Clinical Supervisor, and is a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Specialist.

Ethics Chair

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Lora Smalley, LMFT has been working in the mental health field for 29 years, is a licensed in NM and is a trained in Seeking Safety, EMDR trained & 20+ years, CPT, Prolonged Exposure. Stress Inoculation Therapy, and Trauma Focused CBT and Tapping or Emotion Freedom Technique. She has extensive experience working in a variety of settings and working with military populations. She served as NMMHCA president from 2019-2022.

Publications Chair

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Thanh ("Tahn") Nguyen, BA, CA is a current clinical counseling master's student at UNM, and Childcare & Victim Credentialed Advocate. She has a wide range of experience with organizations, including coordinating services and programs at the New Mexico Asian Family Center (NMAFC), National Organization of Victim Advocacy (NOVA), and managing the social media for Generation Action Planned Parenthood at UNM.

​Membership Chair

Vacant; acting membership chair is Emma Vdoviak-Markow, MA, LPCC, LMFT, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH

Central Region Representative

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​Donna Marie Lucero, MA, LPCC-S, NCC, IECMHC, IMH-E® is a lifelong Albuquerque resident and UNM graduate with advanced degrees in counseling and sociocultural studies. She has over 30 years of experience and her work focuses on early childhood and healthy brain development, attachment, and the role of relationships, movement, music, and nature in healing. Donna also has over 20 years of clinical supervision experience and teaches in the UNM Counseling Department.

Northern Region Representative

Vacant: ​Regional representatives shall be residents of/or employed in the geographical region they have been elected to represent.  

​Southern Region Representative

Vacant: ​Regional representatives shall be residents of/or employed in the geographical region they have been elected to represent.  ​

​Graduate Student Representative
Vacant: ​Regional representatives shall be residents of/or employed in the geographical region they have been elected to represent.  ​

​Seeking: Treasurer for 2026 NMMHCA Board

The New Mexico Mental Health Counselors Association (NMMHCA) is currently seeking a dedicated volunteer to serve as Treasurer. Some financial or bookkeeping experience is preferred, but not required—training and support will be provided. If you are passionate about advancing mental health and are interested in contributing your skills, please send your resume and a brief statement of interest to [email protected].

Treasurer Position – New Mexico Mental Health Counselors Association (NMMHCA)
Role Summary: The Treasurer will be responsible for managing the financial operations of NMMHCA, ensuring transparency and compliance with state and federal regulations
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide a 5-minute financial snapshot at monthly board meetings
  • Close financial books on a monthly basis, maintain records and corporate book
  • Pay invoices, annual payments including checking for mail in system
  • Will be responsible for monthly and annual banking reconciliation
  • Manage association funds and oversee the Zeffy donation/collection system
  • Collect all funds for the association, including membership and event payments (processing handled by other board members)
  • Meet one-on-one with board members as needed
  • Present one training for members during the term
  • Attend at least one association-sponsored event during the term
  • Complete annual filings including:
    • File IRS Form 990-N which maintains the 501c3
    • New Mexico Secretary of State (SOS) filings
    • NMCOROS filings
    • Any applicable Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) requirements
    • Update W-9
Time Commitment: Approximately 5-7 hours per month (including monthly and annual responsibilities)
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must not serve on any other American Counseling Association (ACA) boards to avoid conflict of interest
  • Must not currently hold a Treasurer position on another board
  • Must sign the NMMHCA Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Must live in New Mexico
  • Must be a licensed professional counselor or student obtaining graduation within a year
  • Must pass background check
This role is essential for the operational and fiscal health of the association and offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the mental health counseling community in New Mexico. Please reach out if you are interested!

Past Presidents

2022-2024 - Lora Smalley, LMFT
2022-2022 - Jesse Michaud, LPCC 
2019-2022 - Lora Smalley, LMFT
2017-2018 - Tamera Rasmussen, LPCC
2016-2017 - Anne Golembeski, LPCC
2015-2016 - Stefanie Juliano, LPCC
2014-2015 - Kathleen Charest, LPCC
2013-2014 - Andrea Faeth, LPCC
2011-2013 - Anne Golembeski, LPCC

If you are a member of NMMHCA and are interested in serving as a board member, committee chair, or regional representative, please email your CV and the position of interest to nmmhca@gmail. We would love to have you join the board!
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