www.attorneyatart.com

www.instagram.com/attorneyatart

www.facebook.com/attorneyatart

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The information on this podcast is for informational purposes only,  and does not create an attorney client relationship. The information provided does not constitute legal advice. 

The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and not intended as statements on behalf of their employers.

As a judge, she presided over a large misdemeanor criminal docket.  In addition to the duties of her regular criminal docket, she also had been heavily involved in specialty courts. She created, implemented, and presided over the Community Veterans Court; a specialty treatment court designed to help effectuate treatment for Veterans coming through Metropolitan Court.  She created and implemented the Courts to School Program where Defendants are sentenced in front of high school and college students with the purpose of educating and deterring the students from drinking and driving.  She also served as Presiding Judge of the Domestic Violence Early Intervention Program (EIP). She served as presiding judge over the criminal division of the Metropolitan Court and served as chief judge as well, managing a C-Suite and staff of over 300 employees.  

In 2021, Judge Engel became an executive leadership coach, working with law students, judges, attorneys, and business leaders. She completed her coach training and received her certification from ICF as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and is currently pursuing her PCC. She has completed the Train the Trainer Program through the Justice Coaching Center and now trains and supports the implementation of coaching programs in judiciaries around the nation. She specializes in leadership/ performance coaching and transformational transition coaching. She regularly presents at legal conferences in the areas of leadership and well-being.

Pamela Moore, LPCC, CCTP currently serves as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Director of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Legal Well Being Department where she educates the legal community on positive health and well-being and assists in providing resources and services to any legal professional struggling with mental, emotional or behavioral issues.  Ms. Moore served as an advisory member to the National Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs in 2019, 2020, and again in 2026 and is the current New Mexico representative for the Institute for Well Being In Law. 

Eduardo Ramirez is an Assistant Public Defender with the Law Offices of the Public Defender in the Hobbs Office. Eduardo joined the LOPD family in February of 2021 after relocating to New Mexico at the end of 2020. Eduardo earned his law school degree from the University of Colorado Law School, graduating in May 2019. He is the first in his family to not only graduate from college, but also law school. Since as far back as he can remember, Eduardo has always had a passion for helping individuals who are underprivileged and impoverished. Growing up in poverty himself, he saw many people struggle with the criminal justice system and just how important effective representation is. As an adult, Eduardo has learned the importance of self-care, to continue representing clients to the best of his ability. He helps with their criminal case but also makes efforts to better their lives. Eduardo is a zealous advocate, and his goal is to eventually rid the notion of a “public pretender.” Luckily, he has amazing mentorship and colleagues down in Hobbs who help him, and he would not be the attorney he is, without them! Outside of work, Eduardo enjoys being involved in the community, caring for his various plants, and his lovely Pit Bull, Izabel.

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and not intended as statements on behalf of their employers.

As a judge, she presided over a large misdemeanor criminal docket.  In addition to the duties of her regular criminal docket, she also had been heavily involved in specialty courts. She created, implemented, and presided over the Community Veterans Court; a specialty treatment court designed to help effectuate treatment for Veterans coming through Metropolitan Court.  She created and implemented the Courts to School Program where Defendants are sentenced in front of high school and college students with the purpose of educating and deterring the students from drinking and driving.  She also served as Presiding Judge of the Domestic Violence Early Intervention Program (EIP). She served as presiding judge over the criminal division of the Metropolitan Court and served as chief judge as well, managing a C-Suite and staff of over 300 employees.  

In 2021, Judge Engel became an executive leadership coach, working with law students, judges, attorneys, and business leaders. She completed her coach training and received her certification from ICF as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and is currently pursuing her PCC. She has completed the Train the Trainer Program through the Justice Coaching Center and now trains and supports the implementation of coaching programs in judiciaries around the nation. She specializes in leadership/ performance coaching and transformational transition coaching. She regularly presents at legal conferences in the areas of leadership and well-being.

Pamela Moore, LPCC, CCTP currently serves as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Director of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Legal Well Being Department where she educates the legal community on positive health and well-being and assists in providing resources and services to any legal professional struggling with mental, emotional or behavioral issues.  Ms. Moore served as an advisory member to the National Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs in 2019, 2020, and again in 2026 and is the current New Mexico representative for the Institute for Well Being In Law. 

Eduardo Ramirez is an Assistant Public Defender with the Law Offices of the Public Defender in the Hobbs Office. Eduardo joined the LOPD family in February of 2021 after relocating to New Mexico at the end of 2020. Eduardo earned his law school degree from the University of Colorado Law School, graduating in May 2019. He is the first in his family to not only graduate from college, but also law school. Since as far back as he can remember, Eduardo has always had a passion for helping individuals who are underprivileged and impoverished. Growing up in poverty himself, he saw many people struggle with the criminal justice system and just how important effective representation is. As an adult, Eduardo has learned the importance of self-care, to continue representing clients to the best of his ability. He helps with their criminal case but also makes efforts to better their lives. Eduardo is a zealous advocate, and his goal is to eventually rid the notion of a “public pretender.” Luckily, he has amazing mentorship and colleagues down in Hobbs who help him, and he would not be the attorney he is, without them! Outside of work, Eduardo enjoys being involved in the community, caring for his various plants, and his lovely Pit Bull, Izabel.

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and not intended as statements on behalf of their employers.

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and not intended as statements on behalf of their employers.

Speakers: 
Sean Fitzpatrick, after working for a few years as a prosecutor litigating felony and misdemeanor cases, started his firm FitzPatrick Law, LLC in 2016. FitzPatrick’s current practice area is civil litigation focusing on insurance and injury law. FitzPatrick served on the Young Lawyers Division board for years as director and chair prior to his current term on the New Mexico Board of Bar Commissioners. FitzPatrick is also the current Chair of the New Mexico State Bar Well Being Committee and serves on the Uniform Civil Jury Instruction Committee. He believes a healthy work life balance makes better lawyers and you can find FitzPatrick running, biking, or participating in other Type 2 fun activities with his wife Eva and their son Liam when not practicing law.

Noell Huffmyer is a civil litigator.  She currently serves as in-house counsel at Acadia Healthcare.  Prior to joining Acadia, Noell spent several years at the Rodey Law Firm and previously clerked for Judge William Johnson at the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico. Noell is a proud graduate of the UNM School of Law.  Upon graduation, Noell was honored by the law school's faculty with their Faculty Award and, in 2024, the law school's alumni association recognized her with its Alumni Promise Award.  Noell is an active member of the New Mexico legal community, acting as adjunct faculty at the law school as well as serving on the Albuquerque Bar Association's Board of Directors. 

Steve Scholl loves being a trial lawyer and helping others learn and perfect the art and science of trial practice. Steve is a 1989 graduate of UNMSOL and describes himself as a “36L” because he’s never really left Bratton Hall. He can be found almost any time roaming its hallways with a Rules of Evidence book in hand. Steve keeps his life in balance. Away from the office and law school, he and his wife of 46 years, Chris and their hound, Winnie the Pooch, will be found with their kids and grandkids on “the lake” on their boat Time Flies; driving one of their old vintage cars around in pursuit of the perfect huevos rancheros; camping in one of their restored 1950’s canned-ham campers; traveling to some far off land; or, just hanging out or having a party at home. Steve is a member of Dixon Scholl Carrillo, PA and represents both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases.

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and not intended as statements on behalf of their employers. 

Steve Scholl loves being a trial lawyer and helping others learn and perfect the art and science of trial practice. Steve is a 1989 graduate of UNMSOL and describes himself as a “36L” because he’s never really left Bratton Hall. He can be found almost any time roaming its hallways with a Rules of Evidence book in hand. Steve keeps his life in balance. Away from the office and law school, he and his wife of 46 years, Chris and their hound, Winnie the Pooch, will be found with their kids and grandkids on “the lake” on their boat Time Flies; driving one of their old vintage cars around in pursuit of the perfect huevos rancheros; camping in one of their restored 1950’s canned-ham campers; traveling to some far off land; or, just hanging out or having a party at home. Steve is a member of Dixon Scholl Carrillo, PA and represents both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases.

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and not intended as statements on behalf of their employers. 

Tenessa Eakins currently serves as the Case Manager of the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. She thrives in guiding and aiding legal professionals in their personal and professional well-being through the program. In addition to her role as Case Manager, she is a member of the NM Well-Being Committee, where she contributes her passion for enhancing the lives of those within the legal community.

Victoria J. Cvitanovic is a lawyer specializing in Psychedelic Medicine, Cannabis, Healthcare, and Corporate Law. With the women of Rudick Law Group, PLLC, she assists healthcare practitioners and businesses navigate highly regulated industries. She is also a passionate Zen Buddhist, a patient advocate, and a person living with a disability committed to crusading for accessibility. In addition to her law practice, Victoria serves as the President of the Board for Kinship Center, a senior center offering holistic wellness programming for people over 65. 

Suggested Reading Material shared by Victoria Cvitanovic: Turning Suffering Inside Out: A Zen Approach to Living with Physical and Emotional Pain. 
By Darlene Cohen

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The thoughts and opinions discussed by Victoria J. Cvitanovic on this podcast are hers alone, and are not representative of Rudick Law Group, PLLC or any other organization. Nothing stated by Victoria J. Cvitanovic on this podcast should be taken as legal advice, legal opinion, or as an expression of intent to form an attorney-client relationship. Please consult a lawyer directly with any questions you have regarding a legal issue. 

Speaker Bio: 
Tenessa Eakins, currently serves as the Case Manager of the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program, she plays a pivotal role in guiding and aiding legal professionals in their personal and professional well-being through the program. In addition to her role as Manager, she is a member of the NM Well-Being Committee, where she contributes her passion for enhancing the lives of those within the legal community.

Disclaimer: 
Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

William Slease (“Bill”) is the Professional Development Program Director for the State Bar of New Mexico.

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Prior to becoming an attorney in 2006, Amber Griffiths was a master's-level counselor to families and individuals.  She then attended UC Law San Francisco, which was followed by four years of clerking for federal trial and appellate judges.  She then became a plaintiff-side litigator in a big firm for a few years after which she was ecstatically happy to leave the world of court practice to open her solo practice in 2016.  Amber thinks of herself not as a lawyer only but as a "JD MSW" as she walks clients through the legal maze that is estate planning.  She enjoys helping folks who are clarifying their end-of-life values and addressing their family situations in the context of death and incapacity planning.  In sum, she's devoted to using the law to her clients' benefit and focusing on what matters the most to them.  A New Mexico native, Amber lives in the mountains with her husband and loves murder mysteries, hiking, travel, and gardening.

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Brian Nichols, Esq. is primarily in federal Indian law and litigation, including tribal courts, with focuses on energy, natural resources, transportation and employment.

Disclaimer:
Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

William Slease (“Bill”) is the Professional Development Program Director for the State Bar of New Mexico. 

Disclaimer:
Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Tenessa Eakins, currently serves as the Case Manager of the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program, she plays a pivotal role in guiding and aiding legal professionals in their personal and professional well-being through the program. In addition to her role as Manager, she is a member of the NM Well-Being Committee, where she contributes her passion for enhancing the lives of those within the legal community.

Prior to her work in the legal field, Tenessa served as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) with the San Diego Fire Department.

Amanda Parker, PhD, is a writer, researcher, and educator from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her PhD is focused on critical race studies in education and society. Her academic work and teaching concentrated on the intersection of race and gender, building solidarity, developing critically conscious teachers, and examining racism in families.  

She lives in Albuquerque with her daughters and can be found walking her poorly behaved dogs and practicing yoga in her free time.

Miss-Ashley Kendrick is a licensed attorney in the state of New Mexico, where she has her own practice in Albuquerque. Her practice areas include the following: IP, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Estate Planning, Entertainment and Civil Right Law. 

Miss-Ashley Kendrick is driven by a client-focused approach, coupled with exceptional legal knowledge and skill. With a deep-rooted passion to make a difference in the lives of others. Her clients trust her to listen attentively to their needs and desired outcomes, and she offers competent and realistic legal advice to help them achieve their goals.

In addition to her contribution to the legal profession as an attorney, Miss-Ashley is the founder and creator of Balance Her Hustle, which focuses on the unique needs and desires of professional women. Furthermore, Balance Her Hustle brings awareness to the physical and mental health of professional women. More specifically, Balance Her Hustle assists professional women in achieving a healthy work-life balance through community, practical tools and education. More information can be found at www.balanceherhustle.com

In addition to her Juris Doctor degree, Miss-Ashley Kendrick holds an undergraduate degree in Communications and Business, which enhances her ability to effectively communicate and strategize on behalf of her clients. Furthermore, she has received specialized training in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, allowing her to navigate complex matters and resolve conflicts in a peaceful and efficient manner.

Born and raised in the picturesque Wine County of Northern California. When she's not busy zealously advocating for her clients, Miss-Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. They share a passion for live theater, exploring new destinations through travel, and immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of cultural festivals and trade shows.

Shared Resources:

www.BalanceHerHustle.com 

The Pandemic Accelerant: How COVID-19 Advanced Our Mental Health Priorities

The Social Psychology of Stress, Health, and Coping

Boundaries, Burnout, and the ‘Gooptification’ of Self-Care.

Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included)

American Detox: The Myth of Wellness and How We Can Truly Heal

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by the State Bar of New Mexico and/or the State Bar Foundation. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Pamela Moore, MA, LPCC, currently serves as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Director of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Professional Programs Group where she educates the legal community on positive health and well-being and assists in providing resources and services to any legal professional struggling with mental, emotional or behavioral issues.  Ms. Moore served as an advisory member to the National Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs in 2019 and 2020 and is the New Mexico representative for the Institute for Well Being In Law. 

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

WILLIAM (Bill) D. Slease: is the Professional Development Program Director for the State Bar of New Mexico. In addition to his duties at the State Bar, he serves as an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law where he teaches Ethics, 1L Lab, and serves as a practice skills evaluator for the evidence-trial practice skills course. 

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico  Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, and a Juris Doctor degree, both from the University of Alabama. She most recently completed her training with Coaching Out of the Box, an executive coaching program that is accredited and certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She also received her certification from ICF as an Associate Certified Coach. 

She is a Certified Diversity coach, a member of ICF International and her local chapter, ICFNM, and serves on their board. She is involved in both the local coaching community and legal community in a variety of roles. She specializes in leadership/executive coaching, working with many business leaders and executives.

Barbara J. Vigil: served on the New Mexico state judiciary for twenty-one years. For twelve years, she served as a District Court Judge in n the First Judicial District and for over nine years as a Justice on the New Mexico Supreme Court. Barbara stepped down from the Supreme Court on June 30, 2021. In August 2021 Barbara was appointed to serve as Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. On May 1, she left that role to pursue other interests. 

As a District Court Judge, Barbara presided over the children and family court docket for over 10 years resolving over 16,000 cases. In 2010 she was chosen by her peers to serve for two years as Chief Judge of the First Judicial District Court. During her last two years on the trial court bench, she presided over the civil docket. In 2012, Barbara was elected as a Justice on the New Mexico Supreme Court, where she served as an Associate Justice, Chief Justice from 2014-2016 and as Senior Justice. Throughout her judicial career Barbara strived to improve court processes and procedures for children and families. She worked with community stakeholders to garner state and federal funding for programs designed to help children throughout the state. Barbara has served on numerous boards, commissions, and committees, including the Tribal State Judicial Consortium, the Children’s Court Improvement Commission, and the New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners. Barbara was born in Albuquerque and grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from New Mexico State University and a juris doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Barbara enjoys travelling abroad and using her free time to support youth and court improvements. Barbara travels extensively abroad. She maintains a lifelong commitment to public service and does all she can to improve the lives of children and families. 

Judge Shammara H. Henderson: was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2020 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, she graduated from Valley High School. She received a bachelor’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C., where she received a full ride with the highly competitive Frederick Douglass Scholarship. She received her J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law where she received the W.E. Bondurant Scholarship and University of New Mexico Graduate Fellowship.

After graduating from law school, she clerked for Justice Charles W. Daniels at the New Mexico Supreme Court. She started her career as a litigator with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office. She later became the Associate General Counsel for the Office of Governor. In 2011, Judge Henderson joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico. She successfully tried criminal and civil cases in the United States District Court and appealed criminal cases in the Tenth Circuit. She developed and presented training and outreach programs across the state for law enforcement as well as community organizations and churches. In 2017, Judge Henderson co-founded her own law firm Henderson & Grohman, PC, which joined Freedman, Boyd, Hollander, Goldberg, Urias, & Ward, PA in October of 2018 where she represented clients in criminal, civil, and administrative matters in both state and federal courts at the trial and appellate level.

Judge Henderson enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, barre, yoga, and rollershaking as well as community service.

Judge Brett R. Loveless: Presiding Criminal Judge for the Second Judicial District Court (Bernalillo County) handling an exclusive docket of felony level criminal cases. Judge Loveless took the bench in 2012.

Prior to that was a prosecutor in the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office for approximately 12 years

Practiced civil law for approximately five years, doing both plaintiff's work and civil defense.

1995 graduate of UNM School of Law.

___________________________

Sherry Young, PhD, CSAT is a clinical consultant, providing assessment, referral and placement to individuals struggling with mental health, trauma, and addiction.  Her clients consist of a spectrum of treatment resources that are clinically excellent and uniquely differentiated from one another; she can count on treatment excellence with them and on occasion, refers beyond the scope of those vetted clients.  Her work as educator and clinical consultant for client companies allows her to offer her assessment and referral services at no cost.

Dr. Young taught psychology and literature at the college level from 1986-1994 and directed university study programs in Rome, Italy from 1994-1997.  Additionally, between 1997 and 2015, she provided ongoing consultation for therapists and counseling practices focused on sustainable growth.  She has worked for various companies in the Behavioral Health and Addictions field since 2006.  She is a visionary who is a highly skilled educator, strategist in business development, advocate for recovery and personal growth and inspires excellence and collaboration in all her relationships.  She loves hiking with her dog, Sanders, and skiing in her beloved home in Taos, New Mexico. 

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico or the Department of Justice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Tenessa Eakinscurrently serves as the Manager of the State Bar of New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program (NM LAP). She oversees a 24-hour helpline for lawyers, law students, and all other legal professionals while also managing the NM LAP monitoring program, maintaining the program database, assists with varying levels of client treatment, program agreements, and helps to educate the legal community on positive health and well-being.  Ms. Eakins used to serve as an EMT-B for the 911 services of San Diego, California from 2010 - 2014.

Amanda Parker, PhD Dr. Amanda Parker is a writer, researcher, and educator from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her PhD is focused on critical race studies in education and society. Her academic work and teaching concentrated on the intersection of race and gender, building solidarity, developing critically conscious teachers, and examining racism in families. 

Dr. Parker is the Director of the Equity in Justice Program at the State Bar of New Mexico. In this role she is fostering community relationships, leading educational efforts, and building programs to address equity and inclusion for judges, lawyers, and law students. She collaborates with the Equity in Justice Commission and other entities that are working together on reform. She lives in Albuquerque with her daughters and can be found walking her poorly behaved dogs and practicing yoga in her free time.

William D. Slease (“Bill”) is the Professional Development Program Director for the State Bar of New Mexico.In addition to his duties at the State Bar, he serves as an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law where he teaches Ethics, 1L Lab, and serves as a practice skills evaluator for the evidence-trial practice skills course.

Judith GordonJudith Gordon works with law firms, individual attorneys and practice groups, equipping them with tools and strategies that empower them to lead and excel in practice without burnout. Her individual coaching and collaborative workplace programs equip professionals with the skills needed to optimize productivity and high-performance, build confidence and resilience, reduce stress, and work better together, to increase professional satisfaction and the bottom line. Judith is the founder of LeaderEsQ, LLC, a coaching and training consultancy, and she is on faculty at UCLA School of Law where she has been teaching emotional intelligence, stress management, and high-performance skills for the past decade.

Disclaimer: Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico or the Department of Justice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

PAUL ABRAMS, ESQ received his undergraduate degree in political science from Temple University; and in 1970, his law degree from Harvard Law Scholl, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (Government) from Harvard’s  Kennedy Scholl of Government while studying at the law school.  His first career was in government and politics, including five years as Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and 2 ½ years working for the Governor of Pennsylvania as the first Administrator of Pennsylvania’s new medical malpractice arbitration program. He resigned in 1978, found his way to Santa Fe New Mexico, and helped run an independent book publisher, John Muir Publications, until he was “talked into” practicing law by attorney friends, beginning in 1983.  He is a Plaintiffs Trial Lawyer in Santa Fe and a member of the Board of Governors of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association. He is Treasurer of New Mexico Legal Aid.  Beginning in 1984, he has been a board member and officer of the two northern New Mexico predecessor legal services organizations of the state-wide civil legal services organization serving poor New Mexicans.

ELIZABETH LYNCH PHILLIPS, ESQ, PCC, CPCC is certified as a Professional Coach by the Coaches Training Institute and the International Coach Federation. She works primarily with stressed attorneys who feel like the practice of law isn’t all it was cracked up to be, and isn’t giving them the satisfaction they’d hoped for. She is grateful to be a part of the growing, national focus on attorney well-being, and she is committed to bringing more compassion and humanity to the practice of law. She moved to New Mexico 10 years ago with her husband and 3 kids, to get away from the traffic and crowding of the DC area. She is currently a member of the State Bar of New Mexico and the Virginia State Bar where she practiced for 20 years.

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico  Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

United States Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez

Alexander M.M. Uballez serves as the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico.  Nominated by President Joseph R. Biden on January 26, 2022, and confirmed by the United States Senate on May 17, 2022, Mr. Uballez is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district.

Prior to his confirmation as United States Attorney, Mr. Uballez was as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of New Mexico where he led organized crime investigations and prosecuted child sexual abuse and human trafficking crimes, transnational and organized crime, and violent crime. He also served as the District’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator, International Coordinator, and Internship Coordinator. Previously, Mr. Uballez served as an Assistant District Attorney in the First and Second Judicial District Attorney’s Offices of New Mexico where he prosecuted crimes against children, community and drug crimes, domestic violence and driving while intoxicated offenses.

Mr. Uballez received his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law in 2011 and his B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Pomona College in 2008.

Dates of Service

2022 - Present

 Aja Brooks

Aja Nicole Brooks is the Executive Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico.  She enjoys public service and has worked in several different community-oriented roles during her legal career, including working for the Law Office of the Public Defender, as the Pro Bono Coordinator for New Mexico Legal Aid’s Volunteer Attorney Program, and as the Director of the Center for Self-Help and Dispute Resolution at the Second Judicial District Court.  She serves as the current Secretary-Treasurer of the State Bar of New Mexico Board of Bar Commissioners, as the President of the New Mexico Black Lawyers Association, and as the Secretary of Region X of the National Bar Association.

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico or the Department of Justice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

KENNETH STALTER is a solo practitioner in Albuquerque, with a focus on litigation and appellate practice. He founded Stalter Law LLC in 2018.

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico  Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

PAMELA MOORE, MA, LPCC, is the Program Director of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Professional Programs Group and a member of the NM Well-Being Committee.

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

PAMELA MOORE, MA, LPCC, the Program Director of the Professional Programs Group and a member of the NM Well-Being Committee.

Dr. Parker is the Director of the Equity in Justice Program at the State Bar of New Mexico. In this role she is fostering community relationships, leading educational efforts, and building programs to address equity and inclusion for judges, lawyers, and law students. She collaborates with the Equity in Justice Commission and other entities that are working together on reform. She lives in Albuquerque with her daughters.

Gavin Alexander, is an experienced and passionate advocate and thought leader in the areas of mental health, well-being, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession and beyond. He is an attorney and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist, and he currently serves as the Wellness Director of Jackson Lewis P.C., a law firm with over 950 attorneys and over 60 offices across the United States. 

Before joining the firm, Gavin served as the firstever Fellow of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well- Being. Gavin shared his own personal experiences with depression and near-suicide in Depressionto Dedication: How Chief Justice Gants Saved My Life and Catalyzed Ongoing Advocacy forMental Health in the Legal Profession, 62 B.C. L. Rev. 2759 (2021), and “Trailblazing TowardBetter Mental Health & Well-Being in Law: Q&A with Gavin Alexander, Well-Being Advocate,”

Thomson Reuters Practical Law (Apr. 26, 2022), and he regularly speaks at law firms, law schools, conferences, courts, bar associations, and other legal institutions. Gavin studied Theater and Mathematics at Wesleyan University, and he graduated from Harvard Law School magna cum laude in 2012. After law school, Gavin clerked for Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. From 2013-2020, Gavin was an associate in the corporate department of Ropes & Gray LLP’s Boston office.

Gavin has served as a Co-Chair of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association and as a board member of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. Presently, he serves as a member of the Mass. Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being, as a board member and the DEI Chair of Lawyers Depression Project, and as a board member of Leadership Brainery. He also serves on the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs’ DEI Committee, ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund Committee, Institute for Well-Being in Law DEI Committee, Boston Bar Association DEI Section Steering Committee, and the Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants Access to Justice Fund Advisory Committee.

Gavin was named one of the Best LGBT Attorneys Under 40 by the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association in 2017, selected as one of Mass. Lawyers Weekly’s 25 “Up & Coming Lawyers” for 2019, featured on the Mass. Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list for 2018-2020, and inducted as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation in 2020. In 2021, he received the Mass. Association of Hispanic Attorneys’ Leadership Award, where he was described as “by far one of the most committed allies in the areas of inclusion, equity and social and racial justice,” and in 2022, he received the Kevin Larkin Memorial Award for Public Service from the Mass. LGBTQ Bar Association.

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico, Jackson Lewis P.C., the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, or any other group or organization with which any of the presenters may be affiliated. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Pamela Moore, MA, LPCC, currently serves as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Director of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Professional Programs Group where she educates the legal community on positive health and well-being and assists in providing resources and services to any legal professional struggling with mental, emotional or behavioral issues.  Ms. Moore served as an advisory member to the National Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs in 2019 and 2020 and is a current member of the Institute for Well Being In Law. 

Ms. Moore’s professional career includes a BS in Industrial Engineering, Masters Certificate in Human Resources Management, Masters in Counseling, license as a Professional Clinical Counselor, and she is on track to become a Professional Certified Coach by the end of 2022.  She has over 10 years of study and experience in self-care and is passionate about assisting, guiding and supporting those that seek to get curious about their life and invite change. 

Justice David K. Thomson took the oath of office on February 4, 2019, following his selection by the nonpartisan Judicial Nominating Commission and his appointment by the Governor to the New Mexico Supreme Court. Since 2015, Justice Thomson had been serving Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties as a state trial judge in the First Judicial District.

Justice Thomson was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is a graduate of Santa Fe High School. He has an undergraduate degree in Economics and Government from Wesleyan University in Middletown Connecticut. He worked for United States Senator Jeff Bingaman before attending the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and graduating in 1998. After receiving his law degree, Justice Thomson served as term law clerk for United States District Judge Bruce D. Black, District of New Mexico. In 1999 following his clerkship he joined the Office of the New Mexico Attorney General as a litigation attorney, eventually serving until 2010 as Deputy Attorney General. Prior to taking the bench in 2015, Justice Thomson was a sole practitioner admitted to appear in state and federal courts including the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

By New Mexico Supreme Court appointment, Justice Thomson has served on the Uniform Jury Instruction-Civil Committee as chair since January 2016, the Performance Measures Subcommittee of the Chief Judges Council since October 2017, and the Guardianship Reform Implementation Steering Committee since March 2018. Justice Thomson graduated from the National Judicial College in 2010. He teaches legal education courses to judges and attorneys on a number of topics including trial practice, civility, judicial ethics, evidence, and administrative appeals. Justice Thomson is a member of the Executive Committee of the American Bar Association Judicial Division and the American Bar Association Appellate Judges Conference and is the state delegate to the Judicial Division of the American Bar Association.

Judge Shammara H. Henderson was appointed to the New Mexico Court of Appeals in February 2020 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and won her election in November of 2020, becoming the first Black appellate judge and Black woman to hold statewide office in New Mexico. 

Judge Henderson clerked for Justice Charles W. Daniels at the N.M. Supreme Court.  She then joined the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Afterward, she became the Associate General Counsel for the Office of Governor. Later, she joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, where she successfully litigated criminal and civil cases and appealed criminal cases. Judge Henderson then co-founded her own law firm Henderson & Grohman, which later joined Freedman, Boyd, et al., where she represented clients in criminal, civil, and administrative matters in both state and federal courts at the trial and appellate level. Judge Henderson has also been an adjunct professor at UNM School of Law since 2019. 

Her hobbies include yoga, barre, roller skating, hiking, and reading.

Judge David Murphy graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2008. In his career as an attorney, he worked for the Public Defender’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and Attorney General’s Office. He was appointed by Governor Lujan Grisham to the Metropolitan Court in 2019, and to the District Court in 2022. He currently serves in the Second Judicial District Court’s Criminal Division, where he also presides over the Veterans Court program. Judge Murphy is a member of the Supreme Court’s Equity & Justice Commission, and works as Adjunct Faculty for the Law School’s Evidence & Trial Practice class. Outside of work, you can find David riding his bike in the bosque, or walking his corgi, Buster, with his husband Damien.

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Albuquerque District Defender Matt Chavez graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2012. His passion for public defense arose early in his studies, and he graduated directly to a position in the LOPD. He served as frontline misdemeanor attorney in Albuquerque before moving to Ruidoso to strengthen the rural LOPD public defense office there and in Alamogordo as District Defender. He now oversees the largest LOPD office. 

Attorney Samuel Jay is a 2018 graduate of American University Washington College of Law. As an Oregon native, Jay moved to New Mexico directly out of law school to practice public defense, which he says is honor to practice. He serves as a felony attorney in the LOPD Albuquerque office.

Attorney Joy Applewhite graduated from American University Washington College of Law in 2021. She chose to start her public defense career in Hobbs, where she launched directly into court practice. She handles misdemeanor and felony cases, focusing her energy on holistic practices for her clients. 

Maggie Shepard, Director of Communication at the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender, has worked as a newspaper reporter and communication educator for more than 20 years. An Albuquerque native, Maggie joined the LOPD three years ago to help New Mexico’s communities understand that impact of the criminal court system and support the work of the state’s public defenders. 

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico  Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Briggs Cheney, Esq., Dixon•Scholl•Carrillo•P.A., and the Co-Chair to the NMJLAP Committee.

Seth Sparks is a director in the Litigation Department. He practices in the areas of trucking defense, professional liability, insurance coverage and bad faith and insurance defense. He represents his professional clients before their regulatory boards including the Disciplinary Board, an agency of the New Mexico Supreme Court. Having litigated jury and non-jury cases at all levels of state and federal courts in New Mexico, he has significant trial experience. Mr. Sparks also coordinates and conducts accident investigations for his trucking clients and set up a rapid action team for that purpose.

Mr. Sparks was a law clerk for the Honorable John Edwards Conway, Chief United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico from 1994-1996.

Mr. Sparks has achieved the highest Martindale-Hubbell rating.

Mr. Sparks is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for his expertise and experience in insurance law and transportation law.

Best Lawyers in America named Mr. Sparks Albuquerque Transportation Law Lawyer of the Year for the years 2013, 2018 and 2020.

Mr. Sparks is listed in Southwest Super Lawyers for his experience and expertise in Civil Litigation: Defense.

Mia Kern Lardy is a shareholder in the Litigation group. She practices primarily in employment, education, and insurance litigation at both the trial and appellate level. She has lead attorney experience in administrative due process hearings as well as in a jury trial. Mia has been recognized as a Southwest Rising Star by Southwest Super Lawyers® since 2016.

After receiving her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Spanish magna cum laude from Marquette University, Mia received her law degree cum laude with a certificate in child law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2010. While at Loyola, Mia was a Child Law Fellow and the Editor-in-Chief of the Children’s Legal Rights Journal. She was awarded the President’s Medallion in 2009. Prior to joining Modrall Sperling, Mia clerked for the Honorable Petra Jimenez Maes of the New Mexico Supreme Court.

Mia served as an adjunct professor for a legal drafting class at the University of New Mexico School of Law. She also served on the University of New Mexico School of Law Kellogg Grant Advisory Committee that was charged with designing a new program in children’s law.

Angelica Lopez, is an Associate in the Albuquerque office. She is a member of our Litigation Department, and her practice focuses primarily on Products Liability, General Liability, and Health Law litigation.

During law school, Ms. Lopez served as Editor-in-Chief of the New Mexico Law Review. After her first year of law school, Ms. Lopez was selected to serve as an extern in the chambers of the Honorable Justice Barbara J. Vigil of the New Mexico Supreme Court. Ms. Lopez’s hard work and dedication to excellence in law school also allowed her to serve as a Tutor for Professor Ted Occhialino’s Civil Procedure class and as a Writing Tutor for the Legal Analysis and Communication Program.

Upon graduation, Ms. Lopez was among the top students recognized for academic success. She received a LexisNexis Award for Top Academic Achievement, the UNM School of Law’s Faculty Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Law School, and the West Academic Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in the Third Year.

Ms. Lopez brings over twelve years of work experience with the State of New Mexico prior to law school, including eight years of service as a Court Clerk for the Second Judicial District Court, one and a half years of service at the Department of Finance and Administration, and three years of service at the General Services Department overseeing complex procurements for executive branch agencies.

Disclaimer:

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico  Lawyer Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Christina Babcock is a full-time professor in the Paralegal Studies Program at Central New Mexico Community College. She has a master’s degree in paralegal studies, and 27 years of paralegal experience with a background in criminal defense litigation. Christina is the 2022 Secretary for the State Bar of New Mexico Paralegal Division and is a member of the NM Well-Being Committee. In her off time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 26 years and their two children.     

Linda Sanders is the 2022 Chair of the State Bar of New Mexico Paralegal Division.  She works at Hurley Toevs Styles Hamblin & Panter, PA in the Trust & Estate Litigation Group.  Probate, and trust litigation and contested protective proceedings have been the focus of Linda’s career for the last 13 years.  As a member of the Paralegal Division, Linda has served as the Chair of the Pro-Bono/Community Services and CLE Coordination Committees, as well as Division Secretary.

Lynette Rocheleau is a Paralegal at National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Sandia National Labs) in the Legal Technology Transfer Center.  She started her Paralegal career in 1989 and mostly worked civil litigation for both sole practitioners and medium size law firms prior to starting at Sandia in 2001. She has been a member of the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of New Mexico for many years. During her time, she has been the Events Coordinator, CLE Coordinator, and Chair of the Division. 

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Billy Jimenez is the Deputy Secretary and General Counsel for the New Mexico Department of Health. Billy graduated from the UNM School of Law in 2012 and has worked in several private and public settings as a commercial litigator specializing in health and environmental law. He also served as a board member for the Young Lawyers Division and District Representative for the American Bar Association YLD. In 2021, he received the Promise Award from the University of New Mexico School of Law's Alumni Association for his service with the YLD and with the Department of Health during the COVID pandemic. Billy's proudest role continues to be his work as a certified medical assistant, which provides no additional salary but gives him healthcare worker street cred within the Department.

Shellie A. Patscheck is the owner of Patscheck Law, PC in Farmington, NM.  She focuses her practice on criminal defense, rights restoration, and personal injury cases.As a life-long resident of San Juan County, Shellie is committed to bettering her community through the practice of law as well as through her volunteer work.  Shellie is the former president of the San Juan County Bar Association and currently serves on the board of directors for San Juan County Partnership.  She has also served on the Supreme Court Uniform Criminal Jury Instruction Committee and is an active member of several professional legal associations.

Breanna Contreras is Vice President of Legal for Meow Wolf, Inc. She graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 2013 and UNM Anderson School of Management in 2010. Prior to her work at Meow Wolf, Breanna was a partner at Bardacke Allison LLP law firm in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she represented a variety of clients in intellectual property, entertainment, employment, and commercial litigation matters. Breanna has received a number of awards and recognitions, including being named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2018 to present, and has served on both legal and non-legal boards that create lasting impact in New Mexico. Breanna is a native Burqueña, but now calls Santa Fe home.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Jocelyn M. Torres, Attorney at Law: Jocelyn is from New Mexico and has been a licensed attorney, litigator, and mediator in this state for forty years. She is also a proficient writer and has conducted extensive legal and mediation training for the ABA, State Bar, and several other organizations. Jocelyn obtained her BA cum laude in Psychology, MA with distinction in Public Administration/Energy Management and Juris Doctorate Degrees from UNM. Jocelyn cofounded the NM Children’s Court Mediation Team in March 2000. She authored/sponsored the NM Safe Haven Act of 2001 and coauthored/cosponsored the NM Mediation Procedures Act of 2007. She retired as a Children’s Court Attorney in June 2017. Jocelyn has chaired the State Bar’s ADR Committee, is chair-elect of the Senior Lawyers Division, and is on the board of the Public Law Section and is a member of the Well-Being Committee. Since retirement, she has also worked with the state Judiciary, Legislature, and the City of Albuquerque.

Peter Chestnut, Attorney and Counselor at Law: Peter moved to New Mexico after college and became a licensed lawyer over forty-five years ago.  Beginning as a sole practitioner, his practice emphasized Indian Affairs and Water Rights. He served as legal counsel for some Pueblo governments and organizations for decades. He sees lawyers as working to help weave the fabric of society.  His practice accomplishments include work to re-acquire of some Pueblo ancestral lands, negotiate tribal-state gaming compacts, establish laws, negotiate a Pueblo water rights settlement with multiple governments and many other parties, and support Pueblo oversight of federal nuclear waste disposal and monitoring at Los Alamos. His firm has included numerous Pueblo member lawyers for many years, part of his interest in expanding understanding and respect for Pueblo perspective in our larger society. Peter served on both the State Bar Indian Law Section and Senior Lawyers Division boards, and as past Chair.He received the 2021 Attorney Achievement Award from the Indian Law Section. Peter has made numerous CLE presentations on Indian Law and Pueblo water rights, most recently at a regional panel discussing a Pueblo water rights settlement approved by Congress. He earned his B.A. cum laude from Harvard College, and his Juris Doctorate from UNM School of Law.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Hector Balderas, Attorney General of New Mexico since 2015. Mr. Balderas has been honored for his work to increase safety and prosperity for New Mexico families with a variety of awards, including the prestigious New Frontier Award jointly awarded by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and the Harvard Institute of Politics. Hector lives in Albuquerque with his wife Denise and is proud of their three children, Hector Reyes Jr., Mariola, and Arianna.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Christina Bustamante, first-year law student at UNM School of Law, 1L representative of the Student Bar Association's Well-Being Committee, and the law school representative to the NM Well-Being Committee.

Mark Blosser, second-year law student at the University of New Mexico and member of the Student Bar Association's Well-Being Committee.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Ernestina R. Cruz, Esq., founder of Cruz Law Office, LLC located in Taos and Santa Fe, Past President of the State Bar of New Mexico (2020) and Past Member of the SBNM Well-Being Committee (2020-2021)

James Wilkes, Esq., Shareholder, and Director, Dixon•Scholl•Carrillo•P.A.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Ernestina R. Cruz, Esq., founder of Cruz Law Office, LLC located in Taos and Santa Fe, Past President of the State Bar of New Mexico (2020) and Past Member of the SBNM Well-Being Committee (2020-2021)

James Wilkes, Esq., Shareholder, and Director, Dixon•Scholl•Carrillo•P.A.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

 

William Slease, Professional Practice Program Director for the State Bar of New Mexico and member of the NM Well-Being Committee; Sarah Armstrong, Armstrong, Roth, Whitley, Johnstone (ARWJ) Family Law, LLC; Rebecca Kitson, Rebecca Kitson Law, PC.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Dr. Rex Swanda is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who is board-certified through the American Board of Professional Psychology. 

Dr. Evelyn Sandeen is a licensed psychologist who is board-certified in clinical psychology. She has a private practice in which she specializes in psychotherapy with professional clients, training, and consultation.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Pamela Moore, MA, LPCC, the Program Director of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (NMJLAP), and a member of the NM Well-Being Committee. Briggs Cheney, Esq., Dixon•Scholl•Carrillo•P.A., Co-Chair to the NMJLAP Committee.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Caitlin Dillon, prosecutor in the Special Prosecutions Division for the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General, and member of the NM Well-Being Committee.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Pamela Moore, MA, LPCC, the Program Director of the State Bar of New Mexico’s Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (NMJLAP), and a member of the NM Well-Being Committee.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Gil Flores. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thank you for listening! This episode was produced by the State Bar of New Mexico’s Well-Being Committee and the New Mexico Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program. All editing and sound mixing was done by BlueSky eLearn. Intro music is by Kevin MacLeod at Incomptech. The views of the presenters are that of their own and are not endorsed by the State Bar of New Mexico. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Local Forecast - Slower by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3988-local-forecast---slower
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license