TEAM BIOS
AUTHORS AND ADVISORS
EXPERTISE
Who are the authors of Anna, Age Eight and 100% Community?
Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney
Dr. Courtney is an advocate for strengthening continuous quality improvement in all family-serving organizations, from health care to transportation, to create a seamless system of health and safety in each county. She promotes a data-driven, cross-sector and technology-empowered county capacity-building process. She is also the co-author, with Dominic Cappello, of 100% Community: Ensuring the 10 Vital Services for Surviving and Thriving to guide local leadership in every state and county in their work designing fully-resourced cities and towns where vital services like health care, among ten surviving and thriving services, meet the needs of all families and community members. She and Cappello are also co-authors of Anna, Age Eight: The data-driven prevention of childhood trauma and maltreatment, which serves as a long overdue call-to-action for each state to end adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, social adversity and health disparities. Dr. Courtney has a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Texas Christian University, where she studied at the Institute of Behavioral Research. Dr. Courtney worked with the State of New Mexico for eight years, first as the Juvenile Justice Epidemiologist, then as Bureau Chief of the Child Protective Services Research, Assessment and Data Bureau. Dr. Courtney championed and co-developed the New Mexico Data Leaders for Child Welfare program, which was implemented in NYC, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. She has worked in policy, research and has led community initiatives through her work at the Santa Fe Community Foundation and the New Mexico Early Childhood Development Partnership. Dr. Ortega Courtney now guides the 100% New Mexico initiative, working as the co-director of the Anna, Age Eight Institute at New Mexico State University.
Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney
Dr. Courtney is an advocate for strengthening continuous quality improvement in all family-serving organizations, from health care to transportation, to create a seamless system of health and safety in each county. She promotes a data-driven, cross-sector and technology-empowered county capacity-building process. She is also the co-author, with Dominic Cappello, of 100% Community: Ensuring the 10 Vital Services for Surviving and Thriving to guide local leadership in every state and county in their work designing fully-resourced cities and towns where vital services like health care, among ten surviving and thriving services, meet the needs of all families and community members. She and Cappello are also co-authors of Anna, Age Eight: The data-driven prevention of childhood trauma and maltreatment, which serves as a long overdue call-to-action for each state to end adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, social adversity and health disparities. Dr. Courtney has a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Texas Christian University, where she studied at the Institute of Behavioral Research. Dr. Courtney worked with the State of New Mexico for eight years, first as the Juvenile Justice Epidemiologist, then as Bureau Chief of the Child Protective Services Research, Assessment and Data Bureau. Dr. Courtney championed and co-developed the New Mexico Data Leaders for Child Welfare program, which was implemented in NYC, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. She has worked in policy, research and has led community initiatives through her work at the Santa Fe Community Foundation and the New Mexico Early Childhood Development Partnership. Dr. Ortega Courtney now guides the 100% New Mexico initiative, working as the co-director of the Anna, Age Eight Institute at New Mexico State University.
Dominic Cappello
Cappello is a New York Times bestselling author with decades of experience advocating for public health, safety and systems of care. An advocate for continuous quality improvement in the public sectors, he promotes a data-driven, cross-sector and technology-empowered county capacity-building process. Cappello is also the co-author, with Dr. Ortega Courtney, of 100% Community: Ensuring the 10 Vital Services for Surviving and Thriving to guide local leadership in every state and county in their work designing fully-resourced cities and towns where vital services like health care, among ten surviving and thriving services, meet the needs of all families and community members. He and Dr. Courtney are also co-authors of Anna, Age Eight: The data-driven prevention of childhood trauma and maltreatment, which serves as an urgently needed call-to-action for each state to end adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, social adversity and health disparities. Cappello worked for the New Mexico Department of Health Epidemiology and Response Division and the New Mexico Child Protective Services Research, Assessment and Data Bureau, where he co-developed the Data Leaders for Child Welfare program, which he implemented in New York City, Connecticut, New Mexico and Pennsylvania. Cappello has a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Language and Communication from Regis University. He is the creator of the Ten Talks book series on family health and safety that gained a national audience when he discussed his work on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Cappello also curated Santa Fe’s first public TEDx conference to showcase technology and socially-engaged solutions to all our public health and safety challenges. Cappello now guides the 100% New Mexico initiative, working as the co-director of the Anna, Age Eight Institute at New Mexico State University.
Dominic Cappello
Cappello is a New York Times bestselling author with decades of experience advocating for public health, safety and systems of care. An advocate for continuous quality improvement in the public sectors, he promotes a data-driven, cross-sector and technology-empowered county capacity-building process. Cappello is also the co-author, with Dr. Ortega Courtney, of 100% Community: Ensuring the 10 Vital Services for Surviving and Thriving to guide local leadership in every state and county in their work designing fully-resourced cities and towns where vital services like health care, among ten surviving and thriving services, meet the needs of all families and community members. He and Dr. Courtney are also co-authors of Anna, Age Eight: The data-driven prevention of childhood trauma and maltreatment, which serves as an urgently needed call-to-action for each state to end adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, social adversity and health disparities. Cappello worked for the New Mexico Department of Health Epidemiology and Response Division and the New Mexico Child Protective Services Research, Assessment and Data Bureau, where he co-developed the Data Leaders for Child Welfare program, which he implemented in New York City, Connecticut, New Mexico and Pennsylvania. Cappello has a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Language and Communication from Regis University. He is the creator of the Ten Talks book series on family health and safety that gained a national audience when he discussed his work on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Cappello also curated Santa Fe’s first public TEDx conference to showcase technology and socially-engaged solutions to all our public health and safety challenges. Cappello now guides the 100% New Mexico initiative, working as the co-director of the Anna, Age Eight Institute at New Mexico State University.
ADVISORS
Who are the advisors?
The following people provide insights on preventing adverse childhood experiences and social adversity. Their expertise shapes the ongoing dialogue and action focused on creating trauma-free childhoods.
Kasandra A. Gandara
Doña Ana County Resilience Leaders organizer
Kassandra was born in Silver City, NM where she began her social work career after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from New Mexico State University in 1989. She has spent the last 30 years living and working in the Las Cruces community with both the State of New Mexico’s Department of Health and its Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD). During her service with CYFD, Kasandra returned to NMSU for her graduate degree in Social Work that she received in 2013. Kasandra is now retired from the State of New Mexico. In her 27 plus years serving the State of New Mexico, she has served in many social work roles including case worker, medical case manager, social work supervisor and manager, community leader, program specialist, and agency administrator. Kasandra was elected as councilor for City Council District 1 in November 2015. In the last year, she has organized several district meetings to educate and inform her constituents about the City’s activities as it relates to family health, safety and resilience. In 2018 she launched the Doña Ana County Resilience Leaders program to mobilize agency leadership and stakeholders around the promotion of child safety, family health and improving the county’s capacity to ensure ten vital services.
Kasandra A. Gandara
Doña Ana County Resilience Leaders organizer
Kassandra was born in Silver City, NM where she began her social work career after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from New Mexico State University in 1989. She has spent the last 30 years living and working in the Las Cruces community with both the State of New Mexico’s Department of Health and its Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD). During her service with CYFD, Kasandra returned to NMSU for her graduate degree in Social Work that she received in 2013. Kasandra is now retired from the State of New Mexico. In her 27 plus years serving the State of New Mexico, she has served in many social work roles including case worker, medical case manager, social work supervisor and manager, community leader, program specialist, and agency administrator. Kasandra was elected as councilor for City Council District 1 in November 2015. In the last year, she has organized several district meetings to educate and inform her constituents about the City’s activities as it relates to family health, safety and resilience. In 2018 she launched the Doña Ana County Resilience Leaders program to mobilize agency leadership and stakeholders around the promotion of child safety, family health and improving the county’s capacity to ensure ten vital services.
JC Trujillo
Socorro County 100% New Mexico organizer
JC is a native to Socorro where he was born and raised. He graduated from Socorro High School and went on to study Emergency Medicine and Business Technology at UNM. He returned to Socorro and began his career in Enterprise Business Network Management for both the private and public sectors. Throughout this career, JC was responsible for data analysis within various sectors and it was through this work that he saw a large need within his community to serve in public leadership. In 2015, he was elected to the Socorro Consolidated School Board of Education. It was here where he took a dive into education data to understand the barriers of student achievement and proficiency. Through this analysis, JC discovered that many children were facing challenges related to their social-emotional well-being and over time, this has led to reduced student achievement, increased teacher burnout and much more. JC is now the Director for Casa de Luz Family Support Services in Socorro County which is focused on serving at-risk families. JC firmly believes that every child should be given every opportunity the succeed and it is our responsibility to provide the best and strongest foundation for each child to build on.
JC Trujillo
Socorro County 100% New Mexico organizer
JC is a native to Socorro where he was born and raised. He graduated from Socorro High School and went on to study Emergency Medicine and Business Technology at UNM. He returned to Socorro and began his career in Enterprise Business Network Management for both the private and public sectors. Throughout this career, JC was responsible for data analysis within various sectors and it was through this work that he saw a large need within his community to serve in public leadership. In 2015, he was elected to the Socorro Consolidated School Board of Education. It was here where he took a dive into education data to understand the barriers of student achievement and proficiency. Through this analysis, JC discovered that many children were facing challenges related to their social-emotional well-being and over time, this has led to reduced student achievement, increased teacher burnout and much more. JC is now the Director for Casa de Luz Family Support Services in Socorro County which is focused on serving at-risk families. JC firmly believes that every child should be given every opportunity the succeed and it is our responsibility to provide the best and strongest foundation for each child to build on.
Dr. Sharon Sessions
Socorro County 100% New Mexico organizer
Dr. Sessions has a long history of social engagement and community outreach efforts as well as her work in atmospheric physics and using modelling and observations to understand the organization of deep tropical convection (e.g. as in hurricane formation) in the present and future climates. Albuquerque Business First, the weekly publication, recently announced that New Mexico Tech Physics professor Dr. Sharon Sessions will be honored as one of its 2020 Women of Influence Award recipients. Her largest and most ambitious effort is the STORM FORCE, which stands for STEM Outreach and Mentoring: Fueling Opportunity through Relationships, Community, and Education. Dr. Sessions serves on the Socorro Consolidated School Board of Education.
Dr. Sharon Sessions
Socorro County 100% New Mexico organizer
Dr. Sessions has a long history of social engagement and community outreach efforts as well as her work in atmospheric physics and using modelling and observations to understand the organization of deep tropical convection (e.g. as in hurricane formation) in the present and future climates. Albuquerque Business First, the weekly publication, recently announced that New Mexico Tech Physics professor Dr. Sharon Sessions will be honored as one of its 2020 Women of Influence Award recipients. Her largest and most ambitious effort is the STORM FORCE, which stands for STEM Outreach and Mentoring: Fueling Opportunity through Relationships, Community, and Education. Dr. Sessions serves on the Socorro Consolidated School Board of Education.
Matt Probst
San Miguel County 100% New Mexico organizer
For much of his career, Matt has worked at El Centro Health Center – first from 2004 to 2006, and then from 2008 to the present. As chief quality officer (CQO), he is the first physician assistant (PA-C) to serve on the El Centro executive team. Additionally, Matt is the first PA medical director in New Mexico, and leads a team of 43 providers in 27 clinics. He still sees patients three days each week. Matt was featured in the documentary The Providers and selected by the American Academy of PAs’ (AAPA) for the PA of the Year Award. Matt shares his mission, “My hope is to shine attention on and brings resources to our rural and underserved healthcare fight for addressing all healthcare disparities.”
Matt Probst
San Miguel County 100% New Mexico organizer
For much of his career, Matt has worked at El Centro Health Center – first from 2004 to 2006, and then from 2008 to the present. As chief quality officer (CQO), he is the first physician assistant (PA-C) to serve on the El Centro executive team. Additionally, Matt is the first PA medical director in New Mexico, and leads a team of 43 providers in 27 clinics. He still sees patients three days each week. Matt was featured in the documentary The Providers and selected by the American Academy of PAs’ (AAPA) for the PA of the Year Award. Matt shares his mission, “My hope is to shine attention on and brings resources to our rural and underserved healthcare fight for addressing all healthcare disparities.”
William P. Soules, PhD
Advisor
Dr. Soules is a Democratic member of the New Mexico State Senate representing District 37 since January 15, 2013. He is chair of the Senate Education Committee and chairs the interim Public Schools Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force. In his legislative role he serves as an education commissioner for New Mexico at the Education Commission of the States. He represents New Mexico at the Western Interstate Consortium on Higher Education (WICHE). He has been an early childhood fellow with National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) and several education task forces. He has been chair and vice chair of the Council of State Governments -West (CSG-W) and a member of the Border Legislative Council that brings together legislators from the border states of Mexico and the United States to discuss common issues. Soules earned his BA and MA in psychology and his interdisciplinary PhD from New Mexico State University with a degree that spans education and psychology. He is currently a teacher with Las Cruces Public Schools and served on the Las Cruces School Board for eight years and as president of the New Mexico School Board Association. He has made numerous presentations at the local, state, national, and international education and legislative conferences and meetings. His past positions include Assistant Provost for Student Services with New Mexico State University-Carlsbad, Elementary School Principal in the Las Cruces and Hatch Valley Schools, Middle School Principal with the Cobré Schools, and faculty and staff with the College of Education At New Mexico State University. He has taught introductory psychology, developmental psychology, AP psychology, AP statistics, math, and graduate school administration courses. Senator Soules is a champion for the data-driven and cross-sector prevention of adverse childhood experiences to ensure all students have access to the services needed to be safe and succeed with school.
William P. Soules, PhD
Advisor
Dr. Soules is a Democratic member of the New Mexico State Senate representing District 37 since January 15, 2013. He is chair of the Senate Education Committee and chairs the interim Public Schools Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force. In his legislative role he serves as an education commissioner for New Mexico at the Education Commission of the States. He represents New Mexico at the Western Interstate Consortium on Higher Education (WICHE). He has been an early childhood fellow with National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) and several education task forces. He has been chair and vice chair of the Council of State Governments -West (CSG-W) and a member of the Border Legislative Council that brings together legislators from the border states of Mexico and the United States to discuss common issues. Soules earned his BA and MA in psychology and his interdisciplinary PhD from New Mexico State University with a degree that spans education and psychology. He is currently a teacher with Las Cruces Public Schools and served on the Las Cruces School Board for eight years and as president of the New Mexico School Board Association. He has made numerous presentations at the local, state, national, and international education and legislative conferences and meetings. His past positions include Assistant Provost for Student Services with New Mexico State University-Carlsbad, Elementary School Principal in the Las Cruces and Hatch Valley Schools, Middle School Principal with the Cobré Schools, and faculty and staff with the College of Education At New Mexico State University. He has taught introductory psychology, developmental psychology, AP psychology, AP statistics, math, and graduate school administration courses. Senator Soules is a champion for the data-driven and cross-sector prevention of adverse childhood experiences to ensure all students have access to the services needed to be safe and succeed with school.
Jennifer “Jenn” ManzanaresAdvisor
Jennifer is a Native Northern New Mexican. Born and raised in the Pojoaque Valley, she graduated from Pojoaque High School and received her AS in Criminal Justice (CJ) from Northern NM Community College, and received her Bachelor degree in Political Science and Secondary Education with an emphasis in CJ. She serves as Chief Deputy Treasurer for Santa Fe County alongside Treasurer Patrick “Pat” Varela. Jenn also served as a Senior Field Representative for Congressman Ben Ray Lujan. Other roles include Opioid Policy Coordinator with the Santa Prevention Alliance, Overdose Prevention Educator and Trauma Informed Care Trainer. She currently holds her certification as a State of NM Certified Peer Support Worker. Jenn is also involved with the newly formed New Mexico Voices of Recovery whose personal stories will start the healing of stigma in our communities. Jenn serves on the MANA National Board of Directors Vice Chair. She has also served on several boards to include: MANA Del Norte, Envision Your Future, Juvenile Community Corrections, and Law Enforcement Assister Diversion (LEAD). Jenn is the mother of 3 children JP, Andrew and Julianne. The joy and light of her life are her beautiful Grandchildren Abi, Xander and Azrael. Jenn enjoys making beautiful memories with her family, celebrating her deep culture, and teaching her grandchildren traditions.
Jennifer “Jenn” ManzanaresAdvisor
Jennifer is a Native Northern New Mexican. Born and raised in the Pojoaque Valley, she graduated from Pojoaque High School and received her AS in Criminal Justice (CJ) from Northern NM Community College, and received her Bachelor degree in Political Science and Secondary Education with an emphasis in CJ. She serves as Chief Deputy Treasurer for Santa Fe County alongside Treasurer Patrick “Pat” Varela. Jenn also served as a Senior Field Representative for Congressman Ben Ray Lujan. Other roles include Opioid Policy Coordinator with the Santa Prevention Alliance, Overdose Prevention Educator and Trauma Informed Care Trainer. She currently holds her certification as a State of NM Certified Peer Support Worker. Jenn is also involved with the newly formed New Mexico Voices of Recovery whose personal stories will start the healing of stigma in our communities. Jenn serves on the MANA National Board of Directors Vice Chair. She has also served on several boards to include: MANA Del Norte, Envision Your Future, Juvenile Community Corrections, and Law Enforcement Assister Diversion (LEAD). Jenn is the mother of 3 children JP, Andrew and Julianne. The joy and light of her life are her beautiful Grandchildren Abi, Xander and Azrael. Jenn enjoys making beautiful memories with her family, celebrating her deep culture, and teaching her grandchildren traditions.
Gail “Missy” Armstrong
Advisor
Gail is a life-long resident of New Mexico, born in Socorro and raised in both Socorro and Catron Counties. Since before her appointed to the House of Representatives to represent District 49, Gail has dedicated her time to serving her community. With strong roots as a businesswoman, rancher, mother and wife, Gail is focused on preserving Catron, Socorro, and Valencia counties. As as representative, she is committed to focusing on areas of “common ground” that unite rather than divide people and is working diligently to improve educational opportunities, economic development and reduce crime in our communities as well as finding ways to prevent adverse childhood experiences and family trauma.
Gail “Missy” Armstrong
Advisor
Gail is a life-long resident of New Mexico, born in Socorro and raised in both Socorro and Catron Counties. Since before her appointed to the House of Representatives to represent District 49, Gail has dedicated her time to serving her community. With strong roots as a businesswoman, rancher, mother and wife, Gail is focused on preserving Catron, Socorro, and Valencia counties. As as representative, she is committed to focusing on areas of “common ground” that unite rather than divide people and is working diligently to improve educational opportunities, economic development and reduce crime in our communities as well as finding ways to prevent adverse childhood experiences and family trauma.
Dr. Melissa Hardin
Advisor
Dr. Hardin earned her doctorate in social work at Walden University university, after earning her masters at New Mexico Highlands University in the field of social work. She practiced in child welfare before entering into academia to begin a career in higher education at Eastern New Mexico University. Her focus of work has been on interventions for children and families. Dr. Hardin worked with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department for 13 years, beginning her career in direct client service and ending in management before her transition into teaching. She has taught for the ENMU Social Work Program for 9 years and counting. Dr. Hardin serves as ENMU Social Work Program Director and is developing university and community strategies for preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This work includes the design and piloting of “Data-Driven Social Work” courses and developing the county’s capacity to launch the data-driven and cross-sector ACEs prevention project 100% Community. Dr. Hardin is the liaison between the Anna, Age Eight Institute in Santa Fe and the Eastern New Mexico University-Program of Social Work.
Dr. Melissa Hardin
Advisor
Dr. Hardin earned her doctorate in social work at Walden University university, after earning her masters at New Mexico Highlands University in the field of social work. She practiced in child welfare before entering into academia to begin a career in higher education at Eastern New Mexico University. Her focus of work has been on interventions for children and families. Dr. Hardin worked with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department for 13 years, beginning her career in direct client service and ending in management before her transition into teaching. She has taught for the ENMU Social Work Program for 9 years and counting. Dr. Hardin serves as ENMU Social Work Program Director and is developing university and community strategies for preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). This work includes the design and piloting of “Data-Driven Social Work” courses and developing the county’s capacity to launch the data-driven and cross-sector ACEs prevention project 100% Community. Dr. Hardin is the liaison between the Anna, Age Eight Institute in Santa Fe and the Eastern New Mexico University-Program of Social Work.
Erica Surova
Advisor
Erica is the Senior Program Manager and Data Analyst for the Center for Community Analysis at New Mexico State University. She holds master’s degrees in Sociology and Geography from New Mexico State University. Surova worked as a research assistant in the Office of Institutional Analysis at NMSU before serving as the first manager for the Center when it was established in 2016. She collaborates with organizations across the county and state to gather data that is often hard-to-find or spread across many organizations. Through surveys, assessments, and data analysis, she works to centralize, analyze, and disseminate data to the community in order to improve evidence-based decision making and collective impact. Surova created the Education Context Report for Doña Ana County, conducted gap analyses on Early Childhood Education, and has conducted numerous surveys, evaluations, and analyses focused on advancing education and social equity.
Erica Surova
Advisor
Erica is the Senior Program Manager and Data Analyst for the Center for Community Analysis at New Mexico State University. She holds master’s degrees in Sociology and Geography from New Mexico State University. Surova worked as a research assistant in the Office of Institutional Analysis at NMSU before serving as the first manager for the Center when it was established in 2016. She collaborates with organizations across the county and state to gather data that is often hard-to-find or spread across many organizations.Through surveys, assessments, and data analysis, she works to centralize, analyze, and disseminate data to the community in order to improve evidence-based decision making and collective impact. Surova created the Education Context Report for Doña Ana County, conducted gap analyses on Early Childhood Education, and has conducted numerous surveys, evaluations, and analyses focused on advancing education and social equity.
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Advisor
Teresa is an American attorney and politician representing New Mexico’s 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. She worked as a social impact lawyer and has served as General Counsel to several Native American tribes and their business enterprises, as well as non-profits.
Teresa Leger Fernandez
Advisor
Teresa is an American attorney and politician representing New Mexico’s 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. She worked as a social impact lawyer and has served as General Counsel to several Native American tribes and their business enterprises, as well as non-profits.
Gregory Sherrow
Editorial Consultant: IT and Communications Specialist
Gregory is an educator whose early career sharply veered off into the world of information technology and web-based enterprises giving Gregory decades of experience in creating educational, non-profit and commercial technology solutions. He has architected learning management systems for the Data Leaders for Child Welfare program in New Mexico, Connecticut and New York City; he developed the technology prototypes for the Safety+Success learning management systems focused on family safety and health piloted in South Carolina and New Mexico; and his learning management system clients have included state departments of health, state departments of education and offices of attorneys general. Over the last decade and a half, he has become an authority on remote work management and the potential of technology to positively empower agencies and communities while strengthening national, state and local systems of public health, safety and education.
YOUR NEXT STEP
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