Providers
Emma V. Ortega, MA, LPCC, Clinical Director & Owner
- National Board Certified Counselor
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- New Mexico State License # CCMH0159661
Emma V. Ortega is the Owner and Clinical Director of Journey To Wellness, bringing more than fifteen years of experience as a dedicated clinical counselor serving children, adolescents, adults, and families. A lifelong resident of Valencia County, she carries a deep love for her community and is honored to support the diverse individuals and families who call it home.
Emma’s work is grounded in both extensive training and genuine care. She is certified by Greg Kersten in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, is a certified Multi‑Systemic Therapist, and is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Her expertise allows her to support clients through a wide range of emotional and relational challenges with skill, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.
At the heart of Emma’s work is her belief that healing begins in a space where people feel seen, supported, and safe to be themselves. Her warm presence, deep community roots, and commitment to whole‑person care make her not only a trusted therapist, but a welcoming guide for those beginning or continuing their healing journey.
Ryan McNamara, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Ryan has bachelor's degrees from UNM as well as California State University Monterey Bay in pyschology and Liberal Studies. Ryan received his master's in counseling from UNM. (LMHC)Ryan is also trained in equine assisted pyschotherapy and a certified yoga teacher. Ryan is a person centered therapist who works with adults (ages 14+).
Leslie Cook, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Leslie Cook is a Clinical social worker with 20 years of professional practice experience in a wide variety of settings. She was recently trained in a certification program as a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist. Currently, she is employed in the public school system working with adolescents. Her practice experience is diverse with, with practice experience in medical social work, working with disabled and at-risk populations through the Disabled and Elderly program and Developmentally Delayed program, home health care, hospice, behavioral health, dialysis, and inpatient/discharge planning, as well as long-term care, school social work, and teaching at the higher education and highschool levels. Her passion is helpig children heal from past traumas so that they can become healthy, resilient adults in the future, as well as self-care for professionals. Leslie is married with five children and six beautiful grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, outdoor activities, and painting.
Alicia Maturino, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Clinical Supervisor
Alicia Maturino, LPCC, Clinical Supervisor, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 9 years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings. Alicia is dedicated to working with diverse populations and is excited to help those in their journey to a happier and healthier life by helping clients learn to manage difficult emotions and discover inner resources and strengths. When working with children, she utilizes play therapy to better understand what the child is going through. Alicia’s ultimate goal is to meet all clients where they are at, without judgment.
Michelle Hill, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Michelle became a licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) in May of 2013, she earned her Master’s of Social Work degree at New Mexico Highlands University. Michelle has over 7 years experience working with children, youth and families. Michelle specializes in treating addictions, working with adolescents and a variety of groups
Amanda Ortiz, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Amanda Ortiz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with six years of professional practice experience in a variety of settings. Her practice experience includes medical social worker, hospice and home health care, and teaching at the community and higher education levels. She earned her MSW from Our Lady of the Lake University with a specialization in Hispanic Children and Families. Amanda has four children and many different types of pets. In her down time, she enjoys quilting, word and number puzzles, and Harry Potter.
Legus Losito, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Legus, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), has been working in the mental health profession for over 5 years, working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. His passion is for helping those with depression and suicide ideation and is currently finishing his Master’s at Colorado Christian University to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Legus is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Advanced Behavioral Analysis, Play Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Suicide Prevention/Intervention. Taking a holistic approach based on connection, reality and choice theory, and cognitive restructuring, Legus hopes to help others heal and obtain the tools necessary for better overall well-being that is sustainable.
Rhonda Hudson,Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
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Dominick Chavez, LMSW Intern
Dominick Chavez is a Clinical Social Worker (Intern) dedicated to supporting individuals across the lifespan with compassion, curiosity, and deep respect for their lived experiences. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, where his passion for mental health and human connection first began to flourish.
Dominick is currently pursuing his Clinical Master’s degree in Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University, working toward becoming a grounded, effective, and heart‑centered clinician. As a counseling intern, he is committed to meeting clients exactly where they are with patience, presence, and the belief that healing begins when a person feels truly heard. He carries with him a guiding reminder that he hopes every client can also embrace: you are more than enough.
His clinical interests include working with both children and adults as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Dominick strives to build trusting, collaborative therapeutic relationships that honor each person’s story, strengths, and inherent capacity for growth.
Outside of his professional work, he loves to travel, experience new cultures, and draw inspiration from the world around him. A caring, people‑centered individual, Dominick values connection deeply. In all he does, he aims to spread compassion, nurture growth, and help others feel supported, understood, and genuinely valued. He hopes to continually remind every person he works with both in small moments and significant ones that they are, and always will be, more than enough.
Erin Schwind, LMSW Intern
Erin is an MSW intern working with children, adolescents, families, and adults as they navigate life’s challenges and embark on their healing journeys. She is completing her Master of Social Work at Grand Canyon University and has completed two years of specialized training at the Allender Center at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology in narrative‑focused trauma care. Erin is EMDR certified, a Certified Complex Trauma Professional (Level II), a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, and a 200‑hour registered yoga teacher.
Her work is grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed, and attachment‑based approach rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, honoring the whole person—mind, body, and soul. Erin is especially passionate about supporting clients navigating sexual wounding (both overt and covert forms), maladaptive compulsive coping behaviors, and the process of rediscovering and reclaiming parts of identity that were suppressed, silenced, or fragmented for the sake of survival.
She integrates play therapy, narrative therapy, somatic-based modalities, nature-based therapy, sound therapy, and animal‑assisted therapy to support healing, integration, and deeper connection with self and others.
Wendy Ortiz, LMFT Intern
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Ericka Barrandey, CCSS Lead Worker
Ericka is a Community Support Worker (CSW) and Lead CSW with over five years of experience in the behavioral health field. She is dedicated to walking alongside clients as they work toward success, independence, and personal growth. In her leadership role, she supports both clients and team members while helping maintain quality and consistency within services.
Ericka provides hands on support with daily living skills, problem solving, and connecting to community resources. She believes in meeting people where they are and helping them build confidence through steady encouragement and guidance.
Guided by her values of compassion and respect, Ericka approaches her work with care, with faith as her foundation.
Ericka is continuing her education in psychology, further strengthening her knowledge and commitment to serving individuals and families in meaningful ways.
Elizabeth Gendreau, CCSS
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Bella Ruiz Vazquez, Office Manager, Billing Supervisor
Bella is a native to New Mexico, she has been in the management background for the last five years. She enjoys her work and assisting clients when it comes to maybe deescalating situations, or breaking down insurance information. She is a home body and has the cutest little shadow following her around named Mia. Many have seen her in office before Bella transitioned into a remote position.
Ashley Uyetake, Billing Specialist, Contracting Credentialing Specialist
Born and raised in Hawaii, Ashley is a wife and mom of two. She has worked in the healthcare field for 20 years as a pharmacy technician and is constantly expanding her knowledge, with her most recent accomplishment being the completion of her Master’s in Business Administration in Healthcare.
Some of Ashley’s favorite things to do when she’s not busy working include taking her kids to their sporting events, going to the beach, cooking, singing karaoke (even though she insists she’s terrible at it), and reading.
Christine Lopez, Patient Service Coordinator, Receptionist
As the front desk and first point of contact, Christine enjoys helping new clients feel welcomed and supported as they become familiar with the process and take the first steps toward beginning services. She strives to create a calm and reassuring experience, knowing that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming.
Christine also values supporting the staff and helping wherever she can when things feel busy, as she believes working together creates a smoother and more supportive flow for everyone.
Born and raised in New Mexico and a graduate of the University of New Mexico, Christine recently returned after five years away and feels grateful to support the community she calls home.
