Our Leadership

The NMCA Board is the policy-making body of the Association and is composed of our Executive Members, Officers, Committee Chairpersons, and Members at Large. Our Executive Members and Officers also sit on the Executive Council, which works with the Financial Affairs Committee to make all budgetary and financial decisions.

Executive Members

Casey Odell, LPCC

Our Executive Director leads the organization by overseeing and ensuring alignment with NMCA’s mission and vision. Our ED works closely with staff, board members, and stakeholders to achieve NMCA’s goals , initiatives, and foster growth.
Michelle Ben, LMHC

Our Executive Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the smooth operations of the association by managing schedules, communications, and administrative tasks for the leadership team. Our EA ensures efficient coordination and providing essential support to enhance organizational effectiveness. View full description here.
Emily Miles, LMFT

Our Business Development supports the growth, visibility, and sustainability of the New Mexico Counseling Association (NMCA). This role focuses on developing relationships, identifying partnership opportunities, supporting event growth, strengthening communications, and assisting with strategies that increase engagement, revenue, and organizational impact.

Officers

Alex Murillo, PsyD, MS, LCDC

Our NMCA President provides direction, makes key decisions, presides over meetings, and serves as a liaison between our members and the board. The president also fosters collaboration and promotes the association’s mission.
President-Elect

Our NMCA President-Elect is preparing to assume the presidency and assisting the current president, offering leadership support to our board, and ensuring a smooth transition. The President Elect serves as the Chairperson of the Government Relations Committee.
President-Elect-Elect

Our NMCA President-Elect-Elect is the successor to the President-Elect, preparing to step into the role. They support the current leadership, learn about the association’s activities, and help ensure continuity in leadership.
Jeannie Montoya, LPCC

Our NMCA Immediate Past-President provides guidance and support to current leadership, offering valuable experience and historical perspective. They may serve as a mentor, assist with strategic planning, and help ensure continuity in the association’s direction.
Jeff Pontes, LPCC

Our NMCA Treasurer manages the NMCA's budget, financial reports, and ensures proper accounting practices. They oversee income, expenses, and investments, ensuring financial stability. The Treasurer also works closely with the NMCA board to allocate resources effectively and provides transparency in financial decisions to members and stakeholders.

Committee Chairpersons

Liz Daniels, MA, LPCC

NMCA FINANCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON in support of the Executive Council, reviews the financial affairs of the Association and works with the Treasurer to submit a budget to the Board prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.
Amber Johnson, LPCC

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CHAIRPERSON monitors matters of government activity at all levels and inform the Board and membership of legislative issues and advocacy areas and recommendations.
Ana Sanchez-Riddle, LPCC

NMCA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON is responsible for recruitment strategies, enrollment of new members, and maintain accurate membership lists.
Allison VanGordon, M.S., LPCC-S

NMCA COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON guides creation and content on various media platforms the purpose, intent, and activities of the Association and Divisions and develop communications to membership and the public as directed by the Board.
Dr. Rebekah Hodge, LPCC

NMCA ETHICS COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON reviews any charges of misconduct and report their recommendations to the Board. Additionally, the Ethics Committee will provide ethical consultation to NMCA members, following ACA guidelines.
Rena Hoskins, LPCC

NMCA FUTURE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON works towards goals for the future of the organization, such as strategic planning. They also support establishing procedures for carrying out the annual election of officers, developing a slate of candidates, nominating and conducting the election of officers.
Rebbecca Gossett

NMCA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHAIRPERSON coordinated and reports their recommendations and CE approvals to the Board.
Jeannie Montoya, LPCC

NMCA LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON lead by the Past-President, they remain in communication with the membership of the Association for leadership development and membership growth.