Meet The Team

Lauren Gomez, LCSW
Lauren Gomez earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico. She then obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, focusing on clinical mental health care for both adults and children. Lauren has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, and maintains a small caseload, specializing in individual adult therapy and couples counseling. She is deeply passionate about helping others through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, empowering her clients to heal and move forward. Lauren welcomes feedback about the clinic or its clinicians; feel free to reach out to her at laureng@hdhnm.com with any comments or concerns!

Ryan Price SHRM-CP

 Ryan Price is an experienced HR professional dedicated to fostering supportive and inclusive workplaces. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Appalachian State University with a focus on Industrial/Organizational Psychology and obtained his SHRM-CP certification in 2022. Ryan has lived in New Mexico for over a decade and was happy to learn that everyone's a Lobo. With a belief that people thrive in environments where they feel valued and heard, Ryan works to create policies and initiatives that promote engagement, belonging, and professional growth. Whether addressing complex HR challenges or streamlining processes, he is committed to supporting a culture where mental health professionals can thrive.

Inna Lopatyuk is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a strong academic foundation, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing Education, and a Master in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has nearly six years of inpatient nursing experience at a Level 1 trauma center, with more than five of those years dedicated to inpatient psychiatry.

Her clinical expertise includes trauma-informed care, supportive psychotherapy, and evidence-based medication management. Psychiatry is both a profession and a passion for Inna, fueled by her fascination with how the brain works and how thoughtful, compassionate care can transform lives. She brings together her love for psychology, pharmacology, teaching, and connecting with people in every patient encounter.

Since moving to New Mexico in 2014, Inna has embraced the beauty of the state and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking. She is excited to be part of High Desert Healing, where she looks forward to building long-term patient relationships, helping individuals improve their quality of life, and continuing to grow her expertise in TMS therapy.

Johanna Mitchell LPCC/NM, LPC-SA/LA (she/her)
Johanna received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Capella University, with her bachelors in psychology and political science from Tulane University in New Orleans. She was originally licensed as an LPCC in New Mexico in 2010 and has been licensed as an LPC-SA in Louisiana since 2011. She has 16+ years of experience working with clients of all ages, most recently specializing in child trauma therapy utilizing TF-CBT and EMDR as a provider with a New Orleans based Children's Advocacy Center. Her experience includes working with a wide range of challenges, from ADHD and neurocognitive challenges, to mood disorders, to trauma and PTSD. Since 2011 she has been working as a clinical supervisor for therapists in training, and since 2025 she has been faculty at Southwestern College in Santa Fe in their Master’s in mental health counseling specialization. While in graduate school she worked in EMS in the Los Angeles area as well as on the PICU and CTICUs at UCLA, and she has also been an American Red Cross CPR/BLS instructor and instructor trainer since 2006. Her therapy style is eclectic and she works from a primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model, using various interventions that are mind-body balanced, strengths-based, solution-focused, and person-centered. Johanna feels strongly that regardless of the obstacles thrown our way or the circumstances we find ourselves in, there is always a way to improve our well being and make progress towards our goals. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of how. The more aware we can be, the more empowered we are to make the changes that are needed to move us in the direction we want to be going."

Sara Ransom LPCC

Sara received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University in 2019 and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in 2022. She works from person-centered and strengths-based perspectives and believes that mind, body, spirit, and self-compassion are integral parts of well-being. She has received trainings in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Polyvagal Theory, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and ADHD treatment. She works to foster a safe, empowering, inclusive, and healing environment for all of her clients. She works with clients ages 14 +, and she has a passion for working with the LGTBQIA + community, as well as those who experience OCD, ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity, trauma, codependency, attachment and relationship issues, and those who experience issues with executive functioning. She also co-facilitates the Teen LGTBQ Group with Daniel Guardado, LMSW.

Faith Tipton LCSW

Faith (she/her) received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico and her Master's degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. Faith has a broad range of experience working with adolescents, young adults, and women of all ages in order to help manage depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, women's issues, stress, and life transitions. She uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Christian Counseling, and Mindfulness. Faith utilizes a person-centered, strength-based framework in order to highlight her clients' capacities, values, and hopes. She is passionate about promoting resilience and positive transformation in each of her clients'. lives.

Aubrey Stallings LCSW 

Aubrey provides individual therapy to adolescents and adults. Aubrey obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Social Work degree from Western New Mexico University. Aubrey believes in creating an environment that is a safe space to process, learn, heal, and grow. Her approach to therapy is person-centered and strengths based. Aubrey uses techniques from a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. Aubrey is passionate about providing her clients with tools to help them become the best version of themselves.

Jessey Stallings LCSW 

Jessey offers therapy to individuals of all ages. Jessey earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Family & Child Studies from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Social Work Degree from Western New Mexico University. Jessey strives to create a warm environment for all, and is dedicated to helping others reach their goals to become their best self. Jessey draws from various modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Mindfulness and Play Therapy. Jessey believes every person has the potential to live a joyous life, and believes her role as a therapist is to provide a space that allows clients to express themselves and experience personal growth

Adam Vareika LCSW

Adam is a seasoned clinician with close to 20 years of experience. He has worked extensively with individuals who have experienced trauma, substance use disorders, sexually acting out behaviors and a variety of mental health issues. Preferred modalities include: Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Modern psychoanalytic practice and Trauma Informed CBT. Adam works full-time in healthcare leadership and maintains a part-time caseload of clients. 

Katie Burnett LCSW, is a born and raised New Mexican who obtained her Bachelor’s of Psychology and Portuguese at the University of New Mexico. Katie went on to receive her Master’s of Clinical Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. She is a non-native proficient Spanish speaker who is using her talents to work with a diverse client population to serve her community. Katie uses a Strengths Based approach and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral therapy, mindfulness and Solution-Focused Therapy. Katie works with a wide range of clientele ages 15 and older and is interested in working with couples. Katie loves animals and incorporates animal therapy into her practice.

BreAnna Minor LMHC

BreAnna is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who received her Bachelor degree in Social work at New Mexico Highlands University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling at New Mexico Highlands University. She has experience working with children and adolescents who are at risk. BreAnna has experience and training in using DBT. Her person-centered approach allows individuals to express themselves in a safe and caring environment where they feel valued. Through her approach clients have the power and ability to make the best solutions for themselves in order to grow.

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Lori Hansen LCSW

Lori obtained her Bachelors degree in Social work from Florida Atlantic University and her Masters degree from New Mexico Highlands University.  She has over twenty years experience working with various populations from all age groups.  Lori uses a client centered, strength based approach with a specialty in Depression, Anxiety, Trauma and Grief.  The modalities most often used with Lori are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.  Lori strives to help others understand their feelings and unlocking a new perspective on life in a warm and supportive environment. 

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Rebecca Forsythe LMSW

Rebecca received her Master of Social Work with a concentration in clinical practice at New Mexico Highlands University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon
University. Rebecca has extensive experience working with and advocating for high-risk children and adolescents in the community. Rebecca is passionate about addressing mental health through a person-centered, strength-based approach. Her areas of expertise include
treating conduct/oppositional defiance disorders, trauma, mood disorders, and self-esteem concerns in youth and young adults. Dedicated to fostering a positive change in her clients’ lives, Rebecca offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space for healing and growth.

Julian M Lopez LMSW 

Julian (he/him) was born and raised in Hobbs, New Mexico. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico and a Master’s of Social Work with a concentration in Rural Community Social Work Services from Western New Mexico University. Julian has over five years of experience working with issues related to trauma, anxiety & depression, low self-esteem, stress/burnout, communication, and substance use. This experience comes from a variety of environments, including residential treatment, inpatient hospital, and behavioral health outpatient settings. Julian works with a wide range of clientele of all ages with a variety of behavioral and emotional challenges. Julian implements a strengths-based, empathic, and non-judgmental approach. Julian believes one of the most difficult but most important endeavors we make is investing in our emotional and mental wellness.  

Elizabeth Corpion, LCSW

Liz received her Master of Social Work degree from New Mexico State University.  Her philosophy on mental health treatment is that the brain has the capacity and the desire for wellness and it needs guidance through a safe and secure therapeutic relationship to heal.  Liz is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Techniques, Attachment Theory, Experiential Play Therapy, and Talk Trauma Therapy. Liz specializes in trauma therapy and currently works with individuals ages 15+.

Shane Baron-Deutsch LMSW

Shane (they/them) received their Master's of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. Shane is a non-binary artist, event organizer, and therapist born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They have led youth-centered, social justice themed, adventure-based experiential learning trips in Peru, Bolivia, and Guatemala through Canadian non-profit Operation Groundswell. They are a certified Harm Reduction Specialist, and have served in this capacity with the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, Healthcare for the Homeless, and First Nations Community HealthSource. They facilitate a monthly trans and non-binary climbing group in Albuquerque, the Trans Senders, and are the author and editor of the weekly LGBTQIA2s+ e-newsletter The Gay Agenda Weekly. Shane graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2016 with a BA in Spanish and Critical Social Thought. Shane has experience and training in using Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and mindfulness and grounding techniques. They have experience providing therapy to address anxiety, depression, and queer and trans identity development for both teens and adults. They love art and sometimes incorporate art into their therapy practice at the request of their clients.

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Gina Marie Storch (she/hers), LCSW is a calm and approachable therapist who is passionate about working with individuals and families ages 10+. She works with a variety of mental health concerns and brings a trauma-focused and person-centered approach to therapy. Gina Marie is experienced with working with people holding a variety of identities and life experiences. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and also utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to collaboratively create treatment tailored to each client and their individual experience. Gina Marie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Macalester College and received her Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis-Brown School of Social Work. She loves traveling and learning. Gina Marie can provide services in English and German.

Christopher Holmes LCSW

BIPOC Queer Psychotherapist providing a safe place to heal, learn/unlearn, practice, and grow from where you are to where you want to be. I employ a person-centered, trauma-sensitive, dialectical approach to delve into and understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in order to support you achieving your goals. Be the change you want to see.

Ashton Koons LMSW

Ashton is a licensed LMSW with over 10 years of experience facilitating mental-emotional-behavioral wellness. With a strong background in social work and psychology, he brings a multi-dimensional
approach to life’s challenges that views thoughts, feelings and behaviors in larger contexts such as generational trauma and systemic oppression across race, class and gender. With that said, nobody knows us better than ourselves and for that reason, we don’t compare traumas. Ashton has training and expertise in the treatment of chronic depression, family dysfunction, substance abuse and developmental/acquired delay. To meet the diverse needs of his clients, Ashton draws upon a strengths-based, culturally responsive, approach that combines and incorporates somatic experiencing
with Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Community Reinforcement and Family Training, and Applied Behavior Analysis.
With therapeutic goals of standing in one’s truth and reclaiming one’s power, Ashton believes that his clients are the healers. Too often, society peddles short-lived fixes outside a person to the exclusion of
more sustainable, internal, strengths within them. He meets his clients where they are and in their journey with him to discover and choose solutions that work best for them, they get back what they put
into a therapeutic alliance which recognizes and supports courage and curiosity.

Jalen Vigil, LMSW, is proud to call Albuquerque, New Mexico, her home. Born and raised locally, she has a deep connection to her community and a passion for helping others find balance and wellness in their lives. Jalen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico and her Master’s in Clinical Social Work
from New Mexico Highlands University. Jalen takes a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the importance of the mind-body connection in achieving overall well-being. She utilizes a client-centered approach, incorporating mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, and a strengths-based perspective to support her clients in reaching their goals. She enjoys working with adolescents and young adults, ages 13-30, with a focus on anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, and chronic illness diagnoses. Jalen believes that every individual has a unique story, and she strives to help her clients find their voice and navigate their journey toward a fulfilled, balanced, and healthy life—mind, body, and spirit.

Carissa received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of New Mexico and her Master of Science in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from New Mexico Highlands University. She is passionate about helping her clients connect to their best selves, and so she takes a person-centered and strengths-based approach where she believes you are your own best healer. During your journey together, Carissa will utilize a blend of evidenced-based and holistic interventions thoughtfully personalized to you. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Positive Indian Parenting, and often integrates Narrative therapy and somatic techniques that honor the mind-body connection. As a Navajo (Diné) clinician, Carissa understands how important it is to maintain significant respect for culturally affirming care, including indigenous ways of knowing and ancestral knowledge. With several years of working in various mental health settings, she enjoys working with ages 12 and up, and has experience working with issues related to mood regulation, trauma, racial identity, spirituality, self-esteem, and finding relational harmony.

Magdalena Marquez, LCSW, MBA

Magdalena enjoys facilitating others' healing through emotion-focused practices, strengths-based model, attachment work, integrative health, and incorporating mindfulness into her practice. She provides an environment that cultivates safety and understanding for her clients and wants them to feel like they can share their thoughts and feelings, without judgment. Her goal is to empower individuals to live their desired lifestyle of not living in distress, while gaining and maintaining healthy coping skills when learning more about themselves. She has provided services for children, teens, and adults. She is open-minded to others’ spiritual beliefs and is an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as minorities and other vulnerable populations. Magdalena has received trainings in FLASH technique, betrayal trauma, eating disorders, grief, conflict resolution and utilizes CBT, DBT, EFIT, MI, Attachment-focused in her sessions. She holds a Master's degree in social work and a masters degree in business administration.

Marina serves as the dedicated personal assistant to Lauren, providing high-level administrative support and ensuring day-to-day operations run efficiently and seamlessly. In addition to her administrative role, she assists with TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment, helping facilitate a smooth and supportive experience for both clients and clinical staff.

She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling at Western New Mexico University, where she is developing a deep understanding of interpersonal communication and client-centered care. With a strong organizational skill set and a commitment to excellence, Marina brings professionalism, and a thoughtful approach to her role.

If you are unable to reach Lauren directly, please feel free to contact Marina at marinam@hdhnm.com.

Monique brings a wealth of experience and a calm, solution-focused approach to our billing department. She works behind the scenes to ensure that invoices, insurance claims, and payments are processed accurately and efficiently. Known for her professionalism and friendly attitude, Monique is always ready to assist clients with questions and help resolve any billing concerns. Her dedication helps keep our operations running smoothly and supports a positive experience for everyone we serve.

Quissa is our TMS Coordinator at High Desert Healing. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University of New Mexico. Her deep passion for mental health grew from a great interest in understanding human behavior and a desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Quissa is committed to providing compassionate, patient-focused care and creating a comfortable environment for every individual going through their TMS treatment journey. She firmly believe that a treatment for the root cause, like TMS, offers hope and healing for those who may not have found success through traditional methods. Quissa is grateful to be a part of a team that helps support growth for patients on their journey towards well-being.

Emily is a long-time resident of the Southwest, having grown up in El Paso, Texas. She moved to Albuquerque in 2016 to attend graduate school at UNM, completing Master's degrees in anthropology and public health. Her educational background highlights the importance of understanding the contexts people live in and how that shapes their experiences with the healthcare system. As a TMS treater, she supports individuals’ journeys through treatment by creating safe and comfortable spaces.

Magdalena Mae is a TMS Treater & Marketing Specialist at High Desert Healing, where she offers compassionate, client-centered support to individuals seeking non-invasive treatment for depression and emotional wellness. She brings a creative touch to HDH through thoughtful, engaging marketing that reflects the heart of the practice. Alongside her mental health work, she fosters community connection as the founder of Albquirkies, a women’s social group created to bring Albuquerque together through inclusive events and meetups. 

Magdalena also expresses her passion for storytelling through Lenas Flores Photography & Design (LenasFlores.com), specializing in portrait and lifestyle imagery that captures authenticity and emotional depth. Across her roles as healer, community builder, and artist, she is dedicated to helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Yelena Gonzales is part of the TMS team at High Desert Healing, where she feels honored to support patients through every step of their treatment journey. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University of New Mexico and is deeply inspired by the many ways compassionate care can change lives.

Guided by a genuine desire to help others, Yelena strives to create a calm, welcoming space where patients feel comfortable, heard, and encouraged. One of her favorite parts of the work is watching patients grow over time, gaining confidence, hope, and a renewed sense of themselves throughout the TMS process. She believes innovative treatments like TMS can offer meaningful healing for those who may not have found relief through traditional approaches.

Yelena is grateful to be part of the High Desert Healing team and looks forward to continuing to walk alongside patients on their path toward wellness.