Attorney Laura Castillo Ms. Castillo demonstrates

Protective Services Worker Jenifer Nieto Jenifer exemplifies empathy and commitment, often going above and beyond—like when she visited children on her own time to ease their worries after a canceled visit, ensuring they knew the fault did not lie with their parent. Her tireless work supporting a mother through domestic violence led to successful reunification, the prevention of a newborn entering care, and long-term stability for the family. A collaborative, compassionate leader and advocate, Jenifer continually brings creativity, professionalism, and heart to her mission of finding permanency and healing for New Mexico’s children.<br>

Juvenile Justice Worker Dylan Orosco Dylan brings deep empathy and connection to his work, often being the one to calm and support youth in crisis—like when a simple game of Candy Land helped a struggling child feel seen and understood. His strength-based, collaborative approach builds trust with both youth and families, empowering them to participate in their own progress and growth. A compassionate leader and tireless advocate, Dylan is a beacon of hope and resilience for the young people he serves, always seeking creative, meaningful ways to uplift and inspire.<br>

Juvenile Justice Worker Manuel Hernandez Manuel Hernandez leads with empathy, seeing each of his clients not as cases, but as young people full of potential, and consistently goes above and beyond to inspire, connect, and support them in meaningful ways. Whether it’s organizing holiday lunches, taking youth camping, or having tough conversations with compassion, he turns every interaction into an opportunity for growth and hope. A true leader by example, Manuel brings energy, creativity, and heart to his work—reminding everyone around him that our youth not only matter, but have the power to build something great.<br>

Leader at CYFD Corey Adams Corey leads with heart, integrity, and vision, always reminding his staff to “stay the course” even when the work goes unseen—because the impact on youth and families lasts long after our role ends. His relentless advocacy brought long-overdue pay equity, improved collaboration across divisions, and inspired a culture of accountability, respect, and unity. Whether he's filling shifts for office stays, personally hearing staff concerns, or reshaping how Juvenile Justice supports all children, Corey proves every day that leadership means showing up, standing firm, and never losing sight of our shared mission.<br>

Leader at CYFD Christina Nuanes Christina Nuanes has shown unwavering dedication over her 20-year career with CYFD, most recently transforming the Family Services program by expanding outreach, improving engagement, and strengthening cross-divisional collaboration. With a deep well of knowledge, integrity, and a person-centered approach, Christina has led with compassion and accountability—creating meaningful, lasting change for families and staff alike. Her leadership is not only shaping a more responsive and supportive system, but also inspiring a culture of growth, inclusivity, and purpose throughout our department.<br>

SCAC Member Maria Ortiz Bustos Ms. Ortiz Bustos, a Licensed Master Social Worker, has dedicated the past decade to volunteering with the Substitute Care Advisory Council, where she brings unmatched expertise, cultural insight, and a deep commitment to improving New Mexico’s child welfare system. As a bilingual leader and educator, she not only reviews complex cases with compassion and integrity but also helps shape policy and direction through her role as co-chair of the Council’s Advisory Committee. A role model of professionalism and ethical practice, Ms. Ortiz Bustos continues to inspire her peers and elevate the quality of care for our most vulnerable children and youth.<br>

CASA Volunteer Susan Zellhoefer Sue is a dedicated CASA volunteer whose commitment, compassion, and integrity have made a lasting impact on the children and families she serves. With over eight years of service, she tirelessly advocates for her CASA children—traveling long distances, supporting reunification efforts, and ensuring every voice is heard in court and beyond. Her open-minded, ethical, and solution-focused approach has not only strengthened relationships among families but has helped many children find safe, permanent homes.<br>

Non-Profit Service Provider Michele Harwood Michele Harwood has dedicated over 20 years to serving children in foster care and those with developmental challenges, consistently going above and beyond to ensure their safety and well-being. Her leadership, knowledge, and compassion have made her a trusted guide to volunteers and a powerful advocate for families, whether she's coordinating with CYFD or personally delivering a youth’s belongings across the state. Michele’s unwavering integrity, calm in crisis, and honest voice have made an immeasurable impact on the CASA community and the lives of countless children and families.<br>

Non-Profit Service Provider Jesse Clifton Jesse, the lead monitoring attorney at Disability Rights New Mexico, has dedicated his career to advocating for the most vulnerable children in our state—those impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and healthcare systems. He has led groundbreaking efforts like the Kevin S. settlement and M.G. v. Armijo litigation, ensuring medically necessary services reach children in foster care and beyond. Jesse's unwavering commitment, legal expertise, and compassionate leadership have created meaningful change at both the individual and systemic levels, improving the lives of countless New Mexico children.<br>

Tribal Services Worker Marsha Vallo Marsha brings deep empathy and cultural humility to her work, honoring the traditions of all Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations she engages with—even when faced with unfamiliar customs or conflict. She learns directly from children and families, tailoring her approach to meet each person's unique needs, and is not afraid to own her missteps when they occur. A thoughtful leader, statewide advocate, and collaborator, Marsha combines strength with grace to uplift communities and support lasting change.<br>

Youth with Lived Experience Shelby McDaniel Shelby is a powerful leader and advocate who uses their lived experience to uplift youth voices and create space for others to lead, learn, and heal. From securing funding for youth programs to training the next generation of peer support specialists, Shelby’s commitment to mental health, equity, and system transformation is unmatched. Their resilience, passion, and hope continue to shape a better future for young people across New Mexico.<br>

Youth with Lived Experience Dina Flores Dina turned her own experience in foster care into a powerful source of leadership, now serving as a Case Manager at the Casakids Drop-In Center, where she supports youth with compassion and insight. Her commitment to helping young people transition out of care is rooted in deep personal understanding, and she continues to advocate for change—recently sharing her story directly with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Dina is a resilient, inspiring force whose journey shows what’s possible when hope, determination, and heart lead the way.<br>

Resource Parent Mike & Erin Gomez This incredible resource family, in their very first placement, has shown unwavering dedication to the well-being of two young boys in their care, ensuring they receive specialized medical, therapeutic, and educational support. They’ve created a nurturing home filled with compassion, advocating tirelessly for the children's needs while maintaining strong connections with the biological family and community. Through every challenge, their commitment to love, stability, and ethical care shines, making them truly outstanding foster parents.<br>

Resource Parent Karen Snyder Karen Snyder has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to children and families in the child welfare system—as a foster parent, respite provider, mentor, and adoptive parent—offering stability, love, and unwavering support. Her integrity and compassion shine through in every interaction, whether she’s guiding a fellow foster parent or comforting a child who has experienced trauma. Karen’s lifelong commitment to trauma-informed care and ethical service has transformed lives and made her a deeply respected pillar of the foster care community.<br>

Outstanding Service Alison Pauk Alison exemplifies exceptional leadership in her role as the Court Improvement Project Director for New Mexico, skillfully navigating complex systems and uniting diverse stakeholders to improve the lives of children and families. She is a model of integrity, dedication, and fairness, consistently working long hours behind the scenes to ensure equitable solutions and advocating tirelessly for the best interests of children and families in both state and tribal courts. With over 15 years of experience, Alison’s deep knowledge of juvenile law and her accountability in fostering a collaborative, transparent environment have made her a trusted leader and a transformative force in the child welfare system.<br>

Care Coordinator Crystal Gonzales Crystal is an outstanding care coordinator who goes above and beyond to ensure the needs of children in state custody are met, often working after hours and on weekends to advocate for their voices to be heard. Her dedication is reflected in her proactive approach to coordinating with CYFD, resource parents, and providers, ensuring children receive the support they need to thrive in the least restrictive environments. Crystal's leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the children and families she serves make her an invaluable asset to the child welfare system.<br>

Outstanding Team Players Camica Ramirez &
Carol Montoya Camica and Carol, the "C&C Powerhouse Duo," exemplify dedication and commitment in their work with youth and families, consistently going above and beyond their job descriptions to make a profound impact. Their innovative approaches, like transforming community service into meaningful activities that teach empathy and human connections, have elevated their program to new heights. With their passion for continuous learning and their unwavering work ethic, they have earned recognition as leaders who not only provide exceptional care but also inspire growth and empowerment in the youth they serve.<br>

Peer Advocate Kenneth Harvey Kenneth is an exceptional Peer Recovery Support Worker who provides unwavering support to justice-involved individuals, both during their time in detention and after their release, helping them navigate their challenges and achieve their life goals. His dedication to fostering hope, offering resources, and guiding others is complemented by his thoughtful leadership and ability to empower his colleagues. Kenneth's patience, accountability, and ability to recognize the value in others make him an invaluable asset to his team and the individuals he serves.<br>

Peer Advocate John Tsabetsay John is a dedicated leader who consistently steps up at community and tribal events, sharing his knowledge and bringing hope to individuals in detention facilities throughout New Mexico. His commitment to ensuring access to mental health care, even when challenges arise, and his willingness to attend recovery events with clients highlights his deep dedication to supporting others. John treats everyone with respect and fairness, unselfishly sharing his cultural traditions and experiences to help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for his team and the community.<br>

Thank you!<br>