El Puente De Encuentros

Acknowledging and Honoring the Original Peoples of New Mexico

El Puente de Encuentros acknowledges the original peoples of the land that we live in and serve: the Tiwa people of Sandia and Isleta Pueblos. We honor the Tewa pueblos, Diné (Navajo), Apache, Mescalero and Comanche tribes who have also been stewards of this land within the broader community of New Mexico. We offer our respect and gratitude to elders past and present who have cared for these sacred lands we call home. We honor our African American ancestors and other peoples whose enslavement, forced labor and exploitation built these institutions and the wealth of our state and nation to our collective benefit. El Puente de Encuentros is committed to our relations with Indigenous peoples.

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The Challenges We Face

There is a shortage of mental health providers in NM
There is a shortage of licensed/certified clinicians in NM
There is a shortage of mental health entrepreneurs
There is a demand for the provision of services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate (Trepal, Ivers and Lopez)

Percentage Comparison

UNM School of Medicine: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Division of Community Behavioral Health. Behavioral Health Resource Mapping and Needs Assessment

Making an Impact

Social Work: Job growth expected to increase 14.25% -Between 2012 and 2022
Largest growth potential in NM to be expected in healthcare professions by 21.5%; and in child, family, and school Social Workers by 21.2%

Testimonials

"Being part of the Puente de Encuentros 2017-2018 cohort has been a wonderful experience. I have learned so much attending these seminars. Initially, I’ve not had networks or people in my life with such familiar interests in regards to what I’m aiming for in my future. This fellowship program has not only educated me and given me that exposure but has enabled me to carry new reflections about my future and myself. Listening to the stories, insights, advice and presentations by the directors and our special guests have led me to grow in how I think about mental and behavioral health. Additionally, because the program was so centered on the Latino, Hispanic, and other minority communities, it has made me more comfortable in my own skin and has allowed me to think differently about my culture, background and those around me. I am very grateful to have been a part of this very first program and I know that it will only get better in the future"

Leslie Salinas, UNM Junior Psychology

"El Puente de Encuentros’ mentoring program has had a tremendous and rewarding impact on my academic and professional careers. It gave me the opportunity to connect with peers in-person, which made my experience as an online student comparable to attending classes in person. The bi-monthly sessions provided time to brainstorm and to reflect on what it means to be a culturally aware healthcare professional in New Mexico. When reflecting on my two semesters with El Puente, I can say that I have thrived as a person, student, and future social worker. I am grateful for this program due to the endless effort dedicated to connecting students with renowned professionals in the community. El Puente’s contribution to my life has prepared me to begin my career confidently, ethically, and proudly. Thank you, El Puente."

Paul Gallegos, ASU Graduate Student, Masters in Social Work

"El Puente de Encuentros has been an amazing opportunity for me! It has provided me with first-hand knowledge of the different professions that make up the behavioral health field and the importance of the role cultural diversity plays in our state and profession. Through the program, I was able to meet professionals and hear their stories of what their everyday work life is like and about the journey that brought them to their positions today. In addition, I learned how I fit into the mental health field and the steps I must take to get to where I want to be. Most importantly, I learned that there are mentors who are willing to answer my questions and help me along the way. I thank Lynn, Brenda, Pat, Rafael and everyone who took the time to present to us, teach us, and bring this wonderful organization to life. It has been an honor to be a part of the first cohort. I look forward to continuing my involvement in this program and watching how it grows throughout the years"

Sonia Ramirez, UNM Sophomore, Psychology, Family Studies

"Being part of the Puente de Encuentros Fellowship Program has been a great learning experience that has enhanced my clinical knowledge and multicultural awareness. As a graduate student in the last year of my counseling program, I can say that the program has provided me with much useful information and has further prepared me to be a culturally aware clinician. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to learn about many of the current trends and issues in behavioral health from current experts and professionals in the field. I have greatly appreciated the reflection seminars that have allowed me to reflect upon topics that we have learned about and to discuss my thoughts and opinions with others. Throughout the program I have felt fully supported by my mentors and peers and have felt a sense of belonging as a culturally diverse upcoming clinician. The program has inspired me to continue to grow in my cultural awareness and to continue learning about clinically and culturally relevant topics in the field. I appreciate and fully support the work of my mentors in educating the public about the diverse needs of our population and advocating for policies that support the training of behavioral health clinicians of diverse cultures. I am grateful for being part of the beginning of this movement and I hope it will continue to grow."

Brianda Jaquez, UNM Graduate Student, Masters in Counseling

"I cannot thank El Puente de Encuentros enough! Being part of this team was a wonderful experience. I was able to learn more about “real world” topics that are not taught in school. I was able to learn about the resources available to us as students and future graduates. Being part of El Puente opened my eyes. I acquired valuable skills for my social work career. I strongly recommend that others interested in the field apply for this fellowship"

Dulce Medina, NMHU Graduate Student, Dual Masters: Social Work, Business

"I am extremely grateful for the El Puente de Encuentros Fellowship. As a graduate student soon entering the field of public health, meeting and networking with prominent working professionals was an invaluable experience for me. Not only did I learn about these professionals’ day-to-day working lives, and their contribution in tackling current behavioral health challenges, but I also learned about their career paths, which led them to where they are today. El Puente created a space for me to reflect on my own goals and my role as a future health practitioner. Each of the seminars left me inspired to know that I have what it takes to be a successful Latina health practitioner and to be part of the change that our communities need"

Devon Ashley Lara, UNM Graduate Student, Dual Masters: Latin American Studies, Public Health

"As a first year graduate student in the field of mental and behavioral health, I was looking for opportunities to enhance my learning, connect with professionals in the field, and increase social-cultural awareness. The El Puente de Encuentros Fellowship Program provided all of what I seeked, and more! As I reflect on the amazing experience, I recognize how much I’ve grown and it is thanks to the unmeasurable support I received during the program. I felt held and nurtured from the mentorship, the comradery forged among my peers, the love and respect shared over meals, and the warm welcoming into the El Puente Familia. I can confidently say that thanks to what I learned from the various seminars and workshops provided throughout the program, I have increased my awareness and perspective related to socio-economic disparities and inequities impacting marginalized communities. As a member of the BIPOC community and a product of marginalization, inequality, and oppression, I am grateful for the kind-hearted and passionate Peoples dedicated to preparing multicultural competent health care providers. It is thanks to them and fellowship programs like El Puente de Encuentros that I feel inspired, motivated and ready to be part of a workforce that now more than ever needs the attention that so rightfully deserves. Muchas Gracias and Many Blessings."

Mattsué A Cahué-Lopez, BS

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Alumni Highlight:

Brianda Jaquez
Licensed Clinical Counselor

Brianda Jaquez is a licensed clinical counselor providing therapy to individuals and families. Originally from Mexico, she immigrated to the United States at the age of eight and earned both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in counseling from the University of New Mexico, completing her graduate studies in 2018. Before becoming a licensed therapist, Brianda worked as a behavior management specialist and a community support worker, roles that deepened her understanding of mental health care in diverse and underserved communities. As a bilingual and bicultural clinician, she is committed to offering trauma-informed, culturally humble, and inclusive care, with a focus on serving BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. Her approach emphasizes self-awareness, healing, and the development of healthy, meaningful relationships.

In 2023, Brianda founded Healing Connections Counseling (Conexiones que Sanan), a bilingual and bicultural psychotherapy practice based in New Mexico. The agency provides in-person and telehealth therapy, as well as professional, trauma-informed psychosocial evaluations for immigration-related cases, including asylum, VAWA, hardship waivers, T-visas, and U-visas. Healing Connections Counseling specializes in working with BIPOC clients and offers compassionate, anti-oppressive, evidence-based care for teens, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, communication difficulties, and relationship challenges. In addition to her clinical work, Brianda is an approved supervisor in the state of New Mexico and is passionate about mentoring emerging therapists. She envisions expanding her practice to include clinicians who share her dedication to culturally responsive and socially conscious mental health care.