My education, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, as well as having served as Santa Fe County Commissioner and as a member of the Pojoaque School Board and on numerous Boards and Commissions both in New Mexico and Nationally, I worked hard to protect our lands, our cultures and our traditions. As a County Commissioner, I served in a Quasi-Judicial role when hearing cases that came before the Commission.
I worked several years for various government and private institutions as an Administrator/Executive Director and substance abuse counselor. I was recruited in 1990 to serve as the founding executive director for the nonprofit; Los Alamos Citizens Against Substance Abuse. In 1995, I founded my own nonprofit, Hands Across Cultures.
I am running for Magistrate Judge because I believe justice should be fair, accessible, respectful, and rooted in the values of our community.
Every day, ordinary people walk into Magistrate Court facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. For many people, the courtroom is intimidating. They want to know one thing: will they be treated fairly?
I am running to make sure the answer is yes.
Our courts should never be about politics, favoritism, or who has the most money. A judge’s responsibility is to apply the law equally, protect constitutional rights, and ensure every person who enters the courtroom is treated with dignity and respect.
I bring to this campaign a commitment to integrity, accountability, respect and common sense.
Responsible tenants and responsible landlords should be the goal. Availability of affordable housing is the ultimate goal. We have created a system where it makes it difficult for people to buy their own property. If they can’t afford to buy and have only the rental properties that are available. The question becomes "Do I favor harsh sentences vs. exercising common sense?" We need to make our community as livable as possible. My thoughts are one has to look at both sides of the story and maintain an objective point of view and determine what is in the best interest of the tenant or landlord. Who is the unreasonable one, is how I would look at the balance, knowing I am not being biased toward either the tenant or the landlord.
I understand that the decisions made in Magistrate Court have real consequences for working families, seniors, veterans, young people, and small business owners throughout Santa Fe County.
Public safety matters. Victims deserve protection. Law enforcement deserves professionalism and fairness in the courtroom. But we also know that many people who enter the justice system are struggling with mental health challenges, addiction, poverty, or lack of opportunity. When appropriate, we should support solutions that reduce repeat offenses and help people become productive members of our community again. Santa Fe County is a unique place. We are a community rich in culture, history, tradition, and diversity. Our justice system should reflect them
I began my court career in 2014 and have spent over a decade gaining hands-on experience within our judicial system. Through my work, I have developed a strong understanding of court procedures, docket management, and the real-world impact judicial decisions have on individuals and the community. I have worked closely with judges, attorneys, and defendants, which has strengthened my ability to remain fair, impartial, and professional in high-stakes situations. This experience has prepared me for the role of Magistrate Judge with confidence and knowledge, along with a strong commitment to upholding the law. I am dedicated to ensuring that those who enter the courtroom are treated fairly and with respect, while also being held accountable.
I want to serve as your next Santa Fe County Magistrate Judge because I believe in fairness, accountability, and equal access to justice. I have been involved in our judiciary every day for over a decade and am fully immersed in the system; meeting with incarcerated defendants daily, actively participating in court, and working closely with attorneys and judges. This experience has given me firsthand insight into the challenges our community is facing. This role would allow me to give back and ensure every person is treated with respect. I am committed to applying the law fairly and without bias, with a focus on reducing recidivism, addressing repeat offenders, and strengthening trust within our community and local justice system.
Both tenants and landlords have important rights that must be respected. Landlords have the right to protect their property and receive timely payment, while tenants have the right to safe, livable housing and fair treatment. As a judge, my role is to apply the law impartially, listen to testimony, and review all evidence in accordance with the law, while carefully considering the facts of each case, including lease agreements, payment history, and whether both parties acted in good faith. Every case is unique, and my focus would be on reaching fair, consistent outcomes based on the law while maintaining respect for all involved.
Sentencing is one of the most serious responsibilities of a judge and requires careful and thoughtful consideration. I would look at the nature and severity of the offense, the impact on victims, and the specific circumstances of each case. I would also consider the individual’s criminal history, their willingness to take responsibility, and whether they pose a risk to public safety. At the same time, I believe it is important to consider opportunities for rehabilitation when appropriate. My goal would be to ensure accountability while also focusing on reducing recidivism and addressing repeat offenders, with the goal of protecting the community and promoting fair and consistent outcomes that hold those who are convicted accountable.
