I have served as Quay County Magistrate Judge for over 5 years, first appointed by the Governor in 2021 while serving as Municipal Judge and then elected by Quay County voters in 2022. I currently serve as Chair of the 10th Judicial District Mental Health Committee and Secretary-Treasurer of the New Mexico Magistrate Judges Association. I also serve on the Quay County Health Council PASS Committee, addressing substance use and recovery in our community. A San Jon High School graduate and lifelong Quay County resident, I bring proven judicial experience, statewide leadership, and a deep understanding of the community I am honored to serve.
One of the greatest challenges of serving as a Magistrate Judge is balancing accountability with the complex circumstances that often bring people before the court. Mental health concerns, substance use, financial hardship, and limited access to resources are realities in our community. A judge must recognize those challenges while remaining impartial and applying the law fairly and consistently. It can also be difficult to make decisions that significantly affect someone’s life, but those decisions must be based on the law and the facts before the court. Maintaining public trust, protecting individual rights, ensuring accountability, and treating every person with dignity and respect are responsibilities I take seriously every day.
Improving efficiency begins with consistency, communication, and making the best use of available resources. Clear procedures, effective case management, and strong communication among court staff, attorneys, law enforcement, and community partners can help reduce unnecessary delays while ensuring every case receives the attention it deserves. Technology should also be used where appropriate to improve access and streamline routine processes. Just as important is regularly evaluating what is working and where improvements can be made. Efficiency should never come at the expense of fairness or due process. The goal is a court that is timely, accessible, consistent, and responsive to the people it serves.
Quay County is more than the community I serve—it has always been my home. I graduated from San Jon High School, built my life here, and have never left Quay County. I understand our rural communities, our people, and many of the challenges we face because I live here too. Serving as Magistrate Judge is not simply a position I hold; it is an opportunity to give back to the community that raised me. I am proud of the work I have done both on and beyond the bench, particularly in mental health and substance-use initiatives. I am grateful for the trust Quay County voters have placed in me and remain committed to serving with fairness, integrity, compassion, and respect.
I clearly meet the age requirement of the office, and I also hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
In addition, I have more than five years of experience working within the judicial system as a Court Executive Officer (Court Administrator). This experience has given me a strong understanding of court processes, procedures, and the responsibilities involved in serving the public through our judicial system.
While my experience has provided me with a solid foundation, I also recognize that there is always more to learn. I am committed to continuing to learn and grow in the role and to approaching each case with fairness, impartiality, integrity, and respect for everyone who comes before the court.
One of the major challenges of serving as a Magistrate Judge is balancing the responsibility of making fair and impartial decisions with the needs of those who come before the court. Each case is unique, and it is important to listen carefully, understand the facts and law, and make decisions based on the evidence rather than personal opinions or outside influences. Another challenge is managing the demands of the court while treating everyone with dignity, patience, and respect. My judicial experience has taught me the importance of organization, professionalism, and consistency. I will continue learning and approach the position with humility, integrity, and a strong commitment to serving Quay County fairly and impartially.
The most effective methods would be to evaluate current procedures, identify areas where time and resources can be saved, and implement consistent, organized processes. Technology should be used whenever possible to streamline scheduling, filing, communication, and case management. Clear communication between the court, attorneys, law enforcement, and the public is also essential. I would focus on reducing unnecessary delays while maintaining accuracy, fairness, and due process. My experience as a Court Executive Officer has taught me the importance of organization, accountability, and continually evaluating procedures to improve the court’s service to the community.
I have lived in Quay County for 25 years and am deeply invested in the community I am proud to call home. I bring more than five years of experience working in the judicial system as a Court Executive Officer, along with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. I understand the importance of fairness, impartiality, integrity, and treating everyone with dignity and respect. I am a strong leader who believes in making thoughtful, informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions. I also recognize that serving as Magistrate Judge will require continued learning, and I am committed to growing in the role while faithfully serving the people of Quay County.
