Healing Word started as hope for a better future.
While I was in graduate school for Social Work my family was going through a really hard time. My oldest child was struggling and I was at a loss. I looked all around the East Mountains hoping to find someone who could help.
Sadly I was not able to find anyone local and we ended up driving all the way to Albuquerque to get the therapy that was needed. I decided then and there that when I was able to start my own private practice I would make sure that I was located in the East Mountains, so that the next time someone was looking for help they would not experience what I did.
Since starting my practice in 2020 I have been blessed to have a full caseload and a waitlist! Knowing that people were on my waitlist that I was not able to help started to weigh heavy on me. So, I made a decision to reach out to some fantastic clinicians and expand my team!
At Healing Word we believe in the power of healing, transformation and the innate goodness of people. We know that given the right support and tools anyone can do better than they are right now. You may be feeling hopeless but we can hold that hope for you until you can hold it for yourself.
We are passionate about wellness, resilience and empowerment and we are excited to share that passion with you! We would be honored to be a part of your healing journey. Come along and take the first step to begin a new chapter.
Melinda Stern, LCSW, CEO & Clinical Supervisor
I have been a therapist since 2015. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. I currently hold the highest level of certification for social work offered by the state of New Mexico: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Before becoming a therapist I was a preschool teacher and a stay-at-home mom.
While still in graduate school I did an internship with an agency focused on domestic violence. I worked with children, teens, and adults. I ran a group for teenagers impacted by domestic violence. The focus was on education and healing.
After I graduated I worked with an outpatient day treatment program with girls ages 11-18. These girls struggled with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts/attempts, oppositional behaviors, and relationship/attachment concerns. Most recently I have been working primarily with children with a focus on trauma and intergenerational healing. I work with clients as young as 2 years old through grandparents. Working with this population has taught me the importance of seeing past behaviors to the actual person. I have learned to be a voice for the kids that I work with.
When I’m not at work I’m probably hanging out with friends or my (young adult) children. I love to play with my dog, read or play Dungeons & Dragons. I love a good road trip and a poolside/beachside vacation.
Melinda Stern LCSW is a board certified supervisor able to provide supervision for LMHCs and LMSWs.
Lynn Riley, LPCC & Clinical Director
Lynn graduated from Colorado Christian University in 2019 with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has since honed her expertise through her work with a diverse adult population in community mental health during the last 5 years.
Lynn has a passion for journeying beside individuals through life’s challenges and experiences and toward healing and self-discovery. She firmly believes everyone can and should be afforded the opportunity to overcome difficulties and establish a profound connection with their core authentic self.
Lynn practices an experiential and relational approach utilizing lifespan integration (LI) therapy and accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP). She was drawn to these two approaches due to the emphasis on the mind-body connection; and, their remarkable ability to reorganize and reintegrate both implicit and explicit memories. Lynn is a level 4 trained LI therapist working towards her certification and a level 2 trained AEDP therapist.
When not working, Lynn enjoys spending time with her husband and their four dogs, taking walks, reading, and watching movies.
Lynn Riley LPCC is a board-certified supervisor able to provide supervision to LMHCs.
Ashley Huppertz, LCSW, IMH-E® & Clinical Supervisor
Ashley Huppertz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and an Endorsed Infant Mental Health Specialist (IMH-E®). She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. Ashley is also a New Mexico Board Approved Supervisor for both social work and counseling boards, bringing extensive experience in providing reflective, clinical, and administrative supervision.
Her clinical background spans across the care continuum, including residential treatment for youth, hospital-based crisis assessment and safety planning, and community outpatient therapy. Throughout her career, Ashley has developed a strong focus on attachment, neurodevelopment, and trauma recovery, integrating evidence-based frameworks such as the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, EMDR, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Ashley’s core passion centers on early childhood and family systems. She is rostered and trained in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an evidence-based modality designed for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. In addition to direct clinical work, she has managed CPP programming and supported emerging clinician cohorts in treatment fidelity and reflective practice. Ashley approaches therapy through a relational lens, believing that healthy, secure relationships serve as the primary pathway toward healing and resilience.
When she’s not working, Ashley loves getting lost in a good book on her Kindle, playing video games, and spending time with her family. She will never say no to a trip to the bookstore or a coffee shop for an iced latte.
Ashley Huppertz, LCSW, IMH-E®is a board certified supervisor able to provide supervision for LMHCs and LMSWs.
Gabrielle Benitez, Licensed Mental Health Counselor*
Gabrielle Benitez earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University. She believes healing happens through genuine connection, creativity, and developing a better understanding of how the mind and body work together. Gabrielle uses a trauma-informed approach that integrates expressive arts, play therapy, body-based practices, and traditional talk therapy.
She works to make therapy feel approachable, engaging, and meaningful for each person she meets. Gabrielle is currently completing certifications in Geek Therapy and Sandtray Therapy, which allow her to incorporate creativity, storytelling, and symbolic expression into the counseling process.
Gabrielle provides a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk openly about the experiences that may be causing distress or holding them back. She works with individuals facing both immediate struggles and long-term challenges, including trauma, family stress, and complicated religious, cultural, or social experiences. She is especially passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism. Gabrielle also enjoys working with parents and caregivers, offering support during pregnancy and early childhood as families navigate the challenges and joys of raising children. Her goal is to help clients gain insight, develop practical coping and regulation skills, and feel more confident, grounded, and connected to who they truly are.
Gabrielle lives in Albuquerque with her family and pets. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing board and card games, taking road trips, tap dancing, and figure skating.
*Gabrielle is currently working under the supervision of Melinda Stern, LCSW.
Bonifacio (Jimmylee) Gutierrez, Licensed Master Social Worker*
Bonifacio identifies as Chicano and is a bilingual therapist specializing in men’s mental health, trauma, ADHD, families, adolescence and children. He draws on his bond with the land, his ancestors, and more than 20 years as a Franciscan brother to nurture a healing space. His work begins with each person, growing into healing for the families and communities he serves.
Bonifacio creates a nonjudgmental space filled with hope for anyone feeling stuck, helping people heal old wounds and prepare for a bright future. Using a holistic approach, he focuses on healing from the inside out (internal transformation) addressing root causes like intergenerational trauma, addiction, domestic violence, and other challenges. His heart is set on helping every client get set up for success.
*Bonifacio is currently working under the supervision of Melinda Stern, LCSW.
Brenda Montoya, Community Support Worker
Brenda has a wealth of experiences to draw from when she is working with members of the community. She has been sober for over 20 years and is active with Alcoholics Anonymous and has supported many folks in learning how to thrive in their own sobriety. Brenda has run several successful businesses and is excited to share her knowledge with others!
Brenda’s work takes place in the community. She can meet clients where they need support the most. That can be in the home, at school or at various appointments. The focus of our Comprehensive Community Support Services program is to surround individuals and families with non-clinical resources, guidance, and practical interventions to help them live independently and successfully in their communities.
When Brenda is not working she loves to get her nails done, watch TV and spend quality time with her family.
Kirsten Bird, master level intern attending New Mexico Highlands University*
Kirsten Bird will be completing her Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University in May 2027. Kirsten also has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, completed in 2018. Kirsten has worked in behavioral health for years with kids and teens. She has been a behavioral support worker and recently worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters supporting kids and their mentors.
Kirsten says her passion is working with kids, teens, adults and families. Kirsten wants to pursue training that will allow her to provide trauma informed, evidence based care to the people of the East Mountains.
Kirsten was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and with the exception of college she has lived here her whole life! Currently Kirsten is living in Moriarty with her husband and new baby! If she’s not working, doing homework or taking care of her family you can find her spending time with family, traveling to a nearby forest or cozied up in her library reading and organizing her books! (p.s. she’s a huge Disney fan!)
*Kirsten is currently working under the supervision of Melinda Stern, LCSW.
If you’re wondering where they are now….check out our gallery of former team members!
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