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 Supervisor
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.
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.
Amber Wilson, Counselor in Training*
Amber is completing her graduate program in counseling from Eastern New Mexico University and is on track to graduate in December 2026 with her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling.
Amber is practicing a person-centered approach to counseling which means meeting a person where they are at without judgement and with unconditional positive regard. This approach also allows for the client to determine what they are willing and able to work on and allows Amber to proceed at the client’s pace.
Amber also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her practice, to help clients understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how to create lasting change. Amber is able to help clients identify harmful thought patterns and change them to improve mood and actions through active, skill-based practice.
When Amber is not working you might find her on a hike in the mountains or working in her garden. Amber also enjoys working out and staying active. One of her best qualities is always looking for positivity and things to be grateful for.
*Amber is currently working under the supervision of Lynn Riley, LPCC.
If you’re wondering where they are now….check out our gallery of former interns!
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