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Cecilia Hunter has been a business owner in the State of NM since 1988. She has owned and operated several successful businesses, including a Landscaping, Nursery, and Flower shop.
Cecilia Hunter is the mother and a Family Living Provider for her 43-year-old daughter who was born with a Developmental Disability. Her daughter has been on the DD waiver for the past 15 years. Mrs. Hunter has 12 years of experience as an independent Service Coordinator for individuals on the DD Waiver. She has been instrumental in coordinating and developing ISP’s supporting individual growth and independence. She was a certified CPR and first aid instructor. Mrs. Hunter is in compliance with all required training in regard to the DD Waiver Standards as a Service Coordinator and a Family Living Provider.
Mrs. Hunter has a heart and a passion for creating and supporting equal opportunities for individuals to belong, to be understood, and to be appreciated.
Kenneth Hunter has over 35 years in the medical field of radiology. He earned a BS degree in radiologic science with a minor in business. Mr. Hunter was employed at Tyler Junior college as an associate professor and Clinical Coordinator for the Radiologic Technology program for 8 years. This position required the coordination of 62 students at seven clinical sites and taught various radiology related courses.
Mr. Hunter was the Director of Radiology at Lincoln County Medical Center in Ruidoso, NM for 5 years. He has an outstanding knowledge of the continuous quality improvement process and has implemented critical value indicators for the radiology department. Me. Hunter has created several action plans to increase client satisfaction and service quality.
Mr. Hunter is very active in his daughter’s life and giving her the life that she dreams of and deserves. Mr. Hunter is a natural support to his daughter, and they have a close and loving relationship. Since his daughter has been on the DD waiver program, he has gained knowledge of the ISP process and the DD waiver standards.
Kenneth Hunter has over 35 years in the medical field of radiology. He earned a BS degree in radiologic science with a minor in business. Mr. Hunter was employed at Tyler Junior college as an associate professor and Clinical Coordinator for the Radiologic Technology program for 8 years. This position required the coordination of 62 students at seven clinical sites and taught various radiology related courses.
Mr. Hunter was the Director of Radiology at Lincoln County Medical Center in Ruidoso, NM for 5 years. He has an outstanding knowledge of the continuous quality improvement process and has implemented critical value indicators for the radiology department. Me. Hunter has created several action plans to increase client satisfaction and service quality.
Mr. Hunter is very active in his daughter’s life and giving her the life that she dreams of and deserves. Mr. Hunter is a natural support to his daughter, and they have a close and loving relationship. Since his daughter has been on the DD waiver program, he has gained knowledge of the ISP process and the DD waiver standards.
Kiley Gifford is the daughter to Ken and CeCe and the sister who was born with Developmental Disabilities. Kiley has been providing support through the DD Waiver since 2010 supporting her sister, as well as other Individual’s with DD as Direct Support Staff, Service Coordination, DD Waiver Trainer, as well as helping with the daily operations of the business. Kiley has been the General Manager of Casa de Esperanza, since 2016 and continues to be an active role in the business today. Kiley has a degree from NMSU specializing in Holistic Health. Kiley is passionate about supporting the whole body and system and encouraging others to live their fullest, healthiest lives.
Jana Vargas RN BSN, is one of the proud CDE team members! she is the proud Mother of three wonderful boys and has six amazing and beautiful grandchildren, and a wonderful and supportive husband. She attended Nursing School at NMSU where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in May 1997 and has been an RN for 25 years. While at NMSU She was the Student Nurses Association President from 1995-1997 previously the Vice President. While in school, She was the Vice President of The Health and Social Sciences Council, Board Member Student Health Center Council; Panel member Health and Wellness for Students at NMSU, Golden Key National Honor Society, Who’s Who in American Colleges, Crimson Scholar and Dean’s List and received the Nursing Leadership Award at graduation May 1997.
Jana began her nursing career at Memorial Medical Center in the Emergency Department in 1997. In 1999 she applied for and completed the AORN Perioperative Nursing Program and transferred to the operating room, where she maintained part-time status in the emergency department for 8 more years. In 2012 She started working as an independent contractor with a provider agency with DDSD. She joined the CDE team in 2013 and in 2017 resigned from Memorial Medical after 20 years of employment.
“I am so grateful to be part of the amazing and caring CDE team and as the agency nurse for the many wonderful individuals we serve! It truly amazes me daily the progress our special individuals make to move to independence in their daily lives and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of their progress.” -Jana
Hola! My name is Jana Vargas RN BSN, and am one of the proud CDE team members! I am the proud Mother of three wonderful boys and have six amazing and beautiful grandchildren, a wonderful and supportive husband. I attended Nursing School at NMSU where I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science degree in May 1997 and have been an RN for 25 years now. While at NMSU I was the Student Nurses Association President from 1995-1997 previously the Vice President. While in school, I was the Vice President of The Health and Social Sciences Council, Board Member Student Health Center Council; Panel member Health and Wellness for Students at NMSU, Golden Key National Honor Society, Who’s Who in American Colleges, Crimson Scholar and Dean’s List and received the Nursing Leadership Award at graduation May 1997.
I began my nursing career at Memorial Medical Center in the Emergency Department in 1997. In 1999 I applied for and completed the AORN Perioperative Nursing Program and transferred to the operating room, where I maintained part-time status in the emergency department for 8 more years. In 2012 I started working as an independent contractor with a provider agency with DDSD. I joined the CDE team in 2013 and in 2017 resigned from Memorial Medical after 20 years of employment.
I am so grateful to be part of the amazing and caring CDE team and as the agency nurse for the many wonderful individuals we serve! It truly amazes me daily the progress our special individuals make to move to independence in their daily lives and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of their progress!
Maryann has approximately 25+ years in management and 17+ years specifically in the health care field. Her healthcare experience ranges from Skilled Nursing, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, and within the NM DD Waiver. Maryann graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting and Human Resource Management. She also studied effective communication at NMSU and is bilingual. She also pursued a Master’s Degree in Finance at College of Santa Fe.
Maryann began her journey with Casa de Esperanza, Inc in 2016 as an Internal Service Coordinator and office support. Her vast knowledge of the DD Waiver, its services, and drive to advocate for others have proven successful in supporting individuals with varying abilities and their respective families. Maryann has functioned as General Manager for CDE since January 2022.
Maryann is a native Las Crucen that grew up in a large family setting with 9 siblings. Her humble beginnings, spiritual upbringing, and nurturing spirit were blessings and teachings by her parents and are at the center of her being. She wholeheartedly believes that the sharing of knowledge, compassion and empathy for others, and ethical transparent behavior are instrumental in supporting others to reach their full potential and for her to be a catalyst for change.
Has been working with the DD Waiver for 20 years now, providing support to agencies, individual’s and their families . I am a State Certified Trainer and have been with CDE over a year. I have a degree in Criminal Justice but am very passionate about what I do and love helping others.
Rocio Salinas has worked with the Special Needs population for over 16 years. She started as an Employment Specialist in the early 2000s and has transitioned to be a Service Coordinator for over 10 years. I have also completed my Counselor Internship through the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (1999). Her passion has been to support, advocate, motivate, and encourage individuals to be as independent as they can and to reach for the stars, everything is possible with love and compassion!!!
Some areas Rocio assists with are: Monthly home visits, collection of monthly documentation; attending ISP/IDT scheduled meetings (participating by providing input on individual needs/wants); compiling notes of meetings; conducting necessary follow-up/and or correction according to CDE policy; translate/bilingual; Home File Review; Human Rights Committee; promote trust with individual/family; caring and passionate; respect /communication.
My name is Rocio Salinas. I have worked with the Special Needs population for over 16 years. I started as an Employment Specialist in the early 2000s and have transitioned to Service Coordinator for the past 10 years. I have also completed my Counselor Internship through the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (1999). My passion has been to support, advocate, motivate and encourage individuals to be as independent as they can and to reach for the stars, everything is possible with love and compassion!!!
Some areas I assist with are: Monthly home visits, collection of monthly documentation; attend ISP/IDT scheduled meetings (participate by providing input on individual needs/wants); compile notes of meeting; conduct necessary follow up/and or correction according to CDE policy; translate/bilingual; Home File Review; Human Rights Committee; promote trust with individual/family; caring and passionate; respect /communication.
Martha is a proud mother of two wonderful boys Rafael and Adrian who are her most valuable gifts. She is also the proud aunt to a beautiful individual with Down Syndrome, whom she has had the joy of supporting alongside her mother since she was born. She has been so blessed to be a part of her life and the many blessings that have come with it. She started my career with the DD Waiver as her Direct Support Staff in 2013 when she was allocated to the DD Waiver. Since then she has extended her education and became a Service Coordinator in 2017 supporting other individuals and their families.
“I value my job and most importantly the individuals and their families. Being in this field has brought me so much joy and I treasure every family I am a part of. I love meeting new people and traveling is one of my favorite hobbies.” -Martha
I have been working in the DD Waiver field since 2012. I started off as a Direct Support Staff and have since worked my way up to a Service Coordinator for CDE since 2019. I am a proud mother of 3 beautiful kids and spouse to a wonderful husband. As well as working as a Service Coordinator I also own my own nail salon here in town and just recently graduated with my Esthetician License for skin care. I am passionate about my job and love working with the DD Waiver and supporting individual’s and their families.
I have been working in the DD Waiver field since 2012. I started off as a Direct Support Staff and have since worked my way up to a Service Coordinator for CDE since 2019. I am a proud mother of 3 beautiful kids and spouse to a wonderful husband. As well as working as a Service Coordinator I also own my own nail salon here in town and just recently graduated with my Esthetician License for skin care. I am passionate about my job and love working with the DD Waiver and supporting individual’s and their families.
My name is Paloma Herrera, I am the mother of two handsome children and married to a wonderful man. I was born in Cd.Juarez Chih. Mexico, and have been a teacher for 15 years, always surrounded by children and willing to give my best for their development. I love to work with people and am passionate about helping and supporting Individuals with Disabilities. I like sports, travel, and spending time with my family. I promise to give my best and help whoever needs it.
My name is Paloma Herrera, I am the mother of two handsome children and married to a wonderful man. I was born in Cd.Juarez Chih. Mexico, and have been a teacher for 15 years, always surrounded by children and willing to give my best for their development. I love to work with people and am passionate about helping and supporting Individuals with Disabilities. I like sports, travel, and spending time with my family. I promise to give my best and help whoever needs it.
