Michelle Welch is the Founder and Clinical Director of Healthy Journeys Counseling. She provides compassionate, client-centered care and supports individuals, couples, families, children, and clinicians in training.

Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in helping clients feel safe, respected, and understood as they work toward healing and growth.

Specialties

• Individual counseling
• Couples and family support
• Clinical supervision and leadership
• Life transitions and emotional wellness

Interacting with people without judgment is a core value that anchors my entire approach. At the heart of great therapy is a strong sense of connection and trust. Drawing on my own life experiences, I blend creativity with calm to help you feel secure, understood, and empowered.

I believe therapy should feel alive and personal, not clinical or distant. That’s why I weave in creative tools—like guided imagery, relatable stories, and imaginative ways of exploring your inner world—that spark insight, relief, and genuine connection. Whether you’re facing everyday pressures or working through deeper trauma, I tailor my approach to honor your unique personality, needs, and pace.

My practice is entirely virtual, allowing for convenient and comfortable sessions from wherever you are. I work with adults, couples, and families, and I’m available most weekday mornings as well as occasional weekends.

Asking for help can feel difficult, but I’m here to make it easier.

Since earning her degree from New Mexico State University in 1996, Christina has dedicated her career to helping individuals, couples, and families build healthier relationships and navigate life’s challenges.

Her professional experience includes working as a therapist at Highland High School and establishing a nonprofit organization that provided essential resources and therapeutic services to junior enlisted military families.

With a longstanding commitment to marriage and family therapy, Christina continues to make a meaningful impact through her work. She currently specializes in supporting young adults as they transition out of foster care and offers couples counseling through a secure telehealth platform.

Celina D. Herrera, LMSW, MPH, CHES (she/they) is a bilingual clinician with experience serving clients in the United States and Mexico. She specializes in supporting youth and couples as they find joy after surviving adverse or traumatic life experiences.

Celina, as she is known to her clients, loves delivering compassionate and nonjudgmental therapeutic services to New Mexicans across the state. Whether in person or via telehealth, her clients know they can expect an encouraging and kind clinician at every visit to Healthy Journeys.

She began practicing therapy in Chihuahua, Mexico, for the Chihuahuan State government after graduating from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In Chihuahua, she provided therapy to survivors of trauma and violent crime and supported their families as they navigated the judicial system. Working in Mexico inspired her to return to the United States and serve BIPOC and immigrant communities in New Mexico.

Celina received her Master’s in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University, where she graduated with honors. As a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program Fellow, Celina received extensive training relevant to supporting clients with minority status in New Mexico. She is ready and able to help you and your family face life’s everyday struggles with grace.

To refill her cup, she cooks with her partner, relaxes in the garden with her cats, and writes poetry.

Como un cubano
Eres mi torta perfecta
Pa’ eternidad

Like a cubano
You are my perfect sandwich
Fo’ ever

Español

Celina D. Herrera, LMSW, MPH, CHES (ella/elle) es una terapeuta bilingüe con experiencia brindando servicios a clientes en Estados Unidos y México. Se especializa en apoyar a jóvenes y parejas a encontrar alegría y bienestar después de haber sobrevivido experiencias de vida adversas o traumáticas.

Celina, como la conocen sus clientes, disfruta ofrecer servicios terapéuticos compasivos y libres de juicio a las personas de Nuevo México en todo el estado. Ya sea de manera presencial o mediante telesalud, sus clientes saben que pueden esperar una terapeuta amable, alentadora y comprensiva en cada visita a Healthy Journeys.

Comenzó su práctica terapéutica en Chihuahua, México, trabajando para el Gobierno del Estado de Chihuahua después de graduarse de Stanford University con una Licenciatura en Artes (Bachelor of Arts) en Psicología. En Chihuahua, brindó terapia a sobrevivientes de trauma y delitos violentos, además de apoyar a sus familias en la navegación del sistema judicial. Su trabajo en México la inspiró a regresar a Estados Unidos para trabajar con las comunidades BIPOC (personas negras, indígenas y de color) e inmigrantes en Nuevo México.

Celina obtuvo su Maestría en Trabajo Social en New Mexico Highlands University, donde se graduó con honores. Como becaria del Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Minority Fellowship Program (Programa de Becas para Minorías de SAMHSA), recibió una amplia capacitación para apoyar a clientes pertenecientes a grupos minoritarios en Nuevo México. Está preparada para ayudarle a usted y a su familia a afrontar los desafíos cotidianos de la vida con fortaleza, dignidad y esperanza.

Para recargar energías, disfruta cocinar con su pareja, relajarse en el jardín junto a sus gatos y escribir poesía.

Como un cubano
Eres mi torta perfecta
Pa’ eternidad

Like a cubano
You are my perfect sandwich
Fo’ ever

Angelina Sanchez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Healthy Journeys Counseling. She provides a warm, approachable, and supportive environment where clients can feel safe, respected, and understood.

Angelina works with clients by helping them process challenges, build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward meaningful personal growth.

Specialties

• Anxiety and stress support
• Life transitions
• Emotional wellness
• Personal growth

Ashley Mendez-Kestler is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She supports clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, parenting challenges, and relationship challenges.

Ashley believes therapy should be a supportive partnership rooted in respect and safety, with a focus on each client’s values. Her experience includes supporting clients through complex family dynamics, emotional regulation, stress, and major life changes.

Her therapeutic approach is systemic, focusing on how relationships, environments, and life experiences shape emotional well-being. Ashley works collaboratively with clients to help them better understand their patterns, develop practical coping tools, and build healthier connections with themselves and others.

Ashley strives to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. She understands that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and she meets clients with patience, empathy, and respect as they take steps toward healing, clarity, and growth.

Contact

505-718-1369
ashley@healthyjourneyscounseling.net

Alyssa Gaytan is a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Intern currently pursuing her master’s degree at Colorado Christian University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples, and strives to create a collaborative, supportive, and compassionate therapeutic environment.

Her work with children incorporates evidence-based play therapy techniques, art therapy techniques, and narrative therapy. She focuses on making therapy engaging and enjoyable while ensuring each session remains meaningful and therapeutically effective.

Alyssa believes children learn and heal best through play, creativity, and connection. She tailors interventions to meet each child’s unique developmental and emotional needs.

In her work with couples, Alyssa integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the Gottman Method to help partners strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and build healthier relationship patterns.

As a Gottman Level 2 trained clinician, Alyssa is committed to using evidence-based approaches while tailoring therapy to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.

Areas of Focus

• Children and adolescents
• Adults and couples
• Play, art, and narrative therapy techniques
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Gottman Method couples therapy

Eric is a native New Mexican who is transitioning from a career as an attorney and business owner to a career as a therapist. He is completing his master’s degree in Clinical Counseling at Southwestern College and loves working with clients.

He approaches therapy with deep curiosity, drawing from existential, psychoanalytic, and Zen perspectives. He enjoys working with dreams and encourages clients to express themselves freely.

Eric has a practical, direct approach to therapy, focusing on meaning in life, work and love, human connection, and the expression of personal freedom and responsibility.

Ethel Rodriguez is a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist and emerging clinician currently completing her Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling at Southwestern College. Born and raised in Queens, New York, she relocated to New Mexico nearly four years ago, where she has developed a deep appreciation for the diverse cultures and communities that shape the Southwest.

As a first-generation American with Peruvian parents, Ethel values the role that culture, identity, and lived experience play in the healing process. She is committed to creating an inclusive, affirming, and culturally responsive therapeutic environment for individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular passion for serving BIPOC communities.

Ethel’s approach is client-led and collaborative, integrating art therapy, talk therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed concepts, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and cognitive reframing. She believes that each client is the expert on their own life and works alongside them to explore their strengths, deepen self-understanding, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Whether through creative expression, conversation, or symbolic play, Ethel strives to cultivate a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, empowered, and genuinely seen. Her goal is to help individuals reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, self-compassion, and authenticity.

Isabella is a Clinical Social Work Intern at Healthy Journeys Counseling and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at New Mexico Highlands University. Through her graduate training, she is developing the clinical knowledge and skills needed to provide compassionate, evidence-based care under the supervision of experienced licensed clinicians.

New Mexico Highlands University’s social work program emphasizes culturally responsive, ethical practice with the diverse communities of New Mexico—values that Isabella is proud to bring into her work with clients.

Isabella believes healing begins with feeling heard, understood, and supported. She is committed to creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where children, adolescents, adults, and families can safely explore life’s challenges, recognize their strengths, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. She values meeting each client where they are and honoring the unique experiences, identities, and goals that shape every individual’s journey.

Her clinical interests include supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, and other emotional or behavioral challenges. Isabella approaches therapy with empathy, authenticity, and curiosity, believing that meaningful growth occurs through strong therapeutic relationships, collaboration, and individualized care.

Isabella is honored to walk alongside her clients as they navigate life’s challenges and celebrate their successes. She looks forward to helping individuals and families discover hope, build resilience, and develop the confidence to move forward one step at a time.

Tim Hand is a counseling intern completing his Master of Science in Counseling at Prescott College, where he is also earning certification in Nature-Based Therapy. His approach weaves together mindfulness, nature connection, and experiential methods, grounded in the belief that healing happens in relationship: with people, with place, and with the present moment.

“Nature is the mother who both provides and challenges. She encourages the wild, ferocious, and feral child within us and imbues wisdom into the calm, steady adult who walks through her forest and fields, discovering what is on the other side.”

Originally from Hawaiʻi, Tim carries the islands’ lesson of lōkahi—balance among people, land, and spirit— into the therapy room. As a former actor, puppeteer, and stage director, and informed by his own Zen practice, he brings curiosity, humor, and a steady presence to the work of helping each client find their own way forward.

With children and adolescents, Tim uses play therapy techniques alongside creative and movement-based interventions, meeting young clients where they are and letting the language of play and the child lead the way. He likes to say there are only two kinds of people in this world: kids, and people pretending to be grownups.

As a contemplative essayist, he strives to help clients of all ages find their own voice and write their own story.

“You are worthy of acceptance and love without needing perfection. You are valuable and unique and have so much to give. You have happiness available to you, even if it is just sitting at your feet, waiting to be picked up. Never miss an opportunity to smile with your eyes, listen with your heart, and love with your scars.”

Danielle Welch is the Office Manager at Healthy Journeys Counseling. If you’ve called, emailed, or stopped by the office, there’s a good chance you’ve spoken with her. She enjoys helping people and works hard to make sure clients feel welcomed and supported from their very first contact with our practice.

Danielle helps keep the office running smoothly by managing scheduling, client communication, paperwork, and many of the day-to-day tasks that happen behind the scenes. She understands that reaching out for counseling can feel intimidating, and she does her best to make the process simple and stress-free.

One of Danielle’s favorite parts of her job is getting to know the people who come through our doors and being a small part of their journey. She believes that kindness, patience, and a friendly smile can make a big difference, especially during difficult times.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and friends and values the importance of strong relationships and supporting others. She is proud to be part of the Healthy Journeys Counseling team.

When Danielle is in the office, chances are you’ll see—or hear—Greyson too! At 18 months old, Greyson is the youngest member of the Healthy Journeys Counseling team and takes his role as Junior Office Assistant very seriously.

Greyson’s duties include greeting visitors with a smile, testing the office acoustics, keeping everyone entertained, and making sure no snack goes unnoticed. He can often be found exploring the office, sharing his favorite toys, or brightening someone’s day with his laughter and endless curiosity.

While he may not answer phones or schedule appointments just yet, Greyson reminds us all to slow down, enjoy the little things, and find joy in each day. His playful spirit and happy personality bring warmth and energy to the office, and clients and staff alike have enjoyed watching him grow.

When he’s not “working,” Greyson enjoys spending time with his family, playing with anything that has wheels, and keeping his parents and grandparents on their toes.

Official Title

Chief Happiness Officer.

Kaci Morgan is an Office Assistant at Healthy Journeys Counseling. She supports the team with day-to-day office and administrative needs and helps create a welcoming experience for clients.