Get To Know Us
Our Team of Qualified Health Care Providers
Stacy Romero, LPCC
Chief Executive Officer
Stacy brings more than 30 years of experience providing mental health services to children, youth, and families in Las Vegas and the surrounding communities. Since earning her Master's Degree from New Mexico Highlands University in 1997, she has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals and families through compassionate, high-quality behavioral health care. Throughout her career, Stacy has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles, including Therapist, Treatment Coordinator, Program Supervisor, Clinical Director, and now Chief Executive Officer. Her extensive experience provides a strong foundation for leading Kids Counseling's mission of supporting children, families, and communities across Northern New Mexico. Stacy specializes in trauma-informed care and attachment-based approaches that promote healing, strengthen relationships, and support long-term emotional well-being. She is passionate about creating a culture of compassion, collaboration, and excellence while ensuring that those served by Kids Counseling have access to the support and resources they need to succeed. As CEO, Stacy remains committed to fostering a supportive environment where individuals and families feel empowered to grow, heal, and achieve their goals.
Breena Tafoya, LCSW
Chief Operations Officer / Chief Financial Officer
Breena Tafoya founded Kids Counseling in 2013 and served as the organization's Chief Executive Officer for 10 years, helping build the agency from the ground up with a vision of improving access to quality behavioral health services for children, youth, and families throughout New Mexico. Today, she continues to lead the organization as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer. With more than 35 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Breena has dedicated her career to serving children, youth, families, and communities across New Mexico. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has held numerous clinical and leadership positions, including Play Therapist, Clinical Director, and Program Supervisor. Breena is passionate about developing innovative programs and services that respond to the unique needs of the communities she serves. Her leadership has helped expand access to behavioral health care while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and compassion.
As COO/CFO, Breena remains committed to strengthening organizational growth, supporting high-quality services, and ensuring that children and families have the resources they need to thrive.
Dr. Douglas Emch, MD
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Emch earned his Medical Degree from Vanderbilt University in 1999 and has dedicated his career to supporting the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and families. Following medical school, he pursued additional training in holistic medicine and continues to stay informed on emerging approaches to patient care. Known for his collaborative and holistic approach, Dr. Emch blends traditional psychiatric treatment with complementary approaches such as nutritional therapy, biochemical interventions, and Qigong when appropriate. He is passionate about increasing access to high-quality psychiatric care through telemedicine, particularly for children and families in rural and underserved communities throughout New Mexico.
Dr. Emch is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care that recognizes the unique strengths and needs of every child and family.
Allison Frazier, LPCC
Clinical Director
Allison is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges while supporting their growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Earlier in her career, Allison provided mental health services out of state for more than 10 years, working with individuals facing complex mental health and life challenges. Her experience across different populations and treatment settings has provided her with a broad perspective and strong clinical foundation. Allison specializes in areas such as identity development and relationship issues and utilizes a person-centered, solution-focused approach that helps clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. She believes that meaningful change begins with understanding each individual's unique strengths, experiences, and goals. As Clinical Director, Allison is committed to fostering a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment for both clients and staff. She plays a key role in guiding clinical excellence while supporting the team in delivering high-quality behavioral health services to children, youth, and families throughout our communities.
Rebecca Mathews-Geng, LPCC, IMH-E®, CPP, EMDR-Trained Therapist
Infant Mental Health Supervisor/Clinical lead
Rebecca is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with specialized training in trauma-informed care, infant mental health, and early childhood development. She is certified in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Rebecca earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico and her Master's degree from the New Mexico State University. She joined Kids Counseling in 2014 and is dedicated to supporting children, families, and caregivers in building resilience, strengthening relationships, and promoting emotional well-being.
Francine Ortega, MSW
Comprehensive Community Support Services (CCSS) Program Director
Francine brings more than 25 years of experience serving children, youth, and families in Las Vegas and the surrounding communities. She earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University in 2008 and has worked in a variety of roles throughout her career, including Direct Care Staff, MST, Case Manager, and Program Director. Francine specializes in trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches that help youth and families build healthy relationships, strengthen coping skills, and promote emotional well-being. As the CCSS Program Director, she is committed to supporting staff, fostering meaningful change, and ensuring children and families receive compassionate, high-quality services that help them achieve their goals.
Teresa Martinez, BSW
Family Support Services Program Director
Teresa brings more than 30 years of experience supporting youth and families throughout Las Vegas and the surrounding communities. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University and has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate challenges and build stronger futures. Teresa has extensive experience in juvenile justice and domestic violence services, providing support to those facing complex personal and family circumstances. As the CBPIR and Family Support Services Program Director, she is committed to strengthening families, promoting resilience, and ensuring youth and caregivers have access to the resources and support needed to achieve lasting success. Teresa is also passionate about mentoring and supporting staff, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to provide high-quality, family-centered services that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.
Mario Romero, LMSW
High Fidelity Wraparound Supervisor / Endorsed Coach
Mario brings more than a decade of experience working in the mental health field and has dedicated his career to supporting children, youth, and families as they navigate challenges and build on their strengths. He earned his Master's Degree in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University and has been a valued member of the Kids Counseling team for nearly seven years. Throughout his career, Mario has focused on helping young people and their families develop resilience, strengthen relationships, and build meaningful connections with their natural supports and communities. His work is guided by the belief that every family has strengths that can be leveraged to create lasting positive change. As the High Fidelity Wraparound Supervisor and Coach, Mario provides leadership, guidance, and support to Wraparound facilitators while ensuring families receive high-quality, family-driven services. He is passionate about empowering youth and families to identify their goals, build strong support networks, and achieve success in their homes, schools, and communities. Mario is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where children and families feel heard, valued, respected, and empowered throughout their journey.
Therapists
Clinical Providers
Rebecca Mathews-Geng, LPCC
Denise Medina, LMHC
Noah Dobbe, LMHC
Lidia Atencio, LPCC
Community Support Workers
CCSS CSW
Jacque Maes, BSW
Jolene Jaramillo
Selina Gutierrez, MSW
Layla Garcia
Mariah Gonzales
Alisha Vasquez
Gabriella Crespin, BSW
Gabrielle Vigil, BS
Family Support Workers
CBPIR / Family Support Specialists
CBPIR
Charise Romero, BCJ
Family Outreach
Tori Gonzales, BSW
High Fidelity Wraparound Program
High Fidelity Wraparound Endorsed Coach
Mario Romero, LMSW
High Fidelity Wraparound Facilitators
Bernadette Maestas
Sarah Jeantette, BSW
Renee Saavedra
Stephanie Lucero-Chavez
Office Staff
Front Desk
Melanie Chavez
Administrative Assistant
Carla "Tania" Ortega
Office Manager
Board Of Directors
The Board
Kimberly Blea, PhD
Felicia Martinez, LCSW
Tracy Alcon, MA
Elaine Luna, LCSW
Kim Sena, PhD
Greg Elbring