NEW HORIZONS COUNSELING CENTER, LLC
New Horizons Counseling Center, LLC
Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At New Horizons Counseling Center, our dedicated team is committed to helping individuals, families, and communities navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and expertise. We believe that healing begins with hope and that every person has the strength to create positive change in their life.
Our counselors and community support workers provide a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals. Whether you’re seeking guidance through anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, or personal growth, we’re here to help you discover new paths toward balance and well-being.
NHCC Therapist's
NHCC CSW's
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Chari Spears Skidmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), Certified Mediator, Certified Life Coach (CLC), Certified Crisis Interventionist, Comprehensive Community Support Worker (CSW), and numerous other specialized services with nearly 30 years of experience serving children, families, and communities in rural New Mexico. As the Founder and Clinical Director of New Horizons Counseling Center (NHCC), Chari leads a diverse team of mental health professionals providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapy and comprehensive community support services across Sierra County.
Chari is known for her hands-on leadership, strong clinical supervision, and tireless advocacy for accessible behavioral health care. She has built NHCC into a trusted community resource, partnering closely with local healthcare providers, schools, and social service agencies to deliver integrated care.
With deep roots in the region and a heart for service, Chari remains committed to expanding access to hope, healing, and health—one family at a time.
Chari Spears Skidmore, LMFT, LADAC, MAC, CLC, CSW
Lisa Willoughby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Community Support Worker who has been practicing since November 2018. She has been a dedicated member of the New Horizons Counseling Center team for approximately five years. Lisa enjoys working with individuals of all ages and is passionate about supporting clients, families, and the community as a whole.
As a strength-based professional, Lisa empowers others to recognize their resilience and build upon their existing abilities to achieve personal growth and emotional well-being. Her approach combines compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based practices to help clients navigate life’s challenges, strengthen relationships, and enhance overall functioning. Lisa is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel valued, understood, and motivated to reach their goals.
Lisa is proud to be part of the New Horizons Counseling Center team—an amazing and deeply connected agency that goes beyond traditional therapy by supporting clients, families, and the community through comprehensive resources, outreach programs, community events, and volunteer work. Together, the team works to make a lasting positive impact and promote overall wellness throughout the community.
Lisa Willoughby, LCSW
Katrina Carroll is a licensed master social worker with over a decade of experience supporting children, adults, and families in the community. She holds a Master’s in Social Work and an Infant Mental Health Endorsement and is currently working toward her LCSW. An evidence-based practitioner trained in EMDR, including adaptations for children, Katrina brings a trauma-informed, compassionate approach to therapy.
With extensive experience in attachment-based work, Katrina specializes in strengthening the parent-child relationship and supporting healthy emotional development. She is trained in the Circle of Security Parenting program and has completed numerous trainings in child development. Her integrative approach draws from play therapy, art therapy, and other creative modalities to help clients express themselves and connect more deeply.
Katrina is passionate about creating inclusive, affirming spaces for all individuals. She is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, and those navigating chronic health conditions. Above all, Katrina is committed to empowering clients while ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued on their healing journey.
Katrina Carroll, LMSW, CSW
Julie Marie Bryan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico, providing compassionate and individualized support to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She works with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, substance use, and addiction.
Drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy (PT), Julie employs a solution-focused approach to help clients identify their strengths and achieve their personal goals. She believes it is essential for each client to feel comfortable, respected, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Before becoming a counselor, Julie worked as a high school teacher and holds an endorsement in Special Education (K–12). Her background in education enhances her ability to connect with youth and families while fostering emotional growth and resilience.
Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from California State University, San Bernardino; a Master of Arts in Education specializing in Reading from Concordia University, Portland; a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University; and a Post-master’s degree in science specializing in Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University.
Julie Marie Bryan, LMHC, CSW, CPSW, M.Ed.
Richelle Hufnagel is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with New Horizons Counseling Center, where she provides individual, family, and community-based support services across Sierra County. Richelle specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families, using a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to promote emotional growth, self-regulation, and resilience.
With a background in play therapy, school-based interventions, and community integration, Richelle collaborates closely with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to help each client reach their fullest potential. Her work often focuses on supporting youth with anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral challenges, and trauma-related stress, empowering clients to build confidence, develop coping strategies, and thrive both at home and in school.
Richelle is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where individuals feel seen, understood, and capable of positive change. She also values the importance of connecting families with natural supports and community resources to enhance long-term success and overall well-being.
Richelle Hufnagel, LMSW — Therapist & Comprehensive Community Support Worker
Katrina Fernandez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Comprehensive Community Support Worker (CSW) in New Mexico and Oregon, with over 10 years of experience. She currently provides telehealth counseling in New Mexico, working primarily with teenagers, adults, couples, and families.
Katrina supports clients through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, mood disorders, custody disputes, court advocacy, and substance use or addiction.
Her therapeutic approach integrates several evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Strength-Based Therapy.
Katrina brings empathy, honesty, and genuine connection to every session. She believes in meeting people where they are—creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. Above all, Katrina values compassion and human connection as the foundation for lasting change.
Katrina Fernandez, CSW, LMHC
Jessica Luther is a Master of Social Work student at New Mexico Highlands University and a social work intern at New Horizons Counseling Center. With a background in environmental sustainability and community development, Jessica brings a holistic perspective to her work with individuals and families. She is passionate about strengthening rural communities through trauma-informed, relationship-centered practice that honors each person’s unique story and capacity for growth. Through her internship, Jessica is deepening her clinical skills while continuing her commitment to building systems of care where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Jessica Luther, MSW, Intern
Terry Berridge is a Licensed Master Social Worker and bilingual behavioral health professional with over 20 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care. She holds dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Counseling with specialties in mental health and substance abuse, bringing both clinical expertise and leadership experience to the NHCC team.
Terry has served as a Director of Administration and Behavioral Health Services, overseeing outpatient and rehabilitation clinics while continuing to provide therapy, crisis intervention, and substance use treatment for individuals, couples, and families. She also worked within the Truth or Consequences Municipal School District, collaborating with educators and families to provide evaluations, behavior intervention planning, crisis support, and trauma-informed care for students.
In addition to direct services, Terry has experience in program development, staff supervision, quality assurance, and Medicaid documentation. Her work is grounded in advocacy, cultural competence, and a strong commitment to supporting the emotional and behavioral well-being of the communities NHCC serves.
Terry Berridge, LMSW
Jessica Mackenzie is a mother of three and a 25-year resident of Sierra County. She is a dedicated Community Support Worker and intern at New Horizons, currently working towards her Master’s in Social Work at Western New Mexico University. Jessica is passionate about empowering individuals and families to achieve personal growth, emotional healing, and recovery through compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based practice. She provides a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and strengthen their relationships within a family systems framework.
Her approach to practice is grounded in cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and a deep commitment to social justice. Jessica strives to honor each client’s unique story and identity while promoting resilience, self-determination, and holistic well-being. She is dedicated to creating an equitable and inclusive environment where all individuals—regardless of background, culture, or identity—feel valued and supported. Her practice is welcoming and affirming to members of the LGBTQIA+ community and all who seek a safe space for healing and growth.
Jessica Mackenzie, CSW
James Daly is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in kitchen operations and restaurant management, complemented by certifications in Hotel and Restaurant Management, AMPM Bistro operations, and pastry arts. His career began in the culinary world, where he honed his leadership and hospitality skills in high-pressure environments, eventually rising through the ranks to lead teams and streamline food service operations with efficiency and care.
In addition to his extensive culinary background, James has spent the past seven years working in the mental health field. He currently serves as a Community Support Worker at New Horizons Counseling Center, where he provides critical support and guidance to individuals navigating complex emotional and mental health challenges. His unique combination of empathy, structure, and service-oriented mindset allows him to build meaningful relationships with clients and support their journeys toward stability and wellness.
Beyond his professional roles, James is a dedicated volunteer with the Sierra County Municipal School Food Bank, where he contributes his time and expertise to help fight food insecurity in his community. His passion for service, both in and out of the kitchen, defines his multifaceted approach to work and life.
James Daily, CSW
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Mysti Church is a compassionate and down-to-earth community support worker who believes in meeting people exactly where they are. With a Master’s in Social Work and a background in adolescent and family services, she brings empathy, honesty, and genuine connection into every interaction.
Mysti has a natural ability to help others feel safe, understood, and empowered to take small, meaningful steps toward growth. Her approach is rooted in real-life support—helping clients build coping skills, strengthen communication, and find hope even in hard moments.
She’s passionate about advocacy, mental health awareness, and creating spaces where people can be their authentic selves. Above all, Mysti believes in the power of compassion, community, and human connection to create lasting change.
Mysti Church, CSW
Matthew Cunningham is a Community Support Worker with New Horizons Counseling Center, where he has been dedicated to serving individuals of all ages for approximately four years. Matthew is passionate about helping others strengthen their skills, overcome challenges, and build meaningful connections within their communities.
Through his work, Matthew promotes empowerment, personal growth, and emotional well-being, focusing on creating a supportive environment where clients feel encouraged and understood. In addition to his direct work with clients, Matthew actively sponsors and participates in community events designed to foster connection, awareness, and support for individuals and families. He takes pride in being part of a compassionate and committed team that strives to make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve.
Matthew Cunningham, CSW
Melanie Spears has served as Secretary at New Horizons Counseling Center since 2022. In her role, she provides essential administrative support, helping to ensure smooth communication, organized scheduling, and a welcoming environment for clients and staff.
As a Certified Social Worker (CSW), Melanie brings a compassionate and client-centered approach to her work. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work through Western New Mexico University, with the goal of advancing her career in the mental health and human services field.
Melanie is passionate about supporting individuals and families in need, and she continues to grow her knowledge and skills to better serve the community through both her studies and her work at the center.
Melanie Spears, CSW
Stacey Schraner is a dedicated Community Support Worker with a long-standing passion for helping individuals thrive across all stages of life. With a rich background in special education, Stacey is a retired teacher who spent her career supporting students with behavioral needs, creating an inclusive environment that encouraged growth and learning.
In addition to her work in education, she served as a Developmental Specialist with Tresco Tots, where she provided early intervention services to young children and their families, helping them navigate critical developmental milestones.
Today, Stacey continues to make an impact in her community by offering compassionate, hands-on support to individuals with diverse needs. Her work is driven by empathy, experience, and a lifelong commitment to empowering others.
Stacey Schraner, CSW
Dakota is a compassionate and dedicated Community Support Worker with over a year and a half of experience supporting children, teenagers, and adults in building essential life skills, increasing independence, and staying connected within their communities. He works closely with clients to encourage confidence, personal growth, and meaningful participation in daily activities through a patient, understanding, and supportive approach.
Dakota assists individuals with daily living skills, community engagement, and achieving personal goals, always focusing on empowering each person to reach their full potential. He is passionate about making a positive impact and values the opportunity to help others live more fulfilling and independent lives.
Outside of work, Dakota is a proud father of three and has been happily married to his wife for 15 years. His dedication to family inspires the empathy, patience, and understanding he brings to every client interaction, allowing him to create supportive and meaningful connections with those he s
Dakota McCahon, CSW
Crystal Archuleta is a dedicated Community Support Worker committed to empowering individuals as they navigate and heal from life’s challenges and traumatic experiences. Drawing from personal insight and professional experience, Crystal emphasizes the importance that meaningful progress happens at each person’s own pace.
Her work centers on fostering resilience, connecting clients with local resources, and supporting them in achieving personal and educational goals. Crystal has a particular focus on working with middle school youth through adults, including individuals referred through probation, providing guidance that promotes accountability, emotional growth, and long-term stability.
Grounded in empathy and collaboration, Crystal strives to create a supportive environment that encourages self-awareness, goal setting, and lasting change within the community.
Crystal Archuleta, CSW
Beverly Baca is a retired special education teacher with a lifelong passion for helping students learn to read. With over 25 years of experience in education, she finds great joy in working with struggling readers and watching their confidence grow as they develop their skills. Beverly believes that every child can succeed when given the right tools, consistency, and encouragement.
She enjoys the simple things in life—like evening walks, the beauty of fall, and cherished moments with her grandbabies. Her love for teaching continues to inspire her work with students, as she helps them build strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Beverly Baca, CSW
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Debbie Whitehead is a Community Support Worker at New Horizons Counseling Center, where she is dedicated to supporting individuals and families with care and compassion. She is a retired elementary school teacher who specialized in early childhood education, bringing a strong foundation in child development and education to her work. After retiring from the classroom, Debbie continued to serve her community as a Developmental Specialist with Tresco Tots Early Intervention.
Debbie’s extensive background in education and early childhood development allows her to bring empathy, patience, and practical experience to her work, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
Debbie Whitehead, CSW
Jose Nunez is a bilingual educator and special education specialist with over 30 years of experience, including 25 years in special education. Fluent in English and Spanish, he has served diverse learners across New Mexico and Texas, creating inclusive environments that support both academic and emotional growth.
He holds a Master of Science in Special Education from Walden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a second major in Special Education from New Mexico Highlands University. Throughout his career, Jose has supported students with autism, behavioral challenges, and academic skill gaps using individualized instruction, IEPs, and behavioral interventions.
Jose currently works with Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools, providing specialized instruction in a self-contained autism classroom for grades 1–4. He previously served in multiple districts, including Albuquerque Public Schools, Hatch Valley Public Schools, North East ISD (TX), and Clark County School District (NV), where he led resource classrooms, mentored teachers, and collaborated with families.
His work reflects a deep commitment to helping every child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally through compassionate, community-based care.
Jose Nunez, M.S. – Special Education Specialist & Behavioral Health Support Provider
