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In the face of significant challenges—including long-term recovery from substance use disorder and years navigating the justice system—our Executive Director has emerged as a powerful example of resilience and transformation. Over the past nine years, she has undergone a profound personal and professional journey, where learning the value of hard work was not optional—it was essential.
Today, as Executive Director of the New Mexico Reentry Center, she leads with passion and purpose. Her mission is to create a supportive and empowering program that uplifts individuals in recovery, equipping them with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives. She is a strong advocate for peer support, system change, and ending the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health.
She also serves as the Board Secretary for the National Association of Reentry Professionals, furthering her commitment to reform and advocacy on a national level.
Outside of her professional life, she finds joy in being a proud mother of two beautiful daughters. She draws daily inspiration from the work of Father G from Homeboy Industries, and has an abiding love for New Mexico’s own red and green chile.
Her journey is one of growth, authenticity, and courage—a testament to the power of second chances and the strength of the human spirit. Through her leadership, she continues to light the way for others seeking hope, healing, and reintegration.
A proud native of New Mexico and UNM Communications alum, Fred brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership spanning over a decade. With a background that includes serving in the Peace Corps for two impactful years and an additional two years with AmeriCorps, Fred currently serves as the housing director for the NM Re-entry Center and sits on the Certifying Board of Directors for the New Mexico Department of Health Office of Community Health Workers.
Fred's commitment to community involvement extends over 15 years, encompassing various facets such as operations, event organization, fundraising, and collaborative initiatives across the state. With over 20 years of experience in interpersonal, social, and organizational networking,
Passionate in fostering connections, inspiring collaborations, and empowering others within this vibrant community. Proudly immersed in this space, he has cultivated valuable bonds, friendships, and meaningful experiences that continue to enrich the nonprofit sector in New Mexico.
Serving: Albuquerque - Española
Eileen Sandoval, born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Barelas community, developed a successful career with major companies like General Mills, Coca-Cola, and Eclipse Aviation. Known for her wide-ranging skills and deep community connections, she is often referred to as a "jack of all trades." Her strong ties to the community are rooted in her large family and her dedication to the place where she grew up.
At 47, Eileen’s life changed dramatically when she faced a five-year incarceration. Following her release, she reintegrated into the community with a renewed sense of purpose, driven by a passion to help others facing similar challenges. Now, as a valuable member of the NM Reentry Team, Eileen brings a wealth of experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to supporting justice-involved individuals. Her contributions make her an indispensable asset to the team.
Serving: Albuquerque
Tina Sandoval was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A proud mother of four strong young women, Tina's journey has been one of profound transformation. She overcame a past shaped by addiction, incarceration, and life in institutions—experiences that deeply inform her compassion and insight today.
Through it all, Tina never lost her desire to help others. Her lived experience allows her to connect with people from all walks of life, especially those who feel lost, stuck, or overlooked. It wasn’t always easy, and she never imagined she would make it this far. But thanks to the support and encouragement of the Reentry Center, Tina found the motivation to rise, rebuild, and thrive.
Now, she’s not just living a new life—she’s living her dreams. With a heart full of purpose, Tina is dedicated to genuinely helping others find hope, healing, and a future beyond their past.
Serving: Española
Born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in 29 Palms, I am a proud mother of five beautiful daughters. My journey has been shaped by a wide range of life experiences — from working in customer service since the age of 14, to overcoming addiction, navigating the justice system, and ultimately reclaiming my life through resilience and determination.
In December 2016, I moved to Española, New Mexico, fleeing domestic violence in search of safety and a new beginning. Since then, I have grown deeply connected to this community. I've found purpose in standing alongside my neighbors and working toward the change we all deserve. I believe that everyone should have access to the support and resources they need to not only survive, but to thrive. Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to realize your worth — and from there, everything can change.
My experiences have taught me strength, patience, and the importance of never giving up on what truly matters. Today, I serve as a member of the Fines and Fees Justice Center Advisory Board of New Mexico, where I advocate for fairer systems and more compassionate policies.
Looking ahead, I hope to establish a parent advocacy group that supports families impacted by CYFD (Children, Youth & Families Department). I believe that by empowering parents with knowledge, community, and voice, we can spark the systemic changes our families desperately need.
I continue my work in the Española Valley, standing in solidarity with people of all backgrounds, driven by love for my community and a vision for a better future.
Angel Garcia is a dedicated advocate for justice-involved individuals and a powerful example of transformation. A former gang member who served four prison terms totaling 12 years, Angel understands firsthand the challenges of reentry and rebuilding after incarceration. Through perseverance and personal growth, he found a path forward—and now devotes his life to helping others do the same. Drawing from his lived experience, Angel uses his past to inspire change, foster hope, and guide others toward positive futures. His work is rooted in empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to second chances.
In 2025, Angel is honored to serve as President of the Board of Directors for the New Mexico Reentry Center. In this leadership role, he helps shape the organization’s vision, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure that programs effectively support individuals transitioning back into society.
AJ served as the CEO and owner of AJAC Enterprises Inc., a local construction company based in Farmington and Albuquerque, New Mexico, for 25 years. Over the course of her career, she built a successful business that not only thrived in the industry but also allowed her to give back to the community through sponsorship and support of multiple nonprofit organizations.
She is deeply committed to the mission of the New Mexico Reentry Center and is a strong believer in second chances. AJ understands the hard work and dedication it takes for justice-involved men and women to successfully reintegrate into society, reconnect with their families, and become contributing members of their communities.
Her values are rooted in teamwork, second chances, and strong Christian faith.
As reflected in Isaiah 61:1 — "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."
Vicki Lieber is the owner of Lowkey and Serene, a behavioral health practice specializing in individual and group therapy. With over 16 years of personal recovery experience , she is deeply committed to helping individuals recognize their self worth and develop strategies to thrive, particularly after experiencing challenging life circumstances. Her professional mission centers on empowering clients to overcome obstacles and rediscover their inner strength through compassionate, personalized therapeutic approaches.
Tiffany is a UCLA alumna and current MBA candidate at the UC San Diego Rady School of Management, she brings over a decade of cross-sector experience in legal operations, nonprofit development, and executive leadership support. With a B.A. in Chicano Studies and minors in Spanish Language and Labor & Work Studies, her academic and professional journey is rooted in a deep commitment to equity, systems change, and community empowerment.
She currently serves as the Senior Executive Assistant to Gerald Singleton, Founding & Managing Partner at Singleton Schreiber, LLP, where she has held progressive leadership roles since 2021. She leads critical administrative operations, manages real estate portfolios, oversees compliance across more than a dozen corporate entities, and coordinates licensing across multiple states. She also developed and continues to manage the firm’s onboarding and training program for Executive Assistants.
Beyond the legal sector, she serves as a dedicated mentor to refugees designing personalized education and career development plans and helping clients secure meaningful roles in the nonprofit and private sectors. Her previous experience includes legal office management, financial consulting, and retail leadership, where she consistently implemented systems that improved organizational performance and equity.
Fluent in English and Spanish, she brings a culturally competent and people-centered approach to every endeavor. Her work is grounded in a passion for advocacy, mentorship, and creating sustainable, inclusive systems that open doors for others—especially those from underserved communities.
Joseph Shaw is a lifelong Albuquerque resident and the current Director of Non-Profit Operations at Fathers Building Futures (FBF), an organization that supports formerly incarcerated parents through peer-led vocational training and life-skills programs.
Joseph began with FBF as a client after his release from incarceration in 2012 and has since transformed his life and career, holding positions including Executive Director. He holds multiple certifications, including a Class A & B CDL, OSHA 10/30, NCCER Basic Construction Safety, and CPR/First Aid instruction.
From 2022 to 2025, Joseph proudly served as President of the Board for the New Mexico Reentry Center, helping lead statewide efforts to support reentry and reduce recidivism.
He has worked alongside 400+ fathers returning home from prison and currently serves as a Board Advisor for VIANTE NM and on the Albuquerque Community Foundation’s Community Impact Committee.
Danny serves as the Executive Director of Anchor Behavioral Health CEO and Co-founder, where he finds deep fulfillment in his work within the realm of recovery. With a decade of sobriety under his belt, Danny's journey in the treatment field began at the onset of his own recovery journey. Having endured 16 years in prison, he intimately understands the struggles of reentry and the daunting challenge of rebuilding one's life from scratch. Danny's passion lies in providing unwavering support to individuals emerging from incarceration, offering them hope and guidance as they embark on their journey to reclaim their lives.
Loren Gomez joined SWOP 13 years ago as a volunteer and co-founded the food justice initiative Project Feed the Hood. Raised in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Questa, Northern New Mexico, with a background in agriculture, Loren’s roots deeply align with this work. Formerly incarcerated for 12 years, he reformed New Mexico’s “Scared Straight Program,” transforming it into a mentorship model promoting accountability, cultural awareness, and life skills. Loren also led prisoner Chicano groups that fostered education, family engagement, and personal growth.
In 2013, Loren helped pass House Bill 247 (later Senate Bill 27), securing healthy, locally grown food for school lunches. He also co-founded Grow the Future, a micro-farm in Albuquerque’s South Valley that promotes organic farming, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
As of 2023, Loren co-founded the New Mexico Youth Justice Coalition, advocating to end youth incarceration. The coalition supported the NM ACLU and Fair Sentencing for Youth Coalition in passing Senate Bill 64, prohibiting life sentences without parole for youth. Loren continues his advocacy through NM Participatory Community Defense and Albuquerque Justice 4 Youth.
Chrystal Trikoski is a dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for community empowerment, and proud mother. As co-founder of Enchanting Soap Collections, she has built a mission-driven business that provides employment opportunities for women in recovery, post-incarceration, and those overcoming life’s challenges. Her work reflects a deep commitment to social impact, economic empowerment, and second chances.
With lived experience overcoming addiction and mental health struggles, Chrystal brings a unique perspective to the board, offering insight into the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Her personal transformation fuels her passion for creating sustainable change, both through business initiatives and community engagement.
Chrystal and her husband, Derrek, share a blended family of six children. In 2024, they adopted their five-year-old niece, reinforcing their commitment to family and stability in the face of adversity. She understands the far-reaching effects of addiction and strives to be a source of hope and opportunity for others.
As a Board Member, Chrystal leverages her leadership, resilience, and firsthand understanding of social challenges to contribute meaningfully to the organization's mission. Her expertise in business development, workforce reintegration, and advocacy makes her a valuable asset in shaping policies and programs that foster long-term success for individuals and communities.
We are thrilled to host this years New Mexico Reentry Holiday Gala - A great opportunity to get involved, network, celebrate as we thrive together!