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Natasha Garcia - BA, CPSW
FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In the face of numerous challenges, including a long-term recovery from substance use disorder and years spent in and out of the justice system, our Executive Director has emerged as a beacon of resilience and transformation. The past 8 years have been a transformative period, with the introduction of Suboxone playing a pivotal role in saving her life. ACHR was instrumental in her rehabilitation, particularly in job development.
Today, as the Executive Director of the New Mexico Reentry Center, she is driven by a passion to create a program that empowers and inspires individuals in their recovery journey, providing them with essential skills and opportunities. Advocating for peer support, driving change, and combating the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health issues are central to her mission.
Beyond her professional role, she cherishes her identity as a parent of two beautiful girls, draws inspiration from the works of her favorite author, Brene Brown, and has a deep love for RED Chile. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and a commitment to living authentically. With every step, she continues to inspire those around her, illuminating a path of hope, healing, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Fred Hernandez -BA, CCHW
Housing Director
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.
Eileen SandOVAL - CHW, cpsw
Intensive Case Manger - Supervisor
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.
chrestina CRUZ - CCSs
Intensive Case Manager
Serving: Albuquerque
Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, I am a proud mother and deeply connected to my community. My personal experiences have shaped my passion for helping individuals navigate the challenges of reentry. Having lost two siblings to drug addiction and criminal activity and witnessing another continue to struggle, I understand firsthand the barriers that many face when trying to rebuild their lives.
As an Intensive Case Manager at New Mexico Reentry Center, I am dedicated to supporting individuals as they work to overcome obstacles and reintegrate into society. I believe that every person deserves a chance to move forward, and with the right support, what once seemed impossible can become achievable. By helping one person at a time, we can create lasting change and build a stronger, more supportive community.
Analyn "Bagel" Schwaegel - CCSs
Intensive Case Manager
Serving: Española
Born in Subic Bay, Philippines, I came to the U.S. at age two and became a citizen at eight. Growing up in Northern New Mexico, I faced a troubled past marked by trauma, poor choices, and incarceration—starting with my first arrest at 12. By 30, I was off probation but struggled to break free from chaos. At 34, determined to change, I went back to school and earned a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing from the University of Phoenix.
Though I hoped to enter sports marketing, life led me to St. Elizabeth’s Shelters & Supportive Housing, where an internship turned into a three-year role. I later became a reentry case manager at The Life Link, building relationships with the Santa Fe County Jail and supporting returning citizens.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I sought to make a greater impact, helping create a sober reintegration transitional housing program—a safe landing for those leaving incarceration. Today, I remain dedicated to my community, continuously working to uplift, support, and inspire others to reclaim their lives.
About New Mexico Reentry Center
President - Joseph Shaw
A lifelong Albuquerque resident. Joseph is the current Director of Non-Profit Operations for a local Non-Profit based here in Albuquerque called Fathers Building Futures (FBF). FBF’s mission is to help parents experiencing the barriers of incarceration receive the best opportunities for stability emotionally, socially, and financially. They provide their clients with Peer lead vocational opportunities in the woodshop and soon will include welding. On the program side of FBF they offer parenting classes, financial education peer support, life skills training, and much more. Mr. Shaw started with FBF as a client when he was released from incarceration in Dec. 2012 and stayed with the organization to better himself to keep him from going back to the old lifestyle he used to live including drugs, violence, and repeatedly going in and out of Jail. Mr. Shaw also the former Executive Director of FBF has obtained multiple certifications to better himself and pass on to the clients in their program including a Class A&B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). An OSHA 10 and OSHA 30, 40 hours of NCCER Basic Construction Safety training he was a certified CPR First Aid & AED Instructor and is also has a certification to Train the Trainer in Passenger Securement. Over the past 8 yrs, Mr. Shaw has had the opportunity and privilege to work side by side with over 400+ fathers returning home from prison. Currently, Joseph sits as a Board Advisor for VIANTE NM and also has a seat on the Albuquerque Community Foundations Community Impact Committee.
Vice President -
Secretary - Vicky Lieber
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.
Board Member - Danny Diederich
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.
Board Member - Loren Gomez
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.
Board Member - Chrystal Trikoski
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 expanding!
We are thrilled to announce that NM Reentry Center is expanding to serve Española and the surrounding areas!