Voted 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Best Counselor in Otero County
Cya Bennett, Master Of Social Work Intern
...Is a Masters of Social Work Intern, completing her studies at New Mexico State University. Cya was born in Alamogordo but moved to El Paso with her family at 3 years old. Upon completion of high school, she received an Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in education before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and attending Oral Roberts University. Cya completed her Bachelor of Social Work at Oral Roberts University. After graduation, Cya decided to return to New Mexico due to her heart for this region. Cya is passionate about mental health, youth, families, and the military community. Additionally, Cya has had a wealth of internship experiences including working within community organizations, the education system, and foster care. These internship experiences have contributed to her desire to partner with others on their journey to an adequate lifestyle. Cya is in her last year of her Masters degree program and is looking forwarding to using this internship with Open Minds to further prepare her for her professional career in social work and mental health.
Sonya Klippert, Master Of Social Work Intern
...Is a NMSU Social Work intern and will graduate Spring of 2025. She is from Ketchikan Alaska and recently moved to New Mexico two years ago. She finished her Bachelors degree in Human Services at Northwest Indian College in Bellingham Washington. Sonya has two adult daughters and several grandchildren. She enjoys horse riding and hiking. Her favorite volunteer work is working with the Veterans and therapy horses at Healing America's Heroes in Lincoln County NM. Some of Sonya's work experience includes working at Mescalero Apache's Four Directions and Treatment recovery center, Domestic Violence case management in Alaska and Lummi nation tribal Child Welfare social work in Washington. She's been a facilitator of several groups which included Harvesting for Healing, Wellbriety and canine assisted Seeking Safety. Sonya enjoys working with families and children, tribal members, people who are looking for tools to strengthen themselves to be the best they can be. Sonya believes in service to others and is looking forward to meeting new people in her community and teaming up on their wellness goals!
Tara Buffington, Master of Mental Health Counselor Intern
...Is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling at the University of the Southwest, aspiring to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Tara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, is a experienced case manager and leader passionate about supporting individuals through various adversities. Her extensive experience includes working with children, youth, and families across different settings, Tara is skilled in addressing trauma-related disorders, substance abuse, crisis situations, career counseling, and interpersonal relationships. Tara’s goal is to help remove the stigma of mental health while promoting healing and recovery in an empathetic manner. Committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals, Tara strives to support and guide individuals towards a better future.
She is a tried-and-true New Mexican born and raised and a cowgirl at heart. She enjoys competing in beauty pageants to represent New Mexico while promoting her platform “Utilizing Empowerment, Overcoming Adversities.” She is dedicated to fostering initiatives for those apprehensive about mental health recovery. She is a loving wife and a proud supporter of Law Enforcement and the Agricultural Community. In her free time, she enjoys candle making, spending time with family, and getting involved in her community.