Voted 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Best Counselor in Otero County
Staff
Tamara Dees, MSW, LCSW (She/Her)
❀ Social Work Board Approved Supervisor ❀
❀ Counseling and Therapy Practice Board Approved Supervisor ❀
...is the Executive Director and Owner of Open Minds Healing And Recovery. Tamara graduated in 2009 from NMSU with her Masters in Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has experience working with a variety of clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, post-partum depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and PTSD. Tamara is trained and certified in EMDR and is an EMDRIA approved consultant. After 7 years of experience working in an inpatient hospital she spent 2 years practicing under a private group. In the summer of 2018, Tamara opened Open Minds Healing And Recovery and has continued to expand her practice to better meet the needs of her community. She is committed to ensuring the therapists who practice with her provide the highest quality mental health and addiction services to you and your family.
Evelyn Harper, MSW, LCSW (She/Her)
❀ Social Work Board Approved Supervisor ❀
...is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Director at Open Minds Healing and Recovery, where she provides clinical leadership and oversight to ensure the delivery of high-quality, ethical mental health services across the practice.
Evelyn earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Eastern New Mexico University and received her Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University in 2013. She brings over a decade of clinical experience working across a variety of settings, including domestic violence services, child and family therapy, and acute inpatient mental health care.
Evelyn is a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist, utilizing this evidence-based approach to help clients process trauma and reduce symptoms related to PTSD and other distressing experiences. She is also trained in Circle of Security, a parenting program designed to strengthen attachment and support healthy emotional development between parents and children.
In her clinical work, Evelyn primarily serves children ages 5 and older who are experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges, trauma-related symptoms, and adjustment difficulties. Her therapeutic approach focuses on helping children and families build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation skills, and develop practical tools that support long-term wellbeing.
As a Social Work Board Approved Supervisor, Evelyn also provides clinical supervision to developing social workers pursuing advanced licensure. She is passionate about mentoring clinicians and helping cultivate strong clinical judgment, ethical practice, and compassionate care within the profession.
Through both her clinical work and leadership role, Evelyn remains deeply committed to supporting healing, growth, and lasting positive change for the individuals, families, and professionals she serves.
Makenzy Ebner, (She/Her)
...is the Business Office Manager at Open Minds Healing and Recovery, bringing over nine years of experience in healthcare and administrative leadership to her role. Having been with Open Minds for two years, she has developed a strong understanding of the practice and its commitment to client care.
She oversees the day-to-day operations of the business office, including billing, client accounts, and front-end processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy across all systems. As a key point of coordination between clients, providers, and staff, Makenzy is dedicated to creating a seamless and supportive experience. Known for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and calm, solutions-focused approach, she plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity and flow of the practice.