Ysidra Tellez-Koch, MA, LMHC. Executive Director and Program Manager, brings 5+ years of experience in program management and 8 years of experience working in the Mental Health Field as a Behavioral Management Specialist. Ysidra received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Anthropology from the University of New Mexico. During that time, she spent two years in research with the Pediatric Neuropsychology lab at UNM. She is a member of the American Counselor Association and will obtain a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health at Adams State University in May 2023. Ysidra grew up on a small ranch in the village of San Jon, NM. She has been a resident of Albuquerque, NM for over 9 years and enjoys being a part of the community. Ysidra’s personal connection to the mission of BTSNM is from not only living with her own mental health challenges but also losing her 14 year old sister to suicide. Ysidra believes that proper education and openness around mental health is one of the many steps needed to break stigma and make greater change in people’s lives.
Susan Weiss, PLMSW, (Provisionally Licensed Master of Social Work),MSc. Standard Operating Procedures Officer and Grant Writer. Susan has called New Mexico home since 1987. Inspired by the beauty of the Southwest and the strength of its communities, she has spent over 30 years working in the nonprofit sector.
Her work has focused on supporting individuals with disabilities, including those navigating mental health challenges and cognitive and intellectual disabilities. Susan is a Licensed Master Social Worker (Provisional) in New Mexico and holds a Master’s Degree in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution from Creighton University School of Law. She recently completed her Master of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University and is continuing to grow her clinical practice under supervision.
Her work is deeply informed by lived experience—both her own and that of her family—and she is committed to fostering open conversations about mental health, promoting self-advocacy, and reducing stigma through education and community engagement.
Abe Valdez, Marketing Manager. Abe teaches part-time for a local community college and also works for and volunteers at other non-profit organizations in Albuquerque, NM. Abe has struggled with their own mental health issues, experiencing trauma at an early age; never aware of signs of PTSD and manic depression. Abe went years without help and finally found it later in life. Their biggest mission is to help spread awareness of how important self-care and mental health are. It’s great to start your self-care journey early in life, but also, it’s never too late!
Adilene Martinez Lopez, Facilitator and Youth Advisory Program Coordinator, is a first-generation graduate of UNM. She earned a B.S. in Family & Child Studies and Spanish. All of her work experience has involved youth, strengthening her belief in early intervention and education. She has also participated in public art projects with Working Classroom. Through her role as a mental health educator, Adilene is passionate about fighting stigma, especially within Latino circles. As the Coordinator of the organization’s Youth Advisory Group, she hopes to bridge the gap between youth and adults. Born and raised in Albuquerque, and coming from a Mexican immigrant family, she loves to give back to her community. Adilene uses her lived experience with anxiety to connect with others in her work.
