Advisory Group

An Advisory Group, consisting of individuals from a variety of state agencies, works with the Coalition to guide and support its efforts.

The members of the Advisory Group are listed below.

Byron Bartley
Door of Opportunity

Julia Calbert
CHOICES

Karen Courtney-Peterson
New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

Sandy Dimsha
New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

Johanne Guyton
Protection and Advocacy Systems

Doris Husted
ARC of New Mexico

Althea McLuckie
New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

Jim Parker
Aging and Long-term Services Department

Pat Putnam
New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

Debra Werner
New Mexico Board of Nursing

Michael Wolff
Independent Living Resource Center

Gil Yildiz
Independent Living Resource Center

The Coalition is led by a Board of Directors consisting of direct caregivers who serve people who are elderly or disabled and includes those with occupations such as certified nursing assistants, home health aides, direct support professionals and direct care workers. Please see the biographies below to learn more about them and their goals as members of the Board of Directors.

Alex Brandt

Alex was born in Sacramento, CA, grew up in San Diego, CA and now lives in Los Lunas, NM. In his free time, Alex likes to watch TV and movies, read, play video games, hang out with friends and attend concerts. Alex has his degree in criminal justice with minors in Psychology and Business. He has been a caregiver for 12 years. He became a caregiver because of his experience in the field and he enjoys helping others. Alex is now employed at Los Lunas Community Program as a  Psychology Tech and supervises individuals with mental illnesses and behavioral problems. As a member of the coalition, Alex hopes to focus on implementing better wages and benefits and helping increase respect for caregivers.



Meriam Jawhar
Secretary
Santa Fe, NM

Meriam resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She attended the College of Santa Fe. Meriam currently works at the Developmental Disability Planning Council and as a personal assistant and caregiver. Meriam was selected to attend the Voices Institute in 2011, a competitive national program to educate caregivers in the areas of advocacy, fundraising, organizational development, message development and more. In Meriam’s free time, she volunteers her time with political campaigns, environmental sustainability projects and disability rights advocacy.


Fred Weis
Treasurer
Albuquerque, NM

Fred Weis of Albuquerque has served as a Family Living Provider for 14 years for Los Lunas Community Program. Prior to that, he served as a direct caregiver for ARCA. He has also worked in the restaurant business. In addition to his volunteer service to the New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition, Fred is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He is also Treasurer for the New Mexico Association of Family Providers. In his spare time, he participates as an amateur radio ham.  Fred holds an Associate Degree from University of New Mexico. When asked what special training or certification he has, he may tell you: “I’ve been married 54 years.”

Mark Cerna
Member
Albuquerque, NM

Mark was born in San Pedro, California and moved frequently because his father was in the navy. He began working with people who had disabilities in junior high school as an elective, and continued to do so until he graduated from high school. After high school he worked as a forklift operator. Mark was brought back to the field of care giving when his father became sick in 2006. Mark was his primary caregiver for three months. After his father passed away, he realized it was his calling was to be a caregiver. He has been working in the field ever since. Mark is now a direct caregiver with A Better Way of Living in Albuquerque. In his spare time, Mark enjoys playing sports and hiking in the mountains. Mark served as the first board Chair of the New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition.

Jeanne Desjardins
Member

Jeanne was born in Lewiston, Maine and grew up in Maine in a town called Auburn. Jeanne now resides in Albuquerque. In her spare time she enjoys climbing, hiking, biking and road races. She has been a caregiver for about 30 years. She became a caregiver to offer support to individuals and to enhance the quality of their lives through empowerment and self-determination. Jeanne works at ARCA as an Employment Services Coach. Her job entails instructing and supporting adults with developmental disabilities in community inclusive activities to enhance self-determination and independence.. Confucius said, “If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life.” Jeanne would like this to become a reality for all direct caregivers.



Rose Martinez
Member
Albuquerque, NM

Bio coming soon.