4-18-2025 6:04am

2024 Nursing Excellence Awards New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence

Chris Edwards Editor

At the heart of Families FIRST are passionate professionals dedicated to uplifting families of young children through education, support, and care.

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, members of ECECD’s Families FIRST team of nurses were honored as recipients of the 2024 Nursing Excellence Awards for their outstanding service to young children and their families

Each member of the Families FIRST team brings their unique background, expertise, empathy, and dedication to their work—and their impact is felt every day in the lives of the New Mexico families they serve.

This prestigious event, hosted by the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence, honors the incredible dedication, skill, and leadership of registered nurses across New Mexico. Since 2005, these awards have recognized more than 3,300 outstanding professionals whose contributions have touched lives, shaped communities, and strengthened the field of nursing.

ECECD is honored to have their hard work recognized and grateful for their unwavering commitment to New Mexico young children and families. Each of these incredible ECECD employees exemplifies dedication to quality care and compassionate service. New Mexico communities are stronger thanks to high-quality care and supports like Families FIRST—which wouldn’t be possible without a team of dedicated nurses.

Award recipients include...

Susie Arredondo, RN – Families FIRST Coordinator, SW Region

AWARDED: COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

With over a decade of experience supporting families across New Mexico, Susie Arredondo leads the Families FIRST team in the Southwest Region. In her role, she supervises a dedicated staff of nurses and support professionals who serve families with compassion, education, and practical resources.

“Families FIRST is like having a nurse in your back pocket—we’re here to help, listen, and support you through every step of the journey.”

Susie’s passion for nursing was inspired by her mother’s dream and fueled by her own love for helping others—especially babies. As a mother of five, she brings both professional knowledge and personal empathy to her work, ensuring families feel seen, heard, and supported. From offering safe sleep resources and affordable car seats to simply being a trusted person to talk to, Susie finds joy in helping families gain confidence and care.

She believes maternal and child health is foundational to strong families and thriving communities. For Susie, every “thank you” from a parent is a reminder that a kind word, a moment of listening, or a bit of guidance can make a lasting difference.

Kym Halliday Clear – Nurse Manager, Family Foundations Bureau

AWARDED: DISTINGUISHED NURSE OF THE YEAR

Kymba joined Families FIRST in 2023 as a care coordinator and quickly rose into her role as a nurse manager. In her current position, she supports clinical supervisors, drives community outreach, leads staff development, and removes barriers to care—both individual and systemic. Guided by a belief in the art and science of nursing, Kymba sees each day as an opportunity to mentor, uplift, and connect with families and staff across New Mexico.

“I love supporting both our clients and our team—whether it’s listening with empathy, helping someone access care, or teaching a new nurse. Each act of service strengthens the entire community.”

Kymba’s calling to nursing runs deep—from her teenage years working in healthcare to discovering a legacy of nurses in her family tree, including her great-great-aunt Mae, who once cared for rural communities by horse and buggy. Her proudest moments come when families remember her for seeing them as people, not just patients—proof that compassion leaves a lasting imprint.

Kristi Romero – Family Foundations Bureau Chief

Kristi Romero leads the Family Foundations Bureau with both professional expertise and personal passion. Now overseeing both Families FIRST and Home Visiting, Kristi brings full-circle experience to her role—having once been a participant in the program herself as a teen mom. Her journey from recipient to leader fuels her commitment to expanding access to family-centered care across every corner of the state.

“Families FIRST and Home Visiting have a lifetime impact on the families they serve. This drives me to want to do more and expand the department’s reach to every family in every community.”

Kristi’s deep belief in the power of empathy, presence, and personalized care led her to a career in nursing—and ECECD is proud and grateful that she is utilizing that passion to support young children and their families. Her leadership helps ensure that thousands of families receive the support they need to thrive—from pregnancy through early childhood. She finds joy in knowing that Families FIRST and Home Visiting have a lasting, generational impact—and she is determined to bring that support to every family in New Mexico.

Anita Lozano – Families FIRST Coordinator, NW Region

AWARDED: EXCELLENCE IN NURSE PRACTICE FOR PUBLIC/COMMUNITY/SCHOOL HEALTH

Anita Lozano has been a dedicated part of Families FIRST since 2015, bringing warmth, advocacy, and clinical expertise to families in New Mexico’s Northwest Region. In her role, she supports families from pregnancy up to age 3—developing personalized care plans, offering health education, and connecting families to critical resources that foster self-sufficiency and long-term well-being.

“As a Families FIRST nurse, I get to celebrate each milestone alongside families—from a baby’s first kick to their first steps. I’m honored to be someone they can call, confide in, and trust throughout their journey.”

Anita’s passion for nursing stems from a lifelong desire to help others during their most vulnerable moments. She takes pride in providing kind, respectful, and knowledgeable care, and she’s especially driven to support maternal mental health—offering a safe space and a listening ear when it matters most. Whether she’s playing on the floor with a toddler or advocating for a client navigating the healthcare system, Anita leads with empathy and unwavering commitment.

Through Families FIRST, she empowers families with tools and knowledge to face challenges and celebrate successes—always honoring their unique stories along the way.

Marisa Anaya – Families FIRST Coordinator, NE Region

Marisa Anaya began her journey with Families FIRST in early 2023 as a Care Coordinator and quickly stepped into leadership, becoming the Northeast Region Coordinator in 2024. She now leads a growing team, bringing energy, compassion, and clinical excellence to families across the region.

“I absolutely love working directly with families and children. I get a smile during every single visit I do.”

From a young age, Marisa felt drawn to nursing. Whether she’s offering comfort to an anxious parent, providing education, or simply being a caring presence, Marisa believes in the power of connection that nursing offers.

For her, Families FIRST is a rare space where high-quality care meets heartfelt support. She’s proud to help families gain tools and knowledge that lead to lasting health and happiness, and is committed to helping New Mexico families build a foundation where young children can thrive.

Ruth Gonzalez – Families FIRST Coordinator, SE Region

Ruth offers families maternal and infant health support from pregnancy through a child’s critical early years. Combining compassion and medical knowledge, she empowers parents with tools, education, and emotional support. Inspired by a lifelong desire to help others, Ruth is especially moved by moments when her care turns doubt into confidence.

“I love building relationships with families, seeing their confidence grow, and knowing that my guidance helps create a healthier and more nurturing environment for parents and children.”

Since joining ECECD, Ruth has helped families navigate postpartum challenges, access vital healthcare resources, and feel seen and supported through individualized care. Ruth believes that maternal and child health lays the foundation for a thriving future, and she is honored to be a part of that beginning for so many families in New Mexico.