Join us in Claiming Your Power. Together, we shape the future of behavioral health in New Mexico.
The New Mexico Behavioral Health Providers Association invites you to join us for the 6th Annual NMBHPA Conference, where we come together to claim our power—through passion, service, and innovation in behavioral health.
This year’s conference is an opportunity to connect, learn, and lead in the evolving landscape of behavioral health. Through powerful keynotes, dynamic breakout sessions, and meaningful discussions, we will explore innovative treatment models, evidence-based practices, cultural equity, social determinants of health, advocacy, and improved access to care.
Whether you are a clinician, administrator, policy advocate, or service provider, this is your chance to elevate your impact, share knowledge, and strengthen New Mexico’s behavioral health community.
✅ Earn Continuing Education (CE) credits
✅ Network with peers and industry leaders
✅ Discover new strategies and solutions for your practice and community
Two Days of Powerhouse Presentations
Jeremy Holloway, PhD
Cross-Cultural Communication in Healthcare
Dr. Jeremy Holloway, combines academic expertise with real-world impact. As a former Geriatric Professor and Director of Geriatric Education at the University of North Dakota and current Health, Equity & Justice Professor at New Mexico Highlands University, Dr. Holloway brings a results-oriented approach to addressing the Social Determinants of Health. His work has empowered healthcare teams across the nation to reduce workplace burnout by 35% and improve team cohesion by 40%, based on post-workshop evaluations.
Brian Serna, CEO
Serna Solutions
Growing up in deep poverty as the child of a single mother on public assistance, Brian’s path to leadership in the behavioral health field was anything but guaranteed. With raw honesty and heartfelt humor, he will share the formative experiences that shaped his mission, the doubts and “imposter syndrome” that nearly derailed it, and the inner strength and guidance he found by trusting himself to find his way in the darkness. Now the leader of a company that has six locations, trained over a thousand providers in New Mexico, and an internationally sought-after trainer Brian brings a unique and authentic voice to the conference theme, Claiming Our Power.
Ane Romero, Staff Director
Senator Ben Ray Luján
Ane, currently serves as the State Director to U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan here in New Mexico. She is a proud graduate of New Mexico Highlands University. While still in college, she authored, NM Senate Joint Memorial 61, which became one of the first mental health bills to pass the New Mexico State Legislature. During the drafting of the Affordable Care Act, she was one of the lead Congressional Staffers working to ensure behavioral health was included as one of the 10 essential benefits and worked with the White House to draft the language included in President Obama's Project AWARE, which New Mexico was one of the first states to receive mental health funding.
Kristi Brooks, HCA Director
Behavioral Health Transformation & Innovation
Kristie has managed high-impact initiatives, advocated for federal funding, and secured millions in grants to expand access to mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and crisis care. Her work has focused on building partnerships across health systems and governments to improve outcomes for underserved communities. Brooks is a licensed professional counselor and a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Counseling from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.
graduate education panel
Panelists representing: ENMU, NMSU, UNM, SWC, NMHU
Amplifying Workforce Readiness: How Universities Meet Workforce Needs Through The Practicum Field Experience
Moderators: Kate Gibbons & Julie Raborn
breakout sessions
- Data Into Action - Insights That Ignite Change
- Transgender Cultural Fluency For Behavioral Health Providers
- Leading Beyond Your Title: Mastering The Mindset & Tools
- Powering Up A Workforce Solution: Initial Impact Of The From
- Learning 2 Practice (FL2P)
- Voices of Change: Overcoming Stigma In Behavioral Health & Substance Use
- Intentional Relationship Training
- Don’t Say This – Say That
- Power In Your Voice: Advocating For Fairness, Access, and Belonging At Work
- Empowering Crisis Care In New Mexico: The NM 988 Line,
- Peer To Peer Warmline, NM Connect App, and NM5
- No Win Scenarios, Engaging In The Hard Topics
- Bridging The Gap By Meeting People Where They Are
- Reclaiming Your Energy: A Leader’s Guide To Preventing Burnout and Leading Well
- The Power of Self-Awareness: Mind, Body, and Spirit In Recovery
- Empower, Collaborate, Build Capacity With Cultural Humility
- Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) At NM Solutions:
- How We Grew From Serving 1 County to 4 in 5 years
- Building A Positive Work Culture
- Supporting Upward Mobility And Self-Development For Staff
- Overcoming The 2-Year and Gone Phenomenon
- Leadership Strategies Contributing To A Positive Recognition
⏰ Registration Open
join us at the embassy suites in albuquerque
Monday, August 4 and Tuesday, August 5, 2025
RESERVE YOUR LODGING
Reservations need to be booked before midnight on July 14, 2025, to get the special rate.
Group Code: 93D
📞 Call : 1-800-EMBASSY
Or Book Online →
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE
A handy one-sheet for your reference.
SPONSOR THIS EVENT
Partner with NMBHPA as a sponsor of our 6th Annual Conference and demonstrate your commitment to advancing behavioral health services across our state. Your support connects you with a statewide network of providers, policy influencers, and advocates working to build a more equitable and resilient behavioral health system. Gain visibility, build relationships, and make an impact where it matters most.
🙌 Become a sponsor today — and stand with us at the forefront of change.
MOMENTS FROM THE 2024 CONFERENCE
What Our Members Say
“NMBHPA has provided me a network of fellow providers throughout New Mexico who have an insurmountable amount of knowledge in the world of NM Behavioral Health. It is beyond helpful to be able to present ideas and brainstorm with such a variety of providers.” – Molly Chavez
"Being a member of NMBHPA has truly been a transformative experience. The collaborative environment and commitment to mental health advocacy are unparalleled. Through NMBHPA, I've gained valuable insights, resources, and connections that have enhanced my ability to support individuals with behavioral health needs. I'm grateful to be part of such a dynamic community dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in New Mexico." – Devan Manilla
The NMBHPA keeps our agency updated on important legislative and policy changes. Throughout the year, team members from different departments in our organization participate in the biweekly meetings to ask questions and share ideas. We appreciate the chance to learn about different programs and client populations and enjoy networking with industry professionals throughout the state. The NMBHPA provides us with a strong voice in the NM Legislature as well as with the Managed Care Organizations and NM BHSD. In addition, membership offers ample opportunities for our team to contribute to advancing the profession and to assume leadership roles in behavioral health initiatives. – Katharine Spehar, SHRM-SCP