The Team
Who We Are
Kat Brock, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Director
Kat Brock, MSW, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP (she, her) is a compassionate trauma therapist specializing in family systems work, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With a focus on children, adolescents, and their families, Kat helps identify and heal from family system disruptions, relational wounds, and trauma, which often manifest as anxiety, depression, and other life-disrupting disorders.
As a Certified Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Provider, Kat collaborates with clients and their families to implement evidence-based strategies, methods, and interventions aimed at improving client outcomes.
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Kat's journey into social work began after a successful career in business, including ownership and executive roles in the casino industry. She earned her BA in Management from Northwood University in Cedar Hill, TX, before pursuing her passion for social justice and advocacy. Kat later obtained her Master of Social Work degree from New Mexico State University, where she honed her skills as an advocate, clinical case manager, and psychotherapist for individuals and groups.
With a holistic approach to healing and a commitment to empowering her clients, Kat strives to create a safe and supportive environment where healing and growth can flourish. She is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges, build resilience, and thrive.
Michelle Tafoya, LPCC, EMDR
Therapist
Michelle earned a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy at The University of New Mexico. She has been providing counseling and support since 2014 with a highly diverse clientele of various racial and cultural backgrounds. Michelle is a part of the LGBTQ community, identifies as Non-Binary and has extensive experience working with the diverse issues of the LGBTQ community.
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Michelle is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico. She started her career as a clinical specialist for a local agency. Finding passion in working with individuals dealing with trauma and substance abuse. Michelle has experience working in a residential treatment center, and more recently at a nonprofit domestic violence agency working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma. Michelle has developed and implemented educational trainings to the community and colleagues on the cycle of domestic violence, intervention and prevention.
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Michelle is EMDR Therapy trained and will utilize this technique when clinically appropriate. EMDR Therapy has been proven to be very helpful in areas such as trauma, grief and loss, self-esteem, anxiety, and when one "feels stuck".
Queva Hubbard, BSW, CSW, CPSS
Director of Client Services
Queva Hubbard is a dedicated advocate and support specialist, leveraging her personal experiences to uplift her community. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Comprehensive Community Support Worker in New Mexico, Queva has guided individuals through challenges similar to those she has faced, including incarceration, addiction, and family separation. Her extensive experience spans roles such as Peer Mentor, Case Manager, and Parent Mentor
Coordinator in Albuquerque-area agencies. Queva's work centers on fostering growth, stability, and hope. She firmly believes that with support, individuals can overcome trauma and thrive.
A passionate voice for social change, Queva has advocated nationwide on issues like mass incarceration, criminal justice reform, and social injustice. She serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Crossroads for Women, collaborating with community professionals to support women's empowerment.
As a New Mexico Highlands University graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, Queva is committed to breaking down barriers for others through education and advocacy. Her motto reflects her guiding philosophy: "Where there is support, there is less trauma."
Colby Tyson, MS, LMHC
Therapist
Colby Tyson is a dedicated Licensed Mental Health Counselor whose passion for supporting others began in early adulthood. With a strong foundation in behavioral health, he spent six years working as a Registered Behavior Technician with individuals on the autism spectrum while pursuing his academic path. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University.
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Colby works with individuals ages 5 to 60, and is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). He blends these evidence-based practices with a trauma-informed, humanistic approach that honors each client’s lived experience. With deep respect for the impact of early attachment, relational wounds, and systemic dynamics, Colby also incorporates family systems theory into his work to help clients understand how family roles, patterns, and intergenerational influences affect their current functioning and relationships.
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His clinical experience includes working in outpatient settings treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Colby creates a safe, supportive therapeutic space where clients can begin to unpack their experiences, strengthen their coping skills, and reconnect with their inner resilience. He is particularly skilled at helping clients navigate complex family dynamics, heal from relational trauma, and rebuild a sense of empowerment.
Colby believes healing happens in the context of connection and is committed to walking alongside his clients with compassion, collaboration, and curiosity. His goal is to support lasting change by addressing both individual challenges and the broader systems that shape a client’s mental and emotional well-being.
Carolina Ortega, MA, LPCC
Therapist
(Hablo Español)
Carolina Belmares Ortega, MA, LPCC, NCC, ACS is a bilingual counselor who provides trauma-informed, culturally relevant outpatient therapy, case management, and advocacy for children, adolescents and their families. As one of the first in her family to enter and successfully complete a higher education degree, Carolina is passionate about addressing mental health and educational disparities in New Mexico. Carolina’s education consists of a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish, a Master’s degree in mental health counseling from the University of New Mexico, and is a board approved clinical supervisor.
Prior to becoming a therapist, Carolina served her community through direct support, community advocacy, and independent research presentations, participating in local and national conferences sharing her techniques as a presenter, plenary speaker, and educator.
As an alumni fellow for the National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Youth Fellowship, Carolina continues to engage in multiple community support roles. Since 2018, Carolina has volunteered as a mentor at a local and national level through El Puente de Encuentros and the National Board for Certified Counselors Fellowship.
Carolina utilizes each individual’s strengths in combination with evidence-based modalities to help others heal from adverse life experiences, trauma, and to help break down the stigma of mental health.
Hope Kirmer, MSW, LCSW
Therapist
With over 20 years of experience in the field, Hope is a dedicated and compassionate Play Therapist committed to supporting the emotional and developmental needs of children and their families. She creates a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment where children can use play to express their feelings, process trauma, and build healthy coping skills. Her therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and rooted in strengthening attachment and resilience.
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Hope holds a Clinical Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University, along with an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies. Her strong academic background and extensive experience have equipped her to work effectively with children facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. She also partners closely with parents and caregivers to ensure consistent, supportive care across home, school, and community environments.
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With deep respect for the impact of early attachment, relational wounds, and systemic dynamics, Hope also incorporates family systems theory into her work to help clients understand how family roles, patterns, and intergenerational influences affect their current functioning and relationships. She believes healing happens in the context of connection and is committed to walking alongside her clients with compassion, collaboration, and curiosity. Her goal is to support lasting change by addressing both individual challenges and the broader systems that shape a client’s mental and emotional well-being.
William "Shane" Givens, MA, LMHC, CCTP
Therapist
From a young age, Shane was fascinated with the human condition—a curiosity that eventually led to a career in the United States Army as a Psychological Operations Specialist with the 82nd Airborne Division. After completing military service, Shane chose to give back to the country by providing much-needed support to veterans and others facing emotional and psychological challenges.
Drawing on both life experience and formal education, Shane offers comfort, understanding, and expertise across a variety of areas. Known for challenging clients to become the best version of themselves, he fosters self-exploration in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. This chapter of his career is dedicated to helping individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, substance abuse, grief, or other mental health conditions.
His therapeutic foundation is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with additional integration of Trauma-Focused CBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Behavioral Therapy. Mindfulness techniques are incorporated alongside these modalities to enhance the healing process.
Outside of work, Shane enjoys riding motorcycles through the mountains, playing baseball and softball, coaching fastpitch softball, and traveling. He also finds joy in listening to music and watching his children play sports.
Sydney Franklin
Receptionist
Sydney serves as the welcoming face and first point of contact here at Mandala, where her charismatic personality and genuine warmth set the tone for every visitor’s experience. At 25, she blends youthful energy with a strong professional presence, creating an inviting and organized front desk environment that reflects the company’s commitment to exceptional service.
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Sydney’s role goes far beyond greeting clients. She skillfully manages scheduling, phone calls, and daily operations with efficiency, while her approachable nature makes her a go-to resource for both clients and colleagues. She thrives on creating a positive first impression and ensuring that everyone who walks through the door feels valued and supported.
Her natural gift for building rapport stems from her belief that every interaction matters. Whether she’s helping a client navigate their appointment schedule, offering a friendly conversation while they wait, or coordinating with the team to keep the day running smoothly, Sydney infuses every task with care and professionalism.
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Outside of work, Sydney is passionate about maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. She enjoys working out and spending time with her dogs, who are an important part of her life.
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Sydney’s combination of organizational skills, positive energy, and genuine compassion makes her an integral part of the Mandala team, and a bright, uplifting presence for everyone she meets.
Alex Malkoski (they/them/elle)
Intern
Alex is a graduate student and social work intern with extensive experience in reproductive healthcare and community health work. In their prior career, they were recognized for their versatility, contagious calmness, and ability to build rapport with anyone and everyone.
Alex loves to learn and challenge themself, and is excited about this opportunity to hone their client-centered, trauma-informed approach to care.
Outside of work and school, they relax by painting, playing video games and tabletop roleplaying games, and spending time with their geriatric cat.
Erica Castellano
Intern
Erica is an intern and graduate student pursuing her Master of Clinical Social Work degree at New Mexico Highlands University. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from New Mexico State University. She is passionate about serving others and excited to continue growing in the field of social work. Her areas of interest include trauma, depression, and community-based support, and she is looking forward to gaining hands-on experience through this internship. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her dog.
Rubi Gauzin, BSW
CSW/Receptionist
Rubi Gauzin is a dedicated social worker with a passion for supporting marginalized communities. A graduate of New Mexico Highlands University with a degree in Social Work, Rubi has gained extensive hands-on experience in community support, particularly within Hispanic, immigrant, and refugee populations.
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With a strong commitment to cultural competency, Rubi approaches each case with sensitivity and respect, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds receive the tailored support they need to navigate life’s challenges. Having worked as a community support worker, Rubi is experienced in providing critical services, advocating for vulnerable populations, and promoting well-being within underserved communities.
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Whether working directly with clients or collaborating with local organizations, Rubi is dedicated to empowering individuals and families, helping them achieve stability and success. With a deep understanding of the unique obstacles faced by immigrant and refugee communities, Rubi is committed to fostering inclusion, equity, and social justice.