Daniel Blackwood

LPCC, CCGCII-BACC, CSAT, CPTT, MBEP | Founder| Executive Director | Therapist| Clinical Supervisor

Recovery is… collaborative.

“Recovery’ refers to the process of achieving wellness from an addictive disorder. But this is only one level of its meaning.
At another level of recovery there is a mystery, a depth, that lies within.

"It is not what happens to us that matters most. What matters most is how we look at what happens to us."

–Epictetus

Short Bio

Daniel began working in the field in 1984 and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and his Master’s in Counseling from the University of New Mexico in 1988. In 1998 he founded the Evolution Group, Inc. where he serves as Executive Director with a team of talented clinicians and administrative staff. Daniel specializes in trauma recovery, couples and partners who want to recover from betrayal, from gambling disorders, as well as recovery from mental illness and addiction. Author of Integrity Recovery (TM), Daniel teaches, supervises, and is working on a new book on Mindfulness-Based Emotional Processing.

“Through the warm and respectful bond that exists between us, my clients heal from trauma and come to have clarity about how they feel. They begin to make new choices for themselves. They feel better, have more flow in their lives, and learn to choose and act with more mindful intention.

My clients learn that they are deep, mysterious, and wonderfully unique. I find that down deep my clients are whole and the point of therapy is to empower this wholeness that lies within them. My mission is to light the way."

Crystal Ellison

Recovery is… courage.

“It takes courage to show up and become who you really are”.

– E.E. Cummings

Short Bio

For so long, I believed I was this lady from Northern New Mexico who would marry my high school sweetheart and raise children right next door to my grandmother. But, life took its turn and I never married my high school sweetheart, I didn’t live next to my grandmother, and I battled my own trials and challenges.

Through time, I found how much I enjoyed helping others in ways which I was never given the opportunity to have.  I am now a clinical social worker and I am extremely blessed to have the abilities to work with individuals to help them through recovery and help build strength.

Strength to have the courage needed to heal painful memories, overcome sadness, reduce anxiousness, and eliminate addictions.  I am a believer of building self determination to increase self esteem which brings positive awareness to individuals.

Ilse Burton

Pronouns: She/Her

Recovery is… reconnection.

“For a star to be born, there is one thing that must happen:
a gaseous nebula must collapse.
So collapse. Crumble. This is not your destruction.
This is your birth.”

– Noor Tagouri

“Most of what I know I’ve learned by falling and getting back up. The ground has taught me more about flight than the clouds ever could.”

– Rudy Francisco

Short Bio

Ilse is a northern New Mexico native. She has been serving the population of New Mexico (Albuquerque) in the fields of addiction, trauma and mood disorders for over a decade.

She studied psychology at Pitzer College in Claremont, CA, counseling at the University of New Mexico, and then began an internship with The Evolution Group.

Ilse’s work focuses on trauma recovery, substance abuse/dependence, anxiety, anger and depression. As a trauma-informed yoga teacher and practitioner, Ilse is aware of the deeply important role that physical health and wellbeing plays in the recovery process from mental and emotional challenges.

In her free time, Ilse chases after her son and dogs, practices yoga, and buys way more houseplants than she needs.

Erin McNeil

LPCC | Lead Clinician | Therapist
Pronouns: She/Her

Recovery is… re-discovery.

To re-discover your relationship to yourself and fully embrace it.

The Evolution Group is unique in its authenticity and the integrity of everyone who works here, also it is apparent that we love what we do.

“The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.”.

– Carlos Castaneda

Short Bio

After traveling around the world for 5 years following a quest of yoga and meditation studies, Erin landed in New Mexico. Motivated by universal love and her spirituality, she pursued a degree in counseling at Southwestern College and has been working at The Evolution Group for over 15 years.

Namaste, a common greeting in India, means the light in me acknowledges the light in you. This is at the very heart of her practice.

Erin enjoys, and is rejuvenated, by spending time in nature; hiking, camping and taking photos.

Mallory Hemerlein

LMSW, RYT |Therapist
Pronouns: She/They

Recovery is… not linear.

To re-discover your relationship to yourself and fully embrace it.

Recovery looks different for everyone. The shared thread of recovery is for each person to increase self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a reconnection to their authentic self.

“Healing comes in waves, and maybe today the wave hits the rocks.
And that’s okay, darling.
You are still healing.
You are still healing.”.

– Ijeoma Umebinyuo

Short Bio

Mallory grew up in the suburbs between Baltimore, MD and Washington D.C. but she found her home in New Mexico in 2014.

Mallory’s values and therapeutic approach are rooted in 20 years of yoga practice. She draws heavily on the intersection of mind-body connection such as grounding, breath work, movement and awareness. Mallory believes in radical self-acceptance as a way to honor our already innate and complete wholeness. With clients, she strives to offer an opportunity to observe the depths of our conscious and unconscious patterns, without judgment, in a nurturing and empathetic environment.

Mallory is fluent in American Sign Language having spent many years studying and working at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. She Graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from New Mexico Highland’s University in 2020.

Currently, she is studying Compassionate Inquiry in an intensive year-long training with Dr. Gabor Maté. When not working, Mallory is usually plotting a camping adventure or floating in glacial lakes.

Kelcie Diglio

LMHC | Therapist

Recovery is… a journey.

To re-discover your relationship to yourself and fully embrace it.

Recovery is about progression, not perfection.

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending”.

– C.S. Lewis

Short Bio

Kelcie was born and raised in Albuquerque. Kelcie received her bachelor’s in psychology and family/child studies at the University of New Mexico and then went on to receive her master’s in clinical mental health counseling at New Mexico Highlands University. Kelcie interned at the Evolution Group during her last semester in her master’s program and is now a licensed counselor coming into the field with a fresh perspective, open non-judgmental mind, and a passion to be a part of the unique growth and healing that is possible within all of us.

Kelcie combines a strengths-based/motivational interviewing, CBT, and existentialist approach in her work and believes that everyone possesses unique strengths that can be discovered and that we all have a special purpose in this life to uncover. Kelcie believes that you are in charge of your life and wants to empower her clients to make the changes they want to become their true and authentic selves.

Ana Sanchez-Riddle

LMHC | Therapist

Recovery is… personal.

To re-discover your relationship to yourself and fully embrace it.

A mental illness involves a combination of different things: not just a mental health diagnosis, but a person’s individual experiences and history, family relations, living habits, physical health, financial situation, and trauma. Because everybody experiences mental illness differently, their approach to recovery is different. Culture and cultural background in all of its diverse representations—including values, traditions, and beliefs—are keys in determining a person’s journey and unique pathway to recovery.

Recovery emerges from hope. The belief that recovery is real provides the essential and motivating message of a better future. The first step in the journey to recovery begins with a decision that life must improve.

Short Bio

Ana was born in Mexico but has called the land of enchantment her home since the age of fourteen. She earned a BA in Broadcasting Journalism, but years later, life presented her with the opportunity to pursue her MA in Mental Health.

Ana works from a holistic approach, she believes in treating the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease. She believes we are all experts of our life but sometimes we need guidance to rediscover our balance.

Ana is also fluent in English and Spanish.

Manny Ferran, LAMFT

LMFT | Therapist

Recovery is… change.

To re-discover your relationship to yourself and fully embrace it

Recovery is different for everyone, but usually requires change from within. Change can be scary, which is exactly what we are here for; to help you learn, grow, and change into the best version of yourself you can be. Recovery is a personal journey of finding solutions, re-discovering your strengths, and freeing yourself from the cycles you have been stuck in. Recovery often involves re-connecting with who you are. Learning to accept yourself for who you are. Change is easiest when you have accepted yourself. The good, the bad, and everything in between. Change takes courage. Self-acceptance takes courage…but it’s worth it. For many, the biggest obstacle to beginning this transformation process is summoning the courage to step out of your comfort zone.

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing. It’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.”
– Brene Brown

Short Bio

Manny is a New Mexican Native. He went to the University of New Mexico to earn his Bachelors’ in psychology. He then proceeded to earn his Masters’ in Marriage and Family Therapy at New Mexico State University. Manny’s approach to therapy is holistic and systemic. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, he is trained to address both individuals and family systems, big or small.

He believes that each client has their own unique set of strengths that can be honed to help them solve their problems and overcome obstacles. He has a great sense of humor and likes to use creativity in the therapy room to help clients grow.

Manny is a fan of superheroes, villains, and storytelling. He believes that there is power in a person’s story, and how we tell it can have a powerful impact on self-perception. He believes we are the protagonists of our own story, the superheroes of our own lives. But even the best heroes need help from others, and no one is born to fight their battles alone.

Madison Christensen

TTherapist | MS, LAMFT

Recovery is… self-love.

Each one of us has a story being told to us by ourselves or others that we may or may not want to have, but there is hope in retelling YOUR story.

Madison is a clinician that believes in the ability of rewriting your story and telling the story that you want to be told. Madison believes in helping individuals improve their mental
health, relationships, and exploring their identity.

”There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t"
– John Green

Short Bio

Madison is honored to work with individuals, couples, and families, of all ages and constellations, but connects well with young children, adolescents, and couples. Madison endeavors each day to see that each of her clients departs with a happy heart and that they understand there can be healing from their trauma and/or life concerns through therapy.

Madison obtained her bachelor’s in Child Development from Utah State University and received her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from New Mexico State University. Madison’s approach and practice is using theories of Bowenian, Gottman, Structural, Solution ­Focused, and CBT with systems thinking, play therapy, mindfulness, and attachment/trauma interventions. Madison aims to create a safe, trusting, non­judgmental atmosphere and to foster a healthy therapeutic relationship that is clear, safe, and boundaries that are straightforward but comes in a warm and direct manner.

Madison is Sex­-Positive, a LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate, and has understandings from religious trauma. In Madison’s personal time she loves to visit the National Parks with her husband, traveling, camping, spending time in her garden, and taking care of her many plant babies.

Kaitlyn Richter

LCSW | Therapist

Recovery is… empowerment.

To re-discover your relationship to yourself and fully embrace it.

Recovery is… Feeling true empowerment is like stepping out of the armor we have worn so long to protect ourselves, and recognizing how much weight we were carrying. It is stepping into our true selves that have been there all along, and we just needed some support to get to. The journey to empowerment and healing is here for you when you are ready.

“And the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

– Anais Nin

Short Bio

Kaitlyn is a Buffalo, New York native and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Global Gender Studies, and a Master’s of Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She felt drawn to New Mexico’s beautiful mountains and sunshine, and moved to Albuquerque in 2019. Her clinical interests focus on trauma, PTSD, survivors of domestic & sexual violence, sexuality, and grief & loss.

She meets each client with a trauma informed, strengths based perspective, and utilizes mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy, and a Cognitive Behavioral approach to assist clients in reaching their goals. Kaitlyn believes that everyone is the master of their own lives, and feels honored to offer a bit of light on her clients’ journeys to empowerment and self fulfillment.

In her spare time, Kaitlyn enjoys being in nature by hiking, camping, and gardening. She enjoys yoga, cooking, attempting to keep her houseplants alive, and spending time with her two cats.

Heather Middleton

LPCC | Therapist | Supervisor

Recovery is… freedom.

A journey towards personal freedom through self-discovery and a return to wholeness. This restoration can be accomplished through finding balance of wellness in the body, mind, heart and spirit.

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”

– Rumi

Short Bio

Heather grew up on the central coast of California and has lived in New Mexico for the last 12 years. She earned her BA’s in Psychology and Sociology from The University of New Mexico. She went on to complete her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNM.

Heather came to The Evolution Group to begin her Master’s internship and found a genuine connection in working with individuals in recovery. She is now part of our team of licensed therapists and provides individual, couples, and group counseling. In addition, she works as a treatment provider for the Metropolitan Recovery Court program. Heather approaches treatment from a humanistic, person-centered orientation, emphasizing non-judgment, empathy, authenticity, and congruence. She believes we are the best experts on ourselves and seeks to accompany individuals on their personal journey to wholeness through healing.

In her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, dancing, and traveling. She has discovered the importance of taking care of herself through connecting with nature and her yoga practice.

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Rebeca Gurrola

LPCC | Therapist

Recovery is… going back to the basics.

Recovery is learning who we are all over again. Once upon a time life got tough; We learned unhealthy habits to survive and cope and made them our own.

Through recovery we are able to realize we no longer need those unhealthy habits and are able to replace them with tools that foster joy and peace in our lives.

It is learning to see life in the here and now, the way a child would, and not being concerned about tomorrow, because we are so fulfilled with the present.

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
– Oscar Wilde

Short Bio

Rebeca was born in Mexico but raised in Albuquerque from the age of three. She earned a BA in Psychology and went on to get her MA in Counseling, both from the University of New Mexico. As a part of her program, she had the opportunity to intern at The Evolution Group, where she is now a licensed therapist.

She was able to learn about and work with people from all walks of life that have been touched by addiction, loss, and in many cases, marginalization. As a result, she now has a special interest in working with individuals, couples, and families that have experienced addiction directly or indirectly, and the accompanying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety that follow thereafter.

Rebeca works from a person-centered, cognitive behavioral approach to help empower clients on their path to integrity, fully believing that all those who really want it can and will accomplish recovery.

David Lente

LADAC | CADC | ICGC-II |Therapist

Recovery is… original.

A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

To me what makes TEG the best place to do the work is the community. Individuals, families, and communities have strengths and resources that serve as a foundation for recovery. It is an honor to be a part of your own community change.

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.”
– George Bernard Shaw

Short Bio

David Lente is from the Pueblo of Isleta.  He has been in the field of addictions for 29 years working primarily with the Native American population in the Albuquerque area.

He evolved a Para-professional direction in the field and has earned certification as Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADAC) since 1986 and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADAC) licensure as of 1997.  He is the current Chair of the Albuquerque Area Inter-Tribal Council on Substance Abuse – Certification Board, which certifies Native American counselors working within tribal programs.  He also holds credentials as a National Certified Gambling Counselor (NCGC-II) and treats problem and compulsive gamblers and their family members.

He is the co-founder of “Indigenous” the Native American Track in partner with The Evolution Group, Inc. He serves as a treatment provider for the Metropolitan Drug Court program in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The model includes a multi-disciplinary approach with treatment and judicial assemblies.

He seeks to create a holistic approach to healing, offering a hierarchy of effective interventions, transforming a sense of balance in body, mind, and spirit to embrace true healing and restore life to integrity.

Carmen Sharpe

LMSW

Recovery is… hope.

While recovery is a diversified meaning, hope for me is something I strive to assist clients with. I hope that I can honor my clients by facilitating their healthiest and best thinking in hopes that they find who they are and what they aspire to achieve in this life.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Short Bio

Carmen was born and raised in the Land of Enchantment. She initially started her career as an art teacher and received her Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University in May 2021.

Carmen has an open-minded, nonjudgmental, aquatic way of assisting clients. Carmen’s mental health journey has allowed her a unique perspective of understanding the hard, at times gurgling, and often painful work needed to make positive change. Carmen is here to help clients navigate these difficult places in life and to celebrate their work toward authenticity.

When Carmen is not working she is often in her garden, painting and spoiling her dogs.

Dallas Ulibarri-Vering

LAMFT | Therapist

Recovery is… resilience.

Recovery is an ongoing journey.

“Success is not final: Failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
– Winston S. Churchill

Short Bio

I am a New Mexican Native who loves to explore the great outdoors with my fur baby. I attended college at New Mexico State University to earn my Bachelors in Family and Consumer Sciences and went on to pursue my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.

My approach is client focused, I believe they are the pilots of their lives but need guidance from time to time. I think from a systemic perspective and take into consideration what other factors may contribute to their journey and help them through it either through individual or family therapy.

Kelly Larsen

LMHC | Therapist

Recovery is… love.

Loving one’s self enough to transition from the depths of darkness to a brilliant space.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

Short Bio

I am an artist, constantly painting my masterpiece on the canvas of life. As I paint, I recognize the potential within me and all the ability I possess. It is in my heart.

I am continuously adding depth to my masterpiece by applying ever changing colors, by using different utensils to add dimension, and by adding shades of joy, love, peace, hope, gratitude, and happiness.

I am painting a beautiful masterpiece that portrays the life I want to live. I have something special to contribute to my clients and to the world. I am an artist.

Katherine Scott

LMHC, MS, NCC | Therapist

Recovery is… empowerment.

Recovery is a process. It takes time, it takes patience, it takes everything you’ve got…and you are more than worth it.

“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on it’s own wings. Always believe in yourself.”
– Author Unknown

Short Bio

Katherine grew up as a military kid but has made New Mexico her home for 25 years now. She earned her Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Southwest. Katherine has enjoyed working in the mental health field for over 15 years.

Katherine came to Evolution Group after being in practice gaining experience for a number of years. In addition, she works as a treatment provider for the Drug Court recovery program as well as The Nest, HEAL domestic violence shelter.

Katherine approaches treatment from a person­ centered orientation of cognitive behavioral therapy. She values being genuine. In her free time, Katherine enjoys spending time with her family, reading, crocheting and traveling. She has discovered she might have far too many fur babies now that her kids are all grown and out of the house!

Vicki Ruiz

LMHC | Therapist

Recovery is… heart.

As clients discover for themselves the lessons of their journey, they are led to the wisdom that waits in the heart, the inner knowing of what truly sustains us all – feeling, loving, connecting – which allows us to fully live in the life we are given. We at Evolution are passengers on their journey helping each find the light that resides “within.

Clients learn tools and skills to help manage the changes and stressors of life while becoming empowered to live fully and present in the moment.

Everyday is a new beginning.

“In many ways, my life has been spent simply allowing my heart and soul to guide the process of my becoming, becoming what? Well, let’s just say, becoming more fully human.”
– Henk Brandt

Short Bio

I am passionate about living life to its fullest and embracing each day with enthusiasm and joy. I am able to take this enthusiasm and bring a bit of light and hope to those who struggle with life while offering a safe and nonjudgmental space for their journey to integrity.

Vicki was born and raised in the Midwest before moving to NM in l980. She now considers herself a true native New Mexican after falling in love with the mountains, the blue sky, the beautiful vistas, the culture and of course, the chile.

After retiring from public service, she began her journey of self-discovery. She graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2013 and started working at Evolution shortly thereafter. The energy and connection to Evolution has proven to be a healing and rewarding atmosphere where hearts connect, people care and the spirit of family is present.

Vicki is a heart-based and authentic counselor combining her passion for helping others while offering a safe, non- judgmental space for growth, exploration and healing. Vicki has developed a focus in trauma, grief and loss, addiction, chronic illness, depression, anxiety and co occurring disorders. She currently works with individuals, children, young adults, families and couples. Her spirit, compassion and strong desire to see individuals reach their full potential to enjoy life is demonstrated in her knowledge, experience, open heart and energy.

Her passions include her family, especially her grandchildren, nature, travel, laughter and living each day fully present and engaged. Vicki also focuses on self care through hiking, sharing, friends, exercise, reading and positivity.

Stephanie Romero

LMSW | Therapist

Recovery is… acceptance.

Recovery is accepting past experiences do not have the power to define our worth.

“When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”
– Alexander Den Heijer

Short Bio

My name is Stephanie Romero and I have always had a passion for helping and empowering those around me. This passion encouraged me to attain a Bachelors in Counseling from Grand Canyon University and I then continued my education at New Mexico State University receiving my Masters in Social Work. 

I work from a humanistic model based therapy meaning I believe individuals have the strength and power within themselves to overcome the challenges of life. I emphasize on understanding the human experience and focus on the individual rather than focusing on a cluster of symptoms. I strive to help others grow and heal through an authentic therapeutic relationship.

I specialize in working with adolescents and at risk youth. I believe our experiences do not define who we are and it is my passion to help others find the power within.

Xristopher Martinez

Director of Operations
Pronouns: He/Him

Xris began his journey with The Evolution Group in 2014. Through great mentoring and training, he became the Director of Operations in 2020. In what started out as “just a job” turned into a passion and a career for him. Xris has obtained degrees in Business Management in 2018 and Psychology in 2019 from Southern New Hampshire University, where he is currently attending for his master’s degree in Psychology.

Xris was born and raised in a small town in Northern New Mexico and relocated to Albuquerque by way of Phoenix in 2007. Through many trials and tribulations throughout his career path, Xris has found his passion and calling with The Evolution Group, with such an incredible team. He truly feels honored to be a part of a great organization!

Vivienne Attaway

Intake Coordinator

Vivienne is an Albuquerque native and has always been interested in the field of Psychology and how the mind works. She pursued her studies at the University of New Mexico earning degrees in Psychology and Sociology. While at UNM, she had the opportunity to work with a Professor of Neuropsychology and his PhD student researching the recovery function of individuals who experienced brain injuries as a result of strokes. During her time at the university, Vivienne volunteered at the UNM Psychiatric Center.

Vivienne has worked at The Evolution Group as an Intake Specialist since 2013. She is passionate about helping all individuals who reach out for support and understands how difficult it can be to feel vulnerable when seeking help. Vivienne always works to provide a safe place for everyone and is an integral part of the Evolution team.

Vivienne is a lover of animals, enjoys walks in the beautiful New Mexico landscape and enjoys spending time with family and friends. And when she has some spare time, she loves researching the amazing things about our brains.

Viktoriya Keshchyan

Administrative Lead

Monique Smith

Administrative Assistant || Webinar Coordinator