Behavioral Health Office
The Behavioral Health Office (BHO) promotes the mental health, resilience, and overall well-being of Service members. Through counseling referrals, crisis support, education, and resource coordination, the BHO helps individuals navigate personal, emotional, and operational challenges while maintaining readiness and quality of life.
"If you need assistance, please contact our office using the information below. Support is available."
Chief of Behavioral Health
Captain Michelle McDaniel
- Client Line: 505-585-5279
- Work Cell: 505-818-8253
- HIPAA Compliant Fax: 505-521-5150
NMARNG Chaplaincy
"Nurture the Living, Care for the Wounded, Honor the Fallen"
Supporting Soldiers, Families, and Readiness
The New Mexico Army National Guard Chaplaincy provides religious support and 100% confidential spiritual care to Soldiers and Families throughout every stage of military service. Chaplains are specially trained clergy who serve members of all faith traditions, as well as those with no religious affiliation, ensuring every Soldier can freely exercise their religious beliefs while receiving compassionate and confidential support. In addition to providing spiritual care, chaplains advise commanders on matters of morale, ethics, and the religious needs of the force, helping strengthen individual resilience and overall unit readiness.
What We Provide
NMARNG chaplains offers confidential counseling, crisis intervention, spiritual guidance, and religious support to Soldiers and their Families. Chaplains are available to assist with personal challenges, grief and loss, relationship concerns, deployment and reintegration, moral and ethical decision-making, and other life events that affect military readiness and personal well-being. They also coordinate religious services, memorial ceremonies, and opportunities for spiritual growth while working alongside Unit Ministry Teams to ensure Soldiers have access to care wherever they serve.
Chaplaincy Career Opportunities
The New Mexico Army National Guard welcomes qualified clergy who are called to serve both their faith communities and the men and women of the Guard. Army chaplains are commissioned officers who provide ministry and counseling while supporting Soldiers during training, deployments, and domestic missions.
Individuals preparing for ministry may also be eligible to serve through the Chaplain Candidate Program (56X) while completing their theological education.
Local Contact Information
NMARNG Senior Army Chaplain
CH (COL) Derek Smith
New Mexico Army National Guard
Joint Force Headquearters Readiness NCO
SFC Krisha Armada
Specialty MOS Recruiter for Chaplains
CPT Juan Vigil
Child and Youth Services
The New Mexico Army National Guard Child & Youth Services program strengthens the quality of life and resilience of military children and teens by providing secure, flexible, and high‐quality support. Through inclusive educational programs, resilience training, career and college readiness, and healthy-living initiatives, we empower youth and families to thrive within our diverse and ever‐changing communities.
Contact
LTC Randal Bates
Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel/ G1
Lead Child & Youth Program Coordinator, New Mexico Army National Guard
Joint Technology Solutions Inc. – Contractor
- Work Cell: 505-469-4461
- randall.l.bates.mil@army.mil
Family Readiness
The New Mexico Army National Guard Military and Family Readiness is available to mitigate challenges and enhance Service and family member's abilities to maintain and expand their readiness and well-being. Our mission is to help Service members and families with the challenges of daily living experienced in the unique context of military life, especially the unique challenges of the NG, and perform critical roles of assisting Commanders with preventing, identifying, and addressing challenges in the categories of:
- Identification Card and Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
- TRICARE
- Financial Readiness
- Legal
- Crisis Intervention
- Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) Operations
- EFMP
- Community Information and Outreach Services
In order to maintain unit cohesion and operational readiness.
Contact Information
Vanessa Nájera
Lead Military & Family Readiness Specialist
New Mexico Army National Guard
- Work Cell: (505) 795-5366
- vanessa.najera4.civ@army.mil
Personal Financial Counselors
Personal Financial Counselors (PFCs) are a resource provided by the Department of Defense. They augment the Military Services financial readiness programs and offer free services that help you enhance your financial well-being. PFCs can help you make the most of your money today as you develop your financial plans for tomorrow.
Local Contact Information
Bill Tutunjian, CFP
Personal Financial Counselor, Albuquerque, NM
Magellan Federal
Jose Sanchez, CFP
Personal Financial Counselor, Rio Rancho, NM
Magellan Federal
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Office
The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) Office provides confidential support, advocacy, and resources to Service Members affected by Sexual Assault. The SARC serves as the primary point of contact for reporting options, crisis intervention, survivor services, and coordination of care to ensure individuals receive the assistance they need in a safe and respectful environment.
"If you need assistance, please contact our office using the information below. Support is available."
NM Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
Ms. Josie Janhke
- NM National Guard SAPR Hotline: 505-274-1139
- DoD Safe Helpline 24/7 Service: 877-995-5247