Guiding Our Mission
Hearts for Autism is supported by a dedicated group of board members who provide leadership, oversight, and guidance to help advance our mission. Together, they bring diverse professional experience and a shared commitment to supporting children with autism, their families, and the Southern New Mexico community.
The Executive Board provides leadership and strategic guidance to support the mission and long-term direction of Hearts for Autism.
Aprendamos Chief Executive Officer and Hearts For Autism Co-Founder
Clinic Director, MA-CCC SLP at NMSU Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center
Clinic Director, MA-CCC SLP | NMSU Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center
We are honored to introduce Victoria Flores Almaguer, MA, CCC-SLP, licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinic Director at the Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center at New Mexico State University (NMSU), and Hearts for Autism Board Member.
With over a decade of clinical and leadership experience, Victoria specializes in interdisciplinary autism evaluation, early intervention, and culturally responsive care for children and families across New Mexico. In her role as Clinic Director, she leads clinical operations and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive autism evaluations for New Mexicans. Victoria has extensive experience across settings including early intervention, public schools, outpatient clinics, and medical centers, serving both pediatric and adult populations with communication and developmental disorders. She has co-presented at state and national conferences on interdisciplinary autism evaluation and reducing barriers to care through educational-medical partnerships.
Victoria is also actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, with a focus on administration, supervision, and cultural and linguistic diversity. Ms. Almaguer is a Co-Principal Investigator on multiple state-funded grants supporting autism diagnostics and early childhood services, contributing to innovative, community-centered models that expand access to care for underserved populations.
Thank you, Victoria, for your commitment to the Hearts for Autism organization and your dedication to children with autism in our region!
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
We are pleased to introduce you to Hearts for Autism Board Member, Morgan Harding, M.Ed., BCBA. Morgan is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. In her role, she provides behavior analytic services and parent coaching for children with autism and their families, with her work focusing on helping children develop communication, social, and daily living skills while supporting families with strategies they can use in everyday life.
Originally from New Mexico, Morgan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and later completed a Master’s degree in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Recently, she graduated from Arizona State University with a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her career began in public education, where she worked as a special education autism teacher, supporting students with autism in developing communication, social, and academic skills. Morgan’s work in the classroom inspired her to pursue advanced training in behavior analysis so she could continue supporting children with autism and their families in new ways.
Morgan first became involved with Hearts for Autism in 2011 when she served as a camp counselor at Camp New Amigos. “Through that experience, I was introduced to the organization’s mission and the incredible community committed to supporting individuals with autism and their families in Las Cruces,” she said. Over the years, she stayed connected with Hearts for Autism by attending professional trainings and community events. “One of my most memorable experiences was attending a Hearts for Autism presentation by Dr. Brian Iwata and meeting Temple Grandin at a Hearts for Autism event years ago. I have also attended the MASQuarade Gala fundraisers and helped organize the Hearts for Autism annual Fun Run, which combined two things I love—running and supporting the autism community in Las Cruces. These experiences inspired me to become more involved and serve on the board so I could help support the organization’s mission and continued growth,” Morgan shared.
Morgan’s time on the board has also personally had a meaningful impact in her life. “What inspires me most is seeing how the organization continues to grow and provide meaningful opportunities for children with autism and their families. The dedication of families, professionals, and community members working together to support individuals with autism has been incredibly inspiring,” she shared.
Outside of work, Morgan enjoys exploring the outdoors in the Southwest with her husband and their dog.
We are grateful for your service to the Hearts for Autism Board of Directors, Morgan. Thanks for all you do!
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Meet Adriana Aguirre, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Board Member for the Hearts for Autism organization.
Originally from El Paso, TX, Adriana graduated from Gadsden High School and went on to receive her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from New Mexico State University and her Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Adriana first learned of Hearts for Autism when she volunteered for the Camp New Amigos program in 2014. “After learning about Hearts for Autism’s mission, I wanted to help the organization reach out to the community and raise awareness regarding autism as well as providing fun activities for kids on the spectrum to enjoy,” she said.
When it comes to the biggest impact Hearts for Autism has made for children and families in our community, without a doubt Adriana speaks to the difference Camp New Amigos has made over the years. “Camp New Amigos has definitely provided a supportive environment for kids on the spectrum, with all types of skills and needs, to feel included in a childhood experience that all children should get the opportunity to participate in,” she shared. She also has heard first-hand from the parents whose children have had access to this life-changing opportunity, and has received feedback on how much Camp New Amigos meant to them and their children and the joy it brought them.
Adriana said that what has inspired her most throughout her time serving on the Hearts for Autism Board has been working with the other Directors. “Working alongside likeminded individuals to better our community and provide opportunities and events that otherwise would not be available has been an incredible experience.”
When she isn’t busy working as a BCBA or serving our community, Adriana enjoys traveling internationally, attending music festivals, visiting theme parks, dancing, and baking.
Thank you, Adriana, for your leadership and your commitment to creating opportunities that strengthen the autism support network in Southern New Mexico!
Ancillary Lead, GISD
We are pleased to introduce you to Elizabeth Ortiz-Limon, Ancillary Lead for the Gadsden Independent School District and Hearts for Autism Board Member.
Elizabeth was born and raised in El Paso, TX and went on to attend the University of Texas at El Paso where she earned both her Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She first became involved in Hearts for Autism when she participated in the organization’s professional development opportunities. “That experience led me to collaborate with Hearts for Autism members to help expand their reach and mission into the southern region of the state,” she shared.
After learning more about the organization, she was motivated to help support Hearts for Autism’s work and help to raise awareness for the valuable programs and services available to children and families. “As I connected with more families and educators seeking information
about autism, I became increasingly committed to this effort and became a board member,” Elizabeth said.
She also feels like the biggest impact Hearts for Autism has made for our community is the opportunity for children with autism to attend Camp New Amigos. “Camp Amigos has definitely been the highlight. It provides students and their families with the opportunity to experience a summer camp, something many may not have had access to without the efforts of Hearts for Autism,” she said. Some of her favorite memories also come from volunteering at Camp Amigos, where she has seen students enjoy spending time with horses and swimming alongside their peers. “Hearing parents share how this camp gives their children the chance to experience a summer camp makes the entire journey incredibly rewarding.”
Serving on the Hearts for Autism board has also given Elizabeth a firsthand view of what a community can accomplish in supporting students with autism. “The organization truly has shown how an idea can grow into something meaningful that impacts everyone involved, from the students and families it serves, to NMSU students who gain valuable experience working with students during Camp Amigos as they prepare for their professional careers.”
In her down time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks, and trying new recipes.
Elizabeth, we are grateful for your leadership in helping to create inclusive opportunities for children with autism to connect, learn, and thrive alongside their peers!
Retired/Independent Contractor for Public Schools
Meet Glenda Rodriguez, Retired Professional, Independent Contractor for Public Schools, and Hearts for Autism Board Member.
Originally from Alamogordo, NM, Glenda received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education, Master’s of Arts in Special Education with an emphasis on Behavior Management, and is a Certified Diagnostician and Certified in School Administration. Glenda first learned of Hearts for Autism when working for Las Cruces Public Schools as an Assistant Superintendent of Special Student Services. “I heard about many of the ways the Hearts for Autism Board of Directors was empowering and serving the of families of southern New Mexico. I felt by joining the board, I could also continue my work with the public schools regarding students on the spectrum,” she said.
Since joining the board, Glenda believes that Hearts for Autism’s collaboration with other nonprofit organizations has helped provide valuable opportunities for children with autism and their families. She also feels that the organization has dedicated itself to truly being a valuable resource for community members, “It is our mission to empower families to celebrate the unique needs of autism and to educate the community to embrace us all,” Glenda shared.
In her spare time, Glenda enjoys volunteering in church ministries and continuing to screen students as a diagnostician. However, her biggest joy is spending time with her children who live out of state.
Glenda, we are grateful for your commitment to the Hearts for Autism organization and students in our community!
Structured Communication Special Education Instructor
We are honored to introduce you to Katy Gump, Structured Communication Classroom Special Education Teacher and Hearts for Autism Board Member. Katy works with children with autism who are in 3rd to 5th grade.
Originally from Houston, TX, Katy attended the University of Texas at Austin where she earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology. She then went on to attend the University of Houston Clear Lake for graduate school, earning her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
After she moved to Las Cruces, Katy volunteered for the Hearts for Autism Camp New Amigos Program. Since students with Autism Spectrum Disorder are Katy’s passion, this made getting involved with an organization so close to her heart an easy decision. “Hearts for Autism wants all kids to have a fun camp experience and to support families, caregivers, and educators in the autism community,” she said. Her experience as a volunteer also gave her a front row seat into the value of Camp New Amigos for our community. “Families look forward to the opportunity for a camp for their kids on the spectrum. This is a special and unique opportunity in our community and it’s important to keep it going!”
In her down time, Katy stays busy supporting her high school daughter who is on the dance team and student council. She also enjoys the outdoors and when she isn’t camping with her husband, she is serving as an ambassador for a local women’s hiking group.
Thank you, Katy, for sharing your time and talent to support children with autism in Southern New Mexico!
