PMS Heroes

Stacey Palmer

Stacey Palmer

Director of Behavioral Health, Central Office

PMS Hero Since 2008

“Every day brings a new challenge. We have the ability to create positive changes in the rural communities we serve. Behavioral health is a strong component of overall health and wellness, and I appreciate the commitment our providers have to our patients.  My favorite part of the job is program and provider development. Enhancing our programs with a system of care approach to ensure that we can provide exceptional behavioral health care to our patients.”

Linda Stogner, MD

Linda Stogner, MD

Medical Director, Esperanza Family Health Center

PMS Hero Since 1988

“I like the people and patients I work with every day.  I appreciate the team spirit that is reinforced, the belief that as a group we are making a difference.  I like that I have been able to develop a generational family medicine practice, the continuity of care is very rewarding as is the continuity of staff. PMS has been supportive of many of the efforts I feel strongly about including teaching, delivering quality care, and  encouraging me to be active in leadership development.  Over the years I have been able to be active professionally at the local, state, and national levels. PMS has encouraged me to keep up with the changes in health care.”

Andres Gensini, MD

Andres Gensini, MD

Vice President of Clinical Affairs

PMS Hero Since 2014

“I grew up in a physician environment – my extended family includes 18 doctors.  I was attracted to the study of medicine all my life.   I decided to become a Family Practice physician after working for a year in a rural health clinic in Ecuador.  PMS provides me with an opportunity to give back to the community and to experience new challenges.” 

Patricia Rocha, MD

Patricia Rocha, MD

Medical Director, Grants Family Health Center

PMS Hero Since 2015

“I am happy to take over as Medical Director in Grants.  I work with great staff who truly care for our patients and community.  Our goal is to continue to provide the best healthcare for Grants and our surrounding communities.”

 

Teresa Woodfill

Teresa Woodfill

Director of Nursing, Checkerboard Area Health System

 PMS Hero since 1994

“My favorite part of the job of being Director of Nursing is working one on one with our patients, our providers and our other staff members.  Seeing improvement in patient’s health, having patients understand how to better their own health, and having patients be thankful that we are here to support their needs is what our work is all about.”

Ernesto Gutierrez

Ernesto Gutierrez

Administrator, Alamogordo Behavioral Health and Ruidoso Behavioral Health

 PMS Hero since 2015

Ernesto manages 20 employees in behavioral health programs that offer needed services to the people of Otero and Lincoln Counties. His commitment to serve the multicultural people of the Southwest can be seen through the many self-sacrificing managerial decisions he has made in his time at PMS, including extending business hours, serving as a community liaison to extend outreach, and working diligently to roll out a medication-assisted treatment plan to better serve the Southern Region of New Mexico.

Helen Velasquez

Helen Velasquez

Certified Medical Assistant – Lead, Farmington Community Health Center

PMS Hero since 2012

Helen has been integral to the success of our health center. Not only does she manage the daily functions of inventory, supply ordering, and assisting with chart audits, but, importantly, she is the lead trainer. When new Medical Assistants are hired, they receive training that is second to none. She is proficient in NextGen, great with providers, and understands the importance of speed. We are constantly rolling out new quality improvement projects and changing workflow to improve productivity, efficiency, and quality. She understands how changes will positively impact the health center and is on board, ready to help train and demonstrate team-concept. Helen lives and breathes the mission and vision of PMS as evidenced by her respect, integrity, and customer service. She greets every patient, and as they leave she says, “You try to have a good rest of your day!”

Cecelia Birdhead

Cecelia Birdhead

Teacher, Carlton Center Head Start/Early Head Start

PMS Hero Since 1995

“I love working with children aged three to five and their parents.  Over the years I’ve been happy to see our programs grow here in San Juan County.”  When asked about her fondest memories from all her years of service, Cecelia replied, “Seeing all the children grow up and return to tell me about their memories of a fun time here and that they have graduated from high school.  I’m also very proud to see so many of my past teacher assistants become teachers.  I have truly enjoyed all my years at PMS.”

Pamela Grassbaugh

Pamela Grassbaugh

Mental Health Therapist, Catron County Medical Center

PMS Hero Since 2018

Ms. Grassbaugh is a licensed Mental Health Therapist with more than 10 years of experience treating substance abuse and seven years of experience in mental health.

“I enjoy helping people grow and acting as a guide along the way through their life challenges and transitions.”

Bernadette Rodriguez

Bernadette Rodriguez

Customer Service Representative Central Office

PMS Hero Since 2012

Berna welcomes everyone who walks into the office with a smile. She says her favorite part of her job is “being part of helping the underserved communities and the people of New Mexico.”

Stephen Quesada

Stephen Quesada

Director of Pharmacy & Laboratory Services, Central Office

PMS Hero Since 2014

“I love and truly believe in the mission of PMS and the population that we reach out to support.  Without the services that we provide, some of the most needy and least served people in state would go without care.  That I can help bridge that gap is what I enjoy most about being part of the PMS team.”

April Apodaca

April Apodaca

Customer Access Representative, Quay County Family Health Center

April greets each patient by name with a smile. Often she goes to the lobby and assists our elderly or Spanish speaking patients or those who have issues with their paperwork. April is very personable and asks patients about family or congratulates them on a new job, new baby, etc. She has a smile on her face which impacts not only patients, but staff with her funny stories or jokes. April always promotes the Patient Portal as she checks out a patient. April takes pride in her work, always striving to do better and looking for opportunities to learn. She does not hesitate to volunteer and is a go-getter. Because of her willingness to assist on projects, her infectious laughter and her approachable personality, I think April should be awarded a Customer Service Award.
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Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), physical or mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, serious medical condition, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), reasonable accommodation will be made to applicants and employees upon request. PMS is a federal contractor required to abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities, and require affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities.

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