• Stacey Demarey, LCSW

    I have been in practice for almost 15 years and am passionate about helping people achieve the best version of themselves. I believe that life and happiness is all about balance. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches such as CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Family Systems, and Gottman Therapy to address my client’s concerns. I also provide therapeutic yoga sessions individually or in small groups.

  • Hannah Apodaca, LMHC

    I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families facing a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment issues, addiction, grief and loss, relational conflicts, divorce, and life transitions. I believe that everyone has a unique story shaped by their experiences, and I am committed to helping clients navigate feelings of shame, fear, and low self-worth to build resilience and self-acceptance.I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and the Gottman Method, I utilizes evidence-based treatments to support clients in their healing journey.

    I earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and have experience working with diverse populations, including men, women, young adults, teens, and children. As an LGBTQ+ ally, I am committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space for all clients. My goal is to provide a respectful, encouraging, and empowering therapeutic space where individuals can process life’s challenges, rediscover their inner strength, and cultivate hope, self-worth, and a sense of belonging.

  • Benjamin Harris, LPCC

    I specialize working with adolescents, teens, adults, couples and families. My goal is to help you find purpose and enjoyment in life again. Our experiences teach us ways to view and interact with the world and ourselves. These patterns of thinking and behavior can keep us emotionally stuck where we don’t want to be. Working together, I will give you the space to share your story without judgement and support you in identifying and changing the thoughts, behaviors, beliefs, and situations that are getting in the way of what you want and need in your life. I will teach you the skills to approach situations more effectively, cope with difficult emotions, and achieve what you want in life.

  • Tina Sparks, BFA, MA, LMHC

    I graduated from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM with a Master’s Degree in both Counseling and Art Therapy. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. I am a Certified Grief Counselor, and carry certifications in Trauma, Grief & Renewal, Eco-Therapy, and Dream Tending.

    As people move through life, trauma to the heart, mind, body and soul can cause us to lose connection to our truest Self. This disconnect, or “splintering” can leave a residue of painful memories, dissociation from the body and disturbed energy within the soul. I help people learn to reconnect to their bodies, explore ways to release the energetic residue of trauma, investigate the wisdom of their dreams, and return to themselves through the use of creative and holistic approaches for well being.

  • Emily Lee, LMHC

    I am a graduate of Walden University's Master’s degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I specialize in working with teenagers and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep disturbances, family conflict, and life stressors. I also have experience working with clients with neurodivergence as well as military members and families.

    I employ evidence-based techniques to help individuals, couples, and families recognize and break negative patterns, fostering healthier behaviors. By exploring relationship dynamics and interpersonal connections, I guide clients toward building stronger bonds and a more empowered sense of self. Through empathy-driven interventions and a humanistic approach, I help clients embrace change, cultivate acceptance, and develop adaptive strategies for personal growth.

  • Samantha Decker- Hoppen, LMSW

    I believe in the mind, body, and spirit connection. I am a person-centered counselor who will work with you to find the tools and resources that best fit your personality and situation. I offer an integrated approach to counseling that includes art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, somatic and mindfulness techniques, attachment repair and compassionate non-judgmental reflective listening. I am culturally sensitive, LGQBTIA+ friendly and provide a trauma informed safe space to process your unique circumstance. I offer both in person and online counseling for individuals 15 and older as well as couples and families. If you are struggling with overwhelming stress, depression, anxiety, trauma or are seeking ways to better your life, together we can create attainable goals to bring you back in balance with your life’s purpose.

  • Jens Brakenhoff, LMHC

    I believe that our life experiences can shape us in many ways. Together we can work through healing old wounds, processing through difficult life experiences and work together to specialize in EMDR Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, CBT, as well as Faith-Informed Therapy, if requested. I specialize in helping clients work through anxiety, depression, trauma, co-parenting and couples’ concerns as well as family conflict. My expertise is working with teens, couples, adults and veterans. I graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.


  • Samantha Barela, MSW

    I am a Mental Health Therapist in training at Back in Balance Counseling. I am currently enrolled in graduate school at New Mexico Highlands University and working towards earning my Masters of Social Work Degree to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Before devoting myself to being a Mental Health Therapist, I worked as a Paramedic Firefighter for our local Fire Department, and have worked as a Paramedic in various local Emergency Departments. I am passionate about serving our community, especially those who are under-served and underrepresented.

  • Maurita Armijo, MSW

    Yá’át’ééh, my name is Maurita Armijo. I am Diné. My clans are Hónágháahnii (One Who Walks Around Clan), born for Tsi’naajinii (Black Streaked Wood People). My maternal grandfather is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House Clan), and my paternal grandfather is Todích’íí’nii (Bitter Water Clan).

    I bring more than twenty years of experience working alongside families throughout New Mexico. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from the University of New Mexico, and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Social Work at New Mexico State University, which I will earn in May 2026.

    As an MSW intern at Back in Balance Counseling, my practice is rooted in trauma-informed care and a commitment to helping individuals, couples, and families recognize their strengths. I focus on building self-confidence, supporting positive change, and guiding clients toward healthier relationships. Using evidence-based strategies, I work with clients to identify and shift harmful patterns while creating space for empowerment, connection, and growth. I strive to show up as a supportive, respectful, and goal oriented clinician. My approach is humanistic and grounded in empathy. I believe healing comes from honoring people’s stories, building trust, and fostering resilience.

  • Faith Bauder, MSW

    I am currently a student at Grand Canyon University in the process of completing my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have completed my Bachelor's in Behavioral Health Science with honors and I have multiple years of experience in various clinical settings including psychiatric hospitals and inpatient rehab facilities. I have worked with a variety of populations and aided in the direct care or management of diverse mental health concerns including severe psychiatric disorders, addiction disorders, domestic violence, depression and anxiety. I aim to serve in the establishment of positive mental health and facilitate the integration of comprehensive wellness strategies for my clients.

  • Mariepet Mangosing, MSW

    I am a first-generation Filipina MSW student at Eastern New Mexico University, training in clinical social work with an emphasis on radical compassion. My background spans creative storytelling, youth mentorship, and community-based research focused on improving youth-homelessness systems in New Mexico. I approach therapy through a trauma-responsive, culturally grounded lens, honoring each client’s lived experience while supporting their capacity for healing, self-understanding, and meaningful change.

  • Sheryl Clark, Massage Therapist

    I started massage in January of 2024, graduating from the McLennan CC program in Texas. My strengths are in pain management, stress reduction, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. 

    My clients describe my massage style as intuitive and detailed. My style is a mixture of relaxing and therapeutic work. I assess areas that need detailed work and shift from detailed to broad to create a healing and relaxing experience.

    I have a particular passion for working with clients with PTSD/CPTSD and the ways massage can help reconnect people to their bodies and help heal the nervous system.


  • Angela Spanbauer, Massage Therapist

    With over a decade of experience since earning my license in 2010, I serve the Albuquerque metro and Santa Fe communities as a dedicated massage therapist certified in Prenatal, Manual Lymph Drainage, and Medical Massage. A proud parent of four grown children and companion to Thunder and Storm, my two lively dogs, I am passionate about travel and have participated in several mission trips. My practice blends a deep understanding of the body and heartfelt compassion, ensuring clients receive personalized, empathetic care at every stage of their wellness journey.

  • Dianne Franklin, Business Office Manager

    As Business Office Manager at Back in Balance Counseling & Wellness, I am directly involved with most aspects of managing a small business.  My experience is derived from 38 years of employment with the Department of Veterans Administration (VA) where, during the last 30 years of my tenure, I held multiple managerial positions, to include personnel management, resource management, program management and budgeting.  I supervised a team of information technology specialists concerned with the development and implementation of information systems.  I was hand-selected as project lead for multiple process improvement and systems redesign initiatives.  I come to Back in Balance Counseling & Wellness with in-depth knowledge of administrative and clinical processes.  My experience in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology specific to clinical disciplines, knowledge of efficient scheduling procedures as well as complete understanding of billing practices and procedures has proven to be invaluable in this position.