Our Staff

Accredited Representative/Citizenship

CRISTINA ROBERTS

Cristina Roberts is responsible for Family Petitions, Consular Process, residency card renewals, DACAS, FOIAS, waivers (I-212, I-601A), and naturalization cases. 

In addition, she is an Accredited Legal Representative with the Executive Office of Immigration Review through the Office of Legal Access Programs. Cristina is a naturalized U.S. Citizen, born and raised in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. 

She obtained a degree in information technology and computer systems. Cristina is in her 13th year working for Catholic Charities.

Accredited Representative/Victim Advocate

Elizabeth Zavala

Elizabeth brings more than 20 years of immigration experience to Catholic Charities. Elizabeth handles family petitions and legal residency for victims of a crime and those covered by the Violence Against Women Act. 

She’s bilingual and an accredited legal representative with the Executive Office of Immigration Review through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Access Programs. 

Elizabeth previously worked for La Casa Inc. as a domestic violence Intake Specialist and Immigration Advocate.

Paralegal/Victim Advocate

APRIL HINOJOS

April (Abril) is a Paralegal/Victim Advocate here at CCSNM. She was raised in Las Cruces and is a proud Alumni of NMSU where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She is passionate about serving her community and advocating for the inherent dignity of all people regardless of their immigration status.

April works closely with Accredited Legal Representative Elizabeth Zavala on the handling of family petitions and legal residency for victims of crime (U-Visa) and those covered by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Office Manager

Elizabeth A. Balizan 

Elizabeth Balizan is our Las Cruces office receptionist!

She is a proud Native American and a member of Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo. She was born and raised in the City of Las Cruces, NM, and has resided here all of her life. She’s a retiree from the Third Judicial District Court, where she worked for 25 years. Also, she’s a proud alumnus of New Mexico State University and Dona Ana Community College where she received an Associates Degree in Secretarial Administration.

Community Outreach Specialist

Monique Saenz

Monique is our Community Outreach Specialist!

Monique was born and raised in Las Cruces NM, is bilingual speaker and has a background in the dental field. As her new journey with CCSNM started Monique quickly became intrigued with the services provided for the people in her community. Monique states that she feels lucky to be a part of a nonprofit organization who has outstanding services and strives to provide the highest level of assistance.

Director of Community Outreach & Partnerships

Stephanie Martinez, MSW

Stephanie is our Director of Community Outreach and Partnerships!

She achieved her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New Mexico State University, followed by a master’s degree in Social Work from The Catholic University of America in 2021. As an active member of the Las Cruces community, Stephanie’s faith drives her involvement in local initiatives and helping those in need.

Stephanie’s professional journey is marked by a significant history of supporting asylum-seeking families, addressing issues related to domestic violence, and implementing child safeguarding protocols. In her current role, she oversees the Direct Assistance program, and she actively fosters collaborations and partnerships, ensuring that we continue to make meaningful impacts on individuals and families in need in our community.

Christian Counselor

Claudia Fuentes, MSW

Claudia Fuentes is our Christian Counselor!

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2008 and a master’s degree in Social Work in 2023. As a practicing Catholic,  she is an active member of the San Judas Tadeo community in El Paso, Texas. Her commitment to helping others stems from a deep sense of compassion and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her.

Over the past 14 years, she has dedicated her career to assisting low-income migrant families in the community, aiding them in the process of adaptation to the United States. Claudia’s focus has been on helping them understand their rights and access resources. Currently, Claudia offers Christian counseling services in both English and Spanish to individuals and families facing the challenges of everyday life, providing guidance on coping with stress and various issues.

Paralegal

Nancy Hernandez

Nancy Hernandez has been with Catholic Charities since May of 2021, where she first served as a receptionist/secretary prior to becoming a paralegal. She is bilingual and works closely with our Accredited Representative Cecilia Najera in the Roswell Office. 

Nancy grew up in Roswell and volunteered at the Roswell Independent School District for numerous years.

Accredited Representative/Office manager

Cecilia Najera

Cecilia Najera comes to Catholic Charities with many years of experience in the immigration field. She has been with the Roswell branch since its opening on April 1, 2019.  

She is an Accredited Representative responsible for family petitions, consular processing, renewals, waivers, and naturalization cases.

Receptionist

Veronica Calderon

Veronica Calderon is our Part Time Receptionist, who comes with 12 years secretarial experience. 

 Veronica works closely with Accredited Representative Cecilia Najera. She is in charge of scheduling appointments and working closely with clients to ensure all of their documents are in order.