Counseling & Student Support Center
Welcome to the NNMC Counseling and Student Support Center! Your college experience is one of growth and learning with some expected bumps along the way. We all face a variety of challenges and obstacles in college and in life that can have negative impacts. Simply juggling the demands of work, school, relationships and everyday life can wear us down and leave us feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
When you're not feeling well – mentally, physically, emotionally or spiritually – it can be difficult to put your best foot forward and to reach your full potential as a student. It is common to come across moments that are not easy to talk about regardless of how supportive the people in your life may be. At times, it might feel like you are the only one dealing with these issues, but you are not alone! We have a team that cares deeply about your development and success. The Counseling and Student Support Center (CASSC) staff can help you find ways to manage difficult times and connect you with the resources and tools you need to cope with life’s stumbling blocks. We are here to support you through the challenges and celebrate your successes. Connect with us today by filling out our online request form or emailing us at cassc@nnmc.edu for more information.
Meet the Team
On-campus counseling services are confidential and free for students. No record of counseling is contained in any academic, educational, or job placement file. Referrals can be made by contacting us directly.
Jacqueline Ghion, LPCC, CCTP
Director of Counseling & Student Support
505-901-1574, jacqueline.ghion@nnmc.edu
TEC #211
Jacqueline Ghion is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with a passion for wellness and over 15 years of experience in providing counseling, clinical supervision, wellness workshops and clinical program development. Jacqueline has worked in intensive behavioral health centers and educational settings providing long and short-term therapeutic support to individuals presenting with a multitude of concerns such as anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, PTSD, stage of life transitions, relational conflict, grief, sexuality/identity issues, and life stressors. Additionally, she has offered consultation and education to families, staff and educators in supporting and working with individuals coping with mental health issues.
In her role as the Director of the Counseling & Student Support Center, Jacqueline oversees student counseling and social services along with Northern's Pantry: La Despensa del Barrio. She integrates a holistic approach in viewing health and personal growth and recognizes the wide breadth of challenges facing today’s college students. Not feeling well (mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually), facing uncertainties, and trying to find balance between school/work/personal life can make it difficult to reach your full potential as a student. Jacqueline is dedicated to empowering you to identify what might be getting you stuck, gain greater balance and improve the quality of your life and educational experience.
Adam Baca, MA, LPCC
Behavioral Health Counselor
505-927-5464, adam.baca@nnmc.edu
TEC #213
Adam (Adan) grew up in Española, and has twenty years of experience as a therapist, clinical director and supervisor. Much of his clinical work prioritizes treating co-occurring disorders, with a focus on addiction and PTSD.
He has extensive training and experience working with adults, adolescents and families.
Natalya Backhaus, BS
Holistic Retention Counselor
505-747-2274
natalya.backhaus@nnmc.edu
TEC #212
Natalya Backhaus comes from a background of substance misuse counseling and psychology, and is currently obtaining her Master's in Social Work. Her previous employment has focused around case management, creating and facilitating groups, and connecting with community members and organizations to create stronger support networks for those needing support. She believes in seeing every person as an individual, while ensuring that all areas of need are met in a holistic way.
Natalya serves at the Counseling and Student Support Center as a Holistic Retention Counselor, supporting students within finding, establishing, and maintaining access to transportation, housing, childcare, and more. Natalya is passionate about ensuring that the barriers and challenges that stand in students' way while they pursue higher education are addressed and removed as much as possible. No challenge is too small or too large to discuss and create a plan to address. Natalya finds that utilizing the strengths that exist within you internally, and in your external environment, will be the most helpful in navigating roadblocks and surprises that come your way.
Khiana Seaboy, BAIS
Student Care Specialist
505-747-2147
khiana.seaboy@nnmc.edu
TEC #211
Khiana Seaboy is an Espanola native passionate about serving others by using her evolving knowledge and skills in psychology. She recently graduated from Northern New Mexico College with a Bachelor of Integrated Studies with an emphasis in psychology. As a first-generation college student from a small town, she understands the challenges a student can encounter when pursuing higher education.
One of Khiana's life missions is to make a difference in the City of Espanola. Khiana got into the field of 'helping' to positively impact the lives of others near home and create a pathway that aids them in pursuing their dreams. As the Student Care Specialist in the Counseling & Student Support Center, she assists students with navigating their college journey in the face of adversity through a collaboration with on and off campus resources.
With a philosophy similar to her colleagues, she believes in treating every individual with dignity and utilizing a holistic approach to overcoming various life challenges- extending beyond the classroom. She listens intently and works diligently to ensure students have a supportive environment, accessible resources, and meaningful college experiences. In her spare time, Khiana spends time with her family and explores the beautiful wilderness of New Mexico.
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Crisis Support & Resources
Assistance is available at the Counseling and Student Support Center during regular business hours to help with a range of difficulties from mental health challenges to food insecurities. Need to talk to someone outside of these hours or looking for a local resource to help meet your needs? Check out our Community Clinical, Behavioral, and Social Services Resource Guide where you can find an extensive list of resources and services in the Rio Arriba and surrounding counties. This two-part tool includes a community resource directory and an emergency crisis helpline guide.
FOR EMERGENCIES, if you or someone you know is in danger of harming themselves or someone else, IMMEDIATELY call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
For other supports to help you through your time of need, see the listing below of crisis helplines. For the full list of helplines and useful resources, visit our Community Clinical, Behavioral, and Social Services Resource Guide.
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (Red para crisis y acceso de NM): 1 (855) NMCRISIS / 1 (855) 662-7474.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-TALK / 1 (800) 273-8255.
Red Para la Prevención del Suicidio: 1 (800) 273-TALK / 1 (800) 274-8255.
New Mexico Peer to Peer Warmline (Red de Pares de NM): 1 (855) 4NM-7100 / 1 (855) 466-7100 or or text 1-855-466-7100
AGORA Crisis Center: 1-855-505-4505 or chat online at www.AgoraCares.org
For support regarding rape or sexual assault, contact Solace Crisis Treatment Center at 800-721-7273
For domestic violence, contact Esperanza Shelter 800-473-5220
Mental Health and Stress during COVID-19:
CDC – Coping with Stress During COVID-19
COVID-19 & Your Mental Health: A Comprehensive Resource Guide
CDC - Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
Active Minds: Mental Health Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
Tewa Women United
COVID-19 Fact Sheets for Tribes and Urban Indian Communities
