About this Event
Join Aprendamos Family of Services, Direct Therapy Services, and New Mexico State University for the 2026 Tri-Unity Conference, a day dedicated to learning, connection, and collaboration, with a focus on trauma informed evidence-based practices that support children, families, and the professionals who serve them.
This year’s speaker lineup includes headliner Dr. Bernadette Montoya, along with Angelina Valdespino, Dr. Elizabeth Bennett, and Madison Rowlison, OTD, each bringing their own experience, knowledge, and perspective to the conference.
Dr. Bernadette Montoya
Dr. Bernadette Montoya is an accomplished educator and higher education leader with an exemplary career spanning public education and higher education. Throughout her career, she has led campus- and system-wide initiatives, developed and integrated programs that support a holistic approach to student services, and contributed to transformative change at the institutional, state, and national levels.
Presentation Title
"Carrying The Work Without Carrying it All: What We Can Carry and What We Can Put Down"
October 12, 2026
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration & Check-In
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:40 AM
Welcome
Info: Abel Covarrubias, CEO Aprendamos Family of Services | Kerry Palma-Szalay, SLP Direct Therapy Services | NMSU College of HEST
🕑: 08:40 AM - 08:45 AM
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Info: Sarah Oliver, Philanthropic Giving Officer NMSU Foundation
🕑: 08:45 AM - 10:20 AM
Keynote Speaker | Dr. Bernadette Montoya
Info: “Carrying the work without carrying it all: What we can carry and what we can put down”
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:30 AM
Mindful Break
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Plenary Interactive Session | Dr. Elizabeth Bennett and Angelina Valdespino
Info: "The Impact of the Professional Environment on a Practitioner's ability to Practice Trauma-Responsive Care"
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch
🕑: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Raffle & Student Sponsorships
🕑: 12:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Closing Speaker | Madison Rowlison OTD
Info: "Understanding Regulation through a trauma-informed lens”
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Gentle Movement & Survey/Raffle | Dr. Bernadette Montoya
Event venue & nearby stays
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.