Location: 1207 Golf Course Rd Se Ste B & C Rio Rancho, NM, 87124  

Phone: 505-994-4100 or 505-227-8386 Fax: 505-891-8403 

Email: info@fromdarknesstolightcounseling.com

Virginia Garcia, Owner, LMSW, LADAC

My journey into behavioral health began through personal life experiences that showed me both the challenges people face and the incredible resilience they possess. Those experiences shaped my belief that healing is possible when individuals are met with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care.

Rather than allowing hardship to define my future, I chose to let it strengthen my commitment to helping others. That decision ultimately led me to pursue a career in behavioral health, where I could support individuals and families as they work toward healing, hope, and lasting change.

As I continued my education, I earned my Master of Social Work degree with honors and obtained professional licensure to better serve my community. Along the way, I also developed skills in business operations, technology, practice management, digital skills, and marketing to name a few; because I believe providing excellent care requires both strong clinical services and a well-run organization.

I am EMDR certified, with a specialty in Trauma and Substance Abuse, but I work with individuals, couples, families, groups, and children ages 5 and up. 

Edmundo Apodaca, Clinical Director, LCSW, LADAC

I have 31 years of experience in the Social Work and Mental Health counseling field. I have experience in Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, family, teens, individuals, and chilren issues. I recieved my Masters and Bacholors degress from New Mexico State University in 1994 and 1995.

I have worked with CYFD, Turquoise Lodge, Health Care for the Homeless, the Pueblo of Sandia, and as an independent contractor doing  Suicide Assessments with children and with EAP (employee assistance programs).

I became a counselor because I like working with people. I like helping people with complex Mental Health and Substance Abuse issues.  My goal has always been to be a good Clinical Supervisor and work for a program like From Darkness to Light Counseling. 

Phyllis Ariss, Clinical Supervisor, LADAC, LMHC

Mary Carvey, LMHC, LSAA

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed School Counselor, specializing in group counseling, substance abuse, anger management, batter’s intervention, school counseling, crisis intervention and domestic violence. Most of my experience is with teenagers and adults, in individual and group settings.

I have a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Professional School Counseling, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Eastern New Mexico University and an Associates degree in psychology from Clovis Community College.

I have always had a calling to a helping profession and providing help to people going through difficult times. In counseling, I am able to help and provide support to those in need.

Link for online individuals:

https://doxy.me/mcarvey

Camdyn Hernandez, LMSW

As a therapist, my biggest belief is keeping things client-centered. I use a holistic, eclectic approach based in Motivational Interviewing to help my clients discover what they want out of life and how they’re going to achieve it. Whether it be sobriety, reducing depression, or improving relationships, I’m always ready to walk side by side with my clients toward the goals they chose for themselves.

My job experience includes working with special education students in Title I schools in the Panhandle, providing services to the unhoused in Tallahassee, and serving veterans in a VA clinic in Orlando. I graduated from Florida State University with my Master’s in Social Work in December 2024. Shortly after, I moved to New Mexico and became a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in this state where I’ve enjoyed working for Darkness to Light Counseling since then.

Many of my loved ones are veterans, so I am no stranger to mental health struggles. I’m always there for my loved ones when they need someone to lean on, just like they’re always there for me when I need it. My experiences with them taught me just how valuable it is to have support when you’re struggling, and I want to share that support with others. I can’t solve anyone’s problems for them, but I can empower and guide others on their journey to improve their mental health.

Leroy Garcia, LMSW

My name is Leroy Garcia. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am a first-generation college student to obtain my undergraduate and graduate degrees in my family. I have always been interested in giving back to the community since I was a child that helped raise me. I have been involved deeply in the communities that I have lived in. I take pride in knowing that I can be a positive change in people’s lives. Becoming a social worker has allowed me to serve all ages and populations throughout New Mexico in different capacities.

 I have the highest commitment to social work ethics and social justice. As a social worker, I have been put in positions to fight for equality for people that may not have a voice or the means to get the change they want and need. You can never put a price tag on advocating for people. When you are able to assist others and see them thrive, it is priceless. My goal is to help people work through their difficult situations and provide tools to help them now and in the future.

Yubani Hernandez Miranda, LMSW

I am a bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with over 17 years of experience providing clinical services, social services, healthcare advocacy, case management, and community-based support. Originally from the Bay Area in California, I recently relocated to the beautiful state of New Mexico, where I have enjoyed connecting with the community, embracing the culture, and providing behavioral health services to individuals and families.

I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from San José State University and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. My education has provided me with a strong foundation in mental health, human behavior, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based therapeutic practices.

My professional experience includes work in social service agencies, child welfare, healthcare systems, schools, and outpatient behavioral health settings. I have supported children, adolescents, adults, and families through mental health challenges, life transitions, substance use concerns, and complex psychosocial needs using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered approaches.

I became a counselor because I believe everyone has strengths and resilience that can be nurtured through support, compassion, and a safe space to be heard. I especially enjoy working with children, preteens, and adolescents, helping them build confidence, navigate self-esteem challenges, develop emotional regulation skills, and recognize their own strengths.

My goal is to provide compassionate, culturally responsive care while empowering clients to create positive change, develop healthy coping skills, and work toward their personal goals. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, exploring New Mexico, connecting with the community, and continuing to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

Kimberlynn Rael, LSAA

I am a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) driven by both professional training and 15 years of personal recovery experience in 12-step programs. Having walked the path of sobriety and sponsored many individuals along the way, I transitioned into counseling to help others conquer addiction and rebuild their lives.

 My academic background includes triple Associate of Arts degrees with honors in Psychology, Human Services, and General Studies from Central New Mexico Community College. I am currently pursuing my BSW and MSW, while working toward becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC).

Beyond direct client care, I am deeply interested in policy, public funding for behavioral health, and innovative treatments for substance use and mental health disorders. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy cultivating orchids, pointillism, home improvement, cooking, embroidery, and spending quality time with my family and dogs.