Our Staff
Nikka Peralta, LCSW, Owner
I created Mending Hearts, LLC from my heart in 2016. I have developed a passion for working with people through my own personal experiences and clinical expertise. I am a New Mexico native and am proud to give back to my community by helping others to heal from within. I graduated from New Mexico Highlands University in 2012 with a masters degree in Clinical Social Work. I enjoy working with adolescents, children and families.
Jonathan Allison, LMHC
Jonathan Allison is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). He spent three years (2020-2023) with the Public Safety Psychology Group (PSPG), where he specialized in trauma-informed counseling for the first responder population throughout the state of New Mexico. Jonathan also provided counseling for first responder members’ spouses, children, members as couples, and members' entire family units. Certified in peer support and crisis negotiations, Jonathan served on PSPG’s crisis response team, supporting SWAT calls, providing therapeutic services in critical incident stress debriefings, and taking emergency calls for patients finding themselves in crisis.
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Jonathan received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA) in 2018 and his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) from the University of New Mexico in 2021.
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Jonathan has an eclectic approach to counseling, with his main influences being existential psychotherapy, holistic counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based counseling. Jonathan also regularly utilizes humanistic and psychodynamic approaches, the Gottman method, narrative therapy, person-centered counseling, systemic therapy, reality therapy, rational emotive therapy, and constructionist therapy.
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Outside of the office, Jonathan serves on the board for the Albuquerque Lodge of the Chinese American Citizen’s Alliance (CACA) and is the organization’s head lion dance instructor. Jonathan also served in the US Navy Reserves from 2012-2019.
Daniel Otero, Master's Level Intern
Daniel Otero is a Master’s level intern working towards his degree in Clinical Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University and working toward licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). He was born and raised in New Mexico.
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His interests include providing services for people who are looking to make behavior changes with substances or other personal endeavors with Motivational Interviewing (MI) and mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP). He integrates somatic therapy and mindfulness techniques, helping clients lessen their reactivity to life stressors, and feel more grounded in their bodies.
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In his free time, he loves reading, spending time with friends and family, and engaging in creative writing.
Kylie Martinez, Master’s Level Intern
Kylie is a Master’s level intern currently completing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University and working toward licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She is passionate about supporting individuals, adolescents, families, and veterans impacted by trauma, anxiety, and life stressors.
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Kylie’s counseling approach is compassionate, client-centered, and strengths-based, with a strong emphasis on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space. She values a holistic perspective and recognizes the connection between emotional, physical, and psychological well-being.
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Outside of counseling, Kylie enjoys spending time with her daughter, hiking, and traveling.