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.
Hannah Casey, LCSW
Hannah Casey (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Mexico with a clinical background in individual counseling and a focus on depression, anxiety, substance use, adolescent and women’s issues, life transitions, suicidality and/or self-harm, and neurodivergence.
Hannah moved from the East Coast to New Mexico a few years ago after making the decision to rebuild her life in a way that felt more meaningful and authentic. She earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2009, and later a Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. Hannah has worked in the social services field for over 15 years.
Hannah primarily uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing in her work with clients. She is a firm believer that connection, validation, and compassion are necessary building blocks for creating a therapeutic experience that fosters positive change.
Hannah lives in Albuquerque with her partner, where she is a bonus parent to fraternal twins. Her beloved Cairn Terrier mix has been her loyal best friend for over a decade. Hannah is an ally to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities; inclusivity is an important value she holds close to her heart. In her free time, Hannah enjoys dance, leisurely-paced bike rides, learning about forensic psychology, and practicing mindfulness in seemingly small ways that have yielded big changes in her personal life.
Michelle Baca, LCSW
Michelle Baca is a New Mexico native with a passion for working with children and families. In 2016, she graduated with her Psychology degree from the University of New Mexico, then went on to receive her Master's Degree in Social Work in 2018 from New Mexico Highlands University.
For the past 5 years, Michelle has provided therapy to children who have experienced trauma or neglect, utilizing modalities of sand tray therapy, art therapy, and play therapy. Michelle has worked/trained with Art-Becker Weidman, the creator of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), over the course of two years. DDP is an evidenced-based treatment modality that addresses attachment issues in children and has been successful in restructuring maladaptive behaviors that stem from attachment reactivity. Michelle believes that every child has the ability to gain the skills needed to express themselves and develop a strong sense of identity as well as strengthen their self-esteem.
Outside of work, Michelle is an artist and runs a small business selling her creations. She enjoys spending time with her three dogs at home while also tending to her enormous collection of plants. Michelle is a playful person and believes that life is meant to be enjoyed and lived to its fullest.
Erin Krebs, CSW, Program Coordinator
Erin is a military kid who spent her childhood in various places around the country. She spent her formative years in Albuquerque, where her passion for helping others began. Through school, She worked around the city with organizations like Road Runner Food Bank, PB&J Family Services, and Joy Junction, building on her passion and learning what it takes to make an impact on the community.
Since then, she has become a proud University of Memphis graduate with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Erin is Mending Hearts' lead Community Support Worker. She works with clients to access support services, benefits, and other resources they may need. Outside work, Erin can be found playing with her dog Winston, cooking up something in the kitchen, exploring the city, or laughing alongside friends and family.