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.
Rosanna Cordova, LCSW
Rosanna V. Cordova, LCSW, double majored in English and Psychology at the University of New Mexico and studied Social Work at New Mexico State, making her both a Lobo and an Aggie. Friends and family give her some grief over it —but as a New Mexican loyal to both red and green chile, she knows there is a gift in sometimes holding your ground and saying, “both, please!” She has worked with children in the local school system experiencing homelessness and went on to train in play therapy working with this population. Rosanna is trained in Experiential Play Therapy, which is a non-directive form of play that allows the child to use symbolic play to express thoughts and feelings as they process areas bringing them issue. Prior to this, she worked at Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico for seven years, where she was humbled by the strength and resolve of many Survivors of Sexual Assault. Presently, she continues her training, now working to complete National Certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), as a means to strive toward continued growth and efficacy in her work.
Utilizing a strengths-based, solution-focused perspective, Rosanna encourages clients and their families to be deeply curious about their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors—along with the relationship between these as they work improve their well-being. In years past and current, her path has been supported by wise and giving mentors, and she works to bring recognition of their efforts for evidence-informed practice by supervising newer clinicians and serving clients in a manner melding into the client/therapist relationship: accountability, respect, positive regard, validation, problem-solving, support and healing.
Cam Bui, LMSW
Cam came to the states as a refugee when she was two years old, due to the fall of Saigon. She was raised in New Mexico and received a dual masters MSW/MBA at Highlands University in 2016. Cam has more than 25 years’ experience in the health and behavioral health field.
She is a certified trainer in Behavioral Health Interpreter Training, Youth Mental Health First Aid, CANS and is an Adjunct Professor for New Mexico Highlands University teaching senior-level social work students mainly focusing on Cultural Diversity and Case Management.
Therapy is a special place, requiring vulnerability and a great amount of courage. Cam strives to provide a safe space using a client centered approach that considers a client’s historical, environmental, and cultural backgrounds. Through the therapeutic journey she hopes to identify patterns of behavior and thinking that impacts a client and their perception and experience of the world, and relationships.
Cam is bilingual speaking both Vietnamese and English. She is an LGBTQ advocate. In her free time, Cam likes to enjoy time with her family and friends, traveling, and shopping. She has a Persianese teenage daughter who is the apple of her eye.
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.
Stephanie Abeyta, Office Manager
Stephanie is currently the administrative assistant for Mending Hearts LLC and is on the path to becoming a Peer Support Worker. She has a huge heart for helping people. She loves learning new things daily through connecting with new people and sharing her story. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she enjoys being able to give back to the community she grew up in. She is an auntie, a dog mom, and a big dreamer. During her free time, Stephanie likes to read, collect books, bowl with friends, and attend all local pop-ups.
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.
Michael Lovato, LSAA, CSW
Michael is a native New Mexican, with a big passion for the Albuquerque community. He grew up in the San Jose neighborhood and graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1994. Michael's life has had many twists since then but he finally found his path. He was a pharmacy technician at the Penitentiary of New Mexico for seven and a half years.
Michael is a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) and Community Support Worker (CSW) at Mending Hearts. As an LSAA he helps clients with coping skills and mechanisms to gain a better understanding of addiction and healing. In his role as CSW he helps clients access support services, benefits, and other resources they may need. He is currently working towards his bachelor's of social work from New Mexico Highlands University. He also is a lead facilitator of a men's recovery and support group at a prominent church in the Albuquerque area. He is a proud dad to two beautiful girls. In his spare time, Michael likes to attend church and work out. On the weekends he can be found attending local cruising events that pop up around the city.