Louise Ortega-Senter
MSW Field Director/Assistant Professor of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
Education
- MSW, 2011, Western New Mexico University
- BSW, 2007, Western New Mexico University
Courses Currently Taught
- SWK 470/570: Child Welfare
- SWK 503: Social Work Practice with the Aged
- SWK 510: Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- SWK 515: Disability and Empowerment
- SWK 516: Medical Social Work Practice
- SWK 527: Theories and Techniques in Clinical Social Work
- SWK 582: Foundation Field Practicum II
- SWK 620: Advanced Psychosocial Approach to Social Work Practice
- SWK 681: Advanced Field Practicum I
- SWK 682: Advanced Field Practicum II
Biography
I have had the privilege of working with various populations throughout my career. Initially, I worked as a field social worker providing services to at-risk youth and teenagers who had experienced trauma and severe mental illness. I also worked with families and children referred to CYFD and facilitated court-ordered DV individual and group therapy. Later on, I became a hospice social worker where I served those facing chronic and terminal illnesses for several years. This included supporting patient families and friends during their time of grief and loss. Additionally, I have spent several years volunteering for community organizations such as Silver Regional Sexual Assault Support Services, Special Olympics, and St Vincent Food Pantry. My areas of teaching interest include child welfare, gerontology, and field practicum, where I have the opportunity to mentor and support future practitioners in implementing classroom learning into practical experiences.
Contact Information
Email: Louise.Ortega@wnmu.edu
Phone: (575) 538-6552
Location: Phelps Dodge
Joseph Doyle
Internship Coordinator A-L
Department
School of Social Work
Contact Information
Email: joseph.doyle@wnmu.edu
Phone: (575) 538-6074
Location: Phelps Dodge
Yvonne Esparza
Internship Coordinator M-Z
Department
School of Social Work
Biography
I joined the WNMU School of Social Work team in July ‘2021. I am a lifelong resident of Grant County and most of my career has been in the medical field and working in hospitals, physical therapy, home health and hospice teams in different capacities, assisting people of all ages, all around the county. My passion of helping people and seeing first-hand the positive impact of social work led me to truly value the social work profession. I am excited to be a part of the School of Social Work team and assisting students in securing the internships that they are interested in pursuing, that aligns with the student’s interests, educational and career goals. I come with over 25 years of experience assisting the public and am ready to assist students in our program. Outside the office, I ground myself as much as I can by enjoying the great outdoors (rain, snow or shine) along with my family and friends.
Contact Information
Email: Yvonne.Esparza@wnmu.edu
Phone: (575) 538-6558
Location: Phelps Dodge