About Lotus Affect
Our Why
After pursuing a career in Law Enforcement our CEO Rebecca Sonnenberg saw firsthand the needs throughout the State of New Mexico. When she transitioned to work with Children Youth and Families Department, as well as starting her own mental health business, it was ever apparent that our state needs a hand at helping those who reside throughout New Mexico.
Rebecca established Waves Behavioral Health in 2022 and it was at that time she found herself surrounded by an amazing team of clinicians who are helping her to achieve a dream of providing the necessary resources, tools, and growth that New Mexicans, and their families may be looking for.
The Lotus Affect was established in 2023 and it was then that the development of a variety of programs was established. These programs will aid in teaching families, children, and youth the tools to overcome adversities, see the strength in themselves, and develop their own WHY, so that they can overcome any obstacles, past present or future.
Our Mission & Vision
The Lotus Flower rises out of the mud without damage, in its own perfection. The word Affect means to influence or produce change. At The Lotus Affect our mission is to help individuals, families, and all New Mexicans rise out of the mud and see their strength. As well as their resiliency and ability to produce the change needed in their lives and the lives of their families.
Our vision is to be a beacon of hope and healing in the lives of New Mexico’s families and individuals, illuminating a path toward a future free from the shadows of intergenerational trauma. We envision a community where every person emerges resilient and empowered, surrounded by support and care, and where each family thrives, embraced by the strength and wellness they possess within.
Our Team
Rebecca Sonnenberg
LCSW, CEO
Rebecca is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Mexico. Rebecca attended New Mexico State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology. She also obtained a Master of Social Work at New Mexico State.
Rebecca is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Crisis Intervention, Gottman level 1 and 2, Circle of Security, DBT, 7 Challenges, is rostered in CPP (Child-Parent Psychotherapy) and is a Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist as well as a Certified provider of ADOS-2, which assists individuals with diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) for individuals of all ages. Rebecca is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and the creator of TheraUnion, a unique practice that integrates yoga and therapy through a trauma-informed lens, supporting the healing of both mind and body.
Her career includes Adult and Federal Probation and Parole prior to working at the Youth Detention Facility. This all led her to continuing to work with at-risk youth, families, children and those suffering from trauma and Substance Use disorders. Rebecca finds this field of work something she holds dear to her
heart and is passionate about helping others.
Stephen Salz
LMSW
Stephen is a fresh graduate from the Masters of Social Work Program at New Mexico State University. He has extensive experience working with children in the Treatment Foster Care system through his first internship and subsequent employment at High Desert Family Services. His responsibilities included: treatment coordination, crisis support and intervention, and treatment evaluation.
Stephen is familiar with trauma informed approaches to treatment and has had training in TBRI as well as DBT. Stephen is also a graduate of Waves first Internship Program, where he received guidance and weekly supervision by the experienced Waves Clinical Team. Stephen plans to continue expanding his knowledge in various modalities of therapy and will continue to receive supervision and guidance from the leadership. We are very excited for this new addition to the Waves team!
Vanessa Gresham
CFO
Vannessa Gresham is an accomplished healthcare operations leader with over 25 years of specialized expertise in medical credentialing, billing, and financial management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and has built a distinguished career at the intersection of healthcare administration, regulatory compliance, and revenue cycle optimization.
As Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Vannessa provides strategic financial oversight and operational leadership, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all credentialing and billing systems. Her deep industry knowledge spans provider enrollment, payer contracting, regulatory alignment, and end-to-end revenue cycle management—making her an invaluable asset in driving both efficiency and sustainability within healthcare organizations.
Throughout her career, Vannessa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to operational excellence. She has played a pivotal role in streamlining administrative workflows, enhancing reimbursement outcomes, and building systems that support long-term organizational success. Her leadership is guided by a strong foundation in industry best practices, a meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for improving healthcare delivery from behind the scenes.
Wendy Wofford
LCSW
Wendy Wofford is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Mexico, with a passion for supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. A graduate of New Mexico State University with a Master of Social Work (MSW), Wendy brings a unique perspective to her practice, having transitioned into social work after nearly 20 years in small business management. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico.
Wendy specializes in using a variety of therapeutic approaches including EMDR, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral techniques among others to help clients navigate personal difficulties and achieve meaningful change. She has extensive experience working with individuals and families facing grief and life transitions. Wendy believes that every person has the answers within themselves to overcome challenges, and she is dedicated to helping her clients discover and apply those solutions in an effective manner.
With a client-centered approach, Wendy is committed to supporting individuals in finding their unique path to healing and growth.
Dominique Thompson
LMSW
Dominique Thompson is a heartfelt and driven emerging clinician who recently earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from New Mexico State University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Services from the University of Oregon, where she cultivated a strong foundation in community-based support and advocacy.
Dominique has meaningful experience working with individuals navigating a wide range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, substance use, addiction, and trauma. Her therapeutic work is grounded in a deep belief that every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. She is especially passionate about helping clients build emotional resilience, develop practical and personalized coping strategies, and step fully into living an empowered, authentic life.
Dominique brings a warm, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to therapy. With unconditional positive regard and a deep respect for each client’s lived experience, she works collaboratively to identify strengths, foster self-awareness, and support personal growth. Her approach integrates both evidence-based techniques and intuitive understanding, creating a nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their emotions, clarify their values, reconnect with their identity, and pursue meaningful, lasting change.
Dominique is committed to lifelong learning and personal growth as a clinician. Her goal is not only to provide healing support but to walk alongside her clients as they reconnect with their power, voice, and capacity to thrive.
Bailee VanAntwerp
LMSW
Bailee VanAntwerp is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) based in New Mexico, bringing a wealth of education and expertise to her practice. Bailee earned her Bachelors (2020) and Masters (2021) degrees in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she developed a deep understanding of social dynamics and community engagement.
Committed to ongoing professional development, Bailee holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid and SMART Recovery, enhancing her ability to provide compassionate and effective care. She is also a certified practitioner of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Bailee’s dedication to crisis intervention and trauma response is underscored by her certificate from Rutgers University in Crisis Intervention + Trauma Response. Currently pursuing further specialization, she is actively training to obtain her LSAA (Licensed Substance Abuse Associate) through the University of New Mexico, aiming to broaden her impact and support for individuals facing substance abuse challenges.
Passionate about empowering her community through mental health advocacy and support, Bailee combines her extensive academic background with practical experience to deliver personalized care and foster positive outcomes for her clients.
Amber Eichstedt
LMSW
Amber Eichstedt is a passionate and skilled emerging clinician who recently earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Western New Mexico University, where she also completed an advanced certificate in Rural Community Social Work. With a strong commitment to serving underserved populations, Amber brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals and families in rural settings.
She has extensive hands-on experience working with both children and adults in a variety of roles, including case management, crisis intervention, care coordination, and treatment planning. Her ability to build trust and provide stability in high-stress environments is a testament to her dedication and effectiveness as a social worker.
Amber is well-versed in trauma-informed care and takes an eclectic, individualized approach to treatment, thoughtfully integrating principles from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is currently pursuing certification in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful modality for trauma recovery, and remains committed to ongoing education and clinical training.
Amber’s professional mission is to offer client-centered, compassionate care that supports meaningful transformation and healing. She is especially driven to create safe, supportive therapeutic spaces for individuals in rural communities, helping them reclaim their resilience, process trauma, and move toward empowered, healthier lives.
Linda E. Armijo, BSW
Director of Development and Community Engagement
Linda E. Armijo is a dedicated advocate with a rich social work and community empowerment background, exemplified through her leadership at The LOTUS Affect Non-profit Agency. With expertise in court proceedings, records maintenance, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care, Linda ensures tailored support for individuals and families, tirelessly addressing deep-rooted issues within communities.
Her commitment to advocating for marginalized populations is unwavering, demonstrated by her roles at La Piñon Child Advocacy Center, Las Cruces Housing Authority, and La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from New Mexico State University and specific training in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention for underserved populations, Linda’s passion for professional growth propels her pursuit of social justice.
Beyond her career, Linda finds fulfillment as a proud wife and mother, balancing her advocacy work with moments of relaxation and rejuvenation as an avid reader and lover of coffee. Her dedication to continuous learning and advancement, reflected in her participation in various conferences and training programs, underscores her role as a guiding force in transforming communities and challenging intergenerational trauma.
