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The Council

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    • About NMDDC - The Council

    The New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council consists of 30 members, each of whom are appointed by the Governor of the State of New Mexico. They represent and advocate for people with developmental disabilities, and serve one-, two- and three-year terms. At least 60% of the Council are persons with developmental disabilities or family members of people with development disabilities. The Council has decision‐making authority, the power to designate management, the responsibility to significantly influence operations and is primarily accountable for fiscal matters.

    The Council identifies the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities and develops innovative and cost-effective ways to meet these needs, while upholding the human and civil value of people with developmental disabilities. 

    The Council is also responsible for developing NMDDC’s  Five Year Plan (5YP).

    Everyone is welcome! 
    If you are interested in becoming a member of the Council, or if you just want to speak to one of the Council members, please contact us! We encourage participation, feedback and constructive criticism.


    Form fill:

    The purpose of the Council is to:

    • Act as a planning and coordinating body for persons with developmental disabilities;
    • Provide statewide systems advocacy for populations with developmental disabilities;
    • Work with appropriate state agencies to develop the developmental disabilities three‐year plan as required by the Federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act;
    • Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the state developmental disabilities plan;
    • To the maximum extent feasible, review and comment on all state plans which relate to programs affecting persons with developmental disabilities;
    • Submit to the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services through the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council such periodic reports as the Secretary may request;
    • Advise the Governor and the Legislature about the needs of the developmentally disabled; and · Any other activities authorized or required by the provisions of the Federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Acts.

    The Council is authorized to:

    • Award grants and enter into contracts to carry out duties; and
    • Seek funding from sources other than the State.

    Council Membership

    Please learn all about our dedicated Council Members! 

    Self-Advocates/Family Members

    Joel A. Davis, Chair
    Rio Rancho, NM
    (505) 301-3394
    Appointment expires: N/A
    Position: Non-profit Group

    Representation of State Agencies and Other Organizations
    Tim Gardner, Proxy
    Joan Curtiss, Alternate
    Disability Rights New Mexico (statutory member)
    Albuquerque, NM
    (505) 256-3100
    Appointment Expires: N/A
    Position: Protection & Advocacy - DD Network Partner

    Marcia Moriarta, PsyD, Executive Director
    Pat Osbourn, (Designee)
    University of New Mexico Center for Development & Disability
    (statutory member)
    Albuquerque, NM
    (505) 272-3000
    Appointment Expires: N/A
    Position: UCEDD - DD Network Partner

    Michal Hayes Director of Policy and Planning, 
    Aging/Long Term Services Division
    Santa Fe, NM
    (505) 946-8772
    Appointment Expires: NA
    Position: State Agency

    Eli Fresquez,
    CYFD
    Santa Fe, NM
    (505) 629-9656
    Appointment Expires: N/A
    Position: State Agency

    Melanie Buenviaje, Bureau Chief of Medicaid,
    NM Human Services Dept.
    Santa Fe, NM
    (505) 490-2460
    Appointment expires: NA
    Position: State Agency

    Jason Cornwell, Director,
    DOH/DDSD
    Santa Fe, NM
    (505) 660-3453
    Appointment Expires: N/A
    Position: State Agency

    Casey Stone-Romero, Director,
    Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
    Santa Fe, NM
    (505) 257-8711
    Appointment Expires: N/A
    Position: PED Director Designee - Vocational Rehabilitation Division

    Deborah Dominguez-Clark, Director of Special Education
    Santa Fe, NM
    Appointment expires: N/A
    Position: New Mexico Special Education Bureau

    Matthew L. Molina
    LifeROOTS Inc.
    Albuquerque, NM
    (505) 363-8540
    Appointment expires: N/A
    Position: Service Provider

    Lanthia Louise Miles
    Albuquerque, NM
    (505) 712-4505
    Appointment expires: N/A
    Position: Representative of Non-Governmental Agency