Meet Our Trainers

Ryan Steinmetz

A native Ohioan, Ryan Steinmetz oversees youth/teen services for the City of Las Cruces. He came to New Mexico as an AmeriCorps member and stayed for the blue skies and green chile! He holds a Master's in both Counseling Psychology and Public Administration from New Mexico State University. In his spare time, he serves  as the president of his local PFLAG chapter, working to make his community and world a safer place for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

Melanie Dunne, LCSW, IMH-E (III)

Melanie completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work at New Mexico State University. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Circle of Security Parenting Classes (COS), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) & Child-Parent Psychotherapy - Supervision, Emotional Triggers Treatment, and is an endorsed Infant Mental Health (III) Specialist. Melanie is also available to provide clinical and reflective supervision. Her education and professional background of understanding the mind and body has given her a unique approach to counseling that fits the philosophy at Amistad Family Services. Melanie currently serves Amistad as a Clinical Supervisor. Since 2017, Melanie has been a part of a non-profit organization that supports veteran’s and their families across the southern part of New Mexico. She is also a Soroptimist Ruby Award winner (2017) for her work in supporting women veteran’s returning to school after service.  Melanie is a New Mexico native who grew up in Silver City, NM.

Monique Rodriguez, LMSW

I can be found frequently on our local mountain ranges especially the Organs Mountains. The tool for my self-care is through hiking, especially solo. It clears my head, allows me time to problem solve and process. 

My name is Monique Rodriguez and I have been a licensed social worker for nearly 6 years while serving the community for nearly 20 years. I have served clients in different settings including in schools, homes, offices, transitional housing facilities, medical facilities, and in the community. I have spent most of my career serving the veteran & military population through macro and mezzo roles, in addition, I served in the US Army for 8 years. I have a passion for social work workforce development and I enjoy training and mentoring the next generation of social workers as I grow in my own career. I have been a field instructor for MSW, BSW, psychology, sociology, and public health students for 3 1/2 years and currently a field liaison supporting MSW students through their field placements. 

At home, I have a supportive husband who also served in the Army, two boys who are 9 and 11 years old, along with our pets, 2 chihuahuas Pugsley and Pinto, and a strong willed cat, Shady. 

I look forward to working with, collaborating, and serving our community. 

-Monique