A day in the life of a school nurse brings a wide variety of situations. From playground falls and upset stomachs to broken bones and chronic medical conditions, our Health Services staff members have truly seen it all.
Each morning begins with students arriving for prescribed medications and routine care. Nurses work closely with families of students with ongoing health needs, offering guidance, support, and connections to valuable community resources. In addition to treating acute illnesses and injuries, they also care for students with chronic and medically fragile conditions that require daily attention.
From the first bell to the end of the school day, unexpected accidents and medical situations can occur at any moment. Following state requirements and standards established by the New Mexico Public Education Department, the team works collaboratively to ensure every school in the district receives consistent, high-quality health support.
The Las Cruces Public Schools Health Services Department includes 44 school nurses, 25 health assistants, one director, two assistant directors, four athletic trainers, and one athletic training coordinator. Together, they oversee the health and well-being of students and staff throughout the district. Their service extends beyond the classroom through CPR instruction, community education, and participation in local health fairs.
School nurses manage immunization records, health screenings, and state reporting requirements. Health Services staff also organize vaccination clinics and work closely with schools, families, and community partners to support student health.
“We’re constantly educating students about health,” said Anne Castillo, Assistant Director of Health Services. “Whether it’s handwashing, hydration, or the importance of eating breakfast, every interaction is an opportunity to help students stay healthy.”
Through partnerships with the City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County, Health Services staff host health fairs and educational events for students and families. In April, the department participated in the 12th Annual Water Festival, where fourth-grade students learned about water conservation and fire prevention in southern New Mexico.
Health Services staff also partner with the New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight Spare Pair Program to provide vision screenings and replacement or spare glasses for students ages 3–18.
In recognition of National Nurses Appreciation Week, May 6–12, Las Cruces Public Schools thanks our outstanding Health Services staff for their compassion, professionalism, and dedication to students and families:
Anne Castillo, Assistant Director
Kristine Hanson, Assistant Director
Cristina Baca, Athletic Trainer
Andrew Flores, Athletic Trainer
Blake Pridemore, Athletic Trainer
Krista Villa, Athletic Trainer
Jazmine Molina-Benavidez, Athletic Training Coordinator
Shawna Bailey, Director of Health Services
Antonia Abeyta, Health Assistant
Megan Ahlm, Health Assistant
Laura Alvarez, Health Assistant
Carla Apodaca, Health Assistant
Amber Baca, Health Assistant
Jacqueline Badillo, Health Assistant
Cassandra Betancourt, Health Assistant
Vicki Blundell, Health Assistant
Brenda Escudero, Health Assistant
Deborah Gomez, Health Assistant
Irene Gonzales, Health Assistant
Melanie Hernandez, Health Assistant
Nellie Hernandez, Health Assistant
Nicole Holguin, Health Assistant
Jasmin Jimenez, Health Assistant
Karissa Ochoa, Health Assistant
Dolores Ortiz, Health Assistant
Miriam Ramirez, Health Assistant
Odalis Ramirez, Health Assistant
Priscilla Ramirez, Health Assistant
Fabiana Rosales, Health Assistant
Breanna Salcedo, Health Assistant
Jaszmyn Smith, Health Assistant
Amber Thomas, Health Assistant
Nieves Urbina, Health Assistant
Jelena Abundis, School Nurse
Neyda Aldaba, School Nurse
Stephanie Araiza, School Nurse
Cathy Austin, School Nurse
Arianna Avalos, School Nurse
Maria Blum, School Nurse
Eileen Caldwell, School Nurse
Riba Calloway, School Nurse, School Nurse
Teofilo Carrasco, School Nurse
Jean Carter, School Nurse
Rene Castelo, School Nurse
Nicole Chavarria, School Nurse
Jennifer Chavez, School Nurse
Lisa Crawford, School Nurse
Ashley DeRuyter, School Nurse
Holly Fulkerson, School Nurse
Christy Garza, School Nurse
Georganna Goehler, School Nurse
Angel Gomez, School Nurse
Elizabeth Hartshorn, School Nurse
Luisa Herrera, School Nurse
Jessie Herrera-Sainz, School Nurse
Mary Kutinac, School Nurse
Lori Lawrence, School Nurse
Cierra Lazos, School Nurse
Kristen Legault, School Nurse
Rachael Lopez, School Nurse
Nicole Lucero, School Nurse
Anne McDonagh, School Nurse
April Montoya, School Nurse
Martha Moreno, School Nurse
Shawni Pinson, School Nurse
Christine Rios, School Nurse
Elfeda Rivas, School Nurse
Monique Salazar, School Nurse
Marisela Santillano, School Nurse
Kimberly Schulmeister, School Nurse
Lucero Serrano, School Nurse
Reynaldo Serrano, School Nurse
Tammy Smelker, School Nurse
Lisa Tran, School Nurse
Manuel Vazquez, School Nurse
Marianne Ward, School Nurse
James Willis, School Nurse
Monica Renteria, Secretary
Jennifer Raess, Social Worker
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