Alta Mira Specialized Family Services Inc. | Spring 2026 Newsletter

Spring has officially sprung — and with it comes that fresh-start energy we all look forward to this time of year.

We kicked off the year diving straight into the legislative session, spending time at the Roundhouse talking with lawmakers about why our services matter and why they must be fully funded. For the families we serve, these programs aren’t “extras.” They are lifelines. They create stability, opportunity, and the foundation for a good quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and delays.

As we advocate for the future, we continue to celebrate something very special — our 40th anniversary. For four decades, we’ve had the honor of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental risk, delays, and disabilities. That’s 40 years of early mornings, hard conversations, big milestones, small victories, and lives changed. We don’t take that lightly, and we know that we wouldn’t be here without your support.

This session, we were proud to work alongside our partners at the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) and the New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) to advocate for the sustainability and strength of our services. When agencies, providers, families, and advocates stand together, our collective voice carries further—and it makes a difference. One of the absolute highlights of the session was Disability Rights Awareness Day (DRAD). It’s hands down the best day of the entire session. Seeing self-advocates, families, and community partners filling the halls with passion, pride, and purpose is a powerful reminder of why we do this work. It’s inspiring, energizing, and deeply personal.

To our families, staff, board members, donors, community partners, and legislative champions — thank you. Thank you for believing in our mission of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to optimize quality of life. Thank you for standing beside us during the session and throughout the year. Your support allows us to keep showing up, speaking up, and delivering the services our community depends on.

As we move further into this year—and continue celebrating 40 years of impact—we do so with gratitude and hope. The work isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. And we’re so grateful to be doing it together.

Here’s to a season of growth, continued advocacy, and many more years of making a difference—side by side.

Angelique Tafoya

Executive Director

Get ready for an afternoon of fun, friendly competition, and fantastic prizes...all while making a difference at our fundraiser hosted by Alta Mira's Board of Directors and The Bingo Project!

Bring your lucky charm, your favorite people, and your winning vibes. It's the BEST kind of bingo: the kind that gives back!

RSVPs are appreciated but not required. If you plan to attend, let us know HERE!

Can't make it? You can still donate by scanning the QR code below:

Selena Montoya, Verenice Garcia, Renee Flores, and Hanna Davis,

nominated by Janelle Lopez

I would like to shout out to Selena, Vernice, Renee, and Hanna for stepping in and helping mentor the new FSC trainees while I was out due to surgery, and continuing to help upon heading back to work. It put my mind at ease to know that my work was fully taken care of while recovering, and has allowed me to also slowly transition and heal while getting back into working.

Selena Montoya, nominated by Verenice Garcia

I would like to give a shout out to Selena for her hard work in training new employees, thinking of strategies to help others and creating/sharing templates that help in everyday tasks.

Jessica Aguilar, nominated by the Early Intervention Staff

"Jessica, thank you for going above and beyond in updating the entire EI department's computer systems. Your ability to troubleshoot complex problems quickly keeps our team running smoothly. Not only do we value your skills and expertise, but we also appreciate your positive and supportive mindset. We are grateful for you!"

Sarah Pastore, nominated by Katie Wylie and Sheena Kinsel

Sarah is one of the newest members of our Alta Mira Management team. Her thoughtfulness, creative nature, and sense of camaraderie have already endeared her to our staff. We look forward to working with her to promote Alta Mira in fresh and inspired ways! We are so thrilled to have Sarah with us!

Registration is OPEN for TOPSoccer! US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive. The program is FREE; register HERE as a player, or register HERE to volunteer as a trained "Buddy" or coach.