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 currently working on her Yoga registration to work with trauma victims as well as pregnant women.
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
LCSW, CSW
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!
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.
