Staff and Board of Directors

 

Founder/CEO: Debbie Johnson

 A healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience in both clinical care and healthcare management experience, Debbie was once homeless herself. She is recognized for her ability to work with very diverse clients and staff and for outstanding skills in assessing needs, recommending sensible solutions, and effectively managing and motivating staff to implement quality care in a spirit of collaboration. Mrs. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and another bachelor’s degree in science. She is currently studying for a master’s degree in Public Health and Social Work. She has received numerous awards since establishing TLCC.


Staff:

Administrative Assistant:   Martha Lara-Delgado

Community Outreach Director: Charles King

Sewing Instructor: Yolanda Herrera

Case Manager: Crystal Barreras

Case Manager: Celeste Pettine

Programming Director: Daniel Olufemi

Development Director: Karen Meizner

Store Manager: Manuela Montoya Terrazas

 

Board of Directors

 


 


Tommie Bedford, President


Tommie has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, Texas. She is a widow with two children and four grandchildren. She was a Substitute Teacher in Albuquerque Public School for three years and a Home Economics / Culinary Arts Teacher at Albuquerque Job Corps for nine years. Currently involved in Church and Grandchildren’s activities, she loves to travel, sew, quilt, and make crafts. Tommie is currently the nursery coordinator and newcomer welcome baskets overseer at her church and a volunteer instructor at TenderLove.

 
 
 

Nina Martinez, Vice President, Treasurer

Experienced Inside Sales Representative with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Managed Services, Enterprise Software, Partner Management, Storage, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Strong sales professional with a Bachelor of Science focused in Psychology from The University of New Mexico. She is Hispanic American.

 


 

Jules Flores, Secretary

Jules obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and Dance with an Emphasis in Drama Education from the University of New Mexico and a Certificate in Film Tech from the Central New Mexico Community College. She completed her Master of Education in Higher Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

She has worked in Higher Education for five years, supporting first-generation and minority students. Currently, she works at Central New Mexico Community College, where she works closely with students. Her past experiences include leadership development and inclusion programming for college students and Student Affairs professionals.

Jules values service and strives to make a difference in her community. She served as the professional development chair for the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (HWNT) El Paso Chapter and on the LGBTQ+ Round Table with the El Paso Community Foundation.

Jules has volunteered for Tenderlove since 2014, when she assisted with the planning and coordinating of our first fashion show, and recently served on the planning committee for our first ever Virtual Gala.

 

Emily Dunn  (info to be added soon)


Diane Gibson, Advisor

Diane Gibson has lived in New Mexico since the mid-1970s, first in Santa Fe and then later in Albuquerque where she has made her home. She retired from Sandia National Laboratory in 2008 where she began her career as a prototype machinist. At that time, she was only the third woman hired into the apprenticeship program. The eleven years before retiring, Diane worked as an Environment, Safety, and Health coordinator ensuring a safe, environmentally responsible workplace for employees.

Over the past many years Diane has volunteered for policy- and advocacy-driven organizations, including as a coordinator for Planned Parenthood, a builder for Habitat for Humanity, and an ombudsman for New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services. Working with helping organizations has greatly enriched her life.

Diane lives in the Jerry Cline Park neighborhood with her exuberant pittie, Rocky. She is in her second term as an Albuquerque City Councilor and is honored to serve the constituents of District 7 near Northeast Heights.


Honorary Board


 


AdesolaAdesola Adedokun, MD

Dr. Adedokun is one of the three founders of TenderLove, giving generous spiritual and financial support. Specializing in Family Medicine, he attended Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife Nigeria obtaining an M.B.Ch.B. (M.D.) degree in 2004. He currently studying to be certified in the U.S.

 


Diana Lewis

Diana was among the students in TenderLove’s first graduating class for sewing proficiency.  She returned to volunteer for several years and served two separate terms on the Board of Directors.
 
A professional teacher with compassion for education, Diana has 10 years of affiliation as a Teacher at First Fruits Christian Academy, Albuquerque, NM teaching grades preschool through 6th, assisting in the planning and coordination of a variety of music programs and the establishment of a Spanish language class. She was awarded “Teacher of the Year” for two years.
 
Her academic education was at the University of Pacific, Conservatory of Music, Stockton, CA, and Diana served in US Navy Reserve as a specialty Hospital Corpsman
 
Girl Scouts of America, Troop Leader Special Olympics of Rio Rancho, Coach and Parent Upward Athletic Program, Coach, Leader First Fruits Christian Academy, Summer School Program, Teacher, Assisted Event Coordinator.

 

 

Board Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public.

Please contact TenderLove Community Center for date, time and location of next board meeting.