Problem Gambling Program

Peopleworks understands how gambling can get out of control

We are caring and nonjudgmental staff who want to help gamblers, family members or friends cope with disordered gambling. We offer sessions in person in Rio Rancho or via video to anyone in the state of New Mexico without charge. You do not have to commit to treatment – you can book an informational session. You may also book a time to discuss your concerns about someone else’s gambling without charge.

We also offer one-to-one financial coaching by phone to persons struggling with gambling or their family members.

We understand your need for confidentiality

And we understand that you need to know who we are

Please call or email us to inquire about our services, which are free to gamblers, their families members, and for community education.”

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505-990-4186

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peopleworksnm@gmail.com

Program Manager

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Ted Hartwell, MA

Ted has served in many roles in the problem gambling arena, including 11 years for Nevada Council on Problem Gambling as a Community Advocate, Executive Director, and Director of Storytelling. Ted has a wealth of expertise about problem gambling and will guide the Prevention Staff in our efforts to educate the public about this issue. Ted is available for consults with gamblers or family members, presentations in the community or online, and will be scheduling program staff to attend community events. Ted will also interface with Peopleworks’ Treatment Staff, referring persons who are experiencing harm from gambling.

Counseling Staff

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Cindy Anderson, MSW, LCSW, ICGC-I

Cindy Anderson has been counseling gamblers for eight years since acquiring her International Certification as a gambling counselor in 2018. She has led the Prevention team and Treatment team from 2015 to 2026. The prevention efforts centered around educating our New Mexico communities about this hidden addiction. Cindy has a heart to help persons understand the factors leading to the behavioral addiction, treating any co-occurring disorders and addressing environmental factors. Cindy employs practical and financial strategies in her treatment.

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Carol Hinote, LCSW

Carol has been a therapist over 35 years who endorses the Recovery Model for treatment. She has specialized in addictions, and is currently leading our Gambler’s Hope treatment group for gamblers. She has extensive experience running groups in her career.

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John Love, LCSW

John has been a therapist for nearly 30 years, and specialized in military trauma, substance abuse, mood disorders and pain management. Though newer to the treatment of persons with gambling problems, John has skills in cognitive behavioral therapy and extensive experience treating substance addictions which will translate well in helping gamblers.

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Lojann Hooee, LADAC

Lojann has a passion for helping people with gambling disorder. She currently works as a LADAC with San Felipe Behavioral Health, but is available to treat gamblers with Peopleworks-NM, via telehealth or in person at our Rio Rancho office. Lojann has previously managed a Tobacco Cessation and Problem Gambling prevention program at Acoma Pueblo. She has a wealth of education and knowledge regarding problem gambling.

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Tom Lawry, Ph.D.

Tom has been a Clinical Psychologist for 35 years, specializing in PTSD, substance abuse, veterans, student athletes and couples. Tom is able to work with ages 15-100 and can provide couples treatment in addition to individual therapy for those dealing with problem gambling.

Prevention/Education Staff

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Pamela Olsen, MA, LMHC

Pamela has worked at CNM for many years as an Achievement Coach. She worked with students who struggled with many life issues, including gambling problems. She also observed close family members who had disordered gambling behavior. She has 36 hours of education on disordered gambling. She finds her prevention and education work with Peopleworks to be very fulfilling and is available to counsel gamblers.

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Jovian Henio

Jovian has worked 10 plus years in community outreach, prevention education, and health initiative campaigns. He provided informative health-related presentations to communities and facilitated train-the-trainer sessions. He has served as a memeber of a committee, which advocated for Native cuilture, appropriated policy for health related issues, and community organizations. Jovan’s outgoing, welcoming personality is a key and valuable tool for his ongoing and healthy realionships with programs, organizations, and communities across the state of New Mexico.

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Susie Koestner, MA, LMHC

Susie is a bilingual English/Spanish speaker and has worked on community based projects in the Southwest US, and Latin America. She brings a wealth of experience and enjoys learning about cultural perspectives. She has served as an Achievement Coach, and Academic Advisor and has 12 years experience as a licensed Mental Health Counselor,. She is excited to join our team, and will assist with prevention and educational outreach since she has learned about the negative impact of disordered gambling on peoples’ lives. Hopefully in the near future she will also provide counseling to those struggling with gambling.

Financial Coaching Staff

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Dawn Esquibel, Vice President

Dawn has been teaching financial management courses for over seven years. She relates to the struggles of the average person and has multitude of strategies for helping improve your financial situation. Dawn is here to assist those struggling with managing their finances due gambling or other various money management challenges. Dawn will only be provided your first name and a way to contact you.