Meet Our Team

  • Anita Braun, Executive Director

    abraun@havenofhopenm.com

    Anita is passionate about community service and innovative solutions to community needs. Haven of Hope’s mission to help single mothers overcome their current financial crisis so they can give their children a future full of hope, dignity and the promise that they deserve spoke to her so loudly that she was compelled to begin calling Artesia her new home after spending most of her life in Hobbs, NM. She invites you to contact her to learn how Haven of Hope is championing motivated mothers who wish to make significant improvements in their lives now and for generations to come.

  • Rebecca Williams, Family Life Coordinator

    rwilliams@havenofhopenm.com

    Rebecca was welcomed as the Family Life Coordinator (FLC) in October 2021. She was born and raised in Artesia. After graduating high school, Rebecca tried to get away, but Artesia kept pulling her back. In 2013 she welcomed her son, Wilson. Rebecca worked as a special education assistant at Central Elementary for seven years. She graduated from NMSU with a University Studies degree in May 2014. Rebecca is passionate about helping people one-on-one and is motivated by the interaction she gets daily from our residents. As a single mother, she knows firsthand the struggles that exist and is a great mentor for the women in the program.

  • Nelva Tidwell, Administrative Assistant

    ntidwell@havenofhopenm.com

    Nelva joined the team in April 2024. She grew up in Artesia and has two grown sons and five grandchildren. She is dedicated to helping others in the community and has many ties to the people in and around Artesia. Her passion is helping others and being a positive role model for young women. Haven of Hope fits perfectly into her life goals and she is committed to making a difference in the lives of young mothers.

  • Jami Fowler, Community Support Coordinator

    jfowler@havenofhopenm.com

    Jami calls Artesia home after moving from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2019 with her husband Steve and three children. Jami is a certified Comprehensive Community Support Worker with a focus on adults, children and families. She has a passion for helping others and believes in the power of a supportive and nurturing environment to facilitate healing and growth and strives to provide non-judgmental support and resources to those she serves.

Board of Directors

  • Sue McGee-Chiodini

    President

  • Noreen Teel

    Vice President

    Noreen is the Area Director and Business Services Trainer for the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. While not originally from New Mexico, Noreen chose to come back to the roots her great grandparents made. “I feel that a strong family unit can overcome any obstacle when given the chance, and Haven of Hope offers a pathway for families to flourish. We help pave the way for future generations to come.”

  • Dr. Katelyn Gunn

    Secretary

  • Pat Wood

    Treasurer

    Pat retired from Holly Frontier in July 2020 and has lived in Artesia since 1987. “Being asked to help with a cause close to my heart, provided me with an opportunity to volunteer the skills I have learned over the years. I was a single mom, and I knew firsthand the struggles and what a difference a helping hand and education could mean.”

  • Laura Netherlin

    Past Board President

    Laura is a busy farm wife and mother to two teenagers. “Helping single mothers through a challenging time in their life, feels right to me. I want to empower mothers to be the strong example their children can look up to.”

  • Laurie Crockett

    Member

  • Richard Rodriguez

    Member

    Richard, a lifelong resident of Artesia and recent retiree after devoting 30 years to the Eddy County Road Department, is committed to making a difference in his community. His stated goal for joining the Haven of Hope Board of Directors is “build stronger families and empower mothers and children.” In addition, he serves as a Deacon at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

  • Annie Baca

    Member

  • Rhiny Williams

    Member

    “I am a native Texan, although I have been in Artesia now over 30 years. I worked 35 years in the oil and gas industry and presently work with APS at ZIA.

    Helping build a strong family unit lead by a single Mom is something I am willing to help with. Giving her the tools she needs to not only survive, but to succeed as a single Mom in this society.

    As a Board member, I am willing to do what it takes to make that happen. “