Board of Directors
Gabe Anaya
President
Gabe Anaya, President, has a rich background in education and military service. With a BS from NMSU and an MA from Western New Mexico University, Gabe devoted 30 years to teaching Mathematics at Silver City High School and Las Cruces High School. His military career spanned 30 years in the United States Army, both active and reserves, culminating in his retirement as a Colonel.
Gabe’s dedication to volunteer work is evident in his involvement with various organizations, including the Friends of the John Paul Taylor Historical Society, Mesilla Valley Catholic Serra Club for Vocations, Advisor for Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity at NMSU, and the Finance Council at Basilica of San Albino.
Jeffrey Silva
Vice President
This individual's detailed biography will be available soon. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our organization's mission and the community we serve. We are currently compiling information about their extensive professional background, key accomplishments, and the unique perspective they contribute to our team. Please check back shortly to learn more about this valued member. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide a comprehensive and insightful profile that properly honors their dedication and contributions.
Michael Lilly
Secretary
Michael W. Lilley is a retired attorney who was in private practice in Las Cruces for almost 40 years. He has served on the boards of many non-profit and professional organizations, including Southwest Environmental Center, Las Cruces Running Club, New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, New Mexico Environmental Law Center, New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (NMCDLA), American Civil Liberties Union (southern NM chapter) and Third Judicial District and New Mexico Court of Appeals nominating commissions.
He participated in several humanitarian aid caravans to war-torn areas in Central America with Pastors for Peace. He also was an NMCDLA lobbyist for many years at the New Mexico legislature.
Herb Torres
Treasurer
Herb Torres has been married to Lorraine Romero Torres for 55 years, and they have four children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He had a distinguished 45-year career in education, starting as an elementary teacher and later serving as an administrator in public and Catholic schools.
Torres also spent five years teaching and training future administrators at the university level before concluding his career as an educational consultant for charter schools. In retirement, he remains active, serving on several non-profit boards and participating in various ministries within his Catholic Church.
Liana Aguirre
Board Member
This individual's detailed biography will be available soon. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our organization's mission and the community we serve. We are currently compiling information about their extensive professional background, key accomplishments, and the unique perspective they contribute to our team. Please check back shortly to learn more about this valued member. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide a comprehensive and insightful profile that properly honors their dedication and contributions.
Abel Chavarria
Board Member
This individual's detailed biography will be available soon. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our organization's mission and the community we serve. We are currently compiling information about their extensive professional background, key accomplishments, and the unique perspective they contribute to our team. Please check back shortly to learn more about this valued member. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide a comprehensive and insightful profile that properly honors their dedication and contributions.
Judy Chavarria
Board Member
This individual's detailed biography will be available soon. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our organization's mission and the community we serve. We are currently compiling information about their extensive professional background, key accomplishments, and the unique perspective they contribute to our team. Please check back shortly to learn more about this valued member. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide a comprehensive and insightful profile that properly honors their dedication and contributions.
Robert Crecelius
Board Member
Robert served in both the Criminal Justice and Mental Health systems, focusing on the design and implementation of alternatives to incarceration for non-violent, high-risk, multicultural populations. Robert received an MSW from Washington University and a PhD in Public Policy from Saint Louis University. He has served on over 25 boards and collaborative inter-agency committees.
As Chief Probation Officer, Robert was a key player in the implementation of a Female Drug Court, STOP research, a Mental Health Court, and a SAMHSA Mental Health Jail Diversion Grant. During his tenure, the number of Municipal Court detainees was reduced from greater than 250 to less than 10, with minimal additional risk to public safety.
Alesia Dutton
Board Member
Alesia Garcia Dutton, a seasoned Reverse Mortgage Specialist with 13 years of experience, has lived in California, New Mexico, and Texas. Her 30-year professional career, marked by diverse job experiences and work with various individuals and organizations, has equipped her with excellent skills for her current role. Described as a "connector" and "doer," Alesia is actively involved in volunteer work, having contributed to the March of Dimes and the Alzheimer's Association. She recently joined the Board of El Caldito to aid in fundraising and volunteer efforts, and she currently serves as the Membership Chair for the Southern New Mexico Mortgage Lenders Association.
Additionally, Alesia is involved with the Greater El Paso Association of Realtors and the El Paso Estate Planning Council. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with family.
Selena Gomez
Board Member
Selena, a lifelong Las Cruces native, is a Public Health professional. She holds an Associate degree in Applied Science from Dona Ana Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Public Health from New Mexico State University.
With six years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Selena has served as Executive Director for Southern NM Diabetes Outreach since 2022. She is passionate about health and wellness, and health education and promotion.
Selena also acts as a preceptor for New Mexico State University and Dona Ana Community College Public Health Programs, where she has mentored many students throughout her career. She deeply cares about the impact of food insecurity in the community and is dedicated to fueling El Caldito’s mission.
Dennis Lee
Board Member
Dennis L. Lee is a retired federal employee having worked 31 years in the emergency management field for the Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region VI Federal Regional Center and the Small Business Administration – Disaster Assistance Division. He was born in California, grew up in Maryland and lived in Texas before retiring to New Mexico. Dennis’ career with the government required extensive travel throughout New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana, where he served during several notable national disasters including Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Katrina, the Oklahoma City Bombing and the Space Shuttle Columbia disasters.
Dennis and his wife, Karen retired to New Mexico in early 2020. They were active in several volunteer activities in Texas including The Salvation Army and numerous animal rescue charities. They formed their own non-profit animal rescue, Barkleyworld, based in Texas, where Karen serves as the President. They enjoy volunteering, travelling, hiking, and spending time with their little dog, Zuri.
Susan McCormick
Board Member
Susan McDowell McCormick is a highly experienced nursing professional with a 45-year career in healthcare, including 37 years at Memorial Medical Center. She holds a Bachelor's degree in nursing and has held diverse roles from staff nurse to Administrator on Duty.
Her key contributions include co-developing New Mexico's model "Immunize our Kids" program, implementing an infant security system at Memorial, and transitioning the OB unit to a mother/baby care model. She provided crucial support during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Administrator on Duty, she helps patients navigate the healthcare system and advocates for families.
Susan's experience extends to school nursing in various states and occupational health in federal clinics, including supporting FEMA.
A Las Cruces native, she's married to Tim McCormick with two children. They returned to Las Cruces two years ago. Hobbies include biking, reading, hiking, and gardening. She is actively involved with the New Mexico Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and the Community Foundation, and is dedicated to serving her community.
Wittara Smutassadong
Board Member
This individual's detailed biography will be available soon. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our organization's mission and the community we serve. We are currently compiling information about their extensive professional background, key accomplishments, and the unique perspective they contribute to our team. Please check back shortly to learn more about this valued member. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide a comprehensive and insightful profile that properly honors their dedication and contributions.
Steven A. Chavira
Executive Director
Steven A. Chavira, a Las Cruces native and 1988 New Mexico State University graduate, is the first Executive Director of El Caldito Soup Kitchen since its 1984 founding. With a background in non-profit operations and economic development since 2010, he now leads El Caldito's efforts to secure funding for a new, larger facility on The Community of Hope campus.
El Caldito Soup Kitchen aims to double its current capacity of serving 400-500 daily meals and will also function as an emergency kitchen for Southern New Mexico. Chavira and his wife, Suzanne, are both NMSU alumni, as are their two children.
Brian Hollinger
Operations Manager
This individual's detailed biography will be available soon. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our organization's mission and the community we serve. We are currently compiling information about their extensive professional background, key accomplishments, and the unique perspective they contribute to our team. Please check back shortly to learn more about this valued member. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide a comprehensive and insightful profile that properly honors their dedication and contributions.
Laura Alvarado
Business Manager
This individual's detailed biography will be available soon. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our organization's mission and the community we serve. We are currently compiling information about their extensive professional background, key accomplishments, and the unique perspective they contribute to our team. Please check back shortly to learn more about this valued member. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide a comprehensive and insightful profile that properly honors their dedication and contributions.
Your generosity directly provides warm, nutritious meals and essential support to our community members in need. DONATE NOW.
Not just a soup kitchen; A refuge.
999 W Amador Ave, Las Cruces, NM
PO Box 2833, Las Cruces, NM 88004
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