About Us

It all started when…

Angie Vachio and Christine Ruiz-Boyd co-founded PB&J in 1972 to respond to “screaming community needs”. What began as a volunteer effort reaching out to 7 children who all had mothers with special challenges, grew into a nationally recognized non-profit serving more than 1,500 children and parents annually. Through PB&J’s advocacy, talent, and relationship building, New Mexico policies developed that have resulted in cutting-edge practices for those who frequently have no voice at policy tables. PB&J is one of the few agencies to provide intensive wrap-around services for children and their parents, including parenting education in the homes. Creating supportive communities and families has meant incorporating the spaces of prisons and jails, elementary, middle and high schools, the pueblos and far reaches of Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties – an effort with countless barriers. The growth of PB&J has been, in every instance, a response to the needs of children and families that have emerged in a changing society and the courage, inspiration and vision of our founder, PB&J staff members, our board members, community partners, and courageous PB&J parents. PB&J’s philosophy focuses efforts on the family as a unit, as well as on individual family members. This approach, takes into account the powerful and unique reciprocal relationship between parent and child, and the impact they have on one another. PB&J believes by enhancing the family members’ sense of self-worth and competency, this will strengthen each individual’s ability to develop as a capable and responsible citizen of our community.

PB&J is proud to be an all-inclusive and smoke-free environment.

MIssion: To help at risk children to grow and develop to their full potential in nurturing families within a supportive community.

Dear PB&J Family Services Community,

 It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of our Co-Executive Director, Felicia Tapia-Alvidrez after an incredible 20 years of service to our organization and the families of New Mexico.

 Born and raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Felicia joined PB&J as a master’s level intern in May 2005 moving into the Juvenile Justice program, where she dedicated herself to supporting mothers and fathers during challenging times. This program speaks volumes to the credit of PB&J and our commitment to families.

 Throughout her tenure, Felicia made significant contributions to our therapeutic preschool, a cornerstone of her work at PB&J. She worked tirelessly with parents and children, focusing on dual-generational approaches that yielded remarkable outcomes in parent-child relationships. Her efforts in family reunification created invaluable spaces and time for parents and children to reconnect and heal.

 Felicia's commitment to community work, particularly as a provider working in homes, showcases the personal nature of PB&J's mission. Entering someone's home is a profound responsibility, and we honor Felicia's dedication to this intimate aspect of our everyday system.

 PB&J provided Felicia with opportunities for professional growth within the organization. Her expertise and leadership extended beyond our walls, as she collaborated with CYFD, state clinics, and other community organizations, further strengthening our impact.

 As Felicia moves on to her next chapter, she leaves us with these words: "I do not see myself disconnecting from PB&J because I know PB&J provides for the community. PB&J is here for the long haul, serving multiple generations of New Mexico families. My love for New Mexico's culture has been reciprocated, and I have felt embraced in this small but mighty community."

 Felicia's impact on PB&J Family Services and the families we serve has been immeasurable. Her passion for our mission, her deep connection to New Mexico's culture, and her unwavering commitment to improving lives will be greatly missed.

 As we bid farewell to Felicia, we celebrated her contributions. We are confident that the seeds she has planted will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.

 Please join us in thanking Felicia for her two decades of service and wishing her the very best in her future endeavors.

Founders

Angie Vachio & Christine Ruiz-Boyd

Board Members

Angie Vachio, Board President - Retired Founder.

Peter Klages, Vice President - Atty.

Louise Kahn, Secretary - Retired Ped. Nurse Practitioner

Ramona Lujan, Treasurer-Retired PB&J Finance Manager

Angela Adams, Member - Atty.

Lawrence Apodaca, Member - Former PB&J Employee

Heidi Brown, Member - Development Dir. KANW Radio

Julio Chavez, Member - Business Intern Sandia Labs

Caroline Dailey, Member - Prof. Social Work, Highlands Univ.

Debbie O’Malley, Member - Former Bernalillo County Commissioner

Vinita Paul, Member - VP Heartland Advisors, Inc.

Steward Duban, Member - Retired UNMH Physician , Pediatrics

Isaiah Torres, Member - Staff at Legislative Finance Committee

Mike Vigil II, Member - Co-CEO/Co-Owner The Vigil Group, LLC

Maggie Hart-Stebbins, Member - Former Bernalillo County Commissioner NM Natural Resources

Phoebe Becktell, Board Emeritus

Sue Gunckel, Board Emeritus

Jolene, Maes, Board Emeritus

Barbara Bergman, Board Emeritus