The Team

Who We Are

Ruth Macy

Owner & Clinical Therapist

Ruth brings over 25 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health, combining deep compassion with clinical excellence. She founded Building Bridges Counseling to create a safe, nurturing space for children in need of quality care.

Credentials:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Social Work Board Supervisor
Certified in Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Ruth’s dedication to the children of her community led her to reopen Building Bridges Counseling in 2017 after retirement, a true reflection of her lifelong passion for helping young lives heal and flourish.

Valerie Kleespies

LCSW & Clinical Director

Valerie leads with compassion, professionalism, and a strong belief in the power of positive growth. She brings years of experience helping children and teens overcome trauma, behavioral challenges, and emotional struggles.

Credentials:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Master of Social Work, New Mexico Highlands University
EMDR Trained
7 Challenges Trained
TF-CBT & Play Therapy Trained
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADAC)
Social Work Board Supervisor

Valerie’s approach is strength-based and encouraging, focused on building what’s going well and empowering young people to realize their potential. Her passion lies in helping youth navigate recovery and resilience with hope and confidence.

Magdalena Mendoza

Administrative Assistant & Notary

Magdalena is the welcoming face and first point of contact at Building Bridges Counseling. With a strong background in medical assisting and administration, she ensures every family feels supported and informed from the very first call.

Credentials:

Associate Degree in Medical Assisting
Notary Public
Fluent in Spanish

Magdalena brings warmth, organization, and professionalism to each interaction, helping families navigate appointments, paperwork, and communication with care and compassion.

Leslie Evans

PMHNP-BC — Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Leslie provides compassionate and quality mental health care here in Hobbs, combining clinical expertise with a heartfelt dedication to the community she’s served for over a decade. Her calm presence and thorough approach help children and teens feel safe, understood, and supported.

Credentials:

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (PMHNP-BC)
Master’s in Nursing
7 Challenges Trained
New Mexico Certified Nurse Practitioner

With more than 20 years of nursing experience, Leslie is devoted to helping young people find balance and emotional wellness through thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric care.

Jadyn Shoemake

LCSW — Child & Adolescent Therapist

Jadyn brings energy, empathy, and a genuine love for helping children and teens grow through life’s challenges. Her work blends clinical skill with creativity, meeting each child where they are and helping them build confidence and resilience.

Credentials:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Master of Social Work (Clinical Focus)
Trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, Play Therapy, and The 7 Challenges Program
Current Pre-K Teacher with a strong background in child development

Jadyn’s positive, strength-based approach creates a safe and encouraging space for young clients to heal, express themselves, and thrive—both in therapy and in everyday life.