Meet the CWC
Our Team
ginny adame
Board Chair
Ms. Adame began her career in prevention in 1996, following her work as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. Motivated by the desire to reduce the future impact of violence and substance misuse on youth and families, she was drawn to the field of prevention. She believes that evidence-based prevention practices have a wider impact than expected, such as bullying prevention programs that not only reduce bullying but also address issues like substance misuse and overall health. These practices, which aim to increase resiliency and reduce risk, have been shown to lower substance misuse, suicide, violence, teen pregnancy, and juvenile delinquency, while promoting success in school, positive health outcomes, and community connection.
Certified as a Prevention Specialist since 2008, Ms. Adame has 25 years of experience in the prevention field. She has held the Senior Certified Prevention Specialist credential in New Mexico since 2011 and has contributed to numerous local and state boards focused on health, safety, and wellness.
Mark evanko
Board Member
Dr. Mark Evanko is a physician with over 35 years serving the communities of Bernalillo and Valencia counties. Now semi-retired, he provides medical consulting services and also proudly serves in a volunteer capacity as Medical Director of Wilderwood Equine Therapy and Rescue. His research and medical interests include a whole-body approach to wellness, steeped in his osteopathic specialty, and autism in women and girls. An ardent and experienced horseman, he is a proponent of the integral role horses can play in both mental and physical health.
Carol claus
Co-Treasurer
Carol moved to New Mexico in 1993 and has been involved with the Community Wellness Council (CWC) since 2009. Carol earned a BA in psychology from the University of New Mexico (UNM) and worked at UNM as well, until retiring in 2018. Working with a grant funded program that assisted the community with preparation for the GED exams plus teaching English to non-native speakers, Carol learned the needs of Valencia County firsthand. Even though she is retired, she continues to be involved with the CWC and recognizes how vital health councils are to their communities.
Peggy gutjahr
Co-Treasurer
Peggy Gutjahr, RN, MSN, has dedicated her career to improving community health through education, program development, and direct patient care. As Health Services Director for Belen Consolidated Schools, she led the creation of a comprehensive school health model, integrating nurses, counselors, and intervention teams. She established the School Health Advisory Council to strengthen school-community collaboration and secured over half a million dollars in grants to enhance district health services. Her initiatives, including the GRADS program and a high school-based daycare, provided crucial support for young parents.
Beyond schools, Peggy has been a strong advocate for community health, serving as a home care nurse and hospital liaison to ensure smooth transitions in patient care. As a founding member of the original Valencia County Council-Families, Children, and Community (VCC-FCC) now the Community Wellness Council (CWC), she helped identify health gaps, analyze key data, and implement targeted interventions. Her leadership in population health management reflects a lifelong commitment to improving health outcomes for individuals and communities. Peggy currently serves as Co-Treasurer of the CWC.
pamela skinner
Coordinator
Served as the Director of the Valencia County Chamber of Commerce for one year prior to joining my family in Texas. Built a successful Chamber uniting business throughout Valencia County.
Former Executive Director of Housing for the Village of Los Lunas and Valencia County. In this capacity I was able to provide housing assistance to the inhabitants of this county. I held the position for 15 years, which allowed me the opportunity to form many business and professional contacts throughout this community.
Fifteen years of Federal Government Service as a GS employee in the field of Personnel and Financial Management.
Attended Los Lunas High, Graduated National Honor Society, and attended the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Moved with the military to Germany and continued my education through the Community College of the Air Force.
I was born in Tome New Mexico and call Valencia County my home. I am the mother of three boys and grandmother to two grandchildren.
New member orientation
Are you interested in joining the general board membership of the CWC? Take a look at the New Member Orientation!
Community Wellness Council 