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About Us

The employees of the Department of Youth & Family Services welcome you. It is our privilege to assist individuals and families in meeting their educational, recreational, and other supportive needs.

caption:Family & Community Services Director Carol Pierce

Department Director Katarina Sandoval

We hope you find us helpful in answering your questions about the services we provide to the residents of the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

Please let us know if we are accomplishing our goal. We are always interested in hearing how we can better serve you.

Katarina Sandoval, Director

Mission Statement

The Department of Youth and Family Services provides quality early learning, education, and recreation to promote healthy aging and improved quality of life for the entire Albuquerque Community.

Divisions

Administration

Provides administrative services for the department.

505-768-2084

Katarina Sandoval, Director

505-767-5800

Jess Martinez, Deputy Director

Media Inquiries & Marketing

Provides marketing, media inquiries and public information for the department.

Brianna Gallegos, Public Information Officer - 505-549-0195
Email: [email protected]

Child & Family Development

Partners with Albuquerque Public Schools and community agencies to offer comprehensive child and family development programs.

Dr. Dawnita Blackmon-Mosely PhD, MBA, Associate Director of Child & Family Development - 505-767-6500
Email: [email protected]

View Child & Development Information

Community Recreation & Educational Initiatives

Provides a variety of recreational, educational, and developmental activities and services for individuals of all ages.

Cristin Chavez-Smith, Division Manager - 505-767-5813
Email: [email protected]

View Recreation & Educational Initiatives Information

Crossing Guards

Helps students and parents cross the street to and from school daily during the school year. 

Richard Deichsel,  Crossing Guard Supervisor - 505-379-9438
Email:  [email protected]

Kids Cabinet

Leads One Albuquerque Kids’ Cabinet and its committees on Public Safety, Early Learning and Out-of-School Time; chairs ABC Community Schools, a joint powers agreement between the City, County and local school district

Justine Freeman, Chief Education & Impact Officer - 505-449-7683
Email: [email protected]

Area Agency on Aging (City of Albuquerque & Bernalillo County)

Administers contracts for senior services for the Bernalillo County area.

Michelle Briscoe, Manager - 505-768-2745
Email: [email protected]

View Area Agency on Aging Information

Restorative Justice Programs

Provides information and free trainings on Restorative Justice Practices

Tonya Covington, Program Coordinator - 505-610-5656
Email: [email protected]

Fiscal

Provides accounting and grants administration for the department.

Anna Marie Lujan, Division Manager - 505-768-2909
Email: [email protected]

Maintenance

Provides maintenance services to YFS facilities.

Eric Gonzalez, Building Maintenance Manager - 505-768-2838
Email: [email protected]