Brooke Tafoya is the Behavioral Health Coordinator for the New Mexico Public Education Department, bringing over twenty years of experience in working with young people, leading teams, and driving system-level changes. Ms. Tafoya’s career is distinguished by her commitment to creating impactful, trauma-responsive environments that support the well-being and development of youth.

Previously, Ms. Tafoya served as the Chief Executive Officer of New Day Youth & Family Services in Albuquerque. In this role, she led efforts to transform organizational culture and develop innovative strategies tailored to the needs of adolescents and transition-aged young people facing homelessness and systemic challenges, including those in child welfare and juvenile justice. Her approach emphasized strengths-based interventions and developmental readiness, breaking from conventional models to create a more supportive and responsive environment.

Ms. Tafoya's background includes significant work in violence and bullying prevention with Albuquerque Public Schools and the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to system transformation and fostering healing spaces where youth, families, and professionals are recognized and celebrated.

An Advanced Trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach, Ms. Tafoya is passionate about highlighting and nurturing the inherent strengths in every individual. Her early inspiration in social services began in her hometown of Farmington, NM, leading her to pursue a career in social work.

Ms. Tafoya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Anthropology from Principia College and a Master of Social Work from Washington University in Saint Louis.