Valerie is a clinical intern in her final year of the Master of Social Work program at Eastern New Mexico University. She brings a background as a volunteer victim advocate, having worked closely with families of homicide survivors, and was previously a paralegal for many years before transitioning into social work. Through her internships, she has provided case management and crisis intervention support. Her approach is grounded in person-centered and strengths-based theory, a focus that developed through her graduate studies.

Outside of her professional life, Valerie is the mother of two adult children and grandmother of two. She enjoys puzzles, gardening for relaxation, and spending time with friends.