I am an immigrant who came to USA legally but ended up overstaying my visa, which meant I was here illegally. I stayed, even though I had planned being here for just a year. Did you know that most “illegal” immigrants got to the states completely legally? I also am a full time university student pursuing a degree in early childhood education.
Leticia Pantoja-Lewis, HEAL Board Treasurer
Second-year HEAL Board Member and 2022-23 Board Treasurer, Leticia Pantoja-Lewis, tells us about herself, why she was drawn to volunteer with HEAL & The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter, and what she hopes to accomplish during her time on the Board.
Interviewer: Tell me how you first got involved with HEAL & The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter.
Leticia Pantoja-Lewis (LPL): I learned about HEAL board through our friend Marin. She thought my input on the board would be valuable, and she felt that my language abilities would potentially benefit HEAL, The Nest, and clients.
Interviewer: How long have you been a member of the Lincoln County community?
LPL: I have lived in Ruidoso and Alto for about 20 years. I met my husband here, and we are raising 3 beautiful children here.
Interviewer: Where did you live before living here?
LPL: I am originally from Agua Prieta, Sonora, a small border town in Mexico, though it’s grown up a little now.
Interviewer: What was your first impression of HEAL?
LPL: First thing I noticed was how HEAL is a good community; that is: everyone I met represented and continues to represent our organization with utmost class and character.
Interviewer: What do you wish other people knew about HEAL?
LPL: I wish more people knew what they can do directly and how they can get involved and help.
Interviewer: What are some of your strongest beliefs about HEAL/The Nest/domestic violence?
LPL: I think that the support offered through this group is very important and its effect goes beyond just helping individuals that are directly affected by domestic violence, which in and of itself is a noble cause; but through helping these individuals and families, our society and community are impacted too.
Interviewer: What might our readers be surprised to know about you?
LPL: I am an immigrant who came to USA legally but ended up overstaying my visa, which meant I was here illegally. I stayed, even though I had planned being here for just a year. Did you know that most “illegal” immigrants got to the states completely legally? I also am a full time university student pursuing a degree in early childhood education.
Interviewer: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering as a Board Member for HEAL?
LPL: I usually stay busy taking care of my children and with my studies. During my leisure time I love to travel and soak in hot springs and listen to Music 
Interviewer: What are you looking forward to most about this coming year for HEAL?
LPL: I am looking forward to welcoming more new members and learning what they can offer to our team and myself, as far as personal growth. I am also looking forward to the events that we are planning like dinner at the Jockey club with chef Brendan.