Meet the Team

Melissa Marie Lopez Sullivan (She/Her)
Interim Executive Director
Melissa Marie Lopez Sullivan has earned a reputation as an innovative, driven, solutions-focused Executive Director with a stellar background in healthcare and holistic wellness, and a proven record of building and managing complex operational efforts.
Melissa builds and leads high-performing teams, manages complex budgets, and implements effective programs to improve people’s lives. She is well-versed in financial control, strategic alliance, operational management, and collaborative leadership.
Since 2020, Melissa has spearheaded the growth of the New Mexico Doula Association (NMDA) as the first Executive Director, a vital community-based organization for doulas across New Mexico. She has championed and advocated for birth and reproductive justice movements, resulting in policies and systemic changes that protect reproductive health and minimize maternal morbidity, specifically for Black and Indigenous communities.
Melissa worked tirelessly to devise and execute strategic plans to raise awareness of NMDA’s mission and advocacy initiatives, increasing stakeholder and donor engagement and securing over $200,000 in grant funding. She leveraged exceptional communication and interpersonal strengths to foster productive partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and government officials.
Melissa is also the Founder and General Manager of Las Cruces Doula, LLC, a wellness practice that provides the full spectrum of doula services, incorporating traditional and evidence-based approaches to support clients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also serves as a Project Partner at UNM Health Sciences, where she collaborates with Dr. Pilar San Juan on an NIH-funded health study titled “Bringing Equity in Healthcare through the Extended Attendance of Risk-reduction Doulas for Perinatal Substance Use Disorder (BEing HEARD).” Together, they are pursuing $3.8 million in funding to contract risk-reduction doulas and community health workers to support the Milagro Program and UNM, while providing ongoing consultation and project support.
Melissa holds a Master of Business Administration from New Mexico State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management from Colorado Technical University.
As a committed member of the local community, Melissa serves on the New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force (Las Cruces Chapter) and continues her leadership as Executive Director of the New Mexico Doula Association. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, meditation, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Nancy Torres (She/Her)
Director of Training and Workforce Development
Dr. Nancy Torres is a dedicated educator and advocate, deeply committed to fostering overall wellness within the communities she serves. With 25 years of teaching experience enriching the lives of students, teachers, families, and communities, she brings a wealth of knowledge and heartfelt passion to her work.
Dr. Nancy Torres is a proud University of Texas at El Paso graduate, holding both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Kinesiology, as well as a doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Physical Education and Health.
Currently, she channels her expertise into curriculum development and special programs focused on wellness for individuals of all ages and abilities. Dr. Torres thoughtfully collaborates with agencies and organizations to secure grant funding, ensuring that youth, their families, and their communities have access to vital resources that support nutrition, physical activity, and overall health.
Driven by a desire to amplify the voices of those she serves, Dr. Torres recently earned her doctoral degree, focusing her research on compassionate leadership within educational institutions. Her peers recognize her as a beacon of resilience, grit, and unwavering determination.
Dr. Torres extends her nurturing spirit as the Director of Grants and Programs with the New Mexico Doula Association. As a Mexican American, lesbian, and full-spectrum doula trained with Our Earth, she provides compassionate support to individuals during significant life transitions.
Further strengthening her ability to support the community, she has completed training in Nourishing Networks of Care (abortion support), Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL), and is CPR certified. Dr. Torres approaches every aspect of her work with empathy and a genuine desire to create a healthier, more supportive world for all.

Andrea “Andi” Beltran (She/Her)
Operations & Finance Coordinator
A proud Mexican-American from El Paso, Andrea is a passionate advocate for community service, education, meaningful impact, and empowerment. With nearly two decades of public service in education, she has developed expertise in program management, financial operations, and outreach initiatives.
In her role as Operations and Finance Coordinator at the New Mexico Doula Association, she is dedicated to supporting doulas and strengthening resources for the families they serve.
Andrea holds a Bachelor of Business in Economics and International Business, a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages from New Mexico State University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Her studies also took her abroad to Spain, where she gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and global perspectives.
Her professional experience spans teaching at both the high school and collegiate levels, certifying students in Microsoft Office programs, and leading community outreach initiatives. She served as a site coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, partnering with the Greater El Paso Credit Union (GECU) and nonprofit organizations to provide financial literacy and tax assistance to underserved communities.
With 14 years of coaching experience, along with training in Youth Mental Health First Aid and CPR, Andrea is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, and fostering resilience. Through her work, she strives to uplift, empower, and create lasting change in the communities she serves.
Andrea is also interested in mentorship opportunities in loss and end-of-life care to expand her ability to provide compassionate doula services, ensuring that individuals and families receive the support they need during life’s most critical transitions.
Board of Directors

Bianca Paulette / President

Samantha Pennington / Secretary

Shahid Mustafa / Treasurer
Our Team

