Grief Center Staff

Executive Director
Debora Garrison began her journey with the Grief Center in 2003 as a participant with her two young children, after the death of their father. Always knowing that she would someday give back to The GC for the difference it made in their lives, she joined the Board of Directors in 2017 and served as Board Treasurer (2020-2024). Deb has a master’s degree in educational leadership and retired from APS in 2024 with over 38 years of experience in the educational setting. She knows how important it is to have compassion and understanding as one grieves and was excited to be named the third Executive Director of the Grief Center in 2024.

Director of Development
Suzie Blake, MPNL, CFRE moved to New Mexico from Michigan in 2019 and quickly fell in love with all New Mexico offers, especially the outdoors. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Suzie earned her Masters in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Grand Valley State University in Michigan and is a Certified Fund Raising Professional (CFRE). Contact Suzie to learn more about how you can support grieving children and adults in New Mexico.

Development & Outreach Associate
Jorie Weyer manages donor relations and social media. She is also responsible for grant management, and creating awareness of The Grief Center’s services, events and volunteer opportunities. Jorie leads The Grief Center’s Community Alliance Committee of volunteers. She volunteered at The Grief Center for 3 years before joining the staff in 2017.  She holds a degree in Business Administration with a Marketing focus from the University of New Mexico.

Administrative Manager
Beth Brodie has over three decades of experience in administration and property management within the fields of commercial real estate and education. She was raised in New Mexico and enjoys our beautiful sunshine and all things New Mexican, especially red and green! Beth manages myriad administrative tasks ranging from bookkeeping to support of the tenants at the Center for Hope and Healing.

Administrative Assistant/Front Desk
Lorraine Chavez has over 8 years of experience as an Administrative Assistant at a non-profit organization and joined The Grief Center team in 2025. She was raised in Albuquerque and enjoys the rich culture and diversity of New Mexico. In her spare time, she likes to volunteer for local non-profit organizations. Her commitment to service, outreach, and community engagement is rooted in her deep love for Albuquerque. She strives to foster meaningful connections, support impactful initiatives, and contribute to strengthening our community in every way possible.

Program Manager
Christina Thies holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Journalism from New Mexico State University. Before joining the GC she co-owned a printing company and worked for a local non-profit improving the lives of homeless pets. Outside of work she is focused on supporting her local community through volunteer work and education.

Bi-Lingual (English/Spanish) Program Manager
Veronica Flores holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from Fort Lewis College, Colorado, and has since been providing direct services and advocacy for non-profit agencies for more than 6 years. Her goal is to continue to provide minority community members and their families grief support in a culturally inclusive and safe space.

Curriculum Coordinator
Kelly Geib-Eckenroth is a former bereavement facilitator and Program Director (2009-2020) of the Children’s Grief Center, and former leader of Camp Corazon (2013-2019 & 2024). She has over 30 years of experience working in youth-centered non-profits; developing curriculum, administrating programs, training volunteers and staff, and providing direct services to children and their families. Returning to The Grief Center in July 2022, Kelly is responsible for developing curriculum and is our Camp Corazón Director.

For information pertaining to our Board of Directors meetings, please send a request HERE.