Aprendamos names new chief operating officer

A leading provider of services for children and families in Doña Ana County has a new member in its top executive leadership team.

Celina Weller, a native of Tularosa, was recently named as the chief operating officer for Aprendamos Family of Services.

Weller has worked for Aprendamos since 2009 and overall, has more than 20 years of management experience in healthcare and human services.

She started her journey with Aprendamos as the clinic director for the Esperanza Children’s Therapy Clinic, which provides speech, occupation and physical therapy for children ages 3 to 18.

During her time with Aprendamos, she also served as the director of children and family services.

As chief operating officer, Weller will oversee the operations of the six programs under the Aprendamos umbrella of services.

“I believe in creating positive change for children and families in our community, and one of my favorite quotes is from President Barack Obama: ‘Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we are waiting for. We are the change we seek,’” Weller said.

Abel Covarrubias, chief executive officer and shareholder for Aprendamos, said that Weller brings a wealth of experience to her new position.

“Celina will continue to work across systems so that as a community, we support families and help shape our future generations,” he said.

Weller also currently serves on the New Mexico Interagency Coordinating Council, which advises and assists the administration of the statewide early intervention system through the New Mexico Family Infant Toddler program.

Weller and her husband, Keith, have four daughters and four granddaughters. Outside of work, Weller enjoys spending time with her family, yoga, listening to podcasts, reading and taking walks along the pecan orchards with their dogs.

To learn more about Aprendamos Family of Services, visit www.aitkids.com or call 575-526-6682.