District 42 N.M. House Representative Florence C. Miera

Age: 56

Occupation: Taos Behavioral Health, supervisor; Licensed clinical therapist; private practice Education: UNM–Taos, Associate’s in human services, Bachelor’s in social work, Master’s in community organizing and administrative practices; N.M., licensed independent social worker; PED, K-12 Level III social worker Political experience: Governor Richardson, Becky Gear, former student intern in constituent services; Bob Schwartz, Office of the Governor crime policy advisor, former student intern; Taos, Democratic Party precinct vice chair; Kerry Edwards campaign, former delegate; Democratic Party, former delegate; supported and helped introduce bills through N.M. Public Education Department; state of homelessness and environmental education New Mexico, homeless liaison (current)

Political party: Democrat

Charged or convicted of a crime (more serious than a traffic ticket): No Social media or website: florencemierataos.com

Florence C. Miera said she feels she can make a positive difference in District 42 as she spends every day working in the public schools, partnering with mental health providers to support Taos students, their families, the teachers and administrators.

“For the past two years, COVID has impacted our lives,” she adds. “Now the fires. I understand the grief and loss struggles many families are facing today.”

Since 2004 she has been a policy maker for many agencies, including The Office of the Governor for constituent needs; she has spent hours with legislators addressing mental health, education, tax issues, housing and crime.

Besides the State of New Mexico, she has worked with Community Against Violence to introduce a new model addressing co-occurring issues of domestic violence and child abuse. She helped to create “Moms Talk,” a support group to help mothers understand what their children were going through witnessing the violence.

Her intervention work was as an investigator for the New Mexico Children Youth & Families division and an In-Home service provider, helping families in danger of losing their children due to abuse and/or neglect.

At Taos Municipal Schools she continues support with all ages, including pre-kindergarten through college kids, families and the community using evidence-based models. As a UNM– Taos professor of Psychology 105, Intro to Human Services and Human Services 250, Miera said “it was the students who empowered me to move forward” during COVID shutdowns.

“Today, I help with suicide prevention, crisis intervention and address the food and housing insecurities facing our community,” she said, adding, “For the past 20 years, I have addressed trauma, will work hard for a trauma center with mental health support for our veterans, our EMTs, nurses and families facing trauma due to loss of loved ones, homes and more.”

She has two grown daughters and three grandchildren. She tells staff to treat clients ands people like they are family.

“I am the best qualified and most experienced candidate to lead the communities of Taos County. My record speaks for itself,” she concluded. “I humbly ask for your vote on or before June 7.”