Welcome, Marisa!

Please join us in welcoming Developmental Specialist III and Eligibility Evaluator for Early Intervention, Marisa Van Dommelen, to the Aprendamos Family of Services team! Marisa, who is originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, was raised in Stahmann Farms and has lived in Las Cruces for 50 years. As a three-time Aggie, she attended New Mexico State University for her undergraduate degree and went on to earn two Master’s of Science Degrees (one in Family and Consumer Science with an emphasis in Human Nutrition and Food Science specializing in Lactation and Maternal Child Health, and second in Dietetics).

Marisa’s professional journey has afforded her the opportunity to work for the Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Supplemental Program (WIC) as Nutritionist, Breastfeeding Liaison and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Regional Coordinator & International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for over 8 years. She also previously served on the Aprendamos team providing nutrition and breastfeeding support as a Developmental Specialist III as well as conducting comprehensive multidisciplinary eligibility evaluations. Additionally, Marisa taught childbirth classes and breastfeeding classes for Art of Birth and Wellness Midwifery and Women’s Medical Associates as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth (AAHCC). Her experience also includes working with the Department of Health Children’s Medical Services (CMS) providing nutrition services for children with chronic medical conditions and providing medical interpretations, anthropometrics, and nutrition counseling at specialty clinics in Alamogordo, Las Cruces, and Silver City.

In her new role, Marisa looks forward to supporting families with reaching their breastfeeding goals and helping them to increase breastfeeding duration. “My passion is lactation, and I have been personally and professionally supporting New Mexico families for over 25 years as a Breastfeeding Advocate and as a member of the New Mexico Breastfeeding Taskforce,” she said. She will also provide families with breastfeeding and nutrition support with assessing effective feeding and milk transfer in uncomplicated breastfeeding situations and counseling to improve family feeding outcomes.

When she isn’t busy being a resource for Aprendamos families receiving early intervention services, she can be found practicing yoga, running, and trying her hand at new activities. “This year I started rock climbing, and last year I tried aerial yoga,” she said.

Marisa is excited to begin providing direct services and continuing to learn from the families she works with. Thank you, Marisa, for sharing your expertise, guidance, and for your commitment to helping babies and families thrive!