Sondra Samaniego is the therapist for Project AWARE, which is a program created to support Native students by providing counseling, navigation, and support services. 

Ms. Samaniego, who joined the Santa Fe High staff in 2022, came to Santa Fe to attend graduate school for art therapy and counseling.

Originally from San Angelo, Texas, Ms. Samaniego earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lubbock Christian University and then her master’s in counseling and art therapy from Southwestern College.

Ms. Samaniego said she chose to be a therapist because she wants “to empower and help others recognize their inner strength and truth.” She chose Project AWARE because she has a passion for working with high school students to recognize their potential to grow and provide a safe space for them to share their life experiences. 

“I enjoy having the opportunity to see my students laugh, cry, grow, and create meaningful friendships throughout the year,” she said. 

For fun, Ms. Samaniego likes to hang out with friends, watch movies, travel to different cities inside and outside of New Mexico, and go to concerts. 

“All of my family is in Texas so I’m the only one who lives in Albuquerque because I came to finish my college journey,” she said, adding that she drives to and from Albuquerque every day, but sometimes takes the train.