Desiree Woodard balanced full-time work, caregiving and raising four children while pursuing her master’s degree. She plans to help people recovering from substance use disorders.

Organ Mountain News report

SILVER CITY - After years in nursing, Desiree Woodard found herself drawn to the one-on-one relationships she built with patients. This December, she plans to take the next step in that work when she graduates from Western New Mexico University with a master’s degree in social work.

Woodard pursued the university’s online program while working full time, raising four children and caring for an ill husband and child, according to a university news release. Her family caregiving responsibilities have spanned a decade.

Her path to graduate school began with a childhood marked by poverty, trauma and addiction in her family. Becoming a mother at 15 delayed her pursuit of higher education, but she remained determined to continue learning and break generational cycles.

Social work offered a way to combine her health care background with therapeutic mental health work and support for people navigating difficult circumstances.

Learning to listen

Woodard credits Jeanine Rodriguez, an adjunct faculty member who teaches social work internship courses, with helping shape her approach to supporting others.

Early in her internship, Rodriguez introduced what she called the “seven-minute rule”: giving a colleague seven uninterrupted minutes to decompress, discuss emotional burdens or process a difficult case without judgment.

“That advice stuck with me throughout my internship and has changed how I show up for others,” Woodard said. “Whether it's supporting a colleague after a tough case or simply being present for my children, learning to give someone those seven minutes of pure support and engaged listening has been priceless.”

For the past four semesters, Woodard has completed her clinical internship at Sandia Therapy and Wellness Center in Albuquerque, providing individual psychotherapy.

Her training included dialectical behavior therapy and work helping clients recognize emotional triggers, develop coping skills and manage trauma. Her nursing experience also informed her understanding of clients’ physical health needs alongside their mental health concerns.

After graduation, Woodard plans to remain at the center as a clinician while working toward independent licensure.

A longer-term goal in recovery care

Woodard hopes to eventually establish a sober living facility that provides coordinated support for people recovering from substance use disorders.

Her vision includes care extending from withdrawal through sustained recovery, with accountability and assistance to help people rebuild their lives and reconnect safely with family members. Her interest is shaped in part by seeing how addiction can damage trust within families.

“Every person deserves a caring environment to heal,” Woodard said. “My goal is to give people the tools, accountability, and grace they need to get back on their feet and reunite with their families.”

For other adults considering a return to school or a career change, she offered encouragement.

“Go for it. Life is constantly changing, and it is never too late to learn something new or invest in yourself.”