About Us
Grandma’s Hands New Mexico is more than just a nonprofit. We’re here to help you get back on your feet, guiding you every step of the way.
“I don't have grandma anymore; if I get to heaven I'll look for Grandma's hands.”
Our Story
In loving memory of Gladys W. Gaston
Grandma’s Hands New Mexico is more than a nonprofit; it is a tribute to Gladys W. Gaston (1934–2015), a woman whose love, wisdom, resilience, and commitment to others continue to shape everything we do.
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Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Gladys came of age in the segregated South and participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, where information and calls to action were shared through local churches. She graduated from high school at just 16 and earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Alabama State University. Later, while working full time and raising nine children, she earned a master’s degree in education; this is an extraordinary accomplishment made even more powerful by the poverty, racism, and limited opportunities she had to overcome.
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Gladys devoted more than three decades to education, particularly special education, and believed deeply in teaching children to read. She understood that literacy opens the door to independence, essential resources, and opportunity.
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Her brilliant and endlessly curious mind never rested. She could discuss subjects ranging from history to world cultures and would complete a New York Times crossword puzzle so quickly you might barely realize she had started it. Her life showed us what becomes possible when knowledge is joined with compassion, perseverance, and service. Grandma’s Hands New Mexico carries that legacy forward by helping people find the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
What We Do
At Grandma’s Hands New Mexico, we empower individuals and families by providing resource navigation, culturally competent public health education, and advocacy. We connect people to essential resources through personalized support, including assistance with applications for social services like Medicaid, SNAP, and housing, as well as employment and income support. We aim to improve well-being and self-sufficiency by bridging the gaps between vulnerable communities and the resources they need.
MEET OUR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Erin Ashlock, MPH
Erin is a public health professional, advocate, and community leader dedicated to improving access to essential services. As the Founder and CEO of Grandma’s Hands New Mexico, she leverages both personal and professional experience to bridge gaps in service accessibility. With a Master’s in Public Health specializing in Epidemiology, Erin’s expertise spans social determinants of health, health equity, research, and systemic advocacy. She has completed over 230 hours of coursework in research, medicine, psychology, sociology, and graduate-level counseling, complementing her extensive work in nonprofit leadership, social services, data analysis, training, and policy advocacy. Erin actively participates in community leadership, serving on the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the City of Albuquerque Homelessness Coordinating Committee, the Health Equity Council Board of Directors, and various policy and advocacy workgroups. A proud mother of three, having had her first at 18, she is committed to creating a more accessible and compassionate support system for vulnerable individuals and families.
“I am passionate about this work because I know firsthand how life-changing it is to receive dignified support during hard times, and now I have the honor of helping others find the stability and care I needed myself.”
Board & Staff
Secretary, Board of Directors
Janis Gaston, MA, MS
Holding a Master of Arts in Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Science in Education from Texas Tech University. With extensive experience in software training, instructional design, and organizational development, Janis has led training programs that enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Patricia "Pat" Gaston,
MSW, LTC (Ret), U.S. Army
With a distinguished 22-year military career as a Logistics Officer, Pat broke barriers as one of the few Black female officers in her field and was the first female appointed Chief of Individual Readiness at Fort Jackson. After retiring in 2008, she earned her Master’s in Social Work and dedicated herself to advocacy, program management, and community service.
Member, Board of Directors
Dan Hyman
Dan is a champion of neurodivergent leadership, a visionary thinker, and a serial entrepreneur with an adaptable approach to leadership, learning, and growth. He is passionate about helping individuals and businesses reach their full potential. Dan invests in people and communities to build lasting relationships, create shared opportunities, and support sustainabiliy.
Markie Damiana, LPCC
Member, Board of Directors
Markie is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She brings a deep understanding of the intricate connections between the biological, psychological, and social factors that shape our lives and influence how we seek and receive help. As a daughter, mother, professional, spouse, and friend, Markie knows firsthand the difficulties involved in finding care for ourselves and those we love. Her passion lies in helping people navigate these complex systems, feel seen and understood, and receive practical, lifesaving care.
Guy Harris
Member, Board of Directors
Guy Harris is an experienced finance professional of more than 15 years specializing in budgeting, compliance, and financial management. His background spans government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit service. Guy brings valuable fiscal leadership and community-centered insight to the Grandma’s Hands New Mexico Board of Directors.
Brianne Do
Digital Design Director
Brianne has worked with nonprofits for over five years, with a focus on education, usability and accessibility, and digital inclusion across all ages. Their experience as both an educator and a contributor to the education sector has given them a deep understanding of the opportunities that access to education can create. They are fluent in Vietnamese and can hold a (slow) conversation in French.
Outside of their professional work, Brianne is an avid designer and maker. Their love of design extends into painting, 3D modeling, and making tiny, chubby frogs out of clay. In their spare time, they work a full-time job and pay taxes.
Sylvia Romero
Community Navigator
Sylvia Romero brings decades of experience in healthcare, education, and community care. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse before serving for more than 20 years as a Health Assistant and Redirector with Albuquerque Public Schools. As a Community Navigator, Sylvia draws on her compassion, practical knowledge, and commitment to service to help individuals and families access trusted resources and support.
Phillip Romero
Community Navigator
Phillip Romero brings extensive experience in education, tutoring, and student support. A graduate and educator at Albuquerque Academy summer programming, he currently teaches at APS International School and works with students through individual tutoring. As a Community Navigator, Phillip uses his patience, teaching experience, and knowledge of the local community to help individuals and families connect with valuable resources and opportunities.
Partnering with Grandma’s Hands New Mexico is simple and impactful. If your organization is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable communities and shares our values of compassion, equity, and community engagement, we’d love to work together. Whether you provide healthcare, education, housing, or other vital services, your expertise can make a real difference. Be sure to share your vision (tell us about your resources or services)! After that, we’ll discuss how to collaborate in service to our community.
Reach out to us!
Phone: (505) 584-6716
Email: support@grandmashandsnm.org
or fill out the form linked below​