Terrelene Massey
Executive Director
Terrelene holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law, and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. She is licensed to practice law in New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. Terrelene most recently served as the Executive Director of the Navajo Division of Social Services. She was appointed by the President of the Navajo Nation, and confirmed by the Navajo Nation Council. She served in this capacity from May 2015 to January 2019. Prior to her appointment with the Navajo Nation, Terrelene was employed as an attorney at Johnson Barnhouse & Keegan, LLP, in Albuquerque. She also served as a staff attorney at New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc., where she provided legal services to low income clients regarding federal Indian law, family law, and tribal law matters.
Terrelene previously worked as the Tribal Liaison for the New Mexico Human Services Department where she managed tribal related projects impacting Native American health and human services programs. Terrelene also served as the Associate Director of Honoring Nations at the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, Harvard University, where she co-authored reports and case studies evaluating tribal sovereignty programs and governmental best practices. Terrelene is originally from Pinon, Arizona and is a tribal member of the Navajo Nation.
Wendy Lee Basgall
Staff Attorney
Wendy holds a Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa and a B.A in Philosophy from California State University in Fullerton. Wendy is licensed to practice law in New Mexico and Missouri (currently inactive status). Wendy most recently held the position of Internal Worksite Organizer/Labor Representative at Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 721 in Ventura, California, where she represented public-sector employees in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Prior to working with SEIU, Local 721, Wendy spent four years defending homeowners in residential foreclosure actions with United South Broadway Corporation in Albuquerque. Wendy has also worked for numerous non-profit entities including Senior Citizens’ Law Office, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Lawyer Referral for the Elderly Program (nka Legal Resources for the Elderly Program) and Legal Aid Society of Albuquerque (nka New Mexico Legal Aid).
In May of 2003, Wendy earned a teaching credential through the Los Angeles Unified School District Intern program. Wendy taught English in some of the most underserved high schools in the city and county of Los Angeles. Wendy continues to hold a valid California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English.
Tracy McDaniel
MPH, Policy Advocate
Tracy is a long-time advocate for women and families. Most recently, she coordinated a large coalition focused on improving the health and well-being of young children and their families in central New Mexico. Her past professional experience has included health promotion, birth work, lactation support, and advocating for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. Born and raised in Appalachia, she has had the pleasure of working, playing, and raising her three children in the East Mountains since 2009. Tracy holds a BA in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Miami University, a graduate certificate in Maternal Child Health Epidemiology from University of Arizona, and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of New Mexico.
Jamie Savage
Office Manager
Jamie holds a Master’s degree in Psychology specializing in child and adolescent development. Jamie has over 10 years’ experience in office related work. Prior to starting with SWLC she worked for almost 7 years at a family owned and operated business. She has never worked for a non-profit before and she very excited to be working for such a great organization.
Candace Lopez
Development Specialist
Candace is a community connector with a decade of experience working with nonprofits whose missions improve communities near and far. As an experienced fundraiser, Candace connects donors to making meaningful impacts and relationships. Candace has spent most of her life between Denver, CO, and Albuquerque, NM and is passionate about promoting and celebrating the vibrant culture of the southwest. Candace likes to explore new places in her free time, ogle hand-crafted pottery, and play with her rescue pup, Ava.
Caroline Andrews
Intern
Caroline is in the process of obtaining a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law, with an anticipated graduation date of December 2021. Caroline obtained a Bachelors in Special Education from the University of Missouri and holds valid certifications in Missouri to teach Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education.
Caroline was a Sexual Health Advocate and Peer Educator from October 2015 through May 2019. During this time, she has facilitated over 100 presentations, on various topics including sexual health and intimate relationships. Caroline’s advocacy work included running free and confidential STI testing events in Mid-Missouri, and initiatives to provide free barrier methods to students at the University of Missouri.