My name is Ruth Borah, CST, FAST, BA. I have been a member of AST since 2004 and earned my CST credential in 2011. I served as a Board of Director for the state of New Jersey from 2012-2014. I moved to West Virginia in 2015 where I received my Bachelor of Art degree. I became active in the state assembly and was voted in as vice president of the West Virginia State Assembly. I held the position until 2018. My husband's job relocated us to New Mexico in the summer of 2018. In September of that year I attended The New Mexico state assembly meeting and ran for Vice President and was voted in. During the pandemic, our president at the time stepped down. I became president (elect). As of March 26, 2022 I was officially voted in as President and with my new board, excited to represent our great state of New Mexico!

During my career I have been fortunate enough to be involved with three medical mission trips. Two to Bangladesh and one to the country of Sri Lanka. I have felt extremely lucky to be part of such an amazing group of individuals who are committed to caring for the underprivileged in these countries. We make such a difference in the lives of those we heal. It is an ongoing and rewarding commitment!

In 2018, I received the FAST award at the National Conference in Orlando, Florida. I was also appointed to the Bylaws, Resolutions, and Parliamentary Procedures committee. In July 2021 I was appointed Chair of the Bylaws committee. These opportunities are what our profession is all about. Being involved in your state assembly and at the national level gives you a different perspective on how important volunteering can help others in our profession.

Hello my name is Amanda Ballard in a CST. I graduated from San Juan college in 2017.
I had the honor to serving all of you as a Board Member from Spring 2019- Spring 2022. I am so happy to be serving all of you as your Vice President.
If anyone needs anything, my door is always open.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

My Name is Shaina Maestas, Im a United States Marine Corps Veteran, a mother and a former Board of Director from 2019-2022.
Im excited to take on the roll as Secretary for NMAST.
I graduated from San Juan College in 2018 with my AAS in Surgical Technology. 

Hello, my name is Kandice Graves. I have been a member of NMAST since 2015 and am your newly elected Treasurer. I have an AAS in Surgical Technology from San Juan College in Farmington, but I am originally from Taos, NM. I have been living in the Four Corners area since 2012 and am proud to call this place my home. My first job as a CST was at San Juan Regional Medical Center, where I worked for 2.5 years. I have currently been enjoying weekends off with no call at Four Corners Ambulatory Surgery Center (4.5 years). Here at FCASC, I have helped spearhead our facility's first outpatient Total Joint Program, which has been a tremendous success serving the patients in the Four Corners area. If I had to pick a favorite specialty, it would definitely be Orthopedics but I can also appreciate the intricacy of Ophthalmology. My hobbies include baking, hunting, fishing, paddle boarding and photography. I have a wonderfully supportive husband Richard and a bright and beautiful 14 y/o daughter Sonya. I look forward to being a more active member of our State Assembly, as well as recruiting more ST and CST's to participate. There is a unique culture working in an Operating Room and as Surgical Technologists, we need to be recognized for the vital role that we play in patient care and safety.

        

Hello! My name is Tyler Briggs, and I am your newly elected Board of Directors Member. I have always had a passion for health care that is why I became a CST. I graduated with honors in August of 2020 from Central New Mexico Community College. During my 'me at CNM I obtained my, General Studies Cer')cate, Health Well/Public Safety Cert, Integrated Studies Degree, Liberal Arts Degree, and Surgical Technology AAS. As a member of New Mexico AST, I have the unique opportunity to help and bring new ideas to the team and promote a stronger presence at mee'ngs. I look forward to working with my fellow CST’s, I believe that knowledge is power and together we can grow to make the New Mexico AST the best it can be!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS- Robert Rivera

My name is Robert Rivera CST, I was trained on the job  at St. Marys Regional Medical Center in Apple Valley, CA in 1990. I joined AST and became a CST in 1992. I worked here for 8 years. I  worked at Kaiser Permanente hospital in Fontana, CA for 2 years. I moved to Aztec, NM in July 2000 to work at Four Corners Surgery Center in Farmington, NM where I am currently employed.  I will be  married to Kerry for 34 years this June 2022. We have twin daughters who will be 33 years old, July 2022. One of my daughters is married and a mother of 2 boys. She is a dental assistant in Farmington. My other daughter is a Gunnery Sargeant in the United States Marine Corps. I have been on 4 surgical mission trips (general/GYN) to Guatemala and 3 eye surgery mission trips (cataracts) to Haiti. I went to my first National AST Conference as a delegate for NM in 2021 in Las Vegas, NV. I am looking forward to serving in the NMAST Assembly in the Board of Directors.



BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Sophia Pavlakos

Hi my name is Sophia Pavlakos I am a Cardiovascular tech at UNMH. This is my first time serving on the board.
I enjoy good ice cream and playing with my dogs. I have two dogs; a bloodhound named Iroh and a mutt named Vesta.