Sabrina Martin, MPT, Chief Executive Officer
Sabrina possesses more than 18 years of healthcare leadership in acute and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Today, she is responsible for the leadership and management of the day-to-day functions of our hospital.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in biology from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM, Sabrina completed her master’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Texas in El Paso, TX. Sabrina has a passion for stroke and brain injury rehabilitation and has served as a member of the National Stroke Association Rehabilitation Steering Committee.
Sabrina is committed to elevating her community in all its facets and serves on the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, New Mexico State University’s College of Health and Social Services Advisory Board, and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico Board of Directors. Sabrina is also passionate about elevating the level of healthcare throughout the state as a member of the New Mexico Hospital Association Board of Directors.
Jonathan D. Ellen, MD, Medical Director
Jonathan Ellen, MD, completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation in 1990 at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital in Chicago, IL. After his residency, he joined a physiatry practice at the Weldon Center in Springfield, MA, where he practiced for five years.
In 1995, Dr. Ellen became the medical director of the St. Francis Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation unit in Memphis, TN, where he practiced until 2011. He then joined HealthSouth in Memphis as the stroke program director and went on to become the medical director there in 2014.
In 2016, Dr. Ellen accepted the associate medical director position at Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico, and in 2018 he became the medical director.
Dr. Ellen has a strong passion for stroke and brain injury rehabilitation, and he served as the physician advisor to the West Tennessee Brain Injury Association for more than ten years.
Dr. Ellen and his wife, Melissa Esparza, OTR, enjoy running, biking, and hiking activities. From 2003 until 2015, they organized and sponsored Ride for Your Mind bike charity event to help support the Brain Injury Association.
Christina Salazar, RN, Chief Operations Officer
As a registered nurse, Christina brings a passion for rehabilitation nursing to our leadership team.
Christina initially earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from New Mexico State University (Go Aggies!). She later returned to NMSU and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Presently, she is enrolled at Walden University to obtain her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner.
She sits on the board of the New Mexico Organization of Nurse Leaders, where she serves as Region III director for Doña Ana County and sits as the chair of the legislative committee.
Christina was born and raised in Las Cruces. During her time off, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and family.
Adrian Robertson, RN, Chief Nursing Officer
With over 27 years of nursing experience, Adrian Robertson, RN, CNO, leads the nursing teams at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico (RHSNM) and the Advanced Care Hospital of Southern New Mexico (ACHSNM). She has dedicated 19 years to nursing management, including 10 years specializing in rehabilitation and 8 years in wound care.
Adrian’s passion for nursing was inspired by her aunt, an RN, who showed her the profound impact of compassionate care. She pursued her nursing education at Our Lady of the Lake College of Nursing, earning her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain College of Nursing.
Her love for rehabilitation and long-term acute care stems from the unique opportunity to witness patients regain strength, heal, and transition to the next level of their recovery. She finds deep motivation in the sense of accomplishment that comes with seeing patients improve and regain their quality of life.
Outside of work, Adrian enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishing moments with her family. A fun fact about her—she has a knack for comedy and loves using humor to lighten the mood in challenging situations, bringing a sense of comfort and positivity to those around her.
Adrian’s leadership and commitment to excellence continue to make a lasting impact on patient care, ensuring that every individual receives the highest level of support on their journey to recovery.
April Barela, MSN, RN, CCM, MRMC, Director of Patient Outcomes
April provides direction in care coordination and discharge planning for the case management team to ensure our clients receive exceptional, safe, quality, and cost-effective care.
A registered nurse and certified case manager, she brings more than ten years of clinical case management and 19 years of nursing experience to her role. April earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and master’s degree in nursing administration from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and a volunteer on the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association’s credentialing committee.
Jennifer Risley, Director of Therapy
Jennifer is committed to learning and doing all she can to provide quality, state-of-the art, and patient-centered therapeutic services for everyone who walks through our doors. Jennifer has spent more than eight years as an occupational therapist with experience in critical care, inpatient rehab, home health services, and pediatrics. She is Neuro-IFRAH Certified with additional training in aquatic therapy and hippo-therapy.
Her responsibility is to oversee inpatient and outpatient therapy operations.
Jennifer gained her bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition sciences from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM, and then completed her master’s degree in occupational therapy at Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Jennifer loves helping others and now serves as secretary for the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army of Las Cruces.
Tyler Short, Director of Pharmacy Services
Tyler Short, a New Mexico native, completed three years of pharmacy-centered undergraduate work at New Mexico State University and went on to obtain his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University Of New Mexico College Of Pharmacy. While attending UNM, Tyler was recognized for outstanding intellectual achievement by induction into The Rho Chi Society (The Academic Honor Society in Pharmacy).
Tyler actively participates in community health through medication information lectures. With a strong interest in critical care, infectious disease, and cardiovascular medicine, he brings extensive clinical knowledge to the leadership team. With a passion for ensuring quality patient care through clinical management and cost-effective pharmaceutical care, Tyler’s goal is to advance the pharmacy profession.
Meghan Johnson, BSN, RN, Director of Compliance
Meghan is passionate that all patients receive the highest quality of care and constantly strives to assure the improvement of patient satisfaction and patients’ overall functional gains.
Meghan brings more than 15 years of compliance and critical care nursing experience to her role. She oversees the quality program, infection control, regulatory compliance, and health information management at the hospital.
A registered nurse, Meghan earned an associate degree in nursing from Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma City and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma. She is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the American Heart Association.
In her spare time, Meghan enjoys spending time with her two children, who are very active in sports and other extracurricular activities, as well as attending church, watching and playing sports, and spending time outdoors.
Luis A. Roman, Director of Plant Operations
Luis is an El Paso, TX native and has more than 18 years of experience in hospital plant and operations. Luis holds an Associate’s Degree from Western Tech in HVAC. Luis has most recently been an engineering supervisor for the previous ten years and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our team. As a Navy reservist, Luis has been formally trained as an equipment operator as well and will bring with him the comradery and training he received there to the benefit of our entire team and facility.
Ivan Quiz, MBA, Director of Marketing and Business Development
Originally from El Paso, I bring a grounded perspective and a strong educational foundation to my professional life. I have spent nearly eight years working in healthcare, gaining deep, hands-on knowledge of the industry’s operations and challenges.
My strategic approach is built on my academic achievements from the University of Texas at El Paso, where I earned a B.A. in Marketing (2011) and an M.B.A. (2014). This unique combination of extensive healthcare experience and advanced business acumen allows me to drive impactful results in areas like marketing, strategy, and organizational development.
Giving back is an important part of who I am. I have previously volunteered with the National Kidney Foundation, focusing on fundraising initiatives to promote kidney disease awareness throughout New Mexico.
When I’m not focused on my work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new places through traveling, playing a variety of sports, and enjoying a relaxing night out going to the movies.
Hailey Foster, Director of Human Resources
Hailey Foster serves as the Director of Human Resources, where she oversees all HR functions, including recruitment, payroll, benefits, employee relations, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. With over 23 years of experience in human resources across multiple industries, she has spent the last two years dedicated to the healthcare field, bringing her expertise in workforce management and organizational leadership to our team.
Hailey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Management from the University of Texas at El Paso. She is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and holds a SHRM-CP certification. Additionally, she is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management, staying engaged with the latest industry best practices.
Her passion for healthcare is deeply personal—after her father experienced a brain injury, he received care at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico. The exceptional treatment and comfort her family received during that time left a lasting impact, inspiring her to ensure every patient and their loved ones feel the same level of confidence and support in their care.
Beyond her professional role, Hailey enjoys making jewelry, gardening, and spoiling her beloved dog. Originally from New Orleans, she has a love for Cajun cuisine and brings a warm, compassionate presence to our team.
