P&A WELCOMES THREE NEW STAFF MEMBERS

P&A’s Albuquerque office has been enhanced by two attorneys, Jama Fisk and Rachel Fetty, who joined us about four months ago. Both attorneys bring experience with underserved populations in New Mexico. Jama was previously with Southern New Mexico Legal Services in Roswell, and Rachel came to us from Community and Indian Legal Services.

Jama received her bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, majoring in anthropology and sociology, and graduated from UNM’s School of Law in 1995. She has always gravitated toward Public Interest law. Jama assisted with the Weaver case, which abolished a time limit for General Assistance benefits for disabled persons in New Mexico. Many of her clients at Southern New Mexico Legal Services were disabled, and Jama focused on getting them access to services.

Working in a group home for autistic teenaged boys sparked Rachel Fetty’s interest in disability law. She graduated from Law School at the University of Iowa in 1999 and relocated to New Mexico shortly thereafter. Rachel has always been motivated to advocate for changes in the system to improve the quality of services provided to the disabled community. Her background also includes work with survivors of abuse, and she plans to continue her education in the counseling field.

Debbie Garcia is our new executive secretary/advocate in the Las Vegas office. Debbie has a degree in Special Education from New Mexico Highlands University, and is currently working toward her elementary teaching licensure. Her experience includes advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. A native New Mexican, Debbie is raising her three children in Wagon Mound. Her oldest son has a learning disability, which prompted Debbie to become active in advocacy for persons with disabilities.