Our Story
For more than two decades, Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach (SNMDO) has been dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities across southern New Mexico prevent and manage diabetes.
Founded in 1998 by local health professionals and community members, SNMDO began as a grassroots effort driven by people committed to preventing and managing diabetes in the Las Cruces community. From 1998 through 2011, SNMDO operated its first office out of the garage of local Las Cruces attorney Kent Yalkut on Augustine Ave, reflecting the organization's humble beginnings and the dedication of the individuals who helped build it.
On March 21, 2001, SNMDO became a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization then hired its first Executive Director, June Donohue, providing dedicated leadership as the organization expanded its screening program and community advocacy.
In 2012, SNMDO entered a new chapter by relocating its office into Families and Youth, Inc. on S. Solano Dr., where it remained through 2022. During this period, the organization continued to develop its programs and expand its reach throughout southern New Mexico.
In 2015, SNMDO hired its first Diabetes Educator, strengthening its ability to provide specialized diabetes education and support. In 2019, the organization expanded its team again by hiring its first Health Educator, broadening its health education and wellness services.
In 2022, SNMDO relocated into its third office location at the Electronic Caregiver Tower, marking another step in the organization's growth and providing a new home for its continued community outreach and services. In 2022, SNMDO hired its second Executive Director, Selena Gomez.
In 2025, SNMDO reached another milestone by welcoming its first Lifestyle Coach. This expanded the organization's ability to support individuals in making healthy lifestyle changes and developing sustainable habits as part of diabetes prevention and management.
Today, SNMDO serves as a point of connection for people living with diabetes, individuals at risk, and health professionals. Through diabetes education classes, support groups for youth and adults, wellness screenings, and lifestyle-focused support, we bring education, resources, and encouragement directly into southern New Mexico communities.
Our history is rooted in community, collaboration, and a commitment to better health. What began as a grassroots organization operating out of a garage has grown through decades of dedicated service, partnerships, and community outreach.
Historical Timeline
1998 — SNMDO Is Founded
Founded by local health professionals and community members committed to preventing and managing diabetes.
Our Founders
Thomas “Tom” J. Hubbard
Donald Whitaker
Sunnie Bell
Maria Valle
Stephanie Keepers
1998–2011 — First Office
First office operated out of the garage of Las Cruces attorney Kent Yalkut. This humble beginning reflects the grassroots spirit and dedication that helped shape the organization.
March 21, 2001 — 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status
SNMDO officially became a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
2002 — First Executive Director
First Executive Director, June Donohue, establishing dedicated organizational leadership
2012–2022 — Second Office
SNMDO relocated to its second home located in Families and Youth, Inc., continuing its outreach and expanding its ability to serve individuals and families throughout the community.
2015 — First Diabetes Educator
First Diabetes Educator, expanding the organization's capacity to provide specialized diabetes education, guidance, and support, creating the first diabetes self management education program in Las Cruces.
2019 — First Health Educator
First Health Educator, expanding health education and wellness resources to individuals and families.
2022–2026 — Third Office & Second Executive Director
SNMDO relocated to its third office location at the Electronic Caregiver Tower, marking another chapter in the organization's continued growth and community presence, and hired its second Executive Director, Selena Gomez.
2025 — First Lifestyle Coach
SNMDO welcomes its first Lifestyle Coach, expanding its preventative support for individuals working toward healthier lifestyles and sustainable habits.
Today — Continuing the Mission
SNMDO holding the latter of six diabetes education and support programs. Serve people with diabetes throughout southern New Mexico.