Meet the Team
Darlene Wood
Owner & Care Coordinator
Darlene Wood is the owner of Always Best Care of Albuquerque/Rio Rancho. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico. After college she was an elementary school teacher for 10 years. Prior to owning Always Best Care, Darlene opened and managed Eagle Ridge Gymnastics in Rio Rancho.
Read More
Her dedication and commitment to Always Best Care and the community is invaluable.
Darlene is the proud mother of her two son’s Evan and Luke. Her interests include skiing, mountain biking and spending time with her children.
Sara Gardiner
Client Service Director
Sara Gardiner a Native East Coaster, Sara Gardiner comes to Always Best Care with a Degree in Sociology and a Credential in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling. Helping with the Senior population is something she has always had a desire to do. Before joining the Always Best Care team Sara worked as a Child Protective Worker and an Addictions Therapist. In her spare time, she is a Competitive Team, Gymnastics Coach.
Lisa Pomroy
Human Resources Director
Lisa has enjoyed a career in Administrative Management, Accounting, and Human Resources. She joined the Always Best Care Team in October 2021. While growing up, her father’s military career took them all over the west coast and Alaska with them eventually settling in New Mexico in 1981. Lisa and her husband have a combined family of three grown children, two sons-in-law’s and six grandchildren. When not at work, Lisa enjoys golfing, camping, traveling and being outdoors.
Miranda Saavedra
Office Manager
Miranda is a proud wife and mother of a beautiful daughter. Miranda was born and raised in Santa Fe New Mexico. She came to Always Best Care with a background in Management and Mental Health. She has a drive to succeed in helping others. She has a personality that is infectious and can make you feel understood and safe.
Camille Griego
Recruiter
Camille was born and raised in Santa Fe, NM. She always has the passion in helping others and making a difference. She started with ABC in 2019 as a caregiver, then as a Scheduler in 2020, and in 2022 she got promoted to be a Recruiter. On her free time, she loves spending time with family and going on adventures in the mountains.
Esther Jones
Recruiter
Esther Jones moved from the Netherlands to New Mexico. She has two amazing children and two grandkids. Her passion is helping others in any way possible. She has a bachelor’s in education from UNM and has been a gymnastics school owner for 25 years.
April Williams
Lead Schedule
April is our Lead Scheduler. April is an Army veteran who has been in the administration field for over 20 years. April has a degree in Medical Assisting and is currently attending school for her bachelors in Business Management. April enjoys spending time with her 2 boys, her spouse, her family, and her fur babies.
Annalee Stelling
Lead Surervisor
Annalee holds a BA in Fitness Administration from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM. When she’s not hanging out with her 3 adult children or spending time with family and friends, you’ll find her taking a spontaneous road trip with her spunky Yorkie, Olivia.
Sam Small
Quality Care Advocate
Sam is from Detroit Michigan and he loves his children. He is a football fanatic and loves all other sports. Sam is a CNA who loves working to help people and doing things to make their lives easier. He cannot imagine not being in the medical field helping people, he believes it is his calling.
Natasha Garcia
Director Of Nursing
Natasha has had a passion for nursing and helping people in the community since she began her nursing career in 2008. She has enjoyed working at ABC for the last 5 years. She enjoys life on her free time by going to church, working out, and spending time with her husband and children.
Nicole Eichel
Registered Nurse
Nicole is a registered nurse with over 15 years of nursing experience and a background in critical care. She loves taking care of patients and doing what she can to care for and help navigate their healthcare. Nicole is also a wife and mother and enjoys traveling and spending time with family.
Kathie Dunning
Registered Nurse
Kathie Dunning has been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years. I have had a wide range of experience in numerous clinical settings that has helped me perform my job with skill and confidence. When I was asked to be a nurse for Always Best Care 6 years ago, I jumped at the chance. I was a longtime friend of the owner, and I knew we would make a great team. Working with Veterans in their homes has been extremely rewarding. Being a small part of their lives and watching their health and quality of life improve is such a blessing to me. I look forward to growing as a nurse with Always Best Care as the company continues to grow