Holy Family Services

Sandra is a valley native who joined the Holy Family team in July of 2016. She has a passion for women's healthcare and social justice. In addition to her work at Holy Family, she runs a small family business with her husband. She previously worked for the Cameron County Department of Health and Human Services. In her time with the county she helped to oversee four public health clinics that provided various services to the community.

Her love for Holy Family stems from her personal experience with the birth center, as both of her children were born here. She brings a collection of work experiences, dedication for equality in women's healthcare, and love for her community to the HFS family. In her free time she enjoys traveling, listening to live music, and spending time with family and friends. 

Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Business Minor, Pennsylvania State University: 2005

Master of Arts - Global Development and Social Justice, St. John’s University: 2014

Amy has been a part of Holy Family Services for many years. She started here as a Fellow in 2016.  Provided vacation coverage in 2017 & 2018.  She was the interim clinical director as well and has been a staff midwife since 2019. She accepted the role of clinical director last December.  She splits her time between the RGV and Fredericksburg where she has her own midwifery practice. Amy's goal with practicing midwifery is to serve the underserved and provide evidenced based care.  Her desire is for women to find the empowerment within themselves.  

my became a registered nurse in 1997 and worked in maternal child nursing (including labor and delivery) for 13 years. She attended and graduated from Frontier Nursing University with her MSN as a Certified Nurse Midwife in 2014.  Upon graduation (prior to joining Holy Family), she worked with a perinatology office providing care for high risk pregnancies in their preterm labor management program.  

Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her family cooking, gardening, traveling, and wine tasting.

Diploma Nursing RN- 1997 Baptist school of Nursing San Antonio 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2009 Texas Tech 

Master of Science in Nursing 2014 Frontier Nursing University

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Simone Payan calls El Paso, Texas, home.  It was there that she graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing in 2011. She spent the next two years working as a labor and delivery nurse at a private hospital. During that time, her passion for maternity and newborn care grew and she decided to expand her role as a provider. In 2014, she applied to the nurse midwifery program at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, and in 2016 she graduated with a Master's degree in Nursing. 

She was originally called to the Rio Grande Valley after applying for a six month fellowship at Holy Family Birth Center. During that time, she developed a love for the people, culture, and surrounding area. After her fellowship ended, she was granted the opportunity to remain in the area and work at a local private practice and in the hospital setting. After three years, she made the decision to return to her first calling in the Valley and carry out the role of clinical director here. After witnessing numerous women and families grow during their prenatal care, labor, and delivery, and experiencing it herself firsthand, Simone is dedicated to upholding the holistic, respectful, safe, and evidence-based care that Holy Family provides. 

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Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, University of Texas at El Paso, 2011

Master's of Science in Nursing, University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, 2016

Anna is a nurse-midwife originally from Pennsylvania. She earned her BSN In 2016 Eastern University. She then lived in Guatemala at Lake Atitlán providing care in a rural maternity clinic and birth center, and then she went on to graduate with a Master of Nursing in Nurse Midwifery from Jefferson University in 2020. 

She has now been working for 4 years in the Rio Grande Valley. She originally came to Holy Family for the fellowship program as new graduate. She now works as a staff midwife at the birth center. She was also providing midwifery care to migrants seeking asylum at the Humanitarian Respite Center shelter before the border closed in February 2025. 

Anna lives with her husband, 4 year old son, and pets in the mid-valley. 

Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, Eastern University, 2016
MSN Nurse-Midwife, Jefferson University, 2020

Kayla Phelps is a Certified Nurse Midwife who brings both skill and heart to the families she serves. She earned her degree from Frontier Nursing University and has been practicing as a midwife for the past year. Prior to that, she spent six years working as a registered nurse in both birth center and hospital settings, gaining valuable experience in a variety of birth environments. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kayla is passionate about providing personalized, empowering care that honors each woman’s unique birth journey.

Lori Gonzalez is a Licensed Vocational Nurse who has been caring for families at Holy Family for the past two years. A graduate of South Texas College in 2019, Lori’s journey with Holy Family began not as a nurse, but as a patient—an experience that inspired her to return as part of the care team.

Lori is a proud mom to one baby boy and a dog lover with a special rescue pup named Benji, who she adopted from the Holy Family property. Her compassion and firsthand understanding make her a trusted and valued presence in the clinic.

Vanessa Morales is a Certified Nurse Midwife at Holy Family, where she provides compassionate, skilled care to women throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Her calm presence, clinical expertise, and deep respect for the birthing process make her an invaluable part of our team. Vanessa is committed to empowering families and supporting them through every step of their journey with dignity and grace.

Lactation Consultant & Birth Assistant

Jessica Sargent first came to Holy Family 16 years ago as a young mother—and the peaceful, supportive birth she experienced left a lasting impact. Four years ago, she returned in a new role as a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and later expanded her care as a Birth Assistant.

With both professional training and personal experience, Jessica brings deep empathy and insight to the families she supports. She’s honored to walk alongside parents on their breastfeeding and birth journeys and is proud to be part of a team that truly values and nurtures families.

Ivy Garza joined Holy Family Services as a Birth Assistant in 2025. She graduated from South Texas College School of Nursing in 2018 and brings with her a deep passion for supporting women and families through their birthing journeys.

Outside of work, Ivy finds joy in spontaneous road trips with her family, homesteading, and spending time outdoors. She is especially proud of being a mother and values caring for both her home and the environment. Whether in the garden or the kitchen, she finds purpose in nurturing life and creating meaningful experiences.

Ivy is excited to grow alongside the Holy Family team and is committed to making a lasting impact in the community through the mission and values that HFS stands for.

Marylu Castillo has been a dedicated member of the Holy Family team since 2011, serving as both Front Office Administrator and Medical Assistant. With over a decade of experience, she helps ensure that each family is welcomed and supported with kindness and efficiency.

Marylu is a devoted wife and proud mom of four. Her warm presence and commitment to service make her a vital part of the day-to-day care families receive at Holy Family.

Jessica Rojo began her journey with Holy Family in 2012 as a volunteer and has grown into her current role as Office Manager. With over a decade of dedication, she plays a vital part in keeping things running smoothly and supporting both staff and families with care and kindness.

A proud mom, Jessica loves spending time with her daughters and unwinding at the beach. She also shares her home with her beloved Yorkie, Nala. Her warmth and commitment make her a valued member of the Holy Family team.

Brandi Kennedy, originally from California, moved to the Valley in 2007. Her first experience with Holy Family was in 2010 with the birth of her son. After her transformative water birth she became a champion and supporter of Holy Family Services. She is a previous board member and spent twelve years working as a birth doula and childbirth educator before coming onboard in 2023 as the Practice Manager.  She earned her degree in Business Administration from California State University, Chico. She has two children and four fur babies. 

Elizabeth Reta has been a valued member of the Holy Family team for over eight years, serving as our Billing Coordinator. Born and raised in Donna, Texas, Elizabeth’s connection to Holy Family runs deep—she was first introduced to our center as a patient in 1998 when she welcomed her first child, delivered by a midwife. That experience helped spark her passion for women's health and supportive care.

Elizabeth holds a certificate as an Administrative Assistant and earned her Medical Coding Certification in 2015. She brings dedication, compassion, and attention to detail to her role, ensuring that each family's billing experience is handled with care and professionalism.

Outside of work, Elizabeth is a proud wife and mother, and she shares her home with her beloved dog, Diamond. Her journey from Holy Family patient to long-time team member reflects her deep commitment to the mission and values of the center.

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Lori Kerr is a devoted wife, proud mom of four, and passionate advocate for women and families. She earned her degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas–Pan American and brings both professional experience and heartfelt dedication to her role at Holy Family. Lori is committed to helping others feel informed, supported, and empowered—especially when it comes to compassionate, holistic care for women.

Maria Gamez has been serving families at Holy Family for six years as a trusted Community Health Worker and Promotora. Born and raised in Mexico, Maria brings heart, cultural understanding, and a deep commitment to community wellness. She is certified in diabetes management and passionate about helping families live healthier lives through education and support.

A devoted wife and proud mom of two, Maria connects with others through compassion, knowledge, and a shared commitment to family and well-being.

Maria Peña has been with Holy Family Birth Center since the very beginning—an incredible 41 years of dedicated service. As one of the original team members, Maria has played a vital role in supporting the mission and day-to-day operations of the center since its opening.

Born in Mercedes and now residing in Weslaco, Maria is deeply rooted in the Rio Grande Valley community. She is the proud mother of three children and is known among staff and clients alike for her steady presence, warm heart, and deep commitment to helping families feel welcomed and cared for.

Maria’s decades of service reflect her passion for Holy Family’s work and her belief in the power of compassionate, family-centered care.

Dami Becerra has faithfully served as the housekeeper at Holy Family for many years. With care and dedication, she helps create a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment for our families, staff, and visitors. Her hard work often happens behind the scenes, but it plays a vital role in keeping our center running smoothly. Dami’s quiet strength and commitment are deeply appreciated by all who know her.

Martin Torres has been a dedicated member of the Holy Family team for many years. As our groundskeeper, he takes great pride in maintaining the beauty and serenity of our outdoor spaces. His hard work and attention to detail ensure that every corner of our property remains welcoming, peaceful, and well-cared for. Martin’s quiet commitment and steady presence are part of what makes Holy Family feel like home.

Beatriz Figueroa has been a valued part of the Holy Family team for many years. She plays a vital role in our food bank, helping ensure that families in our community receive the support and nourishment they need. With compassion, care, and a generous spirit, Beatriz helps create a welcoming space for all who come through our doors. Her dedication reflects the heart of our mission at Holy Family.