ROOTS
The Evolution of ABW Living Tree
From Prenatal and Birth Services to Holistic Community Support Services
Founded in the year 2000 and flourishing today, ABW Living Tree commenced its journey under the name Art of Birth & Wellness Prenatal and Birth Services. It also established itself as the International College of Midwifery, dedicated to training midwives. Engaging with the community, the organization identified a crucial need for prenatal and birth services in underserved areas, particularly in Las Cruces and El Paso.
The commitment of the midwives to providing care without financial barriers ensured that every mother, child, and family would benefit from a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth. Furthermore, they aimed to provide every mother with a positive and secure experience, adhering to the belief that every individual is worthy of inherent dignity and respect.
As ABW Living Tree grew, it became increasingly clear that many women were facing pregnancy and childbirth alone or were victims of domestic violence. In response, Dr. Kamy Mckenzy-Shaw, the founder and midwife preceptor, initiated the DAME Doula program. This program provided birth support partners to assist families through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. To further excel in labor support education, Dr. Mckenzy-Shaw attended massage school and now serves as Co-Director and Dean of Education at the Massage Therapy Training Institute (MTTI).
Under her leadership, the Doula program gained international recognition and expanded its reach to various parts of Mexico, as well as the surrounding regions of Las Cruces and El Paso. Recognizing the ongoing need for additional family support, ABW Living Tree integrated infant and adult massage into its services. These practices aimd to reduce stress, encourage self-care, and potentially mitigate domestic violence.
Today, ABW Living Tree stands as a beacon of community support, dedicated to ensuring that every person who enters ABW Living Tree Community Center receives the care and respect they deserve. The organization’s innovative programs continue to thrive and make a substantial impact on countless lives.
In 2005, ABW decided to establish a non-profit organization to support all its programs. By this time, a safe house program for fleeing survivors and a safe baby drop-off collaboration with Memorial Medical Center for stressed parents were implemented. The program partnered with La Piñon, and Dr. Mckenzy-Shaw developed training for nurses to collect forensic evidence with compassion, avoiding re-traumatization of survivors and trained nurses all over New Mexico. The first fundraiser enabled the purchase of a clinic and the expansion of programs such as the "take one leave one" revolving closet of clothes and baby equipment. The program flourished and expanded to host the first LGBTQ Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico as well as addiction support services hosting AA, Alanon, NA and other support meetings. Additionally, Dr. Mckenzy-Shaw established the first childbirth education classes and curriculum at Mountain View Hospital and in 2018 a Medical Massage Training Program with MTTI that expanded to work at Village at North Rise, and other addiction, medical, and sport organizations in Las Cruces.
During this transition, Dr. Mckenzy-Shaw retired from attending births and continues to serve as an international educator for midwives. Unwilling to stop service work, she became a Clinical Mental Health Counselor inspired by the needs of the many mothers, families, and LGBTQ diverse populations she served. She is the founder of A Beginning Within Holistic Mental Health Services at abeginningwithin.life.
Currently, ABW Living Tree is supported by community partners who offer services and classes for donations and reduced fees or free if unable to make an offering. Some of the partners are insurance credentialed for those clients who prefer our holistic model of wellness care and education. By pooling resources and collaborating care, ABW is able to support and offer complementary support services. Check out our "What We Offer" page to learn what is currently available to support your life, health, and wellbeing.
PARTNERS
A BEGINNING WITHIN HOLISTIC MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Through Tailored Integrative Mental Health Therapy This holistic and somatic approach to clinical counseling promotes health and wellness for the mind, body, and soul. We offer personalized mental health services for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages, backgrounds, identities, orientations, races, spiritual practices, and more. You are a beautiful, unique soul. Your journey and care plan should reflect that uniqueness. Loving yourself and aligning your core beliefs and values with your daily life can help you find a purpose that brings joy to your mind, body, and soul. Together, we can make a difference.
INTUITIVE TOUCH MASSAGE & BODYWORK
At Intuitive Touch Massage & Bodywork, I believe in the power of healing through touch and my Intuition to guide me to where I can best help. My approach combines varied techniques tailored to individual needs, promoting relaxation and overall well-being.
PJB BREATH WORKS
AS ABOVE SO BELOW
Breath work guides you through different breathing and meditation techniques to help you feel calmer, more balanced, and more energized. Take 10 minutes a day to tune in to your breath and try techniques like box breathing, alternate nostril breathing, energizing fire breath, breathing exercises for a good night's sleep, a walking breathing exercise, and more.
AS ABOVE SO BELOW
MTTI MASSAGE THERAPY TRAINING INSTITUTE
AS ABOVE SO BELOW
The necessary indulgence is massage therapy. What better time to begin your self-care journey through one of the oldest forms of medicine? We facilitate your healing by improving your quality of life. We offer a variety of modalities in massage. Additionally we offer YOGA classes to all populations and abilities. You can find a list of services on our Facebook page.
MTTI MASSAGE THERAPY TRAINING INSTITUTE
MTTI MASSAGE THERAPY TRAINING INSTITUTE
MTTI MASSAGE THERAPY TRAINING INSTITUTE
Massage school offering 6-month and 12-month Medical, Sports, and Spa massage training programs. Our student clinic is open to the public and provides massages at an affordable cost. It promotes self-care and wellness while growing health care professionals.
NM Massage School 30
PJB HOMES LAS CRUCES
MTTI MASSAGE THERAPY TRAINING INSTITUTE
MTTI MASSAGE THERAPY TRAINING INSTITUTE
With over 6 years of experience as a licensed Real Estate broker, I have a deep understanding of the market and a commitment to my clients' needs. My goal is to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Whether you're looking for a ranch out in the country or a quaint family home, I'm here to help you find your ideal property. As an experienced broker, I provide personalized service and expert guidance throughout the buying or selling process. Contact me today to learn more!
ANGELS NETWORK COUNSELING & RECOVERY WELLNESS
ANGELS NETWORK COUNSELING & RECOVERY WELLNESS
ANGELS NETWORK COUNSELING & RECOVERY WELLNESS
Maria Bagwell is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor (LADAC) in the state of New Mexico. Maria attended New Mexico Stated University where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. After receiving her masters degree in social work from New Mexico State University in 2013, she went to work for a local community behavioral health agency working with dually diagnosed adults with severe mental illness conditions. Maria has a passion for working with community members in suicide prevention as a she has participated in the Las Cruces Suicide Prevention Task Force since 2018. Every year participants tell their recovery story through art. Maria is a strong advocate of folks working on their recovery through community collaboration and beating stigma. Recovery is for everyone. Maria also has a recovery story since 2001.
IKE TRVINO HIPNOSIS
ANGELS NETWORK COUNSELING & RECOVERY WELLNESS
ANGELS NETWORK COUNSELING & RECOVERY WELLNESS
Ike Treviño has been involved in providing human and spiritual services to individuals and communities for over 30 years. His education, skills and abilities include mental health therapy and medical support-clinical hypnotherapy. There are many paths to mental health well being and each client responds to what modality works best for them. It is important to work with the individual where they are and in a way that works for them. Therefore, it is best to offer a variety of effective tools which can range from traditional therapy to alternative methods which can include hypnotherapy or spiritual practices.
Ike has participated in Native American Spiritual Ceremonies throughout the Americas and is the co-founder of the Zuya Taopi Wiwang Wacipi sun dance founded in 2012 to help active-duty military, veterans, first responders heal from traumas and their families heal from secondary traumas. His eclectic spiritual studies include work with the Edgar Cayce Association for Research and Enlightenment Inc., Paramahansa Yogananda Self-Realization Fellowship and the Rosicrucian Order. He is also a Reiki Master in the Mikao Usui tradition.
For information and appointments email Ike at
BREATH OF LIFE MINISTRIS OF LAS CRUCES
ANGELS NETWORK COUNSELING & RECOVERY WELLNESS
BREATH OF LIFE MINISTRIS OF LAS CRUCES
Breath of Life Ministries of Las Cruces sponsors intensives, programs, courses, and individual and couple pastoral counseling aimed at accessing the deepest levels of Spirit.
Spirit is often expressed through the world’s various religions, rituals, and traditions. In our work, we use all these avenues to remain open to the Mysteries of Life. Life breathing, pulsating, vibrating. Life manifesting as Mystery.
Breath of Life Ministries of Las Cruces takes advantage of each participant’s unique experience of Life and of Spirit. Whatever the background or current expression, participants are asked to look beyond the forms and rituals to the deepest experience of the Mystery of Life.
Through various processes and activities, participants are given the opportunity to venture deep into the meaning of Life and Living.
Through times of quiet and times of activity, Life is explored and new possibilities are awakened. Each program or activity is crafted to give each participant opportunities to deepen his or her understanding of Life as an expression of Spirit alive and active in this world.