GEORGE MOSCONA - Founder and Guide
"There are no accidents"
I founded Breath of Life Ministries in 1976 and Spirit of Life Institute in 1999 and have been actively engaged in spiritual counseling for more than fifty years. I have supported thousands by facilitating workshops and guiding people individually, or with their loved ones, in counseling. I have an MA in counseling from Goddard College and an MRE in religious education from Loyola University. I have been an ordained minister of the Association for the Integration of the Whole Person since 1968. I have studied many types of counseling and spiritual approaches and practices. I draw upon these as I support my clients in the unfolding of their lives into a greater and greater sense of joy and fulfillment. I now live in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where I am the Founder and Guide of Breath of Life Ministries of Las Cruces. I enjoy my time alone, spending my time gardening, cooking, and baking. I spend time with others hiking and ballroom dancing.
For information and appointments email George at george@geomosco.com
Opening up
Opening Up to Spirit…
Honoring the Great Mystery,
the Great Spirit.
Honoring the multitude of expressions –
We celebrate Life through song, dance, conversation, work and action.
We honor the gifts of Life and Life-giving.
Our voices in song and speech.
Our bodies in movement, gestures, work and postures.
Our minds in thought and contemplation
Our emotions in a full range of expression
Our actions in response to Life’s challenges.
Breath Flowing in and out
Giving and receiving
Unfolding, yielding
Allowing, grasping
Life
Vital energy
Unique vibration
Ministries
Ways to be of service
Ways to elicit Spirit
Ways to honor Life
Celebrate
Ignite
Inspire
Relate
by George Moscona
Our Community
Our community is made up of individuals from all walks of life. We welcome everyone with open arms, regardless of their background, race, or beliefs.
Our Team of Counselors
Barbara Clark
Thomas B
Lanova B Sheets
Ike Trevino
Sheila Bardwell
Myriam Lozada Jarvis
Brandi Lozada Johnston
Chelsie Carter
Andrea Hughes-Jones
Lisa Palmer
Michael McDowell
Barbara Clarke
I have served for nearly two years as a member of the BOLMLC Board. I have known George Moscona since 1995, when he and I began therapeutic work together in San Francisco. Our lives have been interwoven since that time, and his impact has made a tremendous difference in my life. Many years ago, he began training me to facilitate a relationship workshop that he created and through his teaching and guidance, I have undertaken other kinds of spiritual work with clients. I was ordained a minister in December, 2021. I work collaboratively with clients to help them address areas in their lives that they feel need attention so that they can realize greater peace, wholeness and happiness. I also pour women’s sweat lodges.
I have been involved with women and their physical and reproductive healthcare needs since 1995, when I moved to El Paso, Texas to study midwifery at a local birth center. Subsequently, I decided to pursue nurse midwifery and became a nurse midwife in 2002. I worked as a nurse midwife in Las Cruces in both hospital and clinic settings for 17 years, retiring in 2019.
I feel blessed to live in New Mexico, with its beautiful scenery and diversity of people and cultures. I enjoy walking, Tai Chi, gardening, reading, cooking, and visiting with my siblings and son whenever we can get together.
For information and appointments email Barbara at clarke43211234@comcast.net
Thomas B.
Spiritual Leader
Lanova B. Sheets
“I am a free-spirited butterfly dancing on a purple moon.” This phrase was gifted to me at my first Discovering Relationship Workshop in December 2019. This was my introduction to Breath of Life Ministries of Las Cruces. After the workshop, I pursued counseling with the team, then began facilitating workshops, and, subsequently, enrolled in the seminary program. I was ordained as a Spiritual Guide in January, 2022. My working years were spent serving children and families as a speech pathologist in Iowa and New Mexico. Since retiring, I have been practicing and teaching yoga. My practice, meditation and the philosophy of yoga strongly influence my work with clients. As a Spiritual Guide, I commit to providing opportunities for healing and growth to address individual and relational wounds, encourage balance in all things, and unite mind, body and spirit in those I serve. I have lived in Las Cruces for 15 years. I enjoy yoga, walking, hiking, traveling, cycling, meditation, reading, volunteering and playing with friends and family.
For information and appointments email Lanova at lanovabs@proton.com
Ike Trevino
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 ike@trevinohypnotherapy.com
Sheila Bardwell
I have always been called to serve people in many capacities. After the Army Reserves, I received my nursing degree at NMSU in 2007 and worked in several different nursing specialties; ICU, ER, PACU, Hospice, and a clinical manager of cardiac services at Memorial Medical Center. I became a certified Nurse Practitioner in 2018. Soon after, I participated in the Discovering Relationship Workshop and was given this purpose statement “I am a soaring Eagle, sweeping across the infinite skies with endless beauty”. The group captured my essence in such a energetic, creative way. When people ask me what my religion is, I often say I am a Seeker. This reflects my deep interest in, and respect for, all religions and anyone’s genuine journey of faith and seeking a better understanding of their existence in the world, and their vision of a higher power. The Seeker within also lead me to complete a seminarian program in which I was ordained with Breath of Life Ministries in April 2023, with a desire to integrate not only medical, but spiritual practices with people.
As a visionary, I provide a more holistic way of treating patients and established a clinic, with like minded individuals, that treats root causes. To us, it is more important to understand the imbalances molecularly and restore balance rather than to name the disease and “match the pill to the ill”. My purpose is to restore divine wisdom and knowledge of what nature offers to enhance health and life and restore a balanced mind, body, spirit.
For information and appointments email Sheila at sheilah22@yahoo.com
Sheila is currently not taking clients
Myriam Lozada Jarvis
The Breath of Life Ministry became known to me through the “Discovering Relationship Workshop” which I completed July 2019. My relationship to the process that was revealed to me at that time is significant, challenging and a source of great gratitude. I completed my training and became a minister of Breath of Life in April 2023, having served the previous year as a member of its Board.
I have advanced degrees in Art having studied at the School of Visual Arts and Hunter College in New York during the late 70’s. After finally moving to Las Cruces, NM in the late 80’s, I helped my sisters run their Exercise/Yoga/Dance studio and taught Fine Arts classes at DACC. Along with my husband, I was an early adopter of Fine Art digital printmaking and ran our own art and printing studio for many years. I was co-founder of ArtForms (a non-profit Art association) and helped establish “For Love of Art”—a month for Art appreciation and still celebrated in Las Cruces.
My lifelong interest in the human form, exercise and movement brought me to become a certified Posture Alignment Therapist through Egoscue University. I have operated my own posture alignment practice since the early 90’s. My lifelong study and relationship with self expression, health and spirit has brought me into the service of relieving aches and pains from our bodies and minds. I am grateful to Breath of Life Ministries for providing a lens through which to focus to my wide-ranging interests and a venue through which to serve.
For information and appointments email Myriam at
Brandi Lozada Johnston
I am a Neurofeedback Specialist and ordained minister through the Breath of Life ministries. My work with people is based on the foundation of the brain, body, and spirit. I have been in the field of Neurofeedback for 12 years, and my background includes a major in psychology and dance.
As a teacher of the performing arts for K-12 years, I founded a non-profit City Dance Theatre school. Currently I am Board Certified in Neurofeedback, which has allowed me to help many clients improve their brain function and overall well-being.
One of my Neurofeedback clients recommended that I attend the Breath of Life Developing Relationship Workshop in 2018. I was immediately drawn to George's holistic approach and was moved by the workshop's transformative power. I believe that most people can benefit from this workshop and continue to grow through a thoughtful holistic approach to their lives.
I am grateful to be part of an extraordinary group of ministers and the divine work that George has developed for us and the world community.
My passion for helping people improve their brain function and overall well-being has led me to this path. I am grateful to be of service to others on this path for spiritual growth and transformation. I am excited to continue on this journey with you and to see the positive impact that we can make together.
For information and appointments email Brandi at
Chelsie Carter
I am the “Gypsy Sorceress Walking by the Light of the Moon”. This was the statement given to
me after completing the Discovering Relationships Workshop here at Breath of Life. My name is
Chelsie and I am a minister here. I am also a Registered Nurse and worked with my partner to
create B-Well Functional Medicine & Wellness clinic. Our approach to care fosters a holistic
approach to treating the patient, rather than Western medicine’s way of providing “a pill to fix the
ill”. I believe that true wellness includes the mind, body, and soul. This is what has led to my
work in this community. In April of 2023, I completed Seminary and am committed to supporting
individuals along their unique journeys.
The world we live in is heavy with intense pressure to be constantly connected and busy. This
leaves little room for creativity and genuine ideas filled with inspiration and passion. A passion
that subsequently leads to a genuinely joyful life! I believe that if we do not connect with
ourselves, and truly love ourselves, our bodies and minds experience things like depression,
anxiety, and disease. At the wellness clinic, we would draw laboratory work, obtain a history,
and explore symptoms to get to the root cause of your ailments. In the ministry, we will follow a
similar process through a variety of methods and find the root of who YOU are.
Together, we will navigate the labyrinth of existence and gently illuminate the hidden realms of
your soul’s desires. I am committed to holding a nurturing space where we will embark on a
shared adventure, guided by the moon’s glowing path to find and set free your spirit and true
essence. I am here, ready to support you and witness the miracles that will unfold as you step
into your true, beautiful self.
Andrea Hughes-Jones
I was born and raised in San Francisco, California and lived throughout the Bay area.
I have been pastoring alongside my husband for 18 years. We founded GBY Ministry, Inc., a safe housing ministry for independent and sober living in Vallejo, California. Recently, I co-founded Angels with Broken Wings, a transitional and housing crisis program for men in Las Cruces. I am a Certified Peer Support Worker, Comprehensive Community Support Specialist (CCSS), and Certified Crisis Counselor. I attended Western New Mexico University and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and I’m a member of Delta Mu Delta Theta Upsilon Chapter.
My first introduction to George Moscona was for personal therapy intertwined with couple’s therapy. I attended the Discovering Relationship Workshop in 2021, and this was the beginning of the path to obtain “Freedom to Grow and to be Authentically Me.” Through Breath of Life, I’ve learned to accept the calling of ‘HEALER.” I am a singer and have a strong love for music, spending time with family and sharing the LOVE of life with everyone.
I am honored to have been asked to join on the Board of Directors of Breath of Life Ministries of Las Cruces.
Who knows where my next journey in life will take me!
“I am the Queen of Kings, divine gatekeeper of silence and peace”
Board of Directors
Sanford D Coon: President
Atom Coca: Secretary
William Gorman: Treasurer
Amina Lozada
Andrea Hughes-Jones
Melissa Mckenzy-Shaw
Pete Hanlon
Travis Sherwood
Sanford D Coon
PRESIDENT
Fulfillment of a calling to ministry has been a guiding dynamic in Sanford’s life. His role as president of the Breath of Life Ministries of Las Cruces Board of Directors is a special expression of personal ministry. The commitment to healing and vital personal growth—mental, emotional, and spiritual—are central elements of the BLMLC mission, and getting to serve with others committed to that mission is profoundly meaningful to Sanford.
Sanford grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Northside High School there. He continued his education at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas and then went on to Perkins School of Theology at SMU where he received his Master of Divinity degree. Later, he put a little icing on the cake with informal graduate level studies through the University of Texas at Austin.
Professionally, Sanford started his career in pastoral ministry, and after 19 years in that capacity he entered the arena of consultation with churches and non-profit organizations in the field of financial development. He worked with churches and organizations of various sizes to raise millions of dollars to facilitate diverse ministries around the United States and Canada. In retirement now, he continues to live in Albuquerque with his wife, Mary Ellen, and stays engaged with leadership of several nonprofit organizations in New Mexico and Texas. There are many plants, birds and wild animals that await his attention and care each day, and on occasion he allows others to pursue those engagements while he and Mary Ellen travel in the US and abroad.
Atom Coca
SECRETARY
My name is Atom Coca (he/him). Born and raised in Las Cruces, I am passionate about contributing to the wellbeing of this community and helping make the world a better place. I live as an open transman and am devoted to serving those who struggle
with their gender identity. I hope to improve on the development of support for LGBT+ individuals, especially expanding awareness around transgender issues. I’m currently going to school studying psychology and aspire to be a therapist for people struggling with trauma issues. In the past I have worked with professionals to create better understanding into transgender issues since this kind of support has become more essential in the therapeutic field and in our various life experiences. I am honored to be engaged with Breath of Life Ministries and bring new ideas to the table. Meeting George Moscona at the beginning of 2021 and attending the Discovering Relationship Workshop was life changing and I continue to deeply believe in Breath of Life’s mission. Throughout my personal life I have dealt with LGBT issues, domestic abuse, PTSD, and addiction. I want to use my own life experiences to support others who have had similar life experiences. My overall goal is to further prevent/heal trauma and end cycles of violence. I am fully dedicated to spending my life working to improve the mental health and well-being of all people. I am a lover of all dogs and music. In my down time I enjoy going for hikes, playing guitar, and video games.
William Gorman
TREASURER
I was born in Des Moines, Iowa, but have spend most of my life here in Las Cruces. I'm currently a Seminarian of Breath of Life training to be a Minister, and a member of the Board of Directors. I completed the Discovering Relationships workshop (now TOR) august of 2023 and I was given the commitment statement "I am a wise falcon, seeker, yet contently different." This statement has been a guiding light for me on my path of healing. My goal in life is to gain the knowledge and skill to create an environment in which individuals can heal and work through trauma and other stuck areas of their life, and give people the tools to live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Amina Lozada
I was introduced to Breath of Life Ministries through my sisters, Brandi and Myriam. They had become involved in Breath of Life Ministries, including participation in the seminary program. It was trust in them that transformed my initial “been there, done that” attitude to a willingness to undertake the Discovering Relationship Workshop. That venture led to my realization that the workshop can, indeed, change the world. I attended in July 2022, and since that time I have taken advantage of opportunities to do individual work with several members of the pastoral team.
“Trustworthy and filled with Grace, she is the spicy yellow lily dancing peace into the world.” This intention was brought to realization as a gift given to me from the Breath of Life community in the workshop.
I am a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and I take on each of these roles with joy. My personal interests became my professional journey with a large natural food chain as I moved through the ranks to my current position as a store manager of a popular natural food store in Orlando, Florida.
My holistic belief and lifestyle have moved me to explore and work in several areas, including being a Certified Life Coach, Certified Integrative Nutritional Coach, American Association Drugless Practitioner, Certified Nia Blue Belt, Certified Fuen Shui Practitioner and professional End of Life doula.
The opportunity to serve through the Breath of Life Ministries is a unique opportunity to which I bring both passion and prayer. It’s all in The Dance!
Andrea Hughes-Jones
I was born and raised in San Francisco, California and lived throughout the Bay area.
I have been pastoring alongside my husband for 18 years. We founded GBY Ministry, Inc., a safe housing ministry for independent and sober living in Vallejo, California. Recently, I co-founded Angels with Broken Wings, a transitional and housing crisis program for men in Las Cruces. I am a Certified Peer Support Worker, Comprehensive Community Support Specialist (CCSS), and Certified Crisis Counselor. I attended Western New Mexico University and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and I’m a member of Delta Mu Delta Theta Upsilon Chapter.
My first introduction to George Moscona was for personal therapy intertwined with couple’s therapy. I attended the Discovering Relationship Workshop in 2021, and this was the beginning of the path to obtain “Freedom to Grow and to be Authentically Me.” Through Breath of Life, I’ve learned to accept the calling of ‘HEALER.” I am a singer and have a strong love for music, spending time with family and sharing the LOVE of life with everyone.
I am honored to have been asked to join on the Board of Directors of Breath of Life Ministries of Las Cruces.
Who knows where my next journey in life will take me!
“I am the Queen of Kings, divine gatekeeper of silence and peace”
Melissa Mckenzy-Shaw
I was born and raised on a small farm near Deming, NM. I have always loved horses. In college, I showed horses on a local, regional, and national level. I also trained horses. I have served on several horse show association boards. I played basketball in college. I sustained several injuries while working with horses and playing basketball; this led to bodywork in a sports medicine clinic. It was there that I discovered my love of anatomy and physiology and the incredible human body. I discovered that I wanted to help others find healing through this modality. I studied athletic training and received a degree in Kinesiology.
After college, I managed a real estate office for 20 years. My path, however, brought me back to my love of the human body. I became a massage therapist. I love teaching the healing aspects of our bodies at MTTI, the Massage Therapy Training Institute., in Las Cruces. I know the body can heal itself through exercise, diet, and bodywork. I love the quotation from Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Holistic healing is possible. I consider Breath of Life Ministries an organization that works in alignment with my desire to contribute to the world. I consider myself spiritual and have a quest to fulfill that calling in my life; this includes helping those who haven’t had the luxuries and necessities that I have been given.
Pete Hanlon
I am honored to serve as a board member for BOLMLC having been served as a client, and volunteering for the ministry. I began my relationship with the ministry in 2017. I have had the privilege to be growing and benefiting from that relationship even up to the present day.
On a personal basis, I live in Waterford, Michigan. In my spare time I spend time with my biggest passion, both riding and showing horses. I’m an outdoors man enjoying hiking, canoeing, DYI projects, and time with family and friends.
Equipped with over 25 years’ experience as a Training & Organizational Development Professional. I have a track record setting up Training and Organizational Effectiveness initiatives for dozens of organizations in multiple industries including: Health Care, Mental Health, Education, High Tech, Manufacturing, and Non-Profit Industries. Most recently I am in the role at the Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Family Services where I am a part of a team helping troubled teens in the Foster Care System with residential living, life skills and mental health services.
Travis Sherwood
I was introduced to the teachings and concepts of Breath of Life Ministries while attending a workshop in early 2023. I was spellbound and fascinated by ideas that I had never heard before, even though I consider myself an avid student of self-improvement. I knew after that weekend that I needed to pursue this work for myself and for my relationships. I’ve been working with George and the other ministers on a regular basis since then. It has improved my quality of life and relationships more than I could have imagined.
I was born and raised in Mesa, AZ. I have 3 fantastic kids. I am currently studying to be a day trader. I have been a kitchen/bath cabinet salesman since 2006 when I moved to Las Cruces. My intention was to move back to AZ after a couple years, but I’m still here! I have fallen in love with this city and state!
A year after graduating high school, I went on a 2-year mission for my church to the Philippines. I learned to speak Tagalog fluently and loved living with the Filipino people. I’m no longer affiliated with a specific church or religion, but the 2 years I spent working with, teaching, and serving the Filipino people were incredible and helped shape who I am.
I love golf, pickleball, volleyball, basketball and pretty much all sports. I stay active by working out, playing sports, and hiking around this beautiful state. I’ve recently begun studying meditation from the Self-Realization Fellowship founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, the yogi who introduced yoga to the West. I’m also fascinated with Native American culture and history.
“I am a wise, friendly Phoenix - protecting Spirit.”