New Mexico CYFD Secretary Casados Retires After Reform Efforts

Teresa Casados has retired as secretary of New Mexico's Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) after leading significant reforms at the troubled agency, which has faced criticism for failures in child safety and well-being. Appointed in January 2024 following an interim period, Casados reorganized CYFD around core divisions, launched a public transparency dashboard, ended the use of Social Security benefits of children in care, and hired over 280 new employees through rapid hiring events. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praised Casados for her leadership and dedication, noting her previous role as chief operating officer in the Governor’s Office and her efforts managing pandemic response and early childhood education initiatives. Casados acknowledged the ongoing challenges but expressed confidence in the agency’s foundation and the compassion of its staff. Valerie Sandoval has been designated as acting secretary following Casados' departure. Separately, Brenda Matuszkiewicz retired as executive director of the Court Appointed Special Advocates program in St. Joseph County after 22 years, with Stephanie Shumaker named as her successor.