Our Staff

Joseph Barbour, Ph.D., Executive Director
Dr. Barbour, a native of Kentucky, received his Masters in Counseling from Spalding College, a Masters of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Louis University. Joe and his wife Lynn have a boy and a girl, both in their early teens. Joe joined the El Ranchito de los Ninos team as Executive Director in 2003.

Donella Maez Irby, Home Administrator
Donella is a life-long resident of New Mexico and was born and raised in Albuquerque’s north valley. She has lived in Los Lunas for the last 15 years with her husband of 20 years, Bill Irby. Raised by her grandparents, along with her three younger brothers after the death of her parents when she was 10 years old, Donella grew up believing in personal accountability and responsibility. Her grandmother, who died at 98 in 2005, was the most influential person in her life. Donella's professional background includes working with many charities and involves advertising, public relations, and nonprofit administration and management.

Mary Spring, Director of Development
Mary was born and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Not a big fan of sub-zero temperatures, she moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1998, and fell in love with the Southwest. After her sister, who lives in Albuquerque, adopted two children from Haiti one year ago, she made the decision to move to New Mexico to be with her family.

Spring’s 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector includes positions as Executive Director, Marketing Director and Development Director. She also has experience in special events, fundraising, community outreach, program development,
education, elder advocacy and serving the underserved population.

Jessica Franco, CPA, Accountant
Jessica grew up in New Mexico and graduated from the University of New Mexico. Prior to her getting her degree, she served four years in the United States Air Force. She currently lives in Los Lunas with her husband and two boys. Jessica worked five years in Public Accounting before she came to El Ranchito de los Ninos. She has been with El Ranchito since August of 2010, and loves being part of the home.

Abby Eden, Events Coordinator
Abby was born and raised in New Mexico. She attended New Mexico State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education. After teaching high school for four years, she has joined the team at El Ranchito though she has been involved in various ways since its beginning. Abby and her husband, Jesse, live in Los Lunas.

Patricia Mondragon, Trainer
Patricia was born and raised in Belen by her loving mother and grandparents. She has three children; a 23-year-old son Paul, and a 21-year-old daughter Leeanae, and is currently raising a 9-year-old step-son Byron Junior. Her boyfriend Byron Senior shares her passion for their two grandchildren, and is supportive with her active role in helping raise the children at El Ranchito. Patricia says or her work, "I truly believe this is my home away from home. I have had the pleasure in watching our children grow up and sharing in all the good times." Patricia has worked for El Ranchito for six years and is the current Crisis Prevention Intervention Trainer.