Counselor/Contractor

Claire Canfield is a native New Mexican, born and raised in Albuquerque. She studied at the University of New Mexico receiving her B.F.A. in Art History in 2009. She then moved into the nonprofit realm working with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in several capacities, including program management, volunteer coordination, fundraising and event planning for seven years. Claire’s passion to make a direct impact in her community strengthened, moving her into direct services. She worked with NMCAN as the Director of Engagement, leading community and youth engagement through direct service work and community building for over three years. In this role she worked with young people ages 14-26 transitioning from foster care, juvenile justice, and/or homelessness. It was in this position where Claire was able to understand the complexities of the child welfare system, impacts of trauma, and the importance of relationships in the healing process.

While at NMCAN she became an Associate Trainer with Fostering Success Coach Model. This model is designed to support young people who have experience Foster Care/Juvenile Justice/homelessness, transition into post-secondary education and adulthood. Claire completed her MSW at New Mexico Highlands University, during which she worked as an intern with NAPPR Early Intervention, where she worked with children and families. She then worked as an intern with the San Felipe Pueblo Equine Therapy Program working with children and individuals through Equine Assisted Therapy and play therapy. In 2020 Claire went back to NAPPR, because of her commitment to work with families and tribal communities, working as the Tribal Home Visiting Program Director. In 2022, Claire founded her own LLC, called Canfield Consulting. As a contractor with DCMI she provides counseling services as well as organization development support.

As a Licensed Masters Social Worker Claire is dedicated to providing services that empower foundational transformations, whether it is through individual counseling and supports or through organizational development. Claire is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Claire is an auntie to eight beautiful nieces and nephews, and she is also an artist working through mediums such as painting, graphics arts, crafts, performance and singing.