Melinda Ivey

Melinda Ivey is the nurse supervisor at the Belen Public Health Office and has been a registered nurse for more than 20 years.

She is a 1988 graduate of Belen High School; has a associate’s degree of nursing from CNM, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University, with honors.

She is a wife and mother of two adult children. She also is a daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, niece, godmother, mother-in-law and dog mama to two.

Her coworkers are Melinda Templeton, second nurse in the clinic, and Valerie Holliday Cosby, clerk for the DOH clinic.

“They too are outstanding women of Valencia County and are a big part of being able to do my job she within the community,” Ivey said.

She is part of several health advisory committees, such as the Health & Mental Service Advisory Committee for the Headstart program, Student Health & Wellness Advisory Committee for Belen Consolidated Schools, Committee Advisory for the UNM-VC and Teen educator for YDI.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

“Work-life balance has been difficult for me in the past, but I am finally learning to take time for myself. It had been a challenge for me to ignore things going on in the office in the past while I was out, but now I feel confident that things will get done and I don’t have to worry.

“I attribute this to my amazing staff; we all know we have to work as a team for this office to run smoothly, be able to provide our patients with the best of care and serve our community.”

What is the biggest challenge and most rewarding aspect of your profession?

“My biggest challenge is increasing public awareness of what is offered at the local public health offices. The most rewarding aspect is the appreciation that I receive from community members.

“I also thoroughly enjoy seeing new friendships form with other partners within the communities that have the same love and passion to help others that me and my staff have.”

Do you enjoy your job as much today as when you started?

“It seems to have a few more challenges than when I began here at the Belen Public Health Office over 16 years ago, so it takes considerably more energy at times, but I unquestionably still enjoy fulfilling this role in the community. I am a people person, and I love the community that I have lived in all my life. I have been blessed to be in this position for all these years!”

How do you define success in life?

“I define success as making a meaningful impact — helping others, advocating for my patients and continuously learning. It’s not just about personal achievements but about creating positive changes in my community.

“I would also define it by the quality of people that I am surrounded by. I am blessed to have my family and friends who have supported me through good and bad times.”

What is the best advice you received and from whom?

“The best advice received was from my parents, Milton Saavedra and Theresa G. Perea. They advised me to always help others, be compassionate, work hard, to always believe in myself and ‘always trust the Lord.’ They always encouraged me and supported me in anything I took on.”

Have you had any life-changing experiences that led you to where you are today?

“I started out as an MA working for an optometry office for about 10 years — loved it, but wanted more experience in the medical field, so decided to go back to nursing school.

“My husband, John Ivey, and mom, Theresa G. Perea, were my biggest supporters and pushed me to keep going during the times I didn’t think I was going to make it, but with that extra support, encouragement and with God’s help, I did it!”