Our Story

NAN grew from a shared commitment to creating a community where people with diverse abilities can build meaningful, connected lives.

For directors Christine R. Durfee, Ph.D., LPC-S, and Marcela Espinoza, this commitment is personal. Dr. Durfee has a child on the autism spectrum, and Marcela has two children on the spectrum. Both bring a parent’s perspective on the importance of understanding, accessible opportunities, and belonging.

Marcela brings her lived experience raising two autistic children. Dr. Durfee also draws on her work as a therapist, supervisor, educator, and owner of Neuro Therapy Systems in El Paso. Together, their perspectives connect family experience with professional insight.

Dr. Durfee’s emerging Neuro Family Systems Theory explores how neurological differences shape relationships within families and communities. It encourages understanding those differences and adapting environments and interactions so people can connect more meaningfully.

NAN carries these values beyond the clinic and into everyday life. Our story is rooted in the belief that families deserve places where their children and adults with disabilities can be understood, their strengths recognized, and their participation welcomed—through childhood and into adulthood.

As parents and directors, Christine and Marcela are helping build the community they want for their own children and for other families: one where belonging opens doors to possibility.