Our Team
Founder Jeremy Lihte
Jeremy Lihte is a passionate advocate and innovator in behavioral health, dedicated to creating pathways for recovery, resilience, and community wellness. With deep roots in New Mexico and lived experience informing his approach, Jeremy has tirelessly advanced initiatives that broaden access to compassionate, evidence-based treatment for substance use and mental health disorders.
As founder and director of New Mexico Leaders in Recovery (NMLR), Jeremy has cultivated a robust statewide network of behavioral health providers, emphasizing collaboration and peer-supported models to drive system-level change. Through his leadership, NMLR champions the integration of recovery-oriented services and has successfully established standards promoting best practices and accountability within recovery housing.
In his role at The Pines Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to sophisticated and individualized care, Jeremy spearheads programmatic innovation and community engagement. His strategic vision has positioned The Pines as a premier provider known for high-quality and comprehensive support.
Jeremy’s commitment extends beyond traditional treatment models, advocating for comprehensive, trauma-responsive systems that empower individuals and communities alike. He continues to lead by example, transforming personal and collective recovery experiences into lasting resilience.
Founder & CEO Dr. Paul Miller
Dr. Paul Miller, PsyD, Founder & CEO, contributes over 20 years of behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment experience across New Mexico's diverse communities. His extensive career includes leadership roles in residential and outpatient treatment programs, direct collaboration with tribal behavioral health systems, and academic partnerships that have strengthened workforce development statewide.
Dr. Miller's expertise in culturally responsive treatment models—particularly his work addressing historical trauma in Native American communities—has fostered meaningful partnerships with tribal nations and Indigenous-serving organizations across New Mexico. His clinical supervision expertise spans nearly a decade, during which he has mentored countless behavioral health professionals while maintaining active partnerships with community treatment providers throughout the state.
Chief Clinical Officer Lauren Gomez
Lauren Gomez is the Chief Clinical Officer of The Pines Institute, where she leads the development and delivery of trauma-informed, evidence-based care for individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. A licensed Clinical Social Worker with two decades of experience in the behavioral health field, Lauren is known for her visionary leadership, commitment to cultural sensitivity, and expertise in co-occurring disorders.
Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California. She has been the driving force behind the creation and expansion of numerous mental health and addiction treatment programs throughout New Mexico, including High Desert Healing, where she has served as founder and director since 2014.
As a trained CEU provider, Lauren develops and delivers continuing education on topics such as cultural stigma in mental healthcare, generational trauma, and relationship trauma’s. Her work often centers on dismantling systemic barriers to treatment—particularly those affecting traditional Hispanic and Mexican communities—and building pathways for long-term healing and clinician development.
At The Pines Institute, Lauren oversees clinical supervision, staff training, and fidelity to core evidence-based modalities such as DBT and the Matrix Model. She leads with empathy, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of how culture, trauma, and recovery intersect. Her vision for The Pines Institute is rooted in community, justice, and the belief that every person deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care.
