Our Health Care Team
Our Expertise
At Southwest Pain Center, our team brings over 100 years of combined experience in various fields, including acute and urgent care, psychiatric care, cardiac care, intensive care unit (ICU), spine care, anesthesiology, and interventional pain management. Our experts have the knowledge and skills necessary to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life.
OUR TEAM
Jose Luis Ramirez
Mr. Ramirez, MSNA, CRNA-APRN, NSPM-C, is a fellowship-trained and board-certified professional in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Management, boasting over 22 years of experience in patient care. He is one of the first Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in the United States to earn the NSPM-C credential and is currently the only practicing CRNA-NSPM-C in New Mexico. Additionally, he has achieved double board certification from the Council on Accreditation (COA).
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New Mexico State University and a Master of Science in Anesthesiology from Mount Marty University, along with residency training in South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. He completed a specialized fellowship in Advanced Pain Management at the University of South Florida.
With extensive experience administering over 30,000 general anesthetics and interventional procedures, Mr. Ramirez effectively serves a diverse patient population that includes neonates, adolescents, geriatrics, and patients with acute and chronic pain. As a third-generation native, his commitment to community service is inspired by his family's legacy with Stahmann's Farms and ASARCO.
Jill Freemyer
MSN, FNP, APRN
Jill Freemyer, CNP, was born and raised in Illinois and relocated to the southwest over 20 years ago. She graduated from UTEP in 2007 with a Master of Science in Nursing and began her career as a nurse practitioner. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked as a critical care nurse in the neuroscience ICU, surgical ICU, and general ICU. She then furthered her development through her roles as an operating room nurse, surgical first assistant, and nurse practitioner at a neurosurgical practice for almost twenty years. In these roles, she developed a deep understanding of patients with spinal conditions, managing their care from preoperative workups to post-surgical management.
Dr. Shannon Chavez
DNP, FNP-BC, APRN
Dr. Shannon Chavez, a native New Mexican, has been a resident of Las Cruces for 30 years. Shannon's journey in healthcare began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New Mexico State University in 2005. As a registered nurse, she gained diverse experience in the Intensive Care Unit, Long Term Acute Care, and Urgent Care settings. Recognizing the need for health education in her community, she returned to NMSU in 2020 and completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree as a Nurse Practitioner.
Shannon's unwavering passion for healthcare is evident in her dedication to getting to know her patients and guiding them toward healthier living choices. Her love for the outdoors, fishing, camping, and riding her ATVs reflects her commitment to a balanced lifestyle. Above all, Shannon's ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for the people she serves in her community.
Marisela Casas
MSN, PMHNP, APRN-CNP
Marisela Casas, a lifelong resident of El Paso, possesses deep roots in the Southwest. Her journey in the healthcare field commenced with the attainment of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. As a registered nurse, she acquired extensive experience across a variety of patient care environments. Recognizing the imperative for enhanced mental health education within her community, she pursued further education at The University of Texas at El Paso. There, she earned her Master of Nursing Practice degree, specializing as a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health. Marisela Casas's profound dedication to healthcare transcends mere professional obligation; it embodies a personal commitment to the well-being of her community.
Dina Rico
MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN-CNP
Dina Rico is from New Mexico and earned her nursing degree from Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell in 2002. Throughout her career, she has worked in various settings, including the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, orthopedics, psychiatry, and the Cath Lab, which has given her a comprehensive understanding of patient care.
Her passion for nursing led her to pursue a Master's degree in Nursing Practice from The University of Texas at El Paso, specializing in Psychiatry and Mental Health. Early in her life, Dina often translated for her mother and others in her community who did not speak English. This experience ignited her desire to help those in need of a voice and has significantly shaped her nursing approach, where she focuses on providing care and advocacy for individuals who might otherwise feel unheard.
Brandi Alcorta
Medical Clinic Manager
Brandi, a native of New Mexico, currently resides in Las Cruces. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Chemical Dependency from Western New Mexico University. Additionally, she is actively pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, demonstrating her commitment to advancing her skills and knowledge in the healthcare field. This pursuit not only enhances her professional qualifications but also positions her to make a meaningful impact in nursing.
Jasmine A Duran
Lead Medical Assistant
Jas, a proud native of Las Cruces, NM, has dedicated herself to the field of nursing from an early age. She earned her Associate of Science degree in Nursing from DACC and is now poised to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, furthering her commitment to healthcare. In her current role, Jasmine skillfully manages operations with remarkable efficiency, all while delivering outstanding patient care. Her strong leadership qualities inspire her team, and her efforts do not go unnoticed, making a positive impact on both her colleagues and the patients they serve.
Sonya M Frye
R.T. (R) (ARRT)
Sonya spent her childhood in the vibrant landscapes of New Mexico, eventually making Las Cruces her home as she raised her family. With a passion for health and technology, she pursued her education at DACC in Las Cruces, where she completed an associate degree in radiologic technology. Today, she proudly works as a registered radiologic technologist, using her skills to help patients and contribute to the well-being of her community..
Robert E. Apodaca
R.T. (R) (ARRT)
Robert, originally from Albuquerque, spent his formative years in the vibrant city of Las Cruces. He has dedicated a significant portion of his career to sharing his extensive knowledge of radiology across various educational settings, including classrooms and training programs. In addition to his teaching roles, he actively applies his expertise in hospitals and surgical centers throughout the southern New Mexico region, where his contributions have positively impacted both patients and healthcare professionals alike..