Proficient in delivering presentations and workshops on child welfare, public health, and municipal governance.
Adept at consensus-building among stakeholders, including elected officials, community leaders, and service providers.
Experience in developing short- and long-term plans that integrate funding strategies, policy objectives, and operational efficiencies.
Skilled in working with diverse populations, particularly in border communities, ensuring equity and inclusion in policy and practice.
Kasandra A. Gandara is a results-driven consultant, public administrator, and social work professional with extensive experience in policy advocacy, child welfare, and public health. As the Founder of KG Innovative Solutions, she specializes in helping clients—ranging from non-profits and for-profits to public agencies—secure funding, shape policy, and implement transformative community initiatives. Kasandra’s background includes leadership roles in municipal governance, state agencies, and non-profit organizations, as well as academic instruction in social policy. She is adept at both direct service delivery and macro-level systems practice along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Social Work & Case Management:
Skilled in delivering client-centered services, managing complex caseloads, and coordinating community resources.
Child Welfare & Public Health Expertise:
In-depth understanding of program design and delivery, with a focus on at-risk populations.
Macro-Level Systems Practice:
Extensive experience working along the border region, addressing cross-jurisdictional policy challenges and resource allocation.
Leadership & Community Impact:
Demonstrated effectiveness in guiding municipalities and non-profits through infrastructural and service-oriented transformations.
Policy Development & Advocacy:
Proven track record in drafting policies and collaborating with lawmakers at local, state, and federal levels.
Legislative Relations:
Strong relationships with the New Mexico House and Senate, as well as federal delegations, to advance organizational and community priorities.
Academic Instruction:
Adjunct Professor at New Mexico State University’s School of Social Work, teaching policy courses that blend theoretical frameworks with real-world practice.
Contract Monitoring & Administration:
Experienced in overseeing contracts for governmental and non-governmental programs, ensuring compliance and accountability.
Funding Strategy & Acquisition:
Adept at leveraging grants, capital outlay, and General Obligation (GO) bonds to finance major projects.
KG Innovative Solutions | Las Cruces, NM
January 2024- to present
Lobbying & Policy Strategy: Provide strategic guidance and represent client interests before legislative bodies, shaping policy at the local and state levels.
Comprehensive Funding Solutions: Develop proposals and secure capital appropriations for a variety of community, educational, and infrastructure projects.
Community Engagement: Lead initiatives such as implementing “one-stop shop” family services, blending survival support (e.g., housing, food security) with opportunities for sustained thriving (e.g., education, job training).
Administrator & Regional Manager
August 2004-May 2015
New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) | Regional Manager Southwest quadrant of the state, Eight county offices
Program Oversight: Managed the delivery of child protective services in local and regional offices, ensuring adherence to best practices and compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Contract Monitoring: Oversaw service provider contracts, evaluated performance metrics, and enforced compliance to maintain high-quality care for children and families.
Case Management & Supervision: Guided social work teams in conducting assessments, developing case plans, and coordinating multi-agency services for children and families in need.
Border Region Focus: Specialized in macro-level systems practice along the U.S.-Mexico border, addressing unique challenges in cross-border coordination and resource allocation.
City Councilor & Mayor Pro Tempore (8 Years)
January 2014- December 2023
City of Las Cruces, NM
Policy Development & Funding Acquisition:
Infrastructure & Community Investment:
Legislative Engagement:
Founder of Doña Ana Resilience Leaders
Consultant –
January 2024 to present
La Casa, Inc.
Las Cruces Public Schools-July 2024-December 2024
Adjunct Professor, School of Social Work
New Mexico State University (NMSU) | Las Cruces, NM
(Dates: August 2012-2015; August 2024-December 2024
Policy Instruction: Teach social policy courses that integrate academic theory with practical application, emphasizing legislative processes, advocacy techniques, and community impact.
Curriculum Development: Design and refine course materials, incorporating real-world case studies from municipal government, CYFD leadership, and KG Innovative Solutions consulting work.
Student Mentorship: Provide guidance to emerging social work professionals, including career advice and networking opportunities.
Select Achievements
Kasandra4LasCruces@gmail.com
575.640.6344
PO Box 971
Las Cruces, NM 88004