Celia Kirkland

Celia Kirkland currently serves as the Program Director for the Rural Behavioral Health Program at the Eastern Plains Council of Governments (EPCOG), which supports seven counties in Eastern New Mexico. In this role, she leads efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and provides critical grant assistance for rural communities. She is actively involved in the HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP), where her work focuses on both prevention and long-term support strategies.

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Under the current grant, Celia is helping drive a wide range of school-based and youth-focused prevention initiatives aimed at reducing substance misuse and promoting mental wellness. She also plays a key role in workforce development efforts that support the recruitment, training, and retention of health professionals in underserved areas.

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A Montana native, Celia earned her Master’s degree in Health Sciences from Montana State University. During her academic career, she founded and served as president of the university’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program, and completed her thesis on healthcare disparities impacting Hispanic populations in Montana. Her commitment to service included volunteering with Eaglemount, which provides outdoor experiences for children with disabilities, and Horses Healing Spirits, which fosters therapeutic bonds between veterans and horses.

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Celia has an extensive background in EMS and public safety. She earned her EMT certification in 2017 and was an active member of Big Sky Ski Patrol during graduate school. After moving to Florida for her husband’s Air Force assignment, she joined Okaloosa County Beach Safety as a Lieutenant, where she supervised beach operations across 12 miles of coastline. In addition to public education, she directed junior lifeguard and youth buddy programs and led advanced lifesaving training for lifeguards. She has worked in EMS since 2018 and completed her paramedic certification in 2021.

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Since relocating to Clovis, New Mexico in 2022, Celia has remained deeply involved in the community. She serves on the board of the Salvation Army, participates in 100% Community teams with United Way, and co-runs a small dog rescue with fellow military spouses. Through her role at EPCOG, she is proud to support a range of local initiatives that expand access to behavioral health care, promote prevention, and build stronger, healthier rural communities.

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Outside of her professional life, Celia is an ultramarathon runner, a lifelong equestrian with a background in rodeo, and a dedicated volunteer for local animal rescues. She and her husband enjoy traveling, skiing, fishing, and spending time outdoors with their two dogs—and often a foster pup or two.

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Office: (575) 762-7714

Cell: (406) 861-5142

Email: CKirkland@epcog.org