Holy Cross Medical Center is the central hub for health care in north-central New Mexico. Our hospital and clinics are home to over 80 physicians, covering a variety of ever-expanding specialties that include internal medicine, wound care, dermatology, OB/GYN, orthopedics, general surgery, urology and a fully-staffed emergency department.
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As voters prepare to head to the polls this November, one measure will directly impact the future of healthcare in Taos County: the proposed renewal of a one-mill levy to support Holy Cross Hospital. While the levy does not cover daily operations, it provides essential funding for capital improvements, ensuring that the community hospital can continue to provide vital services amid national uncertainty for rural healthcare.
The proposal on the ballot is the renewal of the one-mill levy that had been in place since 2016 and expired in 2024. One mill reflects $1 per $1,000 of a property’s net taxable value, which is calculated as one-third of the county’s assessed valuation. The renewal, if approved, would run for four years and generate an estimated $1.5 to $1.8 million annually for capital expenses such as building repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and the purchase and maintenance of medical equipment.
James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center, urged voters to view the levy as an investment in the community’s health. “This is a renewal of a levy the community has supported for years,” he said. “Every dollar helps us maintain safe facilities, modern equipment, and quality care close to home. By renewing this levy, we’re ensuring that families can continue to count on Holy Cross for the care they deserve, now and for generations to come.”
Rural hospitals across the state and country are under mounting financial pressure. A recent study by the Chartis Group found that nearly half of rural hospitals operate at a financial loss, with more than 430 considered vulnerable to closure nationwide. Since 2010, 182 have either closed or shifted away from acute care. “Our community deserves great care,” Kiser said. “We want to maintain and expand the services we provide to northern New Mexico, and local support goes a long way toward keeping critical services accessible without requiring travel.”
Holy Cross is not at risk of immediate closure, but it faces real challenges that must be addressed to ensure its long-term strength. Approximately three-quarters of the Holy Cross Hospital’s revenue comes from Medicare and Medicaid patients. Recent federal policy changes will add new restrictions for Medicaid eligibility and could leave more patients uninsured, adding financial strain to facilities that already provide a significant amount of under-reimbursed and uncompensated care. “We are not currently in a dire situation, and we are not at immediate risk of closing, but without knowing what the future holds, we have to be good stewards of our local hospital and ask for continued support,” Kiser said. “Especially now, it’s important that rural health care facilities like ours remind the country that we are here and that we need ongoing community commitment.”
In recent years, Holy Cross has worked to strengthen its finances while expanding services so more residents can receive care close to home. From lifesaving emergencies to welcoming new life, the hospital remains a cornerstone of the community. Labor and delivery has long been one of its most cherished services, with more than 10,000 babies born at Holy Cross since 1937. The emergency department continues to provide round-the-clock services from board-certified physicians and a dedicated team of caregivers. Building on these foundations, the hospital has added specialties such as cardiology, robotic-assisted surgery, primary care, women’s health, pediatrics, podiatry, and orthopedics. Looking to the future, Holy Cross hopes—if resources allow—to expand further with chemotherapy and urgent care.
Holy Cross Medical Center now employs more than 550 people, a reflection of its role as both a healthcare provider and one of the county’s largest employers. Kiser underscored the human side of this presence.
“We are not a faceless institution; we are a hospital with heart and soul,”
– James Kiser
For longtime employees, that sense of connection runs deep. Lenora Cisneros, who has worked at Holy Cross for more than 35 years, said, “I’ve seen how deeply this hospital is tied to our community. The people who work here aren’t just employees, we’re like family. Supporting the hospital means supporting your neighbors and friends, the people who live here and want to keep this community strong.”
To some, it may seem that the subject of healthcare funding arises frequently, but that is because financial stability remains a constant challenge in rural healthcare. Federal budget decisions, changes to Medicare and Medicaid, and even state-level policies about reimbursement rates or insurance coverage can all create ripple effects that directly impact rural hospitals. Each shift, combined with the expiration of local support like the mill levy, adds uncertainty to an already delicate system. For Holy Cross, capital funding through the levy is what helps the hospital keep pace with facility needs. Recognizing this, county commissioners approved placing the mill levy measure on the ballot, leaving the decision in the hands of voters.
Workforce shortages add another layer of financial pressure for rural hospitals. Staffing is one of the largest operational costs, and shifts in funding or reimbursement can quickly impact the bottom line. Staffing healthcare positions requires Holy Cross to stay nationally competitive on salaries, and Taos provides natural advantages that attract workers, from outdoor recreation and open space to a high quality of life. Even so, concerns about the stability of rural hospitals can make recruitment more difficult. “Since the announcement of the new federal budget, we’ve already had a few physicians reconsider choosing Holy Cross as an employer,” said Sue Romansky, Chief of Ancillary and Physician Services. “The national uncertainty in rural healthcare has made recruitment more challenging. That said, many providers continue to see this as an extraordinary place to live and work, and we remain confident in our ability to attract great talent.”
Since its founding in 1936, Holy Cross has been part of the fabric of Taos County. Generations of residents have relied on its emergency services, primary care, and specialty providers. Kiser believes that legacy—and the hospital’s mission to care for all who need it—remains strong. “Together, we will not only endure the changes ahead; we will continue working toward a stronger, healthier future.”
At the same time, hospital leaders remain realistic about the challenges ahead. Declining reimbursements from federal programs, workforce shortages, and rising levels of uncompensated care are part of a national crisis facing rural healthcare. Holy Cross cannot control those forces, but local support can help ensure the hospital remains strong enough to weather them.
Early voting runs from October 7th through November 1st at the Taos County Courthouse and Election Day is November 4th. All county residents are eligible to vote on the mill levy. Kiser concluded, “The levy is, at its heart, an investment in the community’s health and in the future of Holy Cross Hospital.”
The beginning of a new school year always brings a special kind of energy to the Taos Clinic for Children and Youth (TCCY). For the pediatric team, it means days filled with school physicals, checkups, and vaccinations as families prepare their kids for the classroom. But it also brings joy.
“We love seeing our long-term patients grow up and we are excited about meeting the new families coming in for the first time,” said Dr. Veronica Parker, Pediatric Medical Director at TCCY. “We are here to get to know you and your family, and we love our jobs.”
TCCY is currently accepting new patients, with most able to schedule their initial appointment within a week. While the clinic does not take walk-ins, established patients can usually schedule a same-day or next-day visit if a child is sick and care is needed quickly. Dr. Parker encourages families to call before coming in so the team can find the best time to help.
The pediatric staff at TCCY includes Dr. Keith Krist, Dr. Veronica Parker, Dr. Cliff Scott, nurse practitioner Marie Sanchez, and nurse practitioner Morgan Verkuilen, along with an experienced group of clinical and office staff. Together, the three doctors provide pediatric coverage not only in the clinic but also in the Labor & Delivery unit for newborns and in the Emergency Department for pediatric patients requiring admission to Holy Cross Hospital.
“We have an incredible pediatric team right here in Taos,” said Dr. Parker. “The team works really well together—from doctors and nurse practitioners to our office managers and clinical staff. We are really proud of the care we provide to families in Taos.”
Beyond routine care, TCCY offers support for families navigating behavioral or academic challenges. Children struggling with concentration, learning differences, or emotional well-being can be evaluated for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression. The clinic can diagnose and prescribe treatments, and when cases are more complex, they help families connect with specialists while continuing to provide local support.
The clinic also works with parents to understand and access school-based services, such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), so children receive the accommodations and support they need to thrive academically.
TCCY has years of experience caring for children with complex medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and mobility challenges. Many of these families rely on Medicaid, and the clinic keeps pace with changing insurance and coverage policies. “If anyone is worried about how to handle that, we’ll do our best to help guide patients with chronic needs,” Dr. Parker explained. “If there are children with chronic health needs, we are well equipped—we’ve been seeing them for a long time.”
The team at TCCY believes that vaccinations remain one of the most effective ways to protect children from preventable diseases. They not only reduce the chances of catching an illness but can also make cases less severe when infections do occur. At TCCY, the choice always rests with parents, but the clinic encourages vaccinations, and follows the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). TCCY’s goal is simple: keep the children of Taos as healthy as possible. TCCY is currently using the following guidance from the AAP.
The AAP continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for children, particularly those at higher risk for complications. For the 2025–2026 season, the vaccine is advised for all children ages 6–23 months and for older children with health conditions that make COVID-19 more dangerous. Families of otherwise healthy children may also choose the vaccine for added protection. TCCY is currently providing doses from the previous supply and expects updated vaccines to arrive at the end of the year.
Dr. Parker emphasizes the importance of this option: “We recommend the COVID vaccine especially for kids with asthma and other underlying conditions,” she said. “Getting your vaccine doesn’t keep you from getting COVID, but it reduces the intensity of your illness. We consider all children eligible and encourage families to talk with us about what’s right for them.”
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants. Protection comes from a single dose of nirsevimab, an antibody treatment given before or during RSV season (November-March). All babies under 8 months are eligible for this preventative treatment in their first RSV season, while children 8 months to 2 years old, with specific health risks, are also eligible. If a mother received the RSV maternal vaccine during pregnancy, most newborns will already have protection. TCCY expects the RSV vaccine to be available in November and encourages families to discuss the best timing with their pediatrician.
The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing several cancers. The AAP recommends starting the vaccine series between ages 9–12, when the immune response is strongest. Children starting before age 15 need just two doses, while those beginning later require three. The vaccine helps protect against many cancers caused by HPV, including reproductive tract and head and neck cancers, which without protection, can develop in early adulthood. TCCY encourages families to discuss options with their provider.
The flu vaccine remains a yearly option for children ages 6 months and older. While flu can be uncomfortable for most, it can be serious—even life-threatening—for infants, young children, and those with chronic conditions. A single dose each year provides strong protection, though children under 9 years old receiving the flu vaccine for the first time in their life need two doses, spaced 30 days apart. Both the flu shot and nasal spray version of the vaccine are considered safe, and families are encouraged to vaccinate early in the fall to ensure full-season coverage through the school year.
Families seeking pediatric care in Taos will find a welcoming home at the Taos Clinic for Children and Youth. With a dedicated team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and staff, the clinic provides comprehensive care for everything from newborn checkups to adolescent health, behavioral support, and chronic conditions. TCCY emphasizes its long-term commitment to families.
“We are excited to meet you and your family,” said Dr. Parker. “Our team looks forward to growing alongside you. We get to know your family deeply, and we love our patients.”
Taos Clinic for Children and Youth is currently accepting new patients and looks forward to growing with families in the community. To schedule an appointment, call (575) 758-8651 or visit www.taospeds.org.
Holy Cross Medical Center is expanding services for foot and ankle care with the addition of Dr. Elise Janowak to its clinical team. While Dr. Janowak has been practicing in the region for several years, she is now seeing patients at Holy Cross Medical Center’s Plaza de Colores Clinic, bringing her advanced podiatric expertise under the umbrella of the local medical center’s expanding specialty services.
Dr. Janowak grew up in a small town in southeastern Wisconsin as the youngest of five children in a family deeply connected to healthcare. Her father is an otolaryngologist, her mother worked in pediatric intensive care, and two of her siblings also pursued careers in medicine. After exploring a variety of specialties during her studies, she discovered podiatry as the perfect intersection of her interests in radiology, orthopedics, primary care, and surgery.
Her postdoctoral training took place in Utah, where she was mentored by surgeons involved in the Association for Extremity Nerve Surgery (AENS). That experience shaped a major focus of her practice: addressing complex peripheral nerve issues through modern surgical techniques. Her work includes nerve decompression procedures and advanced approaches to limb salvage—procedures especially beneficial to patients managing diabetes, chronic wounds, or past injuries.
“I see many patients who’ve been told that nerve pain is something they simply have to live with,” Janowak says. “It’s deeply rewarding to offer high-success-rate options that not only improve quality of life, but in many cases prevent complications like ulcers or amputations.”
Though she also treats a broad range of more common conditions—such as fractures, ingrown toenails, arthritis, and sports injuries—her specialty in treating neuropathic pain and saving limbs at risk sets her apart. Nerve decompression, for example, can significantly relieve pain while reducing ulcer risk for up to a decade, especially for diabetic patients.
Dr. Janowak moved to New Mexico in 2020 after working in southwestern Oregon, and for the past five years has served patients in Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Taos. Taos, she says, feels most like home — a place where the small-town environment and strong sense of community resonate deeply with her.
“Holy Cross reminds me very much of the small, strong, independent community hospital that I grew up with. Patients in rural areas deserve the very best in modern medical care delivered in and from the community that they live in,” she says.
That alignment was echoed by Sue Romansky, Chief of Ancillary and Physician Services at Holy Cross Medical Center. “We’re so pleased to welcome Dr. Janowak to the Holy Cross family,” Romansky said.
“She’s been providing top-tier podiatric care in the region for years, and bringing her onto our team strengthens the services we’re able to offer locally. With such skilled physicians practicing right here in Taos, you can get most of the care you need without leaving town.”
Outside of work, Dr. Janowak stays active with snowboarding, hiking, biking, and cooking elaborate meals. She also has a fondness for animals, especially rabbits and is currently hoping to adopt a bonded pair after recently saying goodbye to her last pet, a Flemish giant.
Dr. Janowak is now accepting new patients at the Holy Cross Medical Center Plaza de Colores Clinic, located at 330 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite H. A referral is needed for an appointment. For more information visit TaosPodiatry.com
James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center would like to share a message about some of the effects of the recent federal budget changes. You can view the video by clicking on the following links or you can read the transcript below.
From James Kiser:
I want to speak directly to our community about the recent federal budget bill—known as the Big Beautiful Bill—and what it means for Taos.
This legislation introduces major changes to Medicaid eligibility, which could result in many New Mexicans—including some right here in Taos—losing coverage.
At Holy Cross, a large portion of our patients rely on Medicaid. If people lose that coverage, it places financial pressure on the hospital—but more importantly, it puts access to care at risk for those who need it most.
We remain focused on our mission to care for this community. That’s why we’re here to help you stay informed and prepared as these changes unfold in the coming years.
Our Benefit Navigation Team is here to offer free, personalized support to help you sign up for—and keep—your health insurance. If you have questions, don’t wait. Reach out. You’ll find contact details in the video description.
We want you to know our team is preparing for the coming changes and we remain steadfast on growing and improving care for our region. This is your hospital and despite these headwinds, we’re optimistic for the future.
Holy Cross continues to offer more services than most hospitals our size—and we’re proud of the exceptional team that makes that possible. Our doctors, nurses, and staff are deeply committed to Taos. I’m incredibly impressed with the care they deliver every day.
If you want to support local healthcare, get your care right here in Taos.
We’ve been here since 1936. And we’re here to stay.
Holy Cross Medical Center is proud to announce the arrival of Dr. Robert Leland, MD, a nationally recognized expert in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery, as part of a newly launched orthopedic program. Through a strategic partnership with inReach Healthcare, this initiative will bring a variety of orthopedic specialists to Taos, expanding access to expert surgical care and enhancing local treatment options.
Dr. Leland, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, is dual fellowship trained in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery and orthopedic trauma. With over two decades of clinical experience and a strong record of innovation—including being among the first surgeons in the United States to perform total ankle replacements—Dr. Leland is now seeing patients in Taos. He specializes in complex foot and ankle conditions, including total ankle replacement and bunion correction. In addition to foot and ankle care, he also treats general orthopedic trauma.
Dr. Leland earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center. He further specialized through fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and the University Carl Gustav Carus in Dresden, Germany.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Leland served as Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery at Wayne State University and Chief of Orthopedics at the VA Medical Center in Detroit, where he was twice honored as Teacher of the Year. He currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado.
Dr. Leland is passionate about patient education and shared decision-making.
“My goal is to make sure patients fully understand their condition and all of their treatment options,” Dr. Leland said. “That way, they’re empowered to make the best choices for their lifestyle and long-term health.”
On joining the Taos medical community, Dr. Leland added, “I’m honored to help bring specialized orthopedic care to a community as vibrant and unique as Taos. Being able to deliver advanced foot and ankle treatments close to where patients live makes a meaningful impact.”
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Leland as part of this expansion of local orthopedic care,” said Sue Romansky, Chief of Ancillary and Physician Services at Holy Cross. “His experience and commitment to excellence align with our mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for patients right here in Taos.”
A referral is required to schedule an appointment. Learn more by calling (575) 737-3422
The team at Holy Cross Women’s Health Institute is excited to welcome OB/GYN, Dr. Cydney Siggins, who joined the staff in April of 2025. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Siggins brings a wealth of experience and a deeply personal approach to women’s health care, here in Taos.
“I’ve always thrived in science, enjoyed helping others, and felt most at home working with my hands,” says Dr. Siggins. “Obstetrics and gynecology is a perfect fit for me – it combines hands-on procedural work with the opportunity to build long-term relationships, caring for patients and their families from adolescence through childbearing and into menopause.”
Her approach to medicine centers around thoughtful listening and individualized care. “My top priority is to ensure my patients feel safe, heard, and comfortable,” she says. “I take a patient-centered approach to care, meaning that I focus on your specific concerns, and strive to address them thoroughly while answering any questions you may have. Often, a single concern is best understood in the context of your overall health, so I take a comprehensive approach to gynecologic care. This includes reviewing your full obstetric and gynecologic history at nearly every visit, so I am able to provide the most informed and complete care possible.”
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Siggins brings advanced surgical training to Holy Cross Hospital, offering minimally invasive procedures using the da Vinci 5 surgical robot at Holy Cross Hospital. This technology enables her to perform complex gynecologic surgeries such as hysterectomies, ovarian cyst removals, and procedures involving the ovaries or fallopian tubes with enhanced precision and the potential for faster recovery times. These surgeries are available right here in Taos, allowing patients to stay local and heal at home, close to the support of family and friends.
Dr. Siggins is also passionate about expanding how care is delivered. “I’ve had the opportunity to lead group prenatal care in the past and loved it,” she shares. “We are exploring the possibility of bringing this model to the Taos community! It’s a unique community-based approach to obstetrical care that fosters connection, education, and support among expectant families.” This service would be offered along with ongoing Prepared Childbirth classes that are hosted by the Labor and Delivery department at Holy Cross. You can learn more about the classes at HolyCrossMedicalCenter.org.
When asked about her new colleagues, Dr. Siggins had nothing but praise. “I’m thrilled to join the team at WHI. I think together we can continue growing a strong practice to serve Taos and the surrounding communities. Every team member I’ve met at Holy Cross has been so welcoming and kind. I’m grateful to be here and feel lucky to be a part of such a dedicated and compassionate group.”
Her move to Taos was as much about family as it was about profession. “My husband, Thomas, was raised in Alamosa. We have always envisioned a childhood for our kids in the Upper Rio Grande like the one he had. When the opportunity to join Holy Cross and WHI became available, it felt like all of the pieces were falling into place. Our two children love being outside and have already taken to Spring in Taos with open arms and bare feet! We also have a red-heeler who is very active and cannot wait to get out on the trails.”
Outside of work, Dr. Siggins is often found outdoors with her family. “We love spending time outside hiking and are really looking forward to spending time in the water this summer. I love ceramics, yoga, and am looking forward to trail running again! My husband is a backcountry skier & snowboarder, so I’m looking forward to joining him on the slopes next season.”
Some of her most impactful moments in medicine come from walking beside families. “I’ve had the privilege of caring for women during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, including the loss of a baby at any stage.” she says.
“I’ve built relationships with these patients who have trusted me with their care through these losses and again during subsequent pregnancies. Being present to deliver their next children and watch those children grow is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s an honor to be welcomed into such a vulnerable space with the families I serve.”
Holy Cross Women’s Health Institute provides comprehensive care for women at every stage of life—from adolescence through menopause. Their team of skilled providers offers a wide range of services, including prenatal care, gynecologic surgery, wellness visits, and family planning, all delivered with compassion and a focus on long-term relationships. They are proud to welcome Dr. Cydney Siggins to the team as they continue to expand access to high-quality women’s health care in Taos. For more information, visit www.TaosWomensHealth.org.
April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month to recognize a field that helps people of all ages regain independence, function, and quality of life. At Holy Cross Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, OT isn’t just a profession, it’s a calling, especially for certified hand therapists like Lisa Crabtree Edmonds and Barbara Lewis, who bring expert care to our community.
While physical therapy focuses on improving mobility, strength, and balance, occupational therapy centers on helping people participate in meaningful daily activities. That might mean learning to dress oneself after a stroke, improving hand strength after surgery, or adapting workspaces to reduce pain and injury.
“Occupation isn’t just your job,” explains Lisa Crabtree Edmonds, occupational therapist at Holy Cross. “It’s any functional activity. If you’re a child, it might be holding your pencil or paying attention in school. Our goal is to help people get back to their purposeful life meanings.”
Hand therapy is a highly specialized branch of OT that treats everything from tendon and nerve injuries to arthritis and repetitive stress conditions. It’s essential for artists, craftspeople, and musicians—of which Taos has many.
“I help people get back to doing what they love. This is a creative community, and I get to work with musicians, artists, and all kinds of people who rely on their hands to work and express themselves.”
– Lisa Crabtree Edmonds
Lisa and her colleague, Barbara Lewis, are both Certified Hand Therapists—a rare and rigorous credential that requires years of experience and the successful completion of an intensive exam. “Our certification means we provide an extra level of expertise,” Lisa says. “Hand therapy is complex. We don’t just massage hands—we treat tendonitis, fractures, arthritis, and trauma. We’re the only certified hand therapists in Taos, and physicians as far as Santa Fe refer patients to us because of our specialty.”
Tracey Poffenroth-Prato, Director of Holy Cross Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, says having two certified hand therapists in a rural community like Taos is remarkable. “The certification process is incredibly difficult and shows their commitment to healing patients,” she says. “We were thrilled when Barbara decided to join our team. She brings a wealth of experience. In Kansas City, she was seeing 18 or more patients a day. She’s seen and helped a lot of people, and we’re fortunate to have her skills here in Taos.”
Barbara joined Holy Cross in February after moving from Kansas City. “I grew up in a small town, so Taos felt instantly like home,” she says. “I love it here—the pace is slower, the people are kind, and I get to care for my friends and neighbors. I’m here for the long haul.” With 35 years of experience as an occupational therapist and a deep passion for helping people, Barbara brings both skill and heart to the job. “Hands are my passion,” she says. “I love helping people recover from injuries or reduce daily discomfort.”
In addition to hand therapy, both Lisa and Barbara are experienced general occupational therapists. They work with patients experiencing cumulative trauma—everything from computer-related strain to overuse injuries in construction work.
“We help people use their bodies more effectively to avoid long-term damage. Fine motor work is a good example of something we can help with.”
– Barbara Lewis
Their focus is on the upper extremities—hand, wrist, and elbow. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or trying to get back to playing an instrument pain-free, Lisa and Barbara provide individualized, expert care. “We work closely with many physicians in our region to support patients through recovery,” Lisa says. “It’s rewarding to be part of a team that can provide this level of specialized care right here in our community.”
At its heart, occupational therapy is about returning to the things that give life meaning.
“It’s not just about getting people back to work, It’s about getting you back to your life.”
– Lisa Crabtree Edmonds
A referral is necessary, but the team is here to help. For more information, contact Holy Cross Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation at 575-737-0304 or visit holycrossmedicalcenter.org.
575-758-8883
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