Mi Via Waiver Services
Mi Via Waiver Services in New Mexico is a Medicaid program designed to provide support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities, allowing them to live independently in their communities.
Established in 1999, Mi Via was developed as a response to the need for more personalized and flexible support options for individuals and families. The program empowers participants to choose their own services and manage their budgets, fostering greater autonomy. Mi Via aims to enhance quality of life by offering a range of services, including personal care, respite, and community integration, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. This person-centered approach reflects a broader shift in the state towards promoting independence and self-determination for individuals with disabilities
About Us
La Gaviota was born out of love, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to making self-directed care accessible and empowering for everyone. Our story began when our founder, Paul Padilla, met and fell in love with Nelida Parra, a remarkable woman from Mexico. Together, they built a family and faced life’s challenges with courage and determination.
Their son, Edgar, was born with Cerebral Palsy after a medical incident left him developmentally disabled. For 30 beautiful years, Edgar has been a source of endless joy, inspiration, and learning. His journey motivated Paul to become deeply involved in self-directed care, both as a father navigating the system for his own family and as a professional committed to helping others.
Inspired by the care and advocacy required for Edgar, Paul built a career dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. He brings over 7 years of professional experience with the Mi Via Waiver program and over 12 years of personal experience with the Developmental Disabilities (DO) Waiver. His leadership extends to serving as a board member of the Cerebral Palsy Parent Association (CPPA), where he has contributed his expertise for the past year.
Our name, “La Gaviota,” meaning “The Seagull,” symbolizes freedom, strength, and resilience—the very values that guide everything we do. Whether you’re a participant or a family member, we are honored to walk alongside you on this journey.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of your story. Together, we can continue building a future where self-direction isn’t just a choice—it’s a celebration of life’s possibilities.
How La Gaviota Can Serve You.
We’re committed to putting people first, ensuring that we meet your unique needs with thoughtful care and attention.
Training
At La Gaviota, we are committed to meeting and surpassing all training requirements established by the state of New Mexico for our providers and employees.
By leveraging modern tools and an empathetic approach, La Gaviota can continuously monitor and manage our training programs, ensuring that our team stays compliant at all times. La Gaviota is dedicated to providing a seamless integration of services to the individuals we support.
Our Mission
We’re dedicated to creating a welcoming community that values understanding and is adaptable to the unique needs of everyone we serve.
Community
Foster a supportive community for individuals with developmental disabilities, where everyone can thrive and share their experiences.
Empathetic Support
Our goal is to create an environment where empathy and kindness empower those we serve, fostering growth and connection within our community.
Needs Focused
We are committed to providing compassionate and understanding assistance that prioritizes the unique needs of each individual we serve.
“Navigating this complex system can be challenging, but our family’s years of first hand experience can help. Let our family take care of yours.”
Nelida Padilla
Founder, La Gaviota
Paul Padilla
Co-Founder, La Gaviota
Contact Us
For any inquiries or questions please contact us.
By Phone:
(505) 306-6954