Jo Lynn Guerrero receives her master's degree in counseling from WNMU in May and plans to continue her work with and support of students at Deming High SchoolSILVER CITY, NM — When hybrid (online and in person) Deming student Jo Lynn Guerrero crosses the stage at the Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Spring Commencement this May, her walk will mark a profound evolution in her lifelong commitment to service. Guerrero's journey, spanning two decades of community dedication, serves as a powerful testament to the idea that success is rarely a straight line but rather a series of purposeful, courageous steps toward one's true calling.
Guerrero's professional life began in 2004, immediately following her high school graduation. She stepped directly into the high-stakes environment of emergency services, serving as a 911 dispatcher. For ten years, she was the steady, calm voice on the other end of the line during the community's most critical moments. This foundational decade in public safety instilled in her a unique ability to remain composed under pressure and gave her a front-row seat to the challenges facing local families. While this role provided a vital service, Guerrero eventually felt a pull toward a different form of advocacy—one that focused on long-term guidance and the proactive development of the next generation rather than immediate crisis response.
Guerrero attended WNMU as an undergraduate in 2015 and successfully earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice. During this period of academic growth, she transitioned into the educational sphere, accepting a position as an IT technician at her local high school in Deming. Although her official duties were technical, Guerreros' natural inclination toward mentorship and student support quickly became evident to those around her.
Students found themselves stopping by her office not just for hardware fixes, but for the supportive environment Guerrero naturally created. Even during a brief period working with the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), Guerrero's heart remained tethered to the unique energy and potential found within the high school setting.
"I genuinely love helping students, families, and anyone who needs support," Guerrero said. "I feel that helping others is simply part of who I am. People often feel comfortable opening up to me, and I have always valued being someone who listens without judgment. I especially try to support those who may not have a strong support system elsewhere."
It was this inherent empathy and the rapport Guerrero built with the student body that caught the attention of the school's professional counseling staff. Recognizing that she was already making a tangible impact on student well-being through her positive engagement and reliable presence, they encouraged her to formalize her natural talents. They saw a counselor long before she held the title. Their belief in her potential led Guerrero to apply to the graduate counseling program at WNMU, a decision she notes she has never regretted.
Currently working as a counselor for academics at Deming High School, Guerrero plans to take the state school counseling practice exam to become licensed as a high school counselor. She sees her role as more than a career. For Guerrero, it is a lifelong commitment to the "adopted" students she has mentored. "The ultimate reward is watching these young adults graduate and become independent, knowing I played a part in their stability."
Guerrero's story is a cornerstone of the WNMU mission: empowering individuals to transform their own lives so they, in turn, can transform their communities. Her transition from 911 dispatch to the counseling office represents a significant shift from crisis intervention to crisis prevention. By providing students with the emotional tools and support systems necessary to navigate the complexities of young adulthood, Guerrero is helping to build a more resilient regional community.
