From Tourist to Torchbearer: Elizabeth Potter's Journey in Ruidoso
In 2008, Elizabeth and her three children came to Ruidoso for the first time on vacation. She had been to Colorado with her mom but had never been to the mountains. “It just smelled so good! I remember this powerful smell of pine.” The allure of this quaint mountain town captivated her, and during a week-long exploration of the village, she found herself thinking, "I wish I had the courage to pick up and move." Interestingly, her eldest daughter shared the sentiment. Little did she know that this casual wish would set in motion the life-altering decision to make Ruidoso her home.
Elizabeth and Frank Potter
A Life-Changing Vacation
Elizabeth's journey led her from Brownwood, Texas to Oklahoma at the age of 25. Her early career included working at a childcare facility, where the director encouraged her to pursue education. Juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to three children, working, and attending school, Elizabeth secured grants and pursued her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development.
As she approached the completion of her degree, a friend suggested she apply to Head Start, a decision that would shape the trajectory of her professional life. In 2001, Elizabeth began her journey with Head Start, ultimately being offered the position of Educational Specialist. Her responsibilities grew as she found herself supervising three classrooms.
Undeterred by the demands of her job, Elizabeth made the bold decision to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix. In the span of five years, she rose through the ranks at work, eventually becoming the Early Head Start Manager and Assistant Head Start Manager, also overseeing a childcare facility.
When Elizabeth returned to Oklahoma from her vacation to Ruidoso in 2008, it just so happened that Ruidoso’s Head Start program had two job openings. With her supervisor’s support, Elizabeth decided to apply. She scheduled the job interview in Ruidoso for the day after her birthday (July 6) with fate beckoning her towards a new chapter in her life. She was offered the job of Education Coordinator and moved to Ruidoso shortly after, settling in the village in August.
Love, Family, and Community
Life took an unexpected turn for the better during a Mother's Day event in 2009 at Flying J. Still recovering from the emotional toll of her divorce, Elizabeth found herself at a crossroads in her spiritual life. It was during this time that she prayed for a “godly man, one who can take care of me and my kids, who loves to go hiking, and who likes photography.” Fate intervened in the form of Frank Potter, a man who, despite knowing everyone in town, had never met her before. They quickly formed a deep connection, and that bond led to their marriage in April 2010.
From Educator to Advocate
Since making Ruidoso her home in 2008, Elizabeth has become an integral part of the community. In addition to her new role on the Ruidoso Board of Education, she manages the nonprofit organization Ruidoso Food 4 Kids, a program she co-founded with Frank. In 2010, through her work at Ruidoso’s Head Start and Frank’s connection with a local teacher, they became aware of just how many families in Ruidoso were struggling financially and experiencing hunger. Elizabeth knew how to help from her experience with Head Start in Oklahoma. She contacted the woman managing a backpack program there for information and advice. Then, Elizabeth went to the Director of Ruidoso’s Head Start and asked if they could use their kids as a pilot. Initially, a couple from Midland heard what the Potters were trying to do and gave Frank $2,500 to get the program going. “We were over the moon,” she recalls. “It might as well have been a million dollars. We went to Walmart and bought backpacks and food and packed the bags right there in my Head Start office.”
More than ten years later, Food 4 Kids continues to provide weekend backpacks filled with food to more than 400 children in Lincoln County each week. “The best part is giving back to the kids and the community. I have a passion for these kids,” Elizabeth says with a smile. Her dedication to community service is evident as she spends her time ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to purchasing food.
Among her various accolades for making a difference in the lives of children, Elizabeth received the New Mexico True Hero’s Award in 2023 from New Mexico Magazine, the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year in 2019, and the Hero’s with Heart award in 2012 that included a letter from the Governor. Her passion for photography, a lesser-known aspect of her life, serves as a creative outlet, and she also enjoys lapidary work, having purchased equipment during a trip to Arizona where she and Frank like to hike.
A Heart for Ruidoso
The happiest days of Elizabeth's life, aside from the birth of her children, include meeting Frank and embracing the joys of being a grandmother. She reflects on life with a positive outlook, noting that it doesn't take much for her to have a good day, especially with the stunning backdrop of New Mexico, a state she declares as the best for photography. “This is the best state to photograph in, there’s just something beautiful to photograph all the time!”
Elizabeth has many favorite restaurants in Ruidoso. "The one that we go to the most is Jorge’s. They make me a fajita burrito with mushrooms!" The Potters also frequent Grill Caliente for their veggie enchiladas and tacos, and Casitas for avocado toast. For Mexican food, Old Road is her go-to. Appreciating the willingness of local establishments to accommodate vegetarian options, Elizabeth points out the community's spirit of inclusivity.
Elizabeth's "must-dos" in Ruidoso include immersing in the forest, taking family trips to Cloudcroft to enjoy pizza and beer, Flying J, and Winter Park, especially for Tom Dorgan's annual food drive.
A Legacy of Care
As Elizabeth looks to the future, “I hope for good health for everybody. New adventures with my hubby. And good things for the backpack program.” Her optimism is evident as she shares an incident where a gentleman from California with ties to Ruidoso through the racetrack, expressed a desire to contribute. Elizabeth was also touched when the woman who first rented Elizabeth a home in Ruidoso reached out to donate after seeing publicity for her NM True Hero’s Award. This, for Elizabeth, is a testament to the impact she envisions through her work and advocacy.
When asked about her legacy, Elizabeth reflects on the transient nature of life. Her overarching message is clear: "I hope that people remember me as someone who cared. That’s the one thing I want people to know about me – that I care about them.” This sentiment encapsulates her dedication to community, education, and the well-being of those around her, particularly children.
In essence, Elizabeth Potter's story is one of resilience, community, and advocacy. Her fortuitous journey from a tourist to one of Ruidoso’s vital community members showcases the transformative power of courage, compassion, and commitment.
Share Your Story
Do you have a story of resilience and generosity? We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences with us and inspire others. Your stories uplift and unite us all.
Meet more inspiring Ruidosoans in our ‘Real Ruidoso’ series.
At the heart of Ruidoso are the people who call it home. Whether multigenerational residents, essential workers, merchants, makers, or relocated retirees, their stories, experiences, and passion for our beautiful mountain town are invaluable. That's why we set out to introduce you to a few Ruidosoans who make our village special.
