Ann and Bill Schneider, Co-Founders, Experienced Texas Addiction Treatment
Bill and Ann have been respected innovators in the alcohol and drug treatment field for over 20 years. Touched by family members and close friends who struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, they recognized that traditional treatment centers were often failing to address underlying emotional and childhood trauma issues that all too often led to relapse among clients.
In response to this unmet need, they founded The Life Healing Center of Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1994. Under their guidance, and with a strong commitment to providing quality care, it combined the latest in successful mental health therapies with traditional 12-Step spiritual support. Life Healing Center soon emerged as the leading residential trauma treatment facility in the country attracting hundreds of referrals from Hazelden, Betty Ford, Caron Foundation, Sierra Tucson and The Meadows as well as receiving referrals from all fifty states and fifteen foreign countries.
Bill and Ann sold their addiction treatment facility in 2004. Then, with help from their long time friends, the late Coach Darrell Royal and his wife Edith, they devoted much of the next several years to aiding a struggling Austin non-profit alcohol and drug treatment center. The Center was in danger of closing its doors with the resulting loss of free services that the poor and working families of Central Texas had relied upon since 1967. The Schneiders assisted in re-organizing the board of directors, rallied community support, and helped guide the agency to become one of the most successful community treatment facilities in Texas.
Now Bill and Ann are excited to re-enter the addiction recovery field. They bring their talents for innovation and program quality to an emerging new recovery model that can lead men to the full and fulfilling life in recovery they’ve been searching to find.
Close
Ann and Bill Schneider
Co-Founders | Experienced Texas Addiction Treatment
Corbin Bigheart, Program Director
Corbin was born and raised in Enid, OK and a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma (Boomer!). His own journey into addiction recovery started in 2011 at the age of 22. Despite repeated attempts, multiple episodes in treatment and honest desire to recover, Corbin struggled to find sustainable sobriety. In April of 2015 Corbin entered a long-term treatment facility and has been blessed with a life of healing and recovery ever since. As Corbin started to experience the many blessings that recovery brings, he made the decision to devote his life to helping others find this same experience.
“I found that I had a passion for, and a purpose in, guiding others through the recovery process. There is no greater joy than helping people heal, in helping them find happiness. I wanted to make it my life’s central focus.”
Corbin has served in a number of capacities at The Last Resort and has been a dedicated member of the team since 2016. Corbin’s approach to treating substance use disorders blends evidence-based clinical modalities, spirituality, and behavioral change methods to produce genuine changes in our clients’ lives. He also translates his previous professional experience in data consulting into the behavioral health field.
“I am a big believer in using evidence, using data, to guide and direct the treatment process. I believe in what works, and there is plenty of evidence that supports that what we do at The Last Resort is effective. My goal as the Executive Director is to implement and facilitate tried-and-true treatment methods, while not neglecting the human element by conveying compassion, understanding, and empathy to all of our clients and their families”
Close
Corbin Bigheart
Executive Director
Leslie Downing, Director of Marketing
Leslie Downing graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston – Clear Lake with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist who has worked in the addiction treatment field for fifteen years. Leslie’s background in operations management and clinical work have complemented her role in business development over the last five years. Assisting families and providers in the process of obtaining quality treatment is one of Leslie’s greatest passions.
Currently, Leslie is working on a Master of Science in Leadership, which is driven by her desire to cultivate and sustain healthy treatment cultures.
“The best way to ensure employees are providing the best care possible is to provide and encourage a healthy work environment for them.”
In addition to focusing on culture, Leslie recognizes the importance of developing organizational structure that supports optimal client care and coordination for long-term recovery.
Outside of work and school, Leslie can be found doing CrossFit, yoga, walking her dog, or reading.
“I’ve been gifted with an extremely abundant life that far surpasses anything I could have imagined for myself prior to entering recovery in 2004.”
Close
Leslie Downing
Director of Business Development
Kim Rabago, Director of Finance
A long time Texas resident, Kim received her Master’s in Professional Accountancy from The University of Texas. She is also a licensed CPA in the State of Texas and began her career in public accounting as an auditor for Ernst & Young. Her experience also includes financial management for a start-up toxicology lab.
Kim’s passion for horses and rescuing dogs brought her to the Smithville area, where she lives with her husband, three dogs, two horses, and a donkey. Her newest dog, Harper, joins her at TLR everyday and is well-loved by our residents.
“I feel honored to work for a company with such an important mission; The Last Resort changes lives everyday.”
Close
Kim Harrison, CPA
Director of Finance
Becky Babb, Director of Admissions
Since 2011 Becky has worked in some facet or another in behavioral healthcare, but her passion for helping others dates back long before then. Becky believes in the reconstruction and restoration of people’s lives and has a passion for helping others and believes it is possible for everyone to find freedom from chemical dependency, freedom that she has experienced herself. From these passions and experiences, it has driven Becky’s work in behavioral healthcare. Before joining The Last Resort team, she worked for other behavioral healthcare companies, working in Direct Client Care, Admissions, and Managed Care positions
Becky is also currently finishing up her obtaining her undergraduate work at the University of Alabama, Roll Tide! She is working on completing her Bachelor of Science in Human and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Consumer Sciences. From there she hopes to enter graduate school to pursue a Masters in Business Administration.
She is originally from the Corpus Christi area but her home is in the Texas Hill Country where she enjoys spending time with her two daughters, four dogs, and her two wild cats. In her spare time, Becky is a part of a number of service groups that work with animal shelters and rescue organizations, finding displaced and abandoned animals a loving deserving home.
Close
Becky Babb
Director of Admissions
Aaron Austin
“Growing up in Northern Minnesota the idea of recovery was an unknown concept to me, and drinking a way of life. Luckily at 22, I ended up in treatment, and it was from there that I first learned about my disease, chronic and progressive in nature, but also treatable. Unfortunately, I wasn’t finished running the show, and my substance use continued for several more years due to my unwillingness to treat it. I returned to treatment in 2007 hopeless and broken. There I finally surrendered to the guidance of those more knowledgeable than me, and I have been sober ever since. Today I am grateful for the life that I get to lead, through all the ups and downs, I have a fellowship and program to lean on.
After receiving my undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Crookston, I went on to receive my Master’s in Addiction Counseling from Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies in 2011. Since then I have been honored with the opportunity to participate in the healing process of many individuals, families, and friends impacted by addiction. I’m an LCDC, LPC-I, certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and certified personal trainer.”
Close
Aaron Austin, M.A., LCDC
Clinical Director
Will Harper
I grew up in Austin, Tx and have always been very proud of being a native Texan. Drugs and Alcohol came into the picture in my early teens, and I landed in my first treatment facility at the age of 15 due to substance abuse. Things spiraled out of control quickly, and would only get worse. The next 7 years of my life included numerous stints in treatment, trouble with the law, and plenty first hand experience with the progressive nature of addiction. At age 22, I found myself in a familiar situation – I was in trouble with the law, and in yet another facility. This time, however, I was blessed with what some might call “the gift of desperation” and had finally woken up to reality. Through a relationship with God, and a 12-step program of recovery, I have been sober and free ever sense. I strongly believe my primary purpose here on earth is to help other men achieve the same thing that was given to me – a way out.
Close
Will Harper
Director of Recovery Services
Psychiatrist
Dr. Van Wyk graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Nutritional Sciences and received her medical degree from Texas A&M Health Sciences College of Medicine. She did her post-graduate training at The University of Texas Dell Medical School in Psychiatry where she was recognized for her outstanding work in the areas of systems of care and innovation. She has a private practice in Bastrop, works with a non-profit organization to provide psychiatric care through telemedicine to physicians, residents and medical students throughout Texas and teaches at University of Texas Dell Medical School psychiatry residency program. Working in coordination with our Medical Director and Clinical Team, Dr. Van Wyk is responsible for psychiatric assessments and evaluations, follow ups, and medication management.
Close
Dr. Van Wyk
Psychiatrist
Parker Chapin, Discharge Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon…
Close
Parker Chapin
Discharge Coordinator
Will Brown, Admissions Coordinator
Will had a pretty average childhood. He grew up with two loving and compassionate parents that would do anything for him; He was active in the Cub Scouts and played sports. Until, like so many other young peoples’ stories, Will began experimenting with drugs and alcohol. It got bad enough that Will ended up in his first treatment program at age 16.
At age 17, Will found opiates. He tried one pill and was hooked. For 5 years, Will was in and out of jail, rehab, and hospitals until he was finally desperate enough to try something different. Through the 12 steps, Will was able to develop a relationship with a Higher Power strong enough to keep him sober.
“My quality of life today is far more enjoyable than I could have ever imagined, and I want other young men to be able to experience the same freedom I do.”
Close
Will Brown
Admissions Coordinator
Brittany Bass
Brittany Bass was born and raised in Austin, TX. She is passionate about helping men and women not only find recovery but also connecting with the “inner fire” that is already within them. Brittany has worked in the recovery field for 5 years. When she’s not working, Brittany enjoys spending time with friends and family, being a mama to her almost three-year-old son, Calvin, running and weightlifting, and pretty much anything having to do with being in the water on a sunny day. Brittany is very excited to be a part of The Last Resort dream team!
Close
Brittany Bass
Business Development Representative
Bob Beare, Ph.D
Dr. Beare is an industrial/organizational psychologist and has been a clinical psychotherapist and executive coach for over 20 years, working with individuals, couples, families, leaders, and organizations. He was a long-time instructor at the C. G. Jung Center in Houston, a certified leader with the ManKind Project International, is the Senior Clinical Consultant and former Clinical Director of The Last Resort Treatment Center for Men, and Senior Clinical Consultant to Maui Recovery in Hawaii.
A professional actor, director, and composer, Bob is the founder of Houston Playback Theatre (a personal story-based theatre troupe) and is also the author of The Creative Fire – 10 Weeks to Emotional and Creative Fitness. He is a trained expressive arts therapist using art, poetry, music, movement, and theatre in all of his therapeutic and coaching work.
Dr. Beare is the founder of The Authentic Leadership Program, helping leadership teams to become more effective and profitable through dynamic emotional intelligence training. He is also the founder of The Brave Heart Experience, an intensive 2 ½ day workshop for men, women, leaders, and people in recovery who are ready to dive deeply into self-empowerment.
Dr. Beare has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. His doctoral research and published dissertation was on the topic of “Senior Leader’s Experience’s with Vulnerability.” Bob is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, and is a certified Birkman Method Consultant.
Close
Bob Beare, Ph.D
Senior Clinical Consultant, Experience and Men’s Depth Work Program (Adjunct Professional Staff)
Drew Tindell, LCDC, Chemical Dependency Counselor
Drew Tindell is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor that has been in the recovery field for over seven years. He has ten years in recovery and employs mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing into his style of counseling. “With staying in today, you can avoid wasting time in yesterday and tomorrow.”
At age 40 Drew had a 9th grade education and with the help of a strong mentor and friends in recovery he went back to school and received a GED, an associate’s degree from Hill college in criminal justice for drug and alcohol counseling, has a certificate in correctional counseling, and is furthering his academic studies at Texas Tech where he will receive a bachelors in communication studies and sociology by the summer of 2018. He plans to continue his education through Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies in the spring of 2019.
Drew has struggled with addiction for various drugs since he was a teenager. On July 24th, 2007 he had his last drink and started going to court ordered treatment where he was introduced to a twelve-step program of recovery and he has been sober ever since. Through working the program in his life and practicing mindfulness and meditation he has been able to enjoy a full and vibrant life. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, fishing, and continues to broaden his spiritual life through fellowship and sharing the message with anyone who wants it.
One of his favorite sayings is “Go with the flow of life and let God be your current.”
Close
Drew Tindell, LCDC
Chemical Dependency Counselor
Arthur H Litteken, LPC, LCDC
Art lived in Wichita Falls most of his life. He earned a BBA after high school and spent 30 years as an owner/operator of a successful ready-mix concrete operation. Art has been an ordained minister and former volunteer chaplain through Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He served several years, on the board of The Association of Disabled Citizens and the Boy Scouts of America (An Eagle Scout). Art also headed up the Family Preservation Program for the Wichita County Juvenile Department. Art utilizes a trauma-informed approach to therapy and is EMDR trained.
Art battled addiction, personally and within his own family, most of his life and with no exposure to AA or the 12 steps before landing in residential treatment. After rehabilitation, he resigned from Juvenile Probation and earned his MA in General Counseling. Art has worked in the recovery field ever since. “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. This is a calling for me and I am truly blessed to be a part of The Last Resort team.” Art enjoys outdoor activities, including water and snow sports. He is an active member of the AA community and has a zest for life that is apparent to all who know him.
Close
Arthur H Litteken, LPC, LCDC
Chemical Dependency Counselor
Cori Choate
Bio Coming Soon…
Close
Cori Choate
Recovery Specialist