Our Healers & Helpers
We’ve gathered the best and brightest practitioners from across the country to our ranch outside of Austin, Texas. From chemical dependency specialists to executive chefs, our staff welcomes the gentlemen who arrive on campus every day, ready to make their lives better in their own talented ways.
Founders
Ann and Bill Schneider
Founders
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.
Founders
Executive Team
Becky Babb
Chief Executive Officer
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.
Chief Executive Officer
Corbin Bigheart
President
Born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma and a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!), Corbin discovered his own recovery from substance use disorder in 2015. Corbin began his journey at The Last Resort in 2016 and has served in executive and leadership capacities at TLR since 2018. During this period, he became a licensed chemical dependency counselor-intern and completed a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration.
Corbin’s leadership experience, combined with his own personal recovery and education, has given him opportunities to speak and educate other professionals, families, and other sufferers on topics related to addiction, recovery, suicide prevention, the efficacy of 12 step facilitation therapy, relapse (of which he also has his own personal experience), healthcare provider specific addiction education, and a number of other topics that he and TLR find critical to improving our collective approach to treating addiction. Corbin is also extremely passionate about using data to better understand our approach, our clients, our impact, and applying this information to improve our efficacy and treatment outcomes.
“I have devoted my life to the treatment of addiction, and there is not a better place to live out that purpose than The Last Resort. Our people, our treatment philosophy, and our commitment to client-centered and “client first” care make TLR a dream destination for me and fellow sufferers alike.”
President
Mike Smeltzer
Executive Director
Michael Smeltzer was born and raised in Austin, Texas. As a teenager, Michael was introduced to drugs and alcohol and began drinking and using regularly. He noticed early on that his reaction to substances was abnormal. Like many addicts, he began to isolate, his relationships were strained, and his self-esteem plummeted. While studying business at Texas State University, his addiction reached the point of unmanageability.
Fortunately, Michael was introduced to a simple program of action that allowed him to rebuild his life. His personal recovery has given him the opportunity to take an interest in executive leadership and spiritual philosophy. After several years of learning and growing as an executive in the behavioral healthcare industry, he has returned to the treatment center that he calls home.
At The Last Resort, Michael uses his experience to encourage and inspire the next generation of recovering addicts and alcoholics. He considers it an honor and a privilege to pass along the essential tools, strategies, and attitudes that shaped his own journey in recovery.
Executive Director
Joannna Baird
Chief Operations Officer
Joanna was born and raised on a horse farm in West Virginia. She graduated with degrees in Psychology, Biology, and History then moved to Texas to work for M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center in preclinical research and epigenetic research.
In 2017, Joanna switched careers to join The Last Resort in the Equine Program to fulfill her passion with helping people find meaningful healthy relationships through working with horses. Over the years at TLR, Joanna has worked in many different capacities before becoming COO. She is currently completing her master’s degrees in Public Health Administration and Counseling.
Chief Operations Officer
Kim Harrison
Chief Financial Officer
Kim first joined the TLR team in 2012 as a financial consultant, later joining full-time to lead as the Chief Financial Officer. She began her career as an auditor for Ernst & Young upon graduation from the University of Texas with her Master’s in Professional Accounting, serving clients in the venture capital, telecommunications, software, and real estate industries. Kim also has experience in mergers and acquisitions, working as part of the finance and valuation team for an M+A firm specializing in healthcare. On the private side, Kim has led finance departments in the toxicology, advertising, hospitality, vending, and non-profit industries, but really found her passion in behavioral health.
Kim is a licensed CPA in Texas and a Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor. She formerly served the recovery community as the Treasurer of the Austin Chapter of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. Kim is a lifetime dog and horse lover. She feels most content when spending time with her family, including her husband, five dogs, and three horses, on their ranch in the Bastrop area.
Chief Financial Officer
Aaron Austin
Chief Strategy Officer
Growing up in Northern Minnesota, Aaron was surrounded by a culture of drinking where the idea of recovery was foreign to many. At the age of 22, Aaron went to treatment and was introduced to the 12 steps and the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Unfortunately, Aaron’s addiction persisted for a few more years due to a failure to treat it. Eventually, Aaron returned to treatment in 2007, where he finally surrendered to the guidance of those more knowledgeable in addiction treatment. Since then, Aaron has remained sober and is grateful for the life he gets to lead, as well as the continued spiritual growth and awareness in his life.
After receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Crookston, Aaron earned a Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling from the Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies in 2011. Since then, Aaron has had the opportunity to participate in the healing process of many individuals, families, and friends impacted by addiction.
Chief Strategy Officer, LPC
Medical Team
Dr. Dunkin, MD
Psychiatrist
Dr. Dunkin 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. Dunkin is responsible for psychiatric assessments and evaluations, follow ups, and medication management.
Psychiatrist
Maria Garza
Director of Nursing
Born in Houston, Texas, Maria moved to Smithville during her first-grade year. With a passion for helping others, Maria has been in the medical field for 10 years. Starting as a CNA and then a Med aide, she is now an LVN working towards becoming an RN. Maria loves her job, and working at The Last Resort has shown her the beauty of a healthy culture and loving work environment. Maria is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in others’ lives and looks forward to continuing her growth in the industry. “The teamwork and dedication of everyone there to help the clients is truly admirable, especially in a field like nursing where it can be hectic at times.” She is also a stellar mom!
Maria’s leadership skills and dedication to providing high-quality care have had a lasting impact on the clients and staff. Maria is a role model to many and is always striving to improve the overall experience of those in our care. Her passion for nursing, combined with her strong work ethic, makes her an integral part of The Last Resort’s mission to support those on the road to recovery.
Director of Nursing
Marketing & Business Development
Brittany Bass
Director of Business Development & Marketing
Brittany Bass was born and raised in Austin, TX. She has served in the Substance Use Disorder field for nine years. She is particularly passionate about helping men and women not only find recovery, but also connecting to the “inner fire” that is already within them through spirituality.
Brittany also serves as the President of Austin TAAP, a nonprofit association for professionals working in the substance use disorder field in Austin. She also serves on the state-level of TAAP as Membership Chair.
When she’s not working, Brittany enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their son, exercise and anything fitness-related, mediation and yoga, and being outside in nature.
Brittany loves The Last Resort, and believes whole-heartedly in the values and mission of TLR.
Director of Business Development & Marketing
Kyle Rainwater
Regional Business Development Representative
Kyle Rainwater, Business Development Representative, is dedicated to navigating the difficult task of helping individuals find substance abuse treatment. He has several years of experience assisting clients as they enter treatment and managing referral relationships for multiple substance use and mental health facilities.
Kyle is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with healthcare professionals and acting as a liaison between the company and the client seeking treatment. Kyle represents The Last Resort Recovery’s brand while providing education to the community, clients, and their loved ones. Kyle entered the Mental Health/Behavioral Health field shortly after he found the gift of recovery himself. His drive and passion in the field stems from personal experience and triumphs. Helping others start anew is truly the bright spot of his life today. Addiction hurts everyone, and Kyle is committed to alleviating suffering and ending the stigma of substance use disorders. His powerful journey has helped countless individuals and their families find recovery.
Regional Business Development Representative
Andrew Winkler
Digital Marketing Strategist
Andrew is our Digital Marketing strategist and an alumnus of The Last Resort Recovery. As a graduate of Texas State University with a BS degree in Digital Media Innovation, and a minor in Sports Psychology, Andrew brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the TLR team. After successfully completing treatment at TLR and celebrating 2 years of sobriety, Andrew is passionate about giving back the gifts of recovery that were taught to him. As a dedicated member of the TLR team, Andrew is committed to helping others achieve the same level of success in their own recoveries. In his free time, Andrew is a die-hard New York Jets fan (the factory of sadness), enjoys playing soccer and chess, and is an avid supporter of the recovery community. Overall, Andrew is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the fellowship and the place that helped change his life!
Digital Marketing Strategist
Admissions Team
Josie Herrera
Director of Admissions
Josie Herrera is a Texas native who has been working in the substance abuse treatment field since 2015. Once she began working in this field, she instantly fell in love and has been working with addicts and alcoholics ever since. Her experiences include direct care staff and working as an admissions coordinator. Josie is in recovery herself, and has found freedom from her active addiction by applying a program of recovery to her life. She is passionate about helping addicts and alcoholics at their most vulnerable point to find the help they need and deserve. She is currently continuing her education and studying addiction counseling.
In her spare time, Josie enjoys spending time with her husband and precious twin boys, their 2 bullterriers and their chickens. She is an avid gardener and enjoys spending time in her yard working on new homesteading projects as well as reading and writing.
Director of Admissions
Jack Reigner
Admissions Specialist
Jack has proudly been with TLR for over 2 years and is honored that he gets to work with our clients and their families daily on the front-end. Jack has worked in the recovery and mental health industry for 5 years in a variety of roles including: Direct Care Supervisor, Business Development, and currently serves as an Admissions Specialist at TLR. Additionally, he serves The Last Resort’s clients through one-on-one personal training. Jack is passionate about physical well-being and how a healthy, strong lifestyle contributes to recovery. Jack grew up in Atlanta, GA and attended the University of Georgia. He moved to the Austin-area in 2017. Outside of work, Jack enjoys spending time with his partner and their pups, training in the gym, eating around Austin, and watching the University of Georgia Bulldogs win 2 championship titles back-to-back. Go Dawgs!
Admissions Specialist
Lance Risher
Admissions Specialist
Lance’s path to recovery began in 2017 when he arrived at The Last Resort by chance. As a former client, he had a transformative experience that led to his long-term sobriety and significantly improved his life. The Last Resort holds a special place in Lance’s heart as it has become a surrogate home and family, and he feels grateful to work there. As a member of the admissions team, he can bring others to the facility and help them have the same life-changing experience he did. “All the blessings of sobriety and the individuals I have assisted was made possible by The Last Resort.”
Admissions Specialist
Cullen MacInerney
Admissions Specialist
A 5th-generation Texan by birth, Cullen moved with his family to Kansas City where he would spend ages 3-18 navigating childhood and early adulthood. During these years, Cullen was engaged in sports, creative writing, and consistently succeeded in making his peers and teachers laugh. He was also introduced to alcohol in high school shortly after losing his mother. Cullen attended university in Texas, where he fell deeper into his addiction to alcohol and cocaine. In August of 2020, Cullen’s loving family presented him the option of treatment for his disease of addiction and he took a leap of faith. Now three years sober, Cullen is thriving and is not looking back.
Cullen first came to TLR as a Recovery Advocate in the Recovery Operations Department in April of 2022, and has recently transitioned to the role of Admissions Coordinator.
Outside of work, Cullen enjoys spending time with his family, watching his beloved Kansas City Chiefs and TCU Horned Frogs, and enjoying a regular bowl of Blue Bell ice cream.
Admissions Specialist
Clinical Team
Shawn Marie Parrott
Clinical Director, MA, LPC-S
Shawn is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas with a passion for providing high quality service to individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Shawn earned her Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wayland Baptist University in 2009 and has worked diligently in the mental health field since that time. She has expertise in working with adults, adolescents, and couples with substance use, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders in various settings including residential, outpatient, and at University levels.
Shawn strives to create an atmosphere of trust and genuine regard for pain and suffering followed with therapeutic measures to rise from it. She believes in people’s ability to heal, with emphasis on healing through collaborative connectedness. “We were not meant to do all this alone, togetherness is pivotal.” She uses a multitude of modalities in her practice including 10+ years of experience utilizing CBT, existential, spirituality, and person-centered approaches to addressing personal life challenges. She believes in drawing from a multitude of modalities to customize specific needs of clients. Shawn recently completed CCATP training to provide additional expertise with people struggling with the debilitating effects of Anxiety Disorders. She is committed to helping people overcome addiction, depression, anxiety, and other issues that challenge and hinder our ability to embrace life.
Shawn joined the talented staff at The Last Resort Recovery Center in the Fall of 2019 and has tremendous gratitude for the opportunity to grow with this wonderful company. She fits right in with family atmosphere that TLR is built upon!
Clinical Director, MA, LPC-S
Cindy “CC” Simmonds
Clinical Manager, LCDC
Cindy is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University with a BA in Marketing and a minor in TV Radio Broadcasting. She is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and has over 20 years of sobriety. In the past, Cindy has worked as a DOD medical contractor, providing care for the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Indian Health Service. CC’s passion is working with others who struggle with addiction, as well as their families, as she has personal experience with both sides of the disease.
In 2021, Cindy started at TLR as the Clinical Manager, where she works closely with our clients and their family members. In her free time, Cindy enjoys mountain biking and spending time on the coast. Her most important relationship is with her family, and especially loves being an Aunt!
Clinical Manager, LCDC
Greg Liotta
Director of Healing Heart, LMSW
Greg Liotta, LMSW, is a certified therapist in New York and Texas with over 30 years of experience in various fields, including addictions counseling, trauma therapy, intergroup dialogue, and global training. He is a talented artist, author, and teacher who incorporates a unique blend of Transpersonal counseling, Polyvagal Theory, Neurocardiology, mindfulness-based Somatic therapy, and cutting-edge research on the mind-body-spirit connection. With three decades of clinical experience and 20 years of practicing yoga and meditation, Greg is well-equipped to guide individuals on their personal growth journey.
From 1995 to 2001, Greg traveled across the United States, Canada, and Europe, co-leading transformational retreats for men and facilitating emotional intelligence and personal leadership development. From 2009 to 2013, he served as a Primary Addictions Counselor at a renowned rehab center in the Caribbean before relocating to Austin, Texas. In 2016, he began leading groups at TLR and co-leading Braveheart from 2017 to 2020. In 2021, he designed and led the Healing Heart Experience. Greg is a Certified Experiential Facilitator, Certified Trauma Practitioner, and Certified Safe & Sound Protocol Practitioner. He currently lives in Austin, Texas with his beloved companion, and best boy, Jon Snow the Boxer-mix.
Director of Healing Heart, LMSW
Arthur 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.
Clinician, LPC, LCDC
Drew Tindell
Clinician, MA, LCDC
Drew Tindell got sober in 2007 from a 27-year addiction to alcohol and pain medications. Prior to working in the treatment industry, he managed restaurants, was an automotive technician and service manager in the automotive industry, and in 2008 started his own business remodeling homes. His last remodel brought him into the drug and alcohol treatment center business in 2012. The facility hired him a month before the center opened as a maintenance supervisor. A couple of days before the facility opened in August of 2012, Drew was asked if he could fill in as a recovery advocate and that is when he had his first encounter with a client. He fell in love with working with others and decided he would go to college for the first time. He was 42 and had a ninth-grade education at the time he entered his first treatment center.
Since then, he received an associate degree in correctional drug and alcohol counseling in 2015 from Hill College, became a LCDC-I, and interned for two years. In 2018 he received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech in communication and anthropology. He continued his education and in 2021 he received a master’s degree from Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School in addiction studies integrated with co-occurring disorders. He started working for The Last Resort Recovery Center on April 2nd of 2018 and has been counseling ever since. Currently he is studying for his LPC and in contemplation of attaining a PHD in Psychology Education.
In Drew’s words: “First off, I love people and working with people that need some reassurance that they are a manifestation of God. I am currently working for The Last Resort Recovery Center which is a 45–90-day drug and alcohol treatment facility. I work with a fine group of people that believe in the same philosophy I believe in. Structure, mindfulness, and accountability are paramount to people in recovery. I strive to demonstrate leadership skills and peacemaking abilities throughout the facility and with family members whose loved ones suffer from this disease of the Mind, Body, and Spirit. I excel in every facet of the job description held and continue to improve my skills daily. My favorite quote is from Viktor Frankl, the father of existential therapy. It resonates with me what mindfulness is all about. “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” That space, to me is where God is and where mindfulness is defined.
Clinician, MA, LCDC
Jimmy Crowley
Clinician, LCDC
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Jimmy grew up in an environment surrounded by alcoholism and codependency in his family. He attended Johnston High School in East Austin and later went on to study at Texas Tech University and Weatherford College. With over 25 years of experience in the treatment industry, Jimmy has developed a passion for helping families set boundaries with their loved ones and assisting addicts and alcoholics in finding freedom in their lives. With 15 years of sobriety, Jimmy’s motto is “there is no surrender without a war”. He believes that the addict or alcoholic must have a battle within themselves, whether it be with their ego, belief system, or their families. This applies not only to the individual, but also to the family, who must take direction and suggestions to stop enabling and utilize the tools provided by the staff at TLR. In his spare time, Jimmy enjoys playing golf and watching sports.
Clinician, LCDC
Cori Choate
Clinician, LCDC
Cori was born and raised in West Texas. His introduction to drugs and alcohol happened when he was 15, and he lived a chaotic lifestyle of substance abuse for over a decade. After multiple run-ins with the law, periods of incarceration, and various legal consequences, he checked into his first treatment center in 2012. However, he wasn’t yet ready to confront his alcoholism and addiction, and he soon spiraled into some of the darkest and most self-destructive periods of his life.
In 2015, Cori surrendered to the absence of mind, mood, or emotion-altering substances during another treatment episode. Having lost everything and in need of a safe shelter, he followed the advice of the treatment center staff and continued his recovery journey in Kerrville, Texas. There, he learned about the 12-step program and discovered a solution-based approach to recovery that allowed him to find a way out and connect with a higher power. Cori is grateful to be part of a team that strives to offer exceptional recovery solutions to sick and suffering clients, a type of support he wishes he had had during his own journey to recovery. Thanks to his daily commitment to recovery and his work at TLR, Cori has become a fully Recovered Gentleman.
Clinician, LCDC
Jeremy Sikes
Clinician, LCDC-I
Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Jeremy discovered his passion for helping others while working in the substance abuse treatment industry as a behavioral tech in 2020. He began his own recovery journey in 2019 after struggling with addiction for over a decade and found a solution that he eagerly wanted to share with others. In 2022, Jeremy became a LCDC-I and found his niche working one-on-one with men, helping them build a solid foundation for their recovery. When he is not working, Jeremy loves being on the water, working out, listening to music, and appreciating all forms of art. He is dedicated to his work and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
Clinician, LCDC-I
Equine Team
Lee Powell
Director of Equine Therapy Services
Lee is a vital member of the equine team at TLR, where she has found her dream job. Growing up in Austin, Texas, she developed a fascination for the natural world that led her to pursue a career in horticulture, illustration, coaching, and teaching. She now lives in Smithville, where she raises plants and animals in harmony with the land.
Lee’s passion for all creatures great and small has brought her to TLR, where she facilitates horse-human interactions to help clients communicate and relate to each other better. She loves understanding the dynamics of human-animal relationships and using this knowledge to help clients heal and grow. Her experience and insight have made her an integral part of the equine team, and her dedication to animals and clients alike is an inspiration to all who work with her! Lee’s creativity, enthusiasm, and empathy make her a valuable asset to the TLR community, and we are grateful to have her on our team.
Director of Equine Therapy Services
Emilie Fouts
Equine Program Coordinator
Emilie is a native Californian, married to a native Texan! She and her husband have three grown kids, and two grandchildren. Emilie’s passion for horses led her to TLR, and it was at the request of her friends Kim and Joanna that she join the equine department in February 2019, and Emilie is so glad that she did! Emilie finds the meaningful impact that the Equine Services team has on men who have lost their way and need assistance in finding their way back to real life very rewarding. While her passion for horses brought her to TLR, Emilie now considers working with the crew in the equine department and the clients to be her favorite part of the job. She appreciates the support and camaraderie within the equine department, which makes the job easier and more fulfilling. Through Natural Lifemanship, Emilie continues to learn new things about herself and connect with herself, her horses, and the world around her. She has a deep appreciation and respect for the struggles faced by the men who come to TLR and is deeply honored to be a part of this place and to help in the healing of these men.
Equine Program Coordinator
Family Services
Jeremy Cantu
Family Services Coordinator
Jeremy was born and raised in Splendora, Texas, and joined the Navy right after finishing high school. After two decades of active addiction and multiple jobs, he found his way to sobriety in 2015. In 2020, he found his work family and tribe at the TLR, where he started as an RA and found his footing. After a year as an RA, he was transferred to the equine department, where he does equine therapy for our clients.
Working with the horses has taught Jeremy to be a better version of himself, and he is passionate about sharing this experience with others! As the Equine Manager, he is committed to providing the best possible care for the horses and ensuring that they play a meaningful role in the recovery process of the clients. Jeremy is dedicated, compassionate, and brings his passion for healing and his love for animals to work every day!
Family Services Coordinator
Recovery Services
Stephen Meraz
Director of Recovery Programming
Stephen grew up in Friendswood, a small town outside of Houston, Texas. He married his junior high school sweetheart 19 years ago and they have a 9-year-old son. Stephen is a man in recovery and sobered up through treatment. He has been to treatment 3 separate times over the past 15 years. Before going to treatment, he was deep into drugs and alcohol. Stephen grew up in the church, but his lifestyle did not line up with his beliefs which caused deep shame and internal conflict. Unaware at the time, he was causing immense pain and suffering to his family, the ones that he loved the most. He found himself unable to stop drinking and using even when the consequences were extremely severe. Faced with the prospect of state jail he conceded to residential treatment. He was introduced to the 12 steps and through this process of trusting God, cleaning house, and helping others, he gained access to the power of God and was set free from the merciless obsession of addiction. Through the 12 steps Stephen was brought full circle to his biblical beliefs that he is now free to live in line with.
Becoming a new man with new affections, desires, and purpose, Stephen wanted to devote his life to helping others with alcohol and drug addiction. He has gone to school and has obtained an LCDC-I and is on track to continue his education in this field.
Director of Recovery Programming
Will Walker
Director of Recovery Operations
Will is a Katy, Texas native who has been working at TLR for a year. Throughout his tenure, he has held various positions in the recovery department and currently oversees the Recovery Advocate department. Will’s primary objective is to create a supportive environment for clients and assist them in achieving recovery through various means, including facilitating group meetings and guiding them through the recovery process. As someone who has personally benefited from addiction recovery, Will takes his responsibility to offer the same level of support to clients seriously and strives to serve as a role model for men in recovery, both at TLR and in his personal life. He remains guided by the belief that “following the dictates of a Higher Power leads to a new and wonderful world, no matter what the present circumstances.”
Director of Recovery Operations
Bucko Gray
Recovery Manager
Bucko was born and raised in Enid, Oklahoma. He attended school just outside the city limits in a rural and agricultural area, where he was heavily involved in sports. However, around the age of twelve, Bucko started to find his identity in drugs and alcohol, despite holding the belief that he would never let it get too out of hand.
After coaching middle school baseball for Enid Public Schools for two and a half years, Bucko reached out for help and went to The Last Resort as a client, where he was introduced to the Twelve Steps, a spiritual way of life, and fellowship in the Austin recovery community. Today, Bucko works with men in a treatment setting, helping them find sobriety and witness miracles taking place. He loves what he does and is deeply passionate about it. The impact that the staff had on him during his treatment is something he is still aware of and deeply grateful for, especially when he thinks about the life he has today.
Recovery Manager
Cynthia Sanchez
Lead Recovery Advocate
Cindy was born and raised in the panhandle of Texas. She is blessed to have two extraordinary sons, along with two beautiful daughters-in-law and an adorable grandson. She was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom, but when she decided to re-enter the workplace, she became the DNA and International Specialist at the American Quarter Horse Association.
After her sons’ adult lives had begun, Cindy got divorced and started her own life. In 2014, she moved to Rosanky and found employment at a juvenile detention center. However, she quickly realized that it was not the right place for her and subsequently accepted a position at a domestic violence and sexual assault agency. During her three-year tenure there, she supported thousands of survivors. Although it took a toll on her spirit, she still wanted to be in a role where she could be helpful.
Encouraged by a TLR employee, she joined TLR and became the organization’s first female recovery advocate, where she has been employed for over two years. She briefly worked as a chef at another rehab facility but after 18 months, she returned to TLR, considering it her true home. Cindy loves her position, and it shows through her dedication and passion for helping others.
Lead Recovery Advocate
Continuing Care
Tanner Walker
Transitional Care Coordinator
Tanner was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and later moved to Austin in 2011 to attend the University of Texas. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2015 and quickly jumped into Austin’s thriving tech industry. Tanner excelled in his role and was soon handling the company’s largest accounts. Despite his external success, Tanner struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction that began at the age of 12, hiding it from those around him. In 2018, his addiction caught up with him, causing him to lose his career, daughter, and himself. He was introduced to the 12-step program and found recovery at a 90-day treatment center like The Last Resort, which changed his life forever. Today, Tanner is a proud and present father to a beautiful 6-year-old daughter and has regained everything he had lost because of his addiction. With a passion for helping others find freedom and peace from drugs and alcohol, Tanner loves working at The Last Resort and sharing his story to inspire others.
Transitional Care Coordinator
Parker Chapin
Alumni Coordinator
Parker Chapin is a longtime employee of The Last Resort. He has held many roles over the years but is currently proud to be our Alumni Coordinator. Parker has been in recovery since 2013 and has been working in the treatment field since 2015. As the alumni coordinator, Parker heads our client outreach services and stays in touch with clients 18 months post discharge. Working in conjunction with Recovery Services, he meets with every client before their discharge. Parker has been a part of The Last Resort family since 2016 and is grateful to play a small part in our client’s path to recovery.
Alumni Coordinator
Outpatient Services
Trevor Cocheres
Director of Outpatient Services
Trevor Cocheres has a B.A. in Human Services with a concentration in substance abuse from Southern New Hampshire University. Trevor is also working on completing his M.A. in Human and Health Services Administration from the University of Oklahoma. Trevor started his career in substance abuse in NE Oklahoma but has worked for The Last Resort in many different capacities over the last three years. Trevor has a passion for helping others and helping men launch their lives post-residential treatment.
Director of Outpatient Services
Jason Charles
Clinician, LCDC
Jason Charles is a dedicated outpatient counselor at The Last Resort Recovery Center’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Born and raised in Bell County, Texas, Jason has been an integral part of the TLR team for years, working his way up from overnight tech to his current role as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and primary outpatient counselor.
In his role at the IOP, Jason’s primary goal is to support clients on their journey to lasting recovery, while providing them with the tools and skills they need to succeed in sobriety. He is committed to sharing his knowledge and personal experiences with clients.
In his free time, Jason continues to indulge his passion for music and science fiction, often combining the two in creative ways. He is an avid guitar player and enjoys writing and recording his own music. He also loves to read and watch science fiction, finding inspiration in the imaginative and otherworldly stories that he encounters. If you want to talk the 12 steps, or Star Wars, there’s no better man in the world.
Clinician, LCDC
Business Office Team
Tiffany Waneck
Accounting & HR Coordinator
Tiffany is a local to Rosanky, where she has lived for close to 20 years with her husband who was born and raised in the area. Her children have attended school in Smithville, and the family are active members of the local church. Tiffany has over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and payroll. Her three children aged 16-24, two boys and a youngest girl are her life. In her free time, she enjoys working out with free weights. Tiffany enjoys working with the people at her current job, where she feels surrounded by passion and a desire to help and serve others. She previously worked for an attorney for 17 years. but fell in love with the passion and compassion she experienced working in addiction treatment. She has learned a lot about the disease, and the people and families who are affected by it, including the good, the bad, and the ugly. She looks at things differently now and believes that she ended up here for a reason and continues to learn from her experience.
Accounting & HR Coordinator
Kalen Rhoads
Revenue Cycle Coordinator
As a dedicated member of the business office at the Last Resort Recovery, Kalen Rhoads brings a unique blend of financial expertise and personal experience in addiction recovery. Having successfully completed the program himself, Kalen understands firsthand the challenges faced by individuals battling drug and alcohol addiction. Since June 2022, he has embraced a life of sobriety and is committed to helping others find their own path to recovery. Originally hailing from Sherman, TX, Kalen now calls Austin his home.
With his background in both recovery operations and as a data analyst for used car dealers, he has developed a keen eye for detail and analytical skills that are essential in his role as a Staff Accountant. Kalen is actively engaged in the local recovery community, offering guidance and encouragement along his fellows’ recovery journeys. In his free time, Kalen enjoys playing sports and spending quality moments with his girlfriend (or his beloved cat, Toby). As a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, you may have trouble finding him on Sundays. Kalen’s love for sports translates into a drive for teamwork and perseverance, qualities that he embodies both in his professional life and his commitment to helping others overcome addiction
Revenue Cycle Coordinator
