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.
Ann and Bill Schneider
Co-Founders
This is an amazing all men's treatment facility, this place and people inside of it directed and guided me on the spritual path that I live on today, without drugs or alcohol, The staff and marketing team make this place very comfortable and home like place to recover!
Ann and Bill Schneider
Co-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.
Becky Babb
Executive Director
Great office space convenient to the Austin area. Easy access for anyone needing help in addressing drug or alcohol use.
Becky Babb
Executive Director
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.
Dr. Van Wyk
Co-Founders
This is an excellent resource for men to recover. For me, the stop here was needed to grow up and start leading a life that I imagined I would be living when I was a kid. Thanks fellas.`
Dr. Van Wyk
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.
Brittany Bass
Director of Business Development
I have only heard amazing success stories about this treatment center. So glad there are places like this that counselors can refer those needing help overcoming addictions.
Brittany Bass
Director of Business Development
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!
Zack Plyler
Executive Director of Outpatient Services
Phenomenal staff that are there for the sole purpose of giving you the tools to build the foundation for your future without drugs and alcohol, excellent 12 step immersion and some of the best clinical staff around are what make TLR uniquely special to me.
Zack Plyler
Executive Director of Outpatient Services
Zack Plyler is the Executive Director of Outpatient Services and has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration on Organizational Leadership and Business from Arizona State University. He has been working in the behavioral healthcare field for a number of years, in different capacities. Zack comes to TLR with a passion for helping others and we believe that his experiences and desires to help others will continue to manifest, fit into our treatment vision, and help our men find the path to healthy sobriety.
Aaron Austin
Chief Operations Officer
Great treatment center and great folks!! Very thorough with teaching people in need of a solution to addiction and alcoholism! I have worked the 12 step approach to fighting alcoholism before, but never had I been so immersed into it and able to see how it really can work as a solution. The ranch and time with the horses is a huge bonus also! Definitely recommend this place!!
Aaron Austin
Chief Operations Officer
“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.”
Cindy Simmonds
Clinical Director, LCDC
Great treatment center and great folks!! Very thorough with teaching people in need of a solution to addiction and alcoholism! I have worked the 12 step approach to fighting alcoholism before, but never had I been so immersed into it and able to see how it really can work as a solution. The ranch and time with the horses is a huge bonus also! Definitely recommend this place!!
Cindy Simmonds
Clinical Director, LCDC
BIO coming soon
Arthur H Litteken
LPC, LCDC
I am currently 3 days shy of one continuous year of sobriety and I owe it to the foundation that was laid out at TLR. The experienced staff, accountability, and brotherhood all helped motivate me to make a change and do some work. Highly recommended for anyone struggling with addiction/alcoholism.
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.
Drew Tindell
Chemical Dependency Counselor "MA, LCDC"
Amazing experience. My counselor and his approach through Mindfulness has been astounding. So very grateful for my new life of peace, love, and sobriety.
Drew Tindell
Chemical Dependency Counselor "MA, LCDC"
Tindell is a master’s level Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) that has been in the recovery field for over a decade. He has fourteen years in recovery and employs Mindfulness, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy with a Positive Psychological Approach. Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right. – Henry Ford. Half of our achievement relies on our own thoughts.
At age 40 Drew had a 9th grade education. In the last decade, with the help of a strong mentor and friends in recovery, he went back to school and received a GED, an associate degree from Hill college in criminal justice for drug and alcohol counseling, a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech in communication and anthropology, and a master’s degree from Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School in addiction counseling integrated recovery for co-occurring disorders.
Drew has struggled with addiction for alcohol, various drugs, and gambling 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. Through living a 12-step spiritual approach in his life and practicing mindfulness and meditative practices, 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.
His two favorite sayings are “Go with the flow of life and let God be your current”, and “What other people think about me is none of my business as long as I do right in the eyes of God.”
Kyle Rainwater
Business Development Representative
A family member engaged the services of The Last Resort and the positive results have been very significant ! Based on the feedback and observing the results , I highly recommend The Last Resort for your loved one!
Kyle Rainwater
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.
Sarah Bolton
Business Development Representative
Almost two years ago, I found a new way of life thanks to The Last Resort. The staff and program are the best you will find from a residential treatment center. This place completely changed my life and gave me hope again.
Sarah Bolton
Business Development Representative
Sarah is our Business Development Representative serving the greater Houston area and brings 5 years of experience in the addiction recovery industry to The Last Resort Recovery. She has worked in business development for both local and national treatment centers and has also facilitated Mindful Art Programs for residential treatment centers.
A 2005 graduate of the University of Arkansas, Sarah started her career in Hotel Management and has worked as a Sales Manager and Event Planner. Ultimately, her passion to be a resource for a struggling population led her to the field of healthcare.
Sarah sits on the Board of Directors for the Houston Chapter of Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. Additionally, she is the founder of Sober Eve, Houston’s only alcohol-free, pop up nightclub for New Year’s Eve.
Sarah is a proud mother to a teenaged son, Jack, who attends the Marine Military Academy. In her free time, she enjoys painting, modern calligraphy, floral design, event planning and working out.
Parker Chapin
Alumni Coordinator
I was broken, depressed and wanted to end my life. I could not stop drinking or popping pills. I had tried everything to get well with no avail. In a last ditch effort I gave the Last Resort Recovery Center a chance. My life changed. Not only have I made friends and family for life, but have not had a drink or used drugs in almost 3 years. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to TLR. This place is a gift!
Parker Chapin
Alumni Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon…
Shawn Marie Parrott
MA, LPC-S
Our nephew was struggling with many types of rehab that weren’t providing what he needed until he got to the Last Resort Recovery Center
Amazing turn around for him. Life is just beginning again for him. Thank you Last Resort!
Shawn Marie Parrott
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!
Cori Choate
Counselor
Awesome people who genuinely care about your well being and living a sober life after leaving. I will forever cherish this place for the things I learned and the relationships created. I would 100% recommend this place to anyone. Much Love
Cori Choate
Counselor
I was born and raised in West Texas. My first introduction to drugs and alcohol came at the ripe age of 15. The chaotic lifestyle surrounding drug and alcohol abuse continued for well over a decade. After innumerable encounters with the law, in and out of jail and countless legal consequences, I landed at my first treatment center in 2012. Unfortunately, I wasn’t remotely close to internalizing the problem that I was up against which was alcoholism and addiction. Needless to say, slowly then very quickly I spiraled out of control into some of the darkest and self-destructive periods I had ever known. Fortunately, through treatment in 2015, I surrendered to the absence of any mind, mood, or emotion altering substances. At this point in my life, I had lost everything and was in need of safe shelter. Luckily, during this treatment episode through the guidance of staff, it was suggested I try continuing my recovery in Kerrville, Texas. It was there I was exposed to an adequate presentation of the 12-steps and a solution-based recovery that allowed me to find a way out and grant me a connection to a power greater than myself. I am so grateful to be a part of a team that has the philosophy and mission of providing sick and suffering clients an exceptional Recovery solution, which I wish I had been afforded in my own treatment. Due to my daily recovery commitment and the work I do at TLR, I have become a fully Recovered Gentlemen.
Josie Herrera
Admissions Specialist
I entered The Last Resort in January of 2016 with the feeling that I did not want to and could not get sober. To be succinct, I had given up hope. I found hope and so much more at the Last Resort. I got out in April of 2016 and have been sober since. Life is good and I am grateful.
Josie Herrera
Admissions Specialist
Josie Herrera, Admissions Specialist, is a Texan 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, 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.
Jack Reigner
Business Development Representative
The Last Resort is an amazing treatment center! The facilities are great. The food is awesome. But, the most important thing about the treatment center is that the people who work there truly care about the well being of their clients. They helped my loved one recreate his life! We are so thankful to The Last Resort and their staff!
Jack Reigner
Business Development Representative
BIO coming soon
Trevor Cocheres
Director of Operation
Great treatment center and great folks!! Very thorough with teaching people in need of a solution to addiction and alcoholism! I have worked the 12 step approach to fighting alcoholism before, but never had I been so immersed into it and able to see how it really can work as a solution. The ranch and time with the horses is a huge bonus also! Definitely recommend this place!!
Trevor Cocheres
Director of Operation
Trevor Cocheres is the Director of Operations for Outpatient Programs and 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.
Matt Gibson
Director of Recovery Operations
The work that is being done at TLR is exceptional. Having the privilege to be surrounded by other men who genuinely care about recovery, makes coming to work easy.
Matt Gibson
Director of Recovery Operations
BIO coming soon
Pat Vann
Business Development Representative
My experience at The Last Resort changed my life two years ago. I'm truly grateful for the facility, counselors, recovery specialists, nurses, and entire leadership and staff for their commitment to helping men in their journey to recovery. Almost the entire staff were also in recovery when I was there, so I always felt that everyone I encountered knew exactly what I was going through.
Pat Vann
Business Development Representative
BIO coming soon
Tiffany Waneck
Accounting Manager
This place is amazing. The staff here I still communicate with at least once a week. They really do care about your recovery and your serenity after you leave here. Never would I have thought that even the chef Was spiritual. The counselors, nurses and administrators here all really practice what they preach. I know people who have came through this well structured program have multiple years sober, some work in the recovery industry and will tell you it’s all because of The Last Resort.
Tiffany Waneck
Accounting Manager
BIO coming soon
Stephen Meraz
Director of Recovery Programs
This is a place that helps guide a man to see the root of his problem and then helps him learn the solution to that problem. It's not a secret sauce, you find this information at any local aa meeting place, but i needed to be physically separated from alcohol and was lucky enough to be in a setting where, if I wanted to RECOVER, I could! And this happens to be on a beautiful property with great food and HORSES!
Stephen Meraz
Director of Recovery Programs
BIO coming soon
