Our Team
We come from lots of background, but we share one goal:
increasing access to the conditions necessary for mental health in our community.
Eric Estrada
Executive Director
Quick facts
Started:
2014
Joined:
As a volunteer
Lives in:
San Antonio, TX
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
That people are exactly themselves around here
Best advice I’ve received
Someone recommended that I move away for a period of time for personal and professional growth, and then come back. It was a great decision!
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Get started! We have a variety of programs and communities–just join one
My hidden talent
My ability to play Dr. Mario on the original Nintendo
About Me
“Josh Green has worked at Form Communities as the Program Manager of PeerForce since 2021. His primary responsibilities include managing relationships with state, nonprofit, and university partners that support the Texas peer-ecosystem, and developing strategies to help scale the peer workforce in Texas. Prior to joining Form, Josh spent over 6 years working in the Peer Support space, leading efforts to create peer services across the substance use and mental health fields at the organizational, community, and state levels. Josh has worked in youth, adult, nonprofit, and for profit treatment organizations, and has been in long-term recovery since 2013. “
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The personal satisfaction from the work we do, and the people I get to work alongside. My work here allows me to feel like I have contributed to something important, and grow professionally along the way.
Best advice I’ve received
When being trained as a Peer Specialist, a coworker told me “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care”.
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
I would encourage anyone interested in working at Form to look at our organizations values and see if/how they are present in their personal life. I would also suggest reaching out and volunteering in the clubhouse program to see what those values look like in practice.
My hidden talent
I would perform a mistake-filled cover of the guitar solo from the ending of the movie “Crossroads”.
Peter McClain
Program Management Office (PMO) Lead
Quick facts
Started:
2019
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio Medical Center
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The warmth and camaraderie of friendships among the community, the flexibility and courage of the organization to try new things and collaborate in pursuit of our mission.
Best advice I’ve received
Everything in moderation
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be yourself genuinely, engage with others sincerely, be willing to try new things in new spaces with new approaches to your work and be open to change as new ways of doing things present themselves
My hidden talent
Minot Pratt
Chief Financial Officer
Quick facts
Started:
2005
Joined:
As a volunteer
Lives in:
Timberwood Park
About Me
Graduate of Southern Methodist University – Been an owner/partner in various entrepreneurial business which include: Car Dealership, Commercial Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Franchises
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The Culture
Best advice I’ve received
Understand what is expected of you
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Make sure you are join this organization for the right reason
My hidden talent
My ability to play paddle ball
Elsa Roman
Program Director - RGV Connection Center
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
Hidalgo, Texas
About Me
Elsa Roman, LPC-A, PS, MHPS, has worked as a peer support specialist, peer support specialist supervisor, advocate, peer trainer, consultant, and leader in the peer movement. She has combined her lived experience, education, work experience, cultural background, and interest to promote and develop culturally competent services, career opportunities, and trauma-sensitive training grounded in achieving cultural diversity issues for Hispanic peers in Texas. She is a loving wife and mother of three boys
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I do love to work with a community full of energy, that cares and is continually impacting the people they serve
Best advice I’ve received
Never let fear decide your future
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be ready to feel part of this family
My hidden talent
Being the host
Misty Stultz
Lead Data Scientist
Quick facts
Started:
2022
Joined:
As an intern
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
“I’m a San Antonio transplant, originally from a little bit of everywhere, but I claim Mustang, Oklahoma. My journey toward my current role began during my Junior year of High school, when I fell head over heels in love with statistics and anything related to data. When I signed up for AP Statistics I thought that I was getting a dreaded college class out of the way, but slowly my teacher’s passion for the subject intrigued me so much that it eventually became my passion as well. It just goes to show how much of an impact a really good teacher can have on their student’s lives! Between high school and now I attended 3 different colleges, moved multiple times, taught yoga, and started my own successful photography business. Still my love for data never faded. After another move I had to make the decision between restarting my business and going back to school one last time. It was then that I realized just how much I wanted to use data to improve the lives of others. The road here was long and winding, but I know that I ended up exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I always look forward to coming in to work because I get to interact with the best people all day, and then call it work. Whether it’s engaging with supportive co-workers or chatting with a member of The Clubhouse, I always know I’m going to leave work better than when I came in
Best advice I’ve received
“Allow yourself to make a lot of mistakes and then learn from them. Do. Break. Fix. Learn.”
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
The number one thing you need to succeed here is a lot of heart. You make the biggest difference when your heart is in the work
My hidden talent
My karaoke rendition of Bowling for Soup’s hit, “1985”
Natalie Cunningham-Williams
Program Director - Peer Academy
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
Manhattan, New York
About Me
Natalie Cunningham-Williams is a young person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Natalie is a dual graduate from UTSA & UTSA Honors College with a B.A. in sociology and an A.A. in psychology. Her passion is helping young people with substance use and mental health needs through work with her communities
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Being able to give what was given to me. I started my mental health journey as a young teen and if it wasn’t for peer support I don’t know where I would be today
Best advice I’ve received
It is a piece of my favorite quote. “Be soft, do not let the world make you hard.” – Kurt Vonnegut. This is something I live by everyday. Even when I feel like the world is conspiring against me, I continue to allow myself to be happy and see the good in things
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Remember to balance. It’s easy to start to see work as my recovery. I need to continue to work on myself outside of work
My hidden talent
My crochet skills!
Mary Maxine Bobbitt
Program Director - SA Connection Center
Quick facts
Started:
2022
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love the culture of Form Communities. We focus on wellness out in the community but also within our community. When you have a bunch of people focusing on good things, you have laughs, inspiration and healing in the air. This community, my community, has good air so to speak
Best advice I’ve received
Even when you are not motivated, especially when you are not motivated, move your feet
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Cliché but so true…be yourself
My hidden talent
My knowledge of fart jokes, singing “I like big butts and I can not lie” in a lounge singer opera type style, Latin dancing, quoting Shakespeare or doing impressions of people
Elsa Roman
Program Director - RGV Connection Center
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
Hidalgo, Texas
About Me
Elsa Roman, LPC-A, PS, MHPS, has worked as a peer support specialist, peer support specialist supervisor, advocate, peer trainer, consultant, and leader in the peer movement. She has combined her lived experience, education, work experience, cultural background, and interest to promote and develop culturally competent services, career opportunities, and trauma-sensitive training grounded in achieving cultural diversity issues for Hispanic peers in Texas. She is a loving wife and mother of three boys
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I do love to work with a community full of energy, that cares and is continually impacting the people they serve
Best advice I’ve received
Never let fear decide your future
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be ready to feel part of this family
My hidden talent
Being the host
Mary Maxine Bobbitt
Program Director - SA Connection Center
Quick facts
Started:
2022
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love the culture of Form Communities. We focus on wellness out in the community but also within our community. When you have a bunch of people focusing on good things, you have laughs, inspiration and healing in the air. This community, my community, has good air so to speak
Best advice I’ve received
Even when you are not motivated, especially when you are not motivated, move your feet
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Cliché but so true…be yourself
My hidden talent
My knowledge of fart jokes, singing “I like big butts and I can not lie” in a lounge singer opera type style, Latin dancing, quoting Shakespeare or doing impressions of people
Summer M. Berman
Subject Matter Expert
Quick facts
Joined:
Clubhouse partner and Flourish client
Lives in:
Metro Detroit, MI
About Me
Summer M. Berman, LMSW has worked in the Clubhouse model of rehabilitation for nearly 25 years, including as a Michael Walther Executive Fellow at Fountain House. She led the efforts to open the first “freestanding” Clubhouse in Michigan and recently helped launch the first Clubhouse in Idaho. She currently works on several grant funded projects in the areas of Clubhouse research, training, and advocacy, and sits on Clubhouse International’s Data Collection & Research Subcommittee. Summer presents regularly at local, state, and national conferences and trainings on the Clubhouse model and is a leader in Clubhouse quality improvement efforts across the state of Michigan.
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love being part of a team that is not afraid of trying something new! Problem solving and experimentation are core parts of my work style.
Best advice I’ve received
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
My hidden talent
Danny Workman
Peer Specialist
Quick facts
Started:
2024
Joined:
As staff (Como personal)
Lives in:
San Antonio
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Doing good for an underserved community
Best advice I’ve received
Listen to people
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Come see what we do.
My hidden talent
nothing unless i just fed everyone.
Eric Estrada
Executive Director
Quick facts
Started:
2014
Joined:
As a volunteer
Lives in:
San Antonio, TX
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
That people are exactly themselves around here
Best advice I’ve received
Someone recommended that I move away for a period of time for personal and professional growth, and then come back. It was a great decision!
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Get started! We have a variety of programs and communities–just join one
My hidden talent
My ability to play Dr. Mario on the original Nintendo
About Me
“Josh Green has worked at Form Communities as the Program Manager of PeerForce since 2021. His primary responsibilities include managing relationships with state, nonprofit, and university partners that support the Texas peer-ecosystem, and developing strategies to help scale the peer workforce in Texas. Prior to joining Form, Josh spent over 6 years working in the Peer Support space, leading efforts to create peer services across the substance use and mental health fields at the organizational, community, and state levels. Josh has worked in youth, adult, nonprofit, and for profit treatment organizations, and has been in long-term recovery since 2013. “
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The personal satisfaction from the work we do, and the people I get to work alongside. My work here allows me to feel like I have contributed to something important, and grow professionally along the way.
Best advice I’ve received
When being trained as a Peer Specialist, a coworker told me “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care”.
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
I would encourage anyone interested in working at Form to look at our organizations values and see if/how they are present in their personal life. I would also suggest reaching out and volunteering in the clubhouse program to see what those values look like in practice.
My hidden talent
I would perform a mistake-filled cover of the guitar solo from the ending of the movie “Crossroads”.
Misty Stultz
Lead Data Scientist
Quick facts
Started:
2022
Joined:
As an intern
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
“I’m a San Antonio transplant, originally from a little bit of everywhere, but I claim Mustang, Oklahoma. My journey toward my current role began during my Junior year of High school, when I fell head over heels in love with statistics and anything related to data. When I signed up for AP Statistics I thought that I was getting a dreaded college class out of the way, but slowly my teacher’s passion for the subject intrigued me so much that it eventually became my passion as well. It just goes to show how much of an impact a really good teacher can have on their student’s lives! Between high school and now I attended 3 different colleges, moved multiple times, taught yoga, and started my own successful photography business. Still my love for data never faded. After another move I had to make the decision between restarting my business and going back to school one last time. It was then that I realized just how much I wanted to use data to improve the lives of others. The road here was long and winding, but I know that I ended up exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I always look forward to coming in to work because I get to interact with the best people all day, and then call it work. Whether it’s engaging with supportive co-workers or chatting with a member of The Clubhouse, I always know I’m going to leave work better than when I came in
Best advice I’ve received
“Allow yourself to make a lot of mistakes and then learn from them. Do. Break. Fix. Learn.”
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
The number one thing you need to succeed here is a lot of heart. You make the biggest difference when your heart is in the work
My hidden talent
My karaoke rendition of Bowling for Soup’s hit, “1985”
Bilal Khan
Flourish Lead Developer
Quick facts
Started:
2022
Joined:
To help others and let them know that they are important too.
Lives in:
Lahore
About Me
I have MS in Software Engineering and have been a one man army in doing projects. SA Clubhouse has been a good use case to improve and polish business processes and to see that now Flourish has been deployed to multiple ClubHouses, that gives me a sense of contribution and achievement. I have been remotely involved in developing F3 and the backend system. I am a traveller and enjoy road trips to the countryside. Apart from being glued to my screen, i often get time off to see nature and spend time in meditation. i might one day meet our Form communities team too. I like poetry, art, antiques and anything related to history.
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
To help others and let them know that they are important too.
Best advice I’ve received
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
To have a big and open heart and a passion to help others.
My hidden talent
My motivational quotes and knowledge of history.
Amy Joyce Ponder
Partnership Manager
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
I grew up in Chicago with my parents and two sisters. In 2005 I moved to El Paso and worked with immigrants, refugees, and individuals without housing. My husband and I moved to San Antonio in 2021 to be closer to family. Welcoming people into community is one of my favorite things to do
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The welcoming attitude and kindness of everyone in the community
Best advice I’ve received
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
My hidden talent
Malcolm Fox
Program Development Specialist
Quick facts
Started:
2019
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
Seattle, Washington
About Me
I joined form communities in my senior year at Trinity University, as I was looking for a way to translate my study of religion to a career with a positive impact on the world. Since then I have worked for the organization for nearly four years as a development professional who focuses on raising funds to facilitate and expand our programs. I enjoy communicating the impact of our organization to funders and supporters across the country. Since joining form, I have helped increase the size of our organization’s budget more than twice over. I now live and work remotely in Seattle, WA
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love the models that form communities uses to improve access to mental health recovery. Clubhouse, Peer Support, and community-based recovery programs are the most effective tools for giving people control over their wellness that I’ve seen in my career. I believe in this work whole-heartedly
Best advice I’ve received
“Real love is a pure wish for others to be truly happy.” – Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Think outside the box! There are too many people that think doing things the way they’ve always been done is “good enough.” Even the category of “mental health” is a concept with limits
My hidden talent
My encyclopedic knowledge of extreme metal bands
Katarina Ponce
Social Practitioner
Quick facts
Started:
2025
Joined:
As staff (Como personal)
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
A recent UTSA public health graduate, active, family-oriented individual who embraces life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. I care deeply about my interests and those around myself, striving to reflect that in everything I take on and accomplish. Passionate and outgoing, I am alwasy eager to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. With a strong work ethic and a love for new experiences, I feel I bring energy, dedication, and heart into everything I take on.
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love the sense of unity and support within the San Antonio community there’s unity and resilience here that makes every day meaningful. At the San Antonio Clubhouse, I’m inspired by the way we empower individuals, foster connections, and create a space where everyone belongs. Seeing lives transformed and hope restored keeps me excited to come to work each day.
Best advice I’ve received
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is to lead with compassion and stay true to your purpose. No matter the challenges, when you approach life with empathy and a genuine desire to make a difference, you’ll always find fulfillment in what you do
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
My best advice for a candidate or member looking to join our team of superstars at the San Antonio Clubhouse is to bring your passion, empathy, and teamwork. This is a place where every voice matters, and your dedication to uplifting others will make a real impact. Be open to learning, embrace the community spirit, and always lead with kindness.
My hidden talent
My old flute playing skills
Alexander Balido
Data Systems Intern
Quick facts
Started:
2024
Joined:
As an intern
Lives in:
Helotes
About Me
I am currently attending Texas A&M San Antonio, and I am planning a bachelors in Computer Science.
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Knowing that I am helping people with their struggles in mental health
Best advice I’ve received
Regrets mean that you have grown as a person in terms of judgement.
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Relieving stress is a part of the job, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
My hidden talent
My game development skills.
Devon Ledbetter
Flourish Technician
Quick facts
Started:
2014
Joined:
As a volunteer
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
I’ve volunteered, interned, and am now working as a Flourish technician for form communities and am blessed to have the opportunity to help everyone
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Everybody works together as a team instead of under a hierarchy
Best advice I’ve received
Try to worry less about stuff that isn’t under your control, and take charge of what you can control
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be willing to learn and meet people where they’re at
My hidden talent
My ability to snap really fast
Julie Ramoz
Flourish Technician
Quick facts
Started:
2021
Joined:
As an intern
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
Currently studying computer science, and a member of the Flourish team. I enjoy solving a good puzzle/problem and I am a HUGE horror/slasher movie fan
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love that knowing that the work that I am doing with the Flourish team is going on to help the many clubhouses service their communities
Best advice I’ve received
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
My hidden talent
My amazing alto-saxophone skills!!!
About Me
Kyler (he/him) has now worked at form communities for a total of 5 years and counting. He first started out as a Staff Generalist Employment Specialist from 2014 to 2017. In 2021, he came back to work on the PeerForce project. Alongside my work on the PeerForce project he have also started to look into what a housing program could look like at form communities. Outside of my work at form communities, he have spent the majority of my professional life in nonprofit and social service work particularly employment services, coordinating AmeriCorps programming and volunteers. After work he likes to spend time outside, with family and friends, be active, read, and learn new things.
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Our community helping each other achieve our wellness goals
Best advice I’ve received
Practice self compassion
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be patient with yourself when starting out and make sure to take case of yourself.
My hidden talent
Singing
Eric Estrada
Executive Director
Quick facts
Started:
2014
Joined:
As a volunteer
Lives in:
San Antonio, TX
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
That people are exactly themselves around here
Best advice I’ve received
Someone recommended that I move away for a period of time for personal and professional growth, and then come back. It was a great decision!
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Get started! We have a variety of programs and communities–just join one
My hidden talent
My ability to play Dr. Mario on the original Nintendo
About Me
“Josh Green has worked at Form Communities as the Program Manager of PeerForce since 2021. His primary responsibilities include managing relationships with state, nonprofit, and university partners that support the Texas peer-ecosystem, and developing strategies to help scale the peer workforce in Texas. Prior to joining Form, Josh spent over 6 years working in the Peer Support space, leading efforts to create peer services across the substance use and mental health fields at the organizational, community, and state levels. Josh has worked in youth, adult, nonprofit, and for profit treatment organizations, and has been in long-term recovery since 2013. “
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The personal satisfaction from the work we do, and the people I get to work alongside. My work here allows me to feel like I have contributed to something important, and grow professionally along the way.
Best advice I’ve received
When being trained as a Peer Specialist, a coworker told me “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care”.
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
I would encourage anyone interested in working at Form to look at our organizations values and see if/how they are present in their personal life. I would also suggest reaching out and volunteering in the clubhouse program to see what those values look like in practice.
My hidden talent
I would perform a mistake-filled cover of the guitar solo from the ending of the movie “Crossroads”.
Peter McClain
Program Management Office (PMO) Lead
Quick facts
Started:
2019
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio Medical Center
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The warmth and camaraderie of friendships among the community, the flexibility and courage of the organization to try new things and collaborate in pursuit of our mission.
Best advice I’ve received
Everything in moderation
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be yourself genuinely, engage with others sincerely, be willing to try new things in new spaces with new approaches to your work and be open to change as new ways of doing things present themselves
My hidden talent
Minot Pratt
Chief Financial Officer
Quick facts
Started:
2005
Joined:
As a volunteer
Lives in:
Timberwood Park
About Me
Graduate of Southern Methodist University – Been an owner/partner in various entrepreneurial business which include: Car Dealership, Commercial Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Franchises
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The Culture
Best advice I’ve received
Understand what is expected of you
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Make sure you are join this organization for the right reason
My hidden talent
My ability to play paddle ball
Elsa Roman
Program Director - RGV Connection Center
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
Hidalgo, Texas
About Me
Elsa Roman, LPC-A, PS, MHPS, has worked as a peer support specialist, peer support specialist supervisor, advocate, peer trainer, consultant, and leader in the peer movement. She has combined her lived experience, education, work experience, cultural background, and interest to promote and develop culturally competent services, career opportunities, and trauma-sensitive training grounded in achieving cultural diversity issues for Hispanic peers in Texas. She is a loving wife and mother of three boys
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I do love to work with a community full of energy, that cares and is continually impacting the people they serve
Best advice I’ve received
Never let fear decide your future
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be ready to feel part of this family
My hidden talent
Being the host
Misty Stultz
Lead Data Scientist
Quick facts
Started:
2022
Joined:
As an intern
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
“I’m a San Antonio transplant, originally from a little bit of everywhere, but I claim Mustang, Oklahoma. My journey toward my current role began during my Junior year of High school, when I fell head over heels in love with statistics and anything related to data. When I signed up for AP Statistics I thought that I was getting a dreaded college class out of the way, but slowly my teacher’s passion for the subject intrigued me so much that it eventually became my passion as well. It just goes to show how much of an impact a really good teacher can have on their student’s lives! Between high school and now I attended 3 different colleges, moved multiple times, taught yoga, and started my own successful photography business. Still my love for data never faded. After another move I had to make the decision between restarting my business and going back to school one last time. It was then that I realized just how much I wanted to use data to improve the lives of others. The road here was long and winding, but I know that I ended up exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I always look forward to coming in to work because I get to interact with the best people all day, and then call it work. Whether it’s engaging with supportive co-workers or chatting with a member of The Clubhouse, I always know I’m going to leave work better than when I came in
Best advice I’ve received
“Allow yourself to make a lot of mistakes and then learn from them. Do. Break. Fix. Learn.”
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
The number one thing you need to succeed here is a lot of heart. You make the biggest difference when your heart is in the work
My hidden talent
My karaoke rendition of Bowling for Soup’s hit, “1985”
Natalie Cunningham-Williams
Program Director - Peer Academy
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
Manhattan, New York
About Me
Natalie Cunningham-Williams is a young person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Natalie is a dual graduate from UTSA & UTSA Honors College with a B.A. in sociology and an A.A. in psychology. Her passion is helping young people with substance use and mental health needs through work with her communities
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Being able to give what was given to me. I started my mental health journey as a young teen and if it wasn’t for peer support I don’t know where I would be today
Best advice I’ve received
It is a piece of my favorite quote. “Be soft, do not let the world make you hard.” – Kurt Vonnegut. This is something I live by everyday. Even when I feel like the world is conspiring against me, I continue to allow myself to be happy and see the good in things
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Remember to balance. It’s easy to start to see work as my recovery. I need to continue to work on myself outside of work
My hidden talent
My crochet skills!
Mary Maxine Bobbitt
Program Director - SA Connection Center
Quick facts
Started:
2022
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love the culture of Form Communities. We focus on wellness out in the community but also within our community. When you have a bunch of people focusing on good things, you have laughs, inspiration and healing in the air. This community, my community, has good air so to speak
Best advice I’ve received
Even when you are not motivated, especially when you are not motivated, move your feet
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Cliché but so true…be yourself
My hidden talent
My knowledge of fart jokes, singing “I like big butts and I can not lie” in a lounge singer opera type style, Latin dancing, quoting Shakespeare or doing impressions of people
Peter McClain
Program Management Office (PMO) Lead
Quick facts
Started:
2019
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio Medical Center
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The warmth and camaraderie of friendships among the community, the flexibility and courage of the organization to try new things and collaborate in pursuit of our mission.
Best advice I’ve received
Everything in moderation
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be yourself genuinely, engage with others sincerely, be willing to try new things in new spaces with new approaches to your work and be open to change as new ways of doing things present themselves
My hidden talent
Amy Joyce Ponder
Partnership Manager
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
I grew up in Chicago with my parents and two sisters. In 2005 I moved to El Paso and worked with immigrants, refugees, and individuals without housing. My husband and I moved to San Antonio in 2021 to be closer to family. Welcoming people into community is one of my favorite things to do
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The welcoming attitude and kindness of everyone in the community
Best advice I’ve received
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
My hidden talent
Malcolm Fox
Program Development Specialist
Quick facts
Started:
2019
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
Seattle, Washington
About Me
I joined form communities in my senior year at Trinity University, as I was looking for a way to translate my study of religion to a career with a positive impact on the world. Since then I have worked for the organization for nearly four years as a development professional who focuses on raising funds to facilitate and expand our programs. I enjoy communicating the impact of our organization to funders and supporters across the country. Since joining form, I have helped increase the size of our organization’s budget more than twice over. I now live and work remotely in Seattle, WA
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love the models that form communities uses to improve access to mental health recovery. Clubhouse, Peer Support, and community-based recovery programs are the most effective tools for giving people control over their wellness that I’ve seen in my career. I believe in this work whole-heartedly
Best advice I’ve received
“Real love is a pure wish for others to be truly happy.” – Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Think outside the box! There are too many people that think doing things the way they’ve always been done is “good enough.” Even the category of “mental health” is a concept with limits
My hidden talent
My encyclopedic knowledge of extreme metal bands
Dominga TallyBarrios
Social Practitioner
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio, TX
About Me
Hi I’m Dominga, I am a Personal Trainer who felt called to touch lives and serve my community in a new way here with the SA Clubhouse! Before that I owned my own photography business. When I’m not working out or taking photos I enjoy spending time cooking and being outside with my 2 boys, my cat and my dog
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Being able to learn and teach face to face with people, having a positive impact and the feeling of a positive family environment while doing so
Best advice I’ve received
Spend the time and money on your health now or spend the time and money on being sick later, the choice is yours!
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
This is a safe space where you can let your guard down so don’t be afraid to be yourself!
My hidden talent
Juggling
April Jacob
Program Management Specialist
Quick facts
Started:
2022
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
I owned and operated my own decorated cookie business but stopped so I could focus on my education. I have a BA in psychology (focus in cognitive neuroscience) and applied statistics. I was always interested in people’s behavior and how they operate. I enjoy reading and playing video games. I have been married since 2012, have two children, and 3 dogs. As a family, we love game night and also enjoy random blind taste testing. A few past taste tests included eggnog, milk chocolate bars, pickles, root beer, and water
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love that people are genuinely nice and they enjoy and care about what they do.
Best advice I’ve received
Stand up for what’s right, even if you stand alone
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Stand up for what’s right, even if you stand alone
My hidden talent
Don’t be afraid to engage with people
About Me
Tahlar Rowe was born in raised in Houston, Texas where she currently resides today. She attended Trinity University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science, Spanish and History. She has a passion for community oriented work and she thrives in environments seeking to give back. She has been employed with H-E-B Groceries 11 years and loves to volunteer with them. Her hobbies include camping, hairstyling, reading, traveling, and attending festivals. She loves music, dancing, art and creating Youtube content. Tahlar has completed working with Trinity University, NAACP, various political campaigns, Higher Dimension church, Houston Police Department and counting. Her desire is to always be involved and make a difference.
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The ability to see the impact we have on various lives is something I love most. Whether it is our members, those trained through the programs, staff, volunteers and more, we all are impacted. This a special community that enriches lives everything and upholds a wonderful mission.
Best advice I’ve received
Always be yourself, no-one can beat you at being you.
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
We all belong here, know that there is a space for you.
My hidden talent
My amazing dance skills.
Lorenzo Rangel
Flourish Technician
Quick facts
Started:
2019
Joined:
As a volunteer
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
My name is Lorenzo Rangel currently a sophomore in college going for computer science and my role is I.T. Support for FORM and as our 3CX Specialist
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love that everyone here is willing to grow and learn, and I love helping people with their tech issues
Best advice I’ve received
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. -Sun Tzu
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
If you’re willing to learn and improve you will do wonders
My hidden talent
My ability to fix the downstairs phones
About Me
“Josh Green has worked at Form Communities as the Program Manager of PeerForce since 2021. His primary responsibilities include managing relationships with state, nonprofit, and university partners that support the Texas peer-ecosystem, and developing strategies to help scale the peer workforce in Texas. Prior to joining Form, Josh spent over 6 years working in the Peer Support space, leading efforts to create peer services across the substance use and mental health fields at the organizational, community, and state levels. Josh has worked in youth, adult, nonprofit, and for profit treatment organizations, and has been in long-term recovery since 2013. “
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
The personal satisfaction from the work we do, and the people I get to work alongside. My work here allows me to feel like I have contributed to something important, and grow professionally along the way.
Best advice I’ve received
When being trained as a Peer Specialist, a coworker told me “They don’t care what you know until they know that you care”.
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
I would encourage anyone interested in working at Form to look at our organizations values and see if/how they are present in their personal life. I would also suggest reaching out and volunteering in the clubhouse program to see what those values look like in practice.
My hidden talent
I would perform a mistake-filled cover of the guitar solo from the ending of the movie “Crossroads”.
Elsa Roman
Program Director - RGV Connection Center
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
Hidalgo, Texas
About Me
Elsa Roman, LPC-A, PS, MHPS, has worked as a peer support specialist, peer support specialist supervisor, advocate, peer trainer, consultant, and leader in the peer movement. She has combined her lived experience, education, work experience, cultural background, and interest to promote and develop culturally competent services, career opportunities, and trauma-sensitive training grounded in achieving cultural diversity issues for Hispanic peers in Texas. She is a loving wife and mother of three boys
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I do love to work with a community full of energy, that cares and is continually impacting the people they serve
Best advice I’ve received
Never let fear decide your future
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be ready to feel part of this family
My hidden talent
Being the host
Natalie Cunningham-Williams
Program Director - Peer Academy
Quick facts
Started:
2023
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
Manhattan, New York
About Me
Natalie Cunningham-Williams is a young person in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Natalie is a dual graduate from UTSA & UTSA Honors College with a B.A. in sociology and an A.A. in psychology. Her passion is helping young people with substance use and mental health needs through work with her communities
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Being able to give what was given to me. I started my mental health journey as a young teen and if it wasn’t for peer support I don’t know where I would be today
Best advice I’ve received
It is a piece of my favorite quote. “Be soft, do not let the world make you hard.” – Kurt Vonnegut. This is something I live by everyday. Even when I feel like the world is conspiring against me, I continue to allow myself to be happy and see the good in things
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Remember to balance. It’s easy to start to see work as my recovery. I need to continue to work on myself outside of work
My hidden talent
My crochet skills!
Kimber Anderson
Peer Academy Mentor
Quick facts
Started:
2017
Joined:
As a contract employee from another Clubhouse
Lives in:
Portland, OR
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
I love the down to earth quality of a Clubhouse community. The realness, the authenticity, the mutual care. There’s nothing else like it.
Best advice I’ve received
1) Don’t believe everything you think. 2) Lead with curiosity and listen first.
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
This organization lives and breaths experimentation and innovation. If you can be adaptable and willing to take risks, you will probably thrive here!
My hidden talent
my accents and impersonations—and my Spurs knowledge!
Jan Lewis
Program Specialist
Quick facts
Started:
2018
Joined:
As a Member of the Clubhouse
Lives in:
San Antonio
Certifications
Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) and and following Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)
About Me
I grew up on a Dairy farm in South Dakota. I have two beautiful adult girls. I’ve battled ADHD, anxiety and depression all my life. I was diagnosed Bipolar I in my forties and was hospitalized for a week. After my hospitalization, I found a NAMI group and that led me to the San Antonio Clubhouse, where I also attended a WRAP presentation. I love exploring holistic modalities.
David Castro
Peer Specialist Supervisor
Quick facts
Started:
2019
Joined:
As staff
Lives in:
San Antonio
About Me
My Name is David Castro Jr been doing direct services since 1998 with different populations of humans
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
To see other peers doing the work/support
Best advice I’ve received
Be yourself, not what others want you to be
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be openminded
My hidden talent
The quiet game
Certifications
Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)
About Me
I was born in Mexico City, I studied secretarial work, after I got married I emigrated to the City of Houston, and where my first 3 children were born, later we moved to the city of Donna, where I began to study for Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling. I got pregnant when I started my master’s degree, although with some health difficulties, I went through major depression which led me to leave my studies, I recovered and continued with them until I managed to start a doctorate, I only studied the first semester since my husband had a heart attack and I took care of him for several months. Now the experience of counseling and chaplaincy led me to explore the opportunities of working with people who feel that a mental illness limits them, finding that my life experience in the world of challenges and confrontations leads me to be able to offer encouragement , encouragement and hope in someone else’s life and for me the experience of others also encourages me. Leaving a world with hopes and hope to my children and grandchildren is the least I can do for so much goodness that I receive from my creator, I thank Him for everything.
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Helping people out and being able to assist those in need
Best advice I’ve received
If its not going to matter in 5 years from now do not let the stress consume you.
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
To reach out and attempt to become part of the team
My hidden talent
A delicious meal
About Me
Kyler (he/him) has now worked at form communities for a total of 5 years and counting. He first started out as a Staff Generalist Employment Specialist from 2014 to 2017. In 2021, he came back to work on the PeerForce project. Alongside my work on the PeerForce project he have also started to look into what a housing program could look like at form communities. Outside of my work at form communities, he have spent the majority of my professional life in nonprofit and social service work particularly employment services, coordinating AmeriCorps programming and volunteers. After work he likes to spend time outside, with family and friends, be active, read, and learn new things.
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Our community helping each other achieve our wellness goals
Best advice I’ve received
Practice self compassion
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
Be patient with yourself when starting out and make sure to take case of yourself.
My hidden talent
Singing
Laura Vasquez
Program Specialist
Quick facts
Started:
2019
Joined:
As a student in MHPS training in 2020 then volunteer/member
About Me
I am native to San Antonio, Texas. I come from a family background of people who love to serve their communities and help improve the lives of others. I have been able to carry on our families humanitarian values through different avenues in our community and Texas. I have long history of being in property management and being an executive administrative assistant to some great people that have taught me so many valuable lessons. In 2010 I found recovery from substance use and quickly became of service. One of my favorite parts of my recovery was sharing with others how recovery, personal change and growth are possible. At 6 months of sobriety I was able to go into lock down facilities here in Bexar County and South Texas to share my own experience, strength and hope. In 2019 I realized that I still was missing something from my recovery path and quickly discovered this new career called Peer Support. I am certified as a Texas Mental Health Peer Specialist as well as a Recovery Support Peer Specialist. I also found the best kept secret in San Antonio, San Antonio Clubhouse/Form Communities. I am now working with these fabulous non-profit organization and helping peers throughout Texas get certified as Texas Peer Specialists. In my spare time I like to read, watch movies, listen to music, go to concerts, travel, visit with my friends and family, go to the beach, spend time with my pets and I still get to help others at work and in my spare time.
Q&A
What keeps me excited to come to work?
Our purpose/mission and our passion for making our community healthier and helping others learn to help themselves.
Best advice I’ve received
The best advice or suggestions that has been given to me (there are 3 that come to mind). 1. Was get as much information as possible on any given topic so that you can make an “”informed”” decision. The more information we have the better decisions we make. 2. The other one is to learn to respond appropriately to situations instead of react…be still until you can respond instead of react out of our emotions. 3. We are responsible for our own healing
Advice to someone who wants to join our team
I would suggest they visit our organization first and become familiar with what we do first. Then to start off part time (if applicable) to see if it is a good fit for the candidate/member before they commit to full time (if applicable). I also suggest that they are in a good place (mentally, physically, spiritually, good self-care practices) to be able to support others and still care for themselves.
My hidden talent
Bajaja! I am a behind the scenes kind of person. Not sure how I would “Wow” everyone. LOL