Our Team

Short Bio: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

When They Started:2023

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:Chicago & El Paso

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:The welcoming attitude and kindness of everyone in the community

What high school did you primarily attend?:St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I love plants and nature, being outdoors, camping, and hiking. Handwriting letters to family and friends is a favorite hobby. I love dancing

Short Bio:Advocate for Women that have experienced Trauma. Strong Social skills. Like being out near water

When They Started:2021

How They Started:As a volunteer

Hometown:San Antonio

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:The Diverse Community and the sense of purpose each day. Moving forward and reaching potential I never knew existed keeps me motivated to come to work. Learning new things each day is a plus as well

What high school did you primarily attend?:Thomas Edison

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I like to create decorations "Crafting" is a strong skill

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Treat people the way you want them to treat you. Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Be yourself and recognize everything isn't always about you. Be compassionate and willing to let go of control over certain things. Always remember people are here to practice independence

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My Wonder Women Collection

Short Bio: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

When They Started:2022

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:San Antonio, TX

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:I love that people are genuinely nice and they enjoy and care about what they do.

What high school did you primarily attend?:Highlands High School

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I speak in sarcasm and movie quotes

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Stand up for what's right, even if you stand alone

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Don't be afraid to engage with people

Short Bio: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.

Hometown:Kpk, Pakistan

Where did your journey at FORM begin?:As staff

In what YEAR did you first engage with our community?:2022

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:To help others and let them know that they are important too.

What high school did you primarily attend?:Fazaia Degree College, Risalpur

In what community/city do you live today?:Lahore

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:To have a big and open heart and a passion to help others.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:My motivational quotes and knowledge of history.

Where did your journey at FORM begin?:As an intern

Hometown:San Antonio

In what YEAR did you first engage with our community?:2022

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:The true caring and love for everyone and their overall well-being.

Short Bio:My name is Brad and I am retired from 22yrs in the Medical Field and am doing what I love the most by meeting and educating people about themselves. I have a love to serve others no matter where they are at in there journey. I come from a small farm in Southeast Bexar County where I grew up and currently live now. I have a beautiful loving wife of 30yrs and also have raised 2 of the brightest young ladies. As a family we work together to educate everyone we come in contact with about Mental Health and the stigma surrounding it.

What high school did you primarily attend?:East Central High School

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:Everyday is your day, make it a Great One

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Do it !!! You will not find a better place to work.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:Singing

Background:Architecture

When They Started:2014

How They Started:As a practitioner in the Clubhouse

Current Location:Houston

Hometown:San Antonio

When They Started:2023

How They Started:As an intern

Hometown:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:The people are nice and fun to talk to and I believe in the cause

Short Bio:I'm just a young programmer who wants to make a difference and I want to grow my skills while building strong bonds and relationships in the the field I love

What high school did you primarily attend?:I'm just a young programmer who wants to make a difference and I want to grow my skills while building strong bonds and relationships in the the field I love

What high school did you primarily attend?:NSITE High School (Magnet School at Holmes Highschool)

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:Life is too short to obsess over the bad, so make it as good as you can while you still have a chance to

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:just be yourself and bring you're all and you'll do amazing with the team

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:My Art

Short Bio:In the middle of taking a break from college, I was referred to apply at Clubhouse and it changed my life. Clubhouse relit this fire for what I love to do. People are my passion. I am a dog mom to my 3 year old daughter, Luna. A daughter, a sister, a writer and a silly goose.

When They Started:2022

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:San Antonio

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:There’s nothing I love more than seeing our members excited about their life. Eager to share a new accomplishment or simply share their passions. I love making meaningful connections and truly being a peer rather than a superior figure. Walking in and having people genuinely excited to see you and vice versa is the best feeling. I am very fortunate.

What high school did you primarily attend?:Antonian College Preparatory

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Don’t sweat the small stuff Btw… it’s all small stuff -Jojo Webster

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Some days it may be uncomfortable, hard and maybe even scary… But Clubhouse is always beautiful. I promise you will walk out feeling even a little bit better than when you walked in.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My sweet dance moves

Short Bio:My name is Carson Day and I've been the accounting intern for 1 year now. I am a college student at Texas Tech University, pursuing my Master's Degree in Accounting

When They Started:2022

How They Started:As an intern

Hometown:Boerne

In what community/city do you live today?:Lubbock

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:The positive atmosphere and the ability to learn more and more everyday

What high school did you primarily attend?:Boerne High School

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:My experience as an social media influencer due to my cat!

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:You miss 100% of the shots you don't take

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Have a positive mindset and don't be afraid to ask questions

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My tik tok famous cat, Sir Pounce

Short Bio:Born and raised in SA, TX. I am married to my amazing/supportive husband and we have a 2.5 year old son. My son is the absolute highlight of my life! I have over 9 years in recovery and I am still learning more about myself each day. I am going to school for my LCDC so I can gain more knowledge to help others.

When They Started:2023

How They Started:As an Intern

Hometown:San Antonio, TX

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio, TX

What high school did you primarily attend?:Alamo Heights High School

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:The people!!! Everyone is so loving and compassionate!

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:Know your worth!

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:It's an amazing work environment and every day is a new adventure to learn more about other people and yourself.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:Give a speech while making people laugh

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

When They Started:2021

How They Started:As a Peer Intern

When They Joined the Staff:2022

Hometown:Los Angeles, CA

Short Bio:My Name is David Castro Jr been doing direct services since 1998 with different populations of humans

When They Started:2019

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:Austin

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:To see other peers doing the work/support

What high school did you primarily attend?:Gary Job Corps

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS), Peer Support Supervisor (PSS)

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Be yourself, not what others want you to be

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Be openminded

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:The quiet game

Short Bio: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

When They Started:2014

How They Started:As a volunteer

Hometown:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:Everybody works together as a team instead of under a hierarchy

What high school did you primarily attend?:Keystone School

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I play a lot of videogames!

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Try to worry less about stuff that isn't under your control, and take charge of what you can control

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Be willing to learn and meet people where they're at

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My ability to snap really fast

When They Started:2022

How They Started:As a volunteer

When They Joined the Staff:2023

Hometown:Colombo

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:If something bothers you, it's not the thing itself that's making you upset, but how you think about it. You have the power to change how you think about it and feel better. Things exist on their own and don't have thoughts or opinions like we do.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Never stop learning and exploring new ideas.

Short Bio: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

When They Started:2023

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:Great Falls, MT

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio, TX

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you 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

What high school did you primarily attend?:An Army Guard ran alternative high school

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Spend the time and money on your health now or spend the time and money on being sick later, the choice is yours!

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:This is a safe space where you can let your guard down so don’t be afraid to be yourself!

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:Juggling

Short Bio: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

When They Started:2023

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:Mexico

In what community/city do you live today?:Hidalgo, Texas

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you 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

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS), Peer Support Supervisor (PSS)

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Never let fear decide your future

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Be ready to feel part of this family

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:Being the host

When they started:2014

How they started:As a volunteer

When they joined the staff:2015

Hometown:San Antonio, TX

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio, TX

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:That people are exactly themselves around here

What high school did you primarily attend?:Business Careers HS

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is: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!

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Get started! We have a variety of programs and communities--just join one

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My ability to play Dr. Mario on the original Nintendo

Short Bio:I'm a Computer Science major at UTSA, currently in my senior year. I also enjoy the marching arts

When They Started:2021

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:San Antonio

In what community/city do you live today?:Denton

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:The community is very much a "work for each other" type of community. I really admire the work we do

What high school did you primarily attend?:STEM Early College Highschool

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I've marched in Drum Corps International for 4 years

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Give effort even if you don't know what you are doing.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Lots to learn, be a sponge 🙂

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My sick horn playing skills

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS), Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS), Peer Support Supervisor (PSS)

Short Bio: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.

When They Started:2018

How They Started:As a Member of the Clubhouse

Hometown:Huron, South Dakota

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What high school did you primarily attend?:Clark

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) and and following Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:When you are overwhelmed, take the project or goal little by little . . . baby steps are better than no steps.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Step outside your comfort zone and see what opportunities present you. That will give you different avenues to continue with recovery, learning, growing spiritually, and thriving.

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:I love the way everyone checks in with one another before the class starts and after. Listening to everyone's stories and other points of view fascinates me.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:Ballroom dancing with my fiancé

Short Bio:"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. "

When They Started:As staff

When They Joined the Staff:2021

Hometown:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you 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.

What high school did you primarily attend?:Ronald Reagan Highschool

Certifications:Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:When being trained as a Peer Specialist, a coworker told me "They don't care what you know until they know that you care".

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?: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.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:I would perform a mistake-filled cover of the guitar solo from the ending of the movie "Crossroads".

Short Bio:I'm a 4th year UTSA student majoring in Cyber Security. I love music, technology, and board games. I believe in always doing the right thing and being a truthful individual, no matter how hard it may be

When They Started:2022

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:San Antonio

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:The friendly community that has been built

What high school did you primarily attend?:McCollum High School

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I've opened for a T-Pain concert

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:The harder the good, the better the person you become

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Be ready to meet people from different parts of the world

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:Origami

Short Bio: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.

When They Started:2024

How They Started:As Staff

Hometown:Mexico City

In what community/city do you live today?:Donna, TX

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:Helping people out and being able to assist those in need

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:If its not going to matter in 5 years from now do not let the stress consume you.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:To reach out and attempt to become part of the team

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:A delicious meal

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I arrived in this country without knowing the language, I didn't end up learning it, but the saddest thing is that I have forgotten some first language phrases, and many times I feel that I am neither from here nor from there

When They Started:2024

How They Started:As an Intern

Hometown:Carolina, Puerto Rico

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio, Texas

What high school did you primarily attend?:Douglas MacArthur High School

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:What I love most about the Clubhouse community is that everyone is so knowledgeable and eager to help you integrate into the community. I also get to work with such a wide range of personalities.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Be open-minded and authentic. There is space for your true self here!

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:My ability to do quick, simple math in my head

Short Bio: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

When They Started:2021

How They Started:As an intern

Hometown:San Antonio

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you 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

What high school did you primarily attend?:S.T.E.M Early College High School

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:I am better than no one, and no is better than me!

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Don't be afraid to make mistakes

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My amazing alto-saxaphone skills!!!

How They Started:As a contract employee from another Clubhouse

When They Joined the Staff:2017

Hometown:Carmel, CA

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you 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.

What high school did you primarily attend?:Carmel High

In what community/city do you live today?:Portland, OR

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:1) Don't believe everything you think. 2) Lead with curiosity and listen first.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:This organization lives and breaths experimentation and innovation. If you can be adaptable and willing to take risks, you will probably thrive here!

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:my accents and impersonations---and my Spurs knowledge!

Where did your journey at FORM begin?:As an intern

Hometown:San Antonio

In what YEAR did you first engage with our community?:2023

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:I love how inclusive, supportive and creative the environment is. What makes this place special is the people.

Short Bio:"I am a creative person who genuinely loves people and is committed to being the change I want to see. Born in Harlingen, Texas to a military family (service and travel is in my blood). Was lucky enough to be exposed to different parts of the world young which helped shape my worldview. I love acquiring new skillsets and I love being a part of this team!"

What high school did you primarily attend?:Judson High School

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:It's ok to walk away from people who do not respect or value you no matter the ties that bind. My peace and happiness is my responsibility to protect and advocate for.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Get ready to feel supported, valued and understood. Our work is challenging but absolutely fulfilling. Lean on the team when you need help & advocate for your needs. Welcome!

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:Poetry or humming.

Short Bio: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.

When They Started:2014

How They Started:As staff

In what community/city do you live today?:Northwest

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:Our community helping each other achieve our wellness goals

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Practice self compassion

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Be patient with yourself when starting out and make sure to take case of yourself.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:Singing

Where did your journey at FORM begin?:As a student in MHPS training in 2020 then volunteer/member

Hometown:San Antonio

In what YEAR did you first engage with our community?:2019

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:Our purpose/mission and our passion for making our community healthier and helping others learn to help themselves.

Short Bio: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.

What high school did you primarily attend?:Marshall High School

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS), Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...: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

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?: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.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:Bajaja! I am a behind the scenes kind of person. Not sure how I would "Wow" everyone. LOL

Short Bio:I was raised in the great city of San Antonio and an alumna of the University of Texas at San Antonio. I feel that my mental health struggles have challenged me but allowed me to be the compassionate and resilient person I am today. I am very excited to work in a loving and understanding community of individuals that come to work everyday as their authentic selves

When They Started:2022

How They Started:As an intern

Hometown:San Antonio, TX

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio, TX

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:I love the welcoming nature of our community. It feels like home away from home and it is a very safe space. I am most excited about meeting new people and learning from everyone I meet

What high school did you primarily attend?:Communications Arts High School

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I love animals, rock and roll, and cheeseburgers!

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:There is no growth in the comfort zone!

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Be your most authentic self and be prepared to be challenged. Be open to learning new things and collaborating with the team

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My karaoke skills!

Short Bio: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

When They Started:2019

How They Started:As a volunteer

Hometown:San Antonio

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you 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

What high school did you primarily attend?:Harlandale STEM Early College

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I have an associate's in biology, I want to get a degree in Marine Biology, and my dream job is to work in an aquarium

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. -Sun Tzu

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:If you're willing to learn and improve you will do wonders

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My ability to fix the downstairs phones

Short Bio:I grew up in San Antonio, Texas. My mother was in the military 22 years and we grew up on Medina base (a Lackland Annex) near military. I was 10 when we moved here from Germany so I pretty much call this home. I went to a Communications specialty magnet school called Communications Arts High School on the Taft Campus. After that I graduated from UTSA in 2012 with Bachelor's in English and Communications. I first entered the world of recovery in 2012 shortly after graduating college. I have worked in recovery for Haven for Hope, Laurel Ridge, Soba Recovery Texas, and as a sober concierge certified traveling life coach. In 2017 I went to A&M San Antonio to pursue my masters and hope to finish that degree during my time at the Connection Center.

When They Started:2024

How They Started:As Staff

Hometown:San Antonio

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What high school did you primarily attend?:Communications Arts High School (Taft)

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:I love that every day being a peer has the opportunity to help someone better their lives or expand their ideas toward recovery. It also keeps me deeply grateful in my own life.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:You don't know what you don't know, until you know it. Be easy on yourself. Always be open to learning new things. Never say, "I know" when someone is trying to share something with you. This implies a closing off of yourself to new information. A simple "OK" is more conducive to collaborative learning.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:It's a beautiful job that we do and we interface with many wonderful people. However, sometimes we hear and are privy to some hard or traumatic truths. Self care and self awareness are very important in this role.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:Probably my best talent is writing and poetic prowess.

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I have a beautiful 18 month old son whom is full of energy, learning new words and counting and he loves Ms. Rachel, Elmo, Cocomelon and Baby Shark!

Short Bio: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

When They Started:2019

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:Everett, Washington

In what community/city do you live today?:Seattle, Washington

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you 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

What high school did you primarily attend?:Everett High School

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I own 150 vinyl records, I have a cat named Suki, and I once drank 2 liters of yogurt in a talent show

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:"Real love is a pure wish for others to be truly happy." - Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?: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

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My encyclopedic knowledge of extreme metal bands

When They Started:2022

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you 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

What high school did you primarily attend?:Travis High School Austin Texas

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I like to pretend a banana is a phone and I believe humor heals

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Even when you are not motivated, especially when you are not motivated, move your feet

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Cliché but so true…be yourself

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with: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

Short Bio:Graduate of Southern Methodist University - Been an owner/partner in various entrepreneurial business which include: Car Dealership, Commercial Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Franchises

When They Started:2005

How They Started:As a volunteer

Hometown:Brackettville

In what community/city do you live today?:Timberwood Park

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:The Culture

What high school did you primarily attend?:Brackettville High School

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:Former Polo player and Ultra Lite airplane pilot

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Understand what is expected of you

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Make sure you are join this organization for the right reason

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My ability to play paddle ball

Short Bio:"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."

When They Started:2022

How They Started:As an intern

Hometown:Mustang, Oklahoma

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you 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

What high school did you primarily attend?:Mustang High School

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:In case anyone was wondering... Emo's Not Dead!

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:"Allow yourself to make a lot of mistakes and then learn from them. Do. Break. Fix. Learn."

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?: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

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My karaoke rendition of Bowling for Soup's hit, "1985"

Short Bio:Natalie Cunningham-Williams is a young person in longterm 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

When They Started:2023

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:Portland, Oregon

In what community/city do you live today?:Manhattan, New York

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you 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

What high school did you primarily attend?:Alamo Heights High School

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I have been a vegetarian since I was five

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is: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

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?: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

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:My crochet skills!

Short Bio:My Name Is Ofelia Lopez, I am married to my beautiful wife Elisa Zamarripa we have 2 sons, 2 grandchildren and a Pomeranian dog named Olivia Cam aka Livi! I have a Master of Science in Sports Management from the University of Southern Mississippi, where I played college golf for 4 years. I was a Division 1 College golf Coach for 9 years ( 2 as an Assistant). I enjoy being a member of the Women In Recovery ACTs Core team! I love to watch football ( Go Packers & Go Chiefs)! I love my family and all my Sisters in Christ!

When They Started:2024

How They Started:As Staff

Hometown:San Antonio, TX

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio, TX

What high school did you primarily attend?:Winston Churchill High School

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:I love that everyone works together for the common good of all involved. I love the relationships we build from our clients to our co-workers and how our mental health is a priority. What keeps me coming back is that I don't look at this as a job but living my best life where work life balance is celebrated.

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:Put GOD first in everything you do and watch what he does for you!

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:If you want your opinions and ideas to matter come join our team! If you want to have fun, laugh a lot where your mental health and self-care is important then come join us we would love to have you join our team!!

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:Being the DJ

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:I LOVE Baby Yoda

Short Bio:I was born and raised in Mexico and had an older brother and a younger sister with caring and responsible parents. Had Challenges and difficulties but had the blessing of counting on the support of my family. 2 things I enjoy the most are learning and sharing time and knowledge with others

When They Started:2023

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:Ensenada Baja California, Mexico

In what community/city do you live today?:Edinburg, Texas

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:I love how the people of the community show a spirit that reflects the intention of the organization

What high school did you primarily attend?:Preparatoria 9 Monterrey N.L. Mexico

Certifications:Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)

Anything else that could be fun to include in your profile?:Traveling, discovering, nature, and trying new food from different cultures is my way to enjoy life

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Do not try to compete with anyone but try to be the best of yourself each day

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:This is the best place if your intention is the business of making a better world for others

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:Cooking

When They Started:2019

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:Seabrook, Texas

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio Medical Center

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you 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.

What high school did you primarily attend?:Clear Lake High School

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:Everything in moderation

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?: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

When They Started:2024

How They Started:As Staff

Hometown:Eagle Pass, TX

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:The members and staff

What high school did you primarily attend?:Tom C. Clark

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:Be like water...flow!

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:This will be a life changing decision

Short Bio:Savannah is from NC. After attending UNC Chapel Hill for a degree in education and biology, she taught for 6 years in San Antonio. She had a business teaching meditation and yoga, and has a constant curiosity for learning more. After having her first child, she moved to NC and moved into curriculum and user experience (UX) design, receiving her certification from Avocademy. From there, she worked as a UX team lead at a tech company. She is now excited to work with Form Communities to create effective and engaging curricula for Peer Academy.

When They Started:2014

Hometown:Palo Alto, California

Where did your journey at FORM begin?:husband of staff member at clubhouse

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you excited to come to work?:I really enjoy working with the kind and visionary people

What high school did you primarily attend?:North Carolina School of Science and Math

In what community/city do you live today?:Greensboro, NC

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:Singing

Short Bio: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.

When They Started:2018

How They Started:As Staff

Hometown:Houston

In what community/city do you live today?:Houston

What high school did you primarily attend?:Harmony Science Academy

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is...:Always be yourself, no-one can beat you at being you.

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:We all belong here, know that there is a space for you.

What do you love most about our community? What keeps you 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.

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with...:My amazing dance skills.

When They Started:2018

How They Started:As staff

Hometown:Many, Louisiana

In what community/city do you live today?:San Antonio, TX

Short Bio:I am 53 years and have worked in multiple fields throughout my life, including military, medical, corrections and education. I am a published writer of poems and short stories. I have two grown children, a boy and a girl, Tyrell and Ariana. I have a BA in History and a Masters in Education. I just celebrated my 5th anniversary as a Clubhouse Social Practitioner

What do you love most about our community and what keeps you excited to come to work?:The bonds and special relationships made

What high school did you primarily attend?:Southwood High School, Shreveport, LA

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:It's better to be an hour early than a minute late

What advice would you give a candidate, or a member, who wants to join our team of superstars?:Be open minded to change. It is a dynamic, fluid society and no two days are the same

If we held an organization/office talent show, I'd wow everyone with:Voice impressions