Meet Our Team
Christina Varela Mayer, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Christina was awarded her Doctorate in Psychology from the School of Behavioral Health and Sciences at Northcentral University, earned her Master of Arts in Behavioral Science at the College of Human Science & Humanities, University of Houston Clear Lake, and received her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Speech Communications at Baylor University.
In addition to her role as CEO of Blue Heron Recovery, she is credentialed with the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and holds a faculty position as a Lecturer; teaching, advising, and supporting students in the Department of Psychology in the College for Health, Community and Policy at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Deeply committed to positively impacting academic and external communities, her work supports the profession, industry, broader public, and university, focusing on fostering growth, collaboration, and meaningful change.
A published author in peer-reviewed journals, lecturer, and 2015 Dissertation of the Year Nominee, her research endeavors include the study of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms of depression and somatization as moderators to academic self-concept theory; stigma and barriers to care among Army Combat Medics; and pre-existing risk and enhancing protective factors of Army soldier medics during training.
From a clinical perspective, she has considerable experience facilitating group, individual, dialectical/cognitive behavioral, and brief therapies. She appreciates a client-centered approach and holds fast to the premise that a climate of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuine compassion enhances an individual’s ability to reach a more congruent view of self that, coupled with a supportive therapeutic relationship, can lead to insight and lasting change.
Christina is a member of the American Psychological Association; Texas Psychological Association; NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals; and the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. She is passionate about arts, culture, and sciences in the diverse and beautiful city of San Antonio, and is delighted to be a part of the incredible team at Blue Heron Recovery redefining recovery and changing lives through community.
Paul Tillson Mayer, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Mayer is Board Certified in both Addiction Medicine and Emergency Medicine. Dr. Mayer graduated from The United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, earned a Doctor of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, completed post-doctoral Transitional Internship at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, completed Emergency Medicine Residency at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, and completed Fellowship in Government Emergency Medical Security at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.
He also earned his Executive Master of Business Administration from Benedictine College while concurrently attending US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Dr. Mayer served as a US Regular Army Medical Corp officer and has completed multiple combat medical deployments. He served as Medical Chief of Staff at the 31st Combat Support Hospital at Camp Bucca, Iraq, Chief of the Combat Support Hospital at the 67th Combat Support Hospital in Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, and Officer in Charge of Clinic/Flight Surgeon Multinational Force & Observers in Sinai, Egypt. His military awards include Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Order of Military Medical Merit, NATO Metal, Multinational Force and Observer Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.
Dr. Mayer retired from the United States Army as a Colonel in 2015 after having served as Director of the US Army Emergency Medical Systems Programs and Director of the Department of Combat Medic Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He is Board Certified with the American Board of Emergency Medicine and has garnered successful executive experience through positions leading medical, training, and customer service organizations. Additionally, Dr. Mayer has been actively involved in numerous research projects and authored or co-authored medical publications on various areas of research. In addition, he is frequently an invited presenter and guest speaker for trauma management, tactical combat casualty care, and battlefield medicine at national medical conferences and symposiums.
Currently, Dr. Mayer is the Medical Director at Full Spectrum ER and Urgent Care in San Antonio, serves as Adjunct Faculty at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, and is an Instructor for the Air Force Ground Surgical Team Training, Medical Readiness Training Center at Camp Bullis, Texas. His expertise in serving a variety of populations within a wide range of need will be an invaluable asset to our recovery community and we at Blue Heron Recovery are grateful to have him on the team.
Hallye Swoboda, LVN
Director of Operations
Hallye’s vast experience in administration, leadership, staff management, training, and direct patient care has spanned well over a decade. Her expertise with detoxification, medication management, and patient education comes from working with diverse patient populations as both an administrator and nurse in medical and substance treatment centers.Hallye honed her skills in Continuous Quality Improvement plans, admissions utilization review, and human resources while developing and delivering training materials, medication administration, and other safety procedures to ensure compliance with departmental policies at various institutions.
After earning her Licensed Vocational Nursing degree at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, Hallye served as LVN/Staff Nurse at both Cenikor Foundation in Waco, Texas and Starlite Recovery Center in Center Point, Texas. She developed expertise in systematic improvement measures, ongoing development, and advancement of accreditation during her tenure as Compliance Officer and Director of Nursing at The Ranch at Clear Springs in Aquilla Texas.
Hallye has exceptional experience in patient care, planning, directing coordinating and carrying out program procedures including staff acquisition and training, EMR development, facility medical protocol development and initiation, instrumental initial facility licensing and accreditation, and continual compliance monitoring in accordance with DSHS and Joint Commission/CARF standards.
Blue Heron Recovery is immensely fortunate to have Hallye Swoboda serve as Director of Operations. Our staff and clients are grateful for the dedication she brings to the development of the company and betterment of treatment services for our recovery community.
Richard Diaz, DNP, FNP/PMHNP
Dr. Diaz joined the New York State Army National Guard in 1983. In 1993, he decided to enroll in nursing school and attended the Albany Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where he graduated with his diploma in nursing with honors. He immediately took bridge courses and began the family nurse practitioner program at Sage Graduate School, where he graduated in May 1998 with a Master of Science and certificate as a family nurse practitioner. He continued his education, receiving a post-master’s certificate as a family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.In 1999, Dr. Diaz went on active duty in the army as a family nurse practitioner; he was first stationed at the Family Medicine Clinic at Brooke Army Medical Center. In 2003, he was sent to Camp Casey, South Korea, where he was the head nurse for a 10,000-patient military clinic. His next duty station was the Tripler Army Medical Center in Oahu, Hawaii. This was his last active-duty military assignment, and he afterwards returned to San Antonio, Texas, where he retired as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve Nurse Corps. In May 2007, he began the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) Degree in Psychiatry program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, and graduated with honors in May 2009.
Dr. Diaz is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (A.N.C.C.) as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He loves traveling and spending time with his wife Sandy and son Jacob. The family has two Labradors, Grizzly and Smokey.
Lora Tomlinson, M.S.
LCDC Clinical Director
Lora Tomlinson, M.S., LCDC, is a behavioral health executive and organizational leader with extensive experience building, leading, and transforming substance use treatment organizations.
Lora holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in trauma and is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Texas. Her leadership and clinical perspective are informed by both professional training and lived experience—she has been in long-term recovery since 2007, a foundation that deeply shapes her commitment to ethical, compassionate, and effective treatment.
Throughout her career, Lora has focused on strengthening systems that support individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. Her work has included clinical oversight of medical detoxification, residential and outpatient treatment services, clinical training institutes, and regulatory compliance with agencies such as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Joint Commission accreditation standards.
Known for her ability to lead through complexity and transition, Lora combines operational expertise with a deep understanding of trauma-informed care. She is passionate about developing strong treatment systems, mentoring professionals entering the field, and advancing recovery-oriented approaches to behavioral health care.
When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, her dog, and traveling.
Valarie Koch
LCDC Assistant Clinical Director
Valarie Koch is a dedicated substance use treatment professional with over 10 years of experience in the field and six years of experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University–San Antonio and is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).As a person in long-term recovery, Valarie brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work. Having maintained 12 years of continuous sobriety, she is deeply passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of substance use disorders and recovery. Her lived experience allows her to connect with clients through empathy, authenticity, and genuine understanding.
Valarie has experience working with diverse populations, including adolescents and adults. She believes in meeting clients where they are, recognizing that every individual’s journey is unique. Her counseling approach is grounded in integrity, authenticity, and respect, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore change and growth at their own pace.
Valarie is passionate about empowering others to discover their strengths, build resilience, and achieve lasting recovery. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside her clients as they work toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Parker Pimentel
Alumni Coordinator
Parker Pimentel serves as the Alumni Coordinator at Blue Heron Recovery, where he is dedicated to supporting clients as they build meaningful, lasting lives in recovery. Drawing from his own personal recovery journey, Parker brings authenticity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face when overcoming substance use disorders.
Having experienced both the struggles of addiction and the rewards of recovery firsthand, Parker is passionate about helping others find hope, connection, and purpose. His lived experience allows him to relate to clients in a genuine and impactful way while encouraging accountability, personal growth, and continued engagement in the recovery process.
As Alumni Coordinator, Parker works closely with current and former clients to foster a strong recovery community through alumni events, peer support, mentorship, and ongoing fellowship opportunities. His commitment to service and recovery helps create an environment where individuals can celebrate milestones, strengthen support networks, and continue thriving long after treatment has ended.
Bo
Emotional Support Parrot
Whether he’s perched on a shoulder offering a cheerful “hello” or engaging in his signature dance moves, Bo’s presence is a reminder of the lighthearted moments that can be found even in the most serious of times. His ability to connect with people is nothing short of remarkable, making him a beloved mascot and a symbol of the warmth and community spirit that Blue Heron Recovery embodies.
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