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.
Greg Temple, LCDC
Outpatient Clinician
Greg holds a Bachelor of the Arts from Sam Houston State University and an Associate of Applied Science from Le Cordon Bleu College. With extensive experience, Greg has worked as a mental health technician in both private and public hospital environments, where he managed hospital admissions, led experiential therapy classes, and facilitated educational therapy sessions. Greg is deeply committed to providing the highest level of care to his clients. He approaches each individual with empathy and understanding, ensuring that their unique needs are met with personalized attention. Greg is known for building strong, trusting relationships with his clients, which fosters a supportive environment that is crucial for recovery. Blue Heron Recovery is thrilled to have Greg on the recovery team, where he shares his diverse experiences and expertise with genuine compassion.
Lisa Burchard, RSPS
Recovery Advocate
Lisa’s journey as a recovery advocate is not just a career, but a calling she embraces with heart and soul. Her commitment to the recovery community is evident in countless ways, and those who cross her path often find themselves inspired to pursue their own recovery journeys with renewed hope and determination. Her approach is deeply rooted in empathy and understanding. Having been part of the recovery community for over nine years, she knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with the territory. She listens with a non-judgmental ear and offers guidance that is both practical and compassionate. Her ability to connect with people from various backgrounds makes her a cherished mentor and ally.
As a certified facilitator of SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) meetings, Lisa empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to maintain their recovery. She encourages participants to take control of their lives by setting achievable goals and developing strategies to overcome obstacles. Her workshops are not only informative but also interactive, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. In every aspect of her work and life, Lisa embodies the spirit of resilience, hope, and transformation. Her unwavering dedication to helping others find their path to recovery is not only inspiring but also a testament to the positive impact one person can have on an entire community.
Jim Perry, LCDC
Primary Counselor
Jim Perry is a committed LCDC with extensive experience in the field. With a deep understanding of MAT treatment, he has dedicated years to the recovery community. Jim approaches his work with clients with a relaxed yet passionate demeanor, motivating them throughout their journey. He earned his AAS in Addiction Counseling from Austin Community College. We are excited to have Jim on our team, as he brings unique experience and a comprehensive approach to recovery. His enthusiasm for evidence-based recovery is complemented by his expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Jim believes in tailoring recovery plans to meet the specific needs and circumstances of each client, ensuring that they receive the most effective support possible. By advocating for a diverse array of recovery modalities, Jim ensures that his clients have access to the best resources and strategies available, enabling them to achieve lasting recovery and a fulfilling life.
Madelaine Lopez, BAAS, LCDC
Primary Counselor
Madelaine Lopez earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Texas A&M San Antonio, specializing in addiction counseling. Additionally, she holds an A.A.S. in Addiction Studies from San Antonio College and is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). Madelaine has obtained a level one certificate in human services for drug and alcohol studies as well as human services addiction studies. With years of experience in the field, she is dedicated to supporting her clients’ growth and collaborating with families affected by addiction. Madelaine is deeply committed to helping others and believes in diverse pathways to recovery, guiding each client to uncover what empowers them to initiate change. We are delighted to have her on our team and appreciate her insights on recovery and addressing the entirety of clients’ inner challenges. She meticulously tailors her counseling techniques to meet the unique needs of each individual, recognizing that no two recovery paths are identical. Through active listening and empathetic engagement, Madelaine builds a trusting rapport with her clients, fostering a safe environment where they can openly explore their challenges and aspirations.
Heather Strange
Admissions & Outreach Coordinator
Heather is a dedicated social work major who has obtained her AAS in Social Work and possesses a Level II Certification in Case Management. Currently, she is a senior at Our Lady of the Lake University, working towards her BSW. At Blue Heron Recovery, she plays a vital role in guiding prospective clients as they begin their recovery journeys. A passionate advocate for diverse recovery options, Heather believes in empowering individuals to speak up for themselves. Additionally, she serves as the secretary for the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals and treasures her time spent with family while also contributing to the recovery community. Heather actively seeks partnerships with local organizations and community groups, which help to broaden Blue Heron Recovery’s impact and ensure that more individuals can access essential recovery resources. Her vision for the future includes continuing to build connections within the recovery community, enhancing access to critical services, and making sure that every person seeking recovery support has the chance to flourish.
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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