Connecting you to recovery opportunities in San Antonio

We all need someone to talk to. Whether you’re unsure where to begin or how to pay for support, the Connection Center is here to help, without judgment, pressure, or cost.

A group sitting in a circle in a room with bookshelves, a young woman laughing as she talks

Meet the Team

  • Cassidy Lambert

    Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist

    Cassidy Lambert

    Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist

    Hi, I’m Cassidy Lambert, a Mental Health Peer Specialist and Recovery Support Peer Specialist at the Connection Center. My personal journey through recovery inspires my passion for helping others find hope, healing, and purpose. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and reminded that they are never alone.

  • David Castro

    Program Director, Peer Specialist Supervisor

  • Kimberly Contreras

    Peer Specialist

  • Ofelia Lopez

    Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Peer Specialist Supervisor

    Ofelia Lopez

    Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Peer Specialist Supervisor

    As a MHPS/RSPS/ PSS I am passionate about helping others by sharing my lived experiences, education, and personal recovery journey. As someone in long-term recovery from opioid addiction, I know firsthand that change is possible and that there is hope beyond the struggles. My goal is to break the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health, remind people that their past does not define them, and show others that asking for help is a sign of strength. I believe everyone deserves compassion, respect, and the opportunity to build a better life.

  • Gary Saldana

    Mental Health Peer Specialist

  • Lauren Cisneros

    Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Peer Specialist Supervisor

    Lauren Cisneros

    Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Peer Specialist Supervisor

    My name is Lauren and I am a Mental Health/Recovery Support Peer Specialist for the Connection Center. I am a person in recovery from mental health and substance use struggles, with a few other areas that make up my lived experience. I believe peer support can be beneficial to anyone of any background, and that community and positive, supportive relationships can aid in a person’s healing journey. As a Peer Specialist Supervisor I also feel that it is crucial to develop change agents and future leaders in the peer workforce.

  • Jan Lewis

  • Angelina Guajardo

  • Jaime Colin

    Mental Health Peer Specialist

    Jaime Colin

    Mental Health Peer Specialist

    My path in mental health advocacy began in 2010 following a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Navigating the ups and downs of recovery fueled a deep resilience and inspired my mission to instill hope in others facing similar life challenges. With over six years of experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, I pivoted to dedicated mental health peer support after finding my passion at Form Communities. As a Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) drawing on 16 years of lived experience, I now specialize in providing one-on-one peer support and facilitating group sessions for individuals navigating various life stressors. Driven by a desire to ensure no one feels alone in their recovery, I am dedicated to building supportive connections and helping community members achieve their personal wellness goals.

  • Rick Lopez

  • Desiree Rhea

Explore the right kind of peer support for you

Different people need different types of support. Whether you’re part of a community organization, supporting a loved one in recovery, or running a healthcare facility, we can help find the best way to plug Peer Support into your work or your life.

Two women hugging warmly while a support group looks on

Get connected with the Connection Center SA

Whether you’re looking for personal support or want to expand access to recovery services at your organization, we’re here to help.