About Us
For over 30 years, Project MEND has a rich history rooted deep in San Antonio. Founded in 1992 by Murlin Johnson (1936-2007) and formally incorporated in 1993 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Project MEND, also known as the “Medical Equipment Network for those with Disabilities,” has been providing for the home medical equipment and assistive technology needs of persons with disabilities in San Antonio and around Texas.
Seeing the need and the solution, our innovative medical equipment reuse program was born.
Our Mission
Project MEND is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities and illness through the refurbishment, reuse and distribution of medical equipment and other assistive technology.
Our Vision
Believing that mobility and independence are basic human rights, Project MEND promotes the health and self-sufficiency of people living with disabilities or life-altering illness by providing innovative solutions that assist in overcoming obstacles and barriers.
Our Impact
For over 30 years, Project MEND has provided medical equipment for the community’s most vulnerable people. Founded in 1992, Project MEND helps thousands of individuals in need acquire the right tools to overcome or better manage a disability.
Annual Growth
Project MEND engages in ongoing outreach and fundraising efforts to ensure program sustainability. Key to our success is developing and maintaining relationships with community partners, keeping informed of the needs of individuals living with disabilities, and strong strategic leadership through a diverse staff and board of directors. 85 cents of every donated dollar is invested back into our community.
Financial Reports
Our Team
LEADERSHIP
Cathy Valdez, CEO
Chief Executive Officer
Dexter Moon, COO, CDME, CIPM
Chief Operations Officer
Kristy Walston, CDO
Chief Development Officer
Barbara Garza
Finance Manager
PROGRAM TEAM
Michael Darilek
Program Operations Manager
Serving the Community since 2022
Alec Swierc, MPA
Development & Strategic Initiatives Manager
Serving the Community since 2024
Cassie Guerrero, MSHA
Development & Communications Coordinator
Serving the Community Since 2023
David Lopez
Lead Customer Care Specialist
Serving the Community since 2023
Marita Martinez
Development & Engagement Specialist
Serving the Community Since 2025
Shawn Kenyon
Customer Care Specialist
Serving the Community Since 2024
Emily Rodriguez
Customer Care Specialist
Serving the Community Since 2024
Margie Lechler
Customer Service Representative
Serving the Community Since 2016
Carlos Gomez
Warehouse Lead
Serving the Community Since 2022
Eli Flores
DME Specialist
Serving the Community Since 2010
Kaeani Covington
DME Technician
Serving the Community Since 2024
William Dunlap
DME Handler
Serving the Community Since 2024
Vincent Garlisi
DME Handler
Serving the Community Since 2024
Michael Goulette
Warehouse Technician
Serving The Community Since 2025
Joshua Rodriguez
Collections & Logistics Specialist
Serving the Community Since 2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William Phillips
Board Chair
Chief Operating Officer. University Health
Eduardo Di Loreto
Vice Chair
Senior Project Manager
LJA Engineering
Celeste Wulf, CPA
Treasurer
Audit Manager
Akin, Doherty, Klein, and Fuege
Kenneth Houston
Secretary of the Board
Director of Supply Chain Operations
Health Trust, Methodist Specialty & Transplant Hospital
Alexine Friedman
Member
Ana Allegretti, Ph.D, OTR, ATP
Member
Associate Professor
Department of Occupational Therapy, UT Health San Antonio
Shelia Brown
Member
Support Group & Peer Mentoring Coordinator
ConnectAbility
Kailyn Eilers, RN
Member
Paragon Healthcare
Amanda Munoz
Member
WellMed Medical Management
Clinic Growth Associate
Krystal K. Nerio, PhD
Member
President, Prosperitus Solutions
KaTasha Thomas, MBA
Member
CEO/Consultation Archer Agency
Cathy Valdez, CEO
Ex Officio
Project MEND
