
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 Manager

Alec Swierc, MPA
Grants & Development Coordinator

Cassie Guerrero, MSHA
Community Engagement Coordinator

David Lopez
Lead Customer Care Specialist
Ext 6233

Shawn Kenyon
Customer Care Specialist
Ext. 6235

Emily Rodriguez
Customer Care Specialist
Ext. 6303

Margie Lechler
Customer Service Representative
Ext 6227

Carlos Gomez
Warehouse Lead

Eli Flores
DME Specialist

Kaeani Covington
DME Technician

Vincent Garlisi
Warehouse Technician

Sergio Farias
DME Handler

William Dunlap
DME Handler
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

William Phillips
Board Chair
Chief Operating Officer University Health

Eduardo Di Loreto
Vice Chair

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

Jaime Fernandez
Member

Kailyn Eilers, RN
Member
Paragon Healthcare

Amanda Munoz
Member
WellMed Medical Management
Clinic Growth Associate

Krystal K. Nerio, PhD
Member
President, Prosperitus Solutions

Hannah Glasser
Member
Senior Account Executive
GDC Marketing & Ideation

Cathy Valdez, CEO
Ex Officio
Project MEND