Meet Our Team
Leadership
Delrena Swaggerty
Delrena Swaggerty, MA, LMFT, Senior Vice President, has been with MHS dba TURN BHS since 2002, beginning as a Program Manager. She was promoted to Vice President in 2009, and in 2022 became a Senior Vice President. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of San Diego. Delrena oversees our San Diego Mental Health programs as well as TURN BHS’ veteran-focused programs. Ms. Swaggerty has been particularly committed to serving homeless veterans. She has participated in the 3-day Stand Down Veteran event for homeless veterans for over 25 years and she oversaw the behavioral health services at the Convention Center during COVID that provided homeless veterans safety, shelter, and treatment.
Delrena Swaggerty
Senior Vice President
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Christina Pineda
Program Manager
Christina is a Navy Veteran and after serving 12 years as an Operations Specialist, Christina was honorably discharged and started working toward her goal of serving her community. Christina has 10 years of experience working in addiction both in the military and in the civilian sector. Christina completed her master’s degree in clinical counseling and began working at TURN BHS/MHS in 2020 as a therapist providing services at San Diego Center for Change to Drug Court participants. Christina is passionate about her veteran and recovery community and leading a team that serves both. Christina likes to spend her time outside of work with her husband Tim along with being an avid supporter of animal rescue groups in the community.
Christina Pineda
Program Manager
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Adrian Carstens
Director of 211 Services
Adrian has been with 211 San Diego since 2017, following a career in corporate contact center management going back to 2001. He has previously overseen contact centers providing emergency dispatch, medical, government, and commercial services and is extremely happy to now be in a role where the primary goal is to help others. Part of Adrian’s assignment at 211 San Diego is to provide administrative program support to the staff working on the Courage to Call program, with an emphasis on implementing a service delivery model that offers the highest quality of service possible to the people that reach out for help. Adrian has a lifelong appreciation and respect for those who serve in the military, instilled by his grandparents on both sides who served in WWII, and his uncle who served in Vietnam and worked at the Pentagon.
Adrian Carstens
Director of 211 Services
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Roderick Gabriel
211 Military Services Supervisor
Roderick is an OIF/OEF Army Veteran. Roderick has achieved a Master’s in Healthcare Administration and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health. Using his lived experience as a homeless Veteran while leveraging his professional experience and education, Roderick has pursued a career which offers him the opportunity to serve his fellow Veterans. With over 8 years of combined volunteer and professional experience, Roderick has inserted himself in the Veteran service community as a professional who embodies empathy and compassion in his work. As a father of 2 and a loving Husband to his wife, Jessi, Roderick spends his off time with family and friends often attending cultural events and activities which uplift his community.
Roderick Gabriel
211 Military Services Supervisor
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Case Manager
Michael Johnson
Veteran Peer Case Manager
Michael J. served 6 years in the United States Marine Corps, working as a Jet Mechanic. He learned what team work really was and he currently uses that attitude as a Veteran Peer Naviagator. He enjoys working with fellow veterans to help other veterans and active duty with issues in their lives. He is fulfilling his passion to help others at Courage to Call.
Michael Johnson
Veteran Peer Case Manager
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Veteran Counselors
Douglas Alvarado
Lead Veteran Counselor
Douglas Alberto Alvarado is an Army Veteran who served as a combat medic in southeast Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2011-2012. Douglas discharged honorably after 6 years of service and continued to pursue his passion in social work education and field work. Douglas has personal lived experience through trauma recovery in combat readjustment and military separation. Douglas is a first-generation service member from Los Angeles who is bilingual in Spanish and recently relocated to San Diego. His experience is supported with an Associate degree in Social and Behavioral Health from Santa Monica College, bachelor’s degree in social work from Arizona State University, and master’s degree from California State University Los Angeles. Douglas also has extensive professional experience providing intensive case management, treatment planning, therapeutic evidence-based mental health counselling, and crisis intervention to various populations including veterans, active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, and their families. Douglas is dedicated to serving those who have served by giving back through trauma-informed care and providing strengths-based social services at Courage to Call. Douglas enjoys time outside of work off-roading in his Bronco, training in Muay Thai boxing, as well as snowboarding during the winter season.
Douglas Alvarado
Lead Veteran Counselor
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Crystal Anderson
Veteran Counselor
Crystal Anderson is a 10 year veteran in both the US Army and US Airforce. Crystal served in the Health Service Management field. Crystal has 5 children and 6 grandchildren and 2 wonderful dogs whom she refers to as her “boys”. Crystal graduated with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix and will continue her education to obtain her Psy.D in Clinical Psychology. Crystal has extensive knowledge in helping veterans as she is coming from an in/out patient treatment facility for mental health and substance abuse.
Crystal Anderson
Veteran Counselor
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Pamela Voltin
Veteran Counselor-Intern
Pamela served 10 years in the United States Marine Corps, first as an enlisted Signals Intelligence Operator and later as a Combat Engineer Officer. She is also a spouse and caregiver to a disabled Marine veteran. She returned to school in January 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in social work from Louisiana State University. She is excited to be a member of the Courage to Call team to serve and support the military and veteran community.
Pamela Voltin
Veteran Counselor-Intern
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Arturo Garcia
Veteran Counselor-Intern
Arturo is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with twenty years of active-duty service as an Air Transportation Specialist. He was stationed at Travis AFB, Ramstein AB, JTF-B Enrique Soto Cano, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and Kuwait Intl Airport. During that, he found his passion for helping servicemembers and their families navigate life issues. Arturo is originally from San Deigo, California, and is bilingual (Spanish). In his spare time, he likes to eat at different restaurants around the city and try new coffee shops.
Arturo Garcia
Veteran Counselor-Intern
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Outreach Team
Wilford “Wil” Smith
Community Liaison
Wilford (Wil) Smith, retired Navy Chief, with more than twenty years of military service. Wil has been stationed at Weapon Station NAVMAG Lualualei HI, USS Mobile Bay, USS Cowpens, NRD Atlanta, USS Halsey, USS Nimitz, NRD San Diego and USS Ingraham. Wil enjoys utilizing his strong problem solving and decision-making skills to take on whatever problems a veteran may have. He is very enthusiastic about being a Courage to Call Outreach Specialist.
Wilford “Wil” Smith
Community Liaison
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David Barnes
Outreach Specialist
David Barnes is the son, nephew, and grandchild of military veterans. David’s grandfather served in the Navy during World War 2 where he spent most of his time in the Japanese theater. David’s father and uncle served in the Korean War and while all their service predated his birth it greatly shaped the dynamic of his family. David spent 10 years working in mental health and education before changing his career. David is excited to get back to serving the community and giving back to the VMFRG population.
David Barnes
Outreach Specialist
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Gza Larican
Family Support Partner
Gza is a US Navy veteran that served for 12 years. She dealt with ammunition in the navy. She was stationed on the USS George Washington, USS Enterprise, NAWMU-1 and USS Carl Vinson. She is passionate about helping her fellow veterans with information about their benefits.
Gza Larican
Family Support Partner
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Mateo Montell
Originally from Southeastern Ohio, Mateo came to San Diego by way of the Marine Corps in 2004. After the completion of his service as an Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman, he obtained his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, and master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University with a concentration in Exercise Science. He began his career as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist working in preventive medicine helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. As the founder and program manager for Have A Ball Project, Mateo drives the projects mission of providing healthy, sustainable, and educational resources to youth and organizations around the world. When Mateo is not working on his nonprofit, you will likely find him living an active lifestyle camping, hiking, surfing, or grappling in Jiu jitsu.
Mateo Montell
Outreach Specialist
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Administrative
Stephanie Padilla
Administrative Assistant
Stephanie is a former Marine Spouse who grew up in a military family. She’s actively involved in the community and helps local non-profits with Social Media Exposure, like the Veteran’s Art Project. She has even inputted ideas to the new Veteran’s Memorial that being built in Carlsbad, California. She connected with Courage to Call, in 2022, for Humana’s Veteran’s Health Resource Fair and has collaborated with Courage to Call since then. Fast forward to today Stephanie helps local Veterans gain insight on health options outside of the VA and assists two organizations, Courage to Call and the Veteran’s Art Project in assisting as many Veterans as possible.
Stephanie Padilla
Administrative Assistant
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Peer Specialists
Jay Antes
Military & Veteran Specialist
Jay Antes, a proud United States Army Veteran, brings a unique blend of military expertise and community dedication to his endeavors. Born and raised in the San Diego, Jay’s journey has been defined by service, education, and a profound commitment to uplifting his community.
Jay holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Fresno State, a testament to his commitment to understanding the intricacies of law and justice. This educational background serves as a foundation for his multifaceted approach to community service.
Since 2016, Jay has been actively engaged in giving back to the community that shaped him. His focus extends beyond mere involvement; it is about making a tangible impact on the lives of those around him. Jay brings experience from key organizations such as CoreCivic & Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD), channeling his efforts into providing essential resources for the community to thrive in the dynamic environment of San Diego.
Jay plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the people of San Diego have access to the necessary support systems. His work encompasses a wide range of initiatives, from aiding veterans in their transition to civilian life to assisting individuals in need through the diverse services offered by the organizations he partners with.
Jay Antes’s story is one of resilience, education, and a relentless commitment to community welfare. Through his efforts, he exemplifies the spirit of service, embodying the notion that true strength lies in the ability to uplift others.
Jay Antes
Military & Veterans Specialist
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Chanel Edmunds
Military & Veteran Specialist
Chanel is a US Navy Veteran who was honorably discharged in 2016 after working as a Master-At-Arms. After exiting the military, Chanel spent 5 years dedicating herself to advising and enrolling active duty, veterans, and their families into higher education using various VA education benefits. She has strong interpersonal skills and an affinity for serving her community. With over eight years of experience in customer service, Chanel has developed a knack for problem solving, is enthusiastic about giving back and always ready to help those who served!
Chanel Edmunds
Military & Veterans Specialist
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Guillermo Elizondo
Military & Veteran Specialist
Guillermo has served for several years in the US Navy, with a significant portion of my tenure stationed in San Diego, where I held the position of Boatswain Mate. Guillermo’s responsibilities included collaborating with small boat units on anti-piracy and force protection operations. Currently, Guillermo resides in San Diego, having grown up in Central Valley California. Guillermo became a part of Courage to Call in October 2020. Guillermo’s dedication lies in assisting and supporting military veterans and their families.
Guillermo Elizondo
Military & Veterans Specialist
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Thomas Watson
Military & Veteran Specialist
Thomas Watson III is a Marine Corps Veteran, serving 4 years in the Supply/Logistics field from 2016-2020. Thomas discharged honorably after 4 years of service to pursue a life outside of the Marine Corps with his wife. He has previously worked on MCRD San Diego, helping with the Property Accountability of all serialized equipment on the base. Thomas is incredibly passionate about helping the Veteran and Military family communities, and has always wanted to be apart of something in service of others. Thomas likes to spend time outside of work with his wife, Guiselle, often doing activities such as going to the movies and going on dinner dates. Thomas’ hobbies include Exercising, Cooking/Baking, Video Games, and playing with his two dogs.
Thomas Watson
Military & Veterans Specialist
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