Texas Clinical Team

Dr. John Dyben

DHSc, MCAP, CMHP – Chief Clinical Officer

In his role as Chief Clinical Officer, John provides supervisory and clinical oversight to all of Origins Behavioral HealthCare’s programs. John continually builds upon his academic expertise through research and nationwide speaking engagements on addiction, spirituality, and related topics.

John’s academic training includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Conflict Management, a Master of Science in Management, a Doctor of Health Science, and postgraduate studies in psychology, philosophy, and religion. John is a Master Certified Addictions Professional and a Certified Mental Health Professional in the State of Florida. He is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Substance Abuse Professional meeting all Federal DOT qualifications. John is a musician, writer, and a private pilot, and he enjoys spending time with his family.

Scott Vandenburg

MA, MBA, LPC, LCDC – Executive Director

Scott has been a dedicated member of the Origins team since 2014, and in his current role, oversees all programs in South Padre Island. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, a Certified Anger Resolution Therapist, and a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Scott is passionate about both 12-Step philosophies and the treatment model of Origins, as these principles have been an integral part of his personal recovery from addiction and alcoholism.

From Boise State University, Scott holds both a bachelor’s in sociology and an MBA. From Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies, he holds a master’s in addiction studies. Working in treatment is a departure from his previous career. Still, Scott is convinced that helping others recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body is his ultimate purpose in life.

Dr. Geri Richardson

M.D. – MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Richardson is the Medical Director for Origins Recovery Center. Dr. Richardson is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology who has been in practice for over 25 years. After earning her undergraduate degree in Biology from Rice University, Dr. Richardson achieved her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Southwestern. Her adult residency and child fellowship were completed at Timberlawn Psychiatric Hospital. Prior to joining the Origins family, she most recently served as Medical Director of Behavioral Health for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, HCSC. Dr. Richardson has had the distinction of being a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 1995.

David Tejeda

LPC – Clinical Director

As a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in diverse therapeutic services, case management, and psychoeducational teaching, David Tejeda has specialized expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), substance abuse, and family counseling services, including the creation of didactic and experiential psychoeducation. David received both his bachelor’s in psychology and his Master of Education in counseling and guidance from the University of Texas at Brownsville. He is a skilled and knowledgeable speaker who has taught graduate-level courses in addiction counseling at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Prior to his current role, David started in 2014 as a primary counselor for Origins, then served as Family Services Director on South Padre Island. As Clinical Director, he oversees all clinical operations and teams at our South Padre Island locations, including the development and implementation of therapeutic groups and services for our patients and their families.

Joshua L. Love

MA, MDIV, LCDC, ACPE – Director of Family Services and spiritual care professional

Before Origins, Joshua had an extensive career in human services for nonprofits, public health, and faith-based organizations. His work focused on addiction, disability support, and marginalized identities through education, prevention, and support. Joshua completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health and a Master of Divinity with a clinical pastoral residency in San Francisco, working with marginalized populations. He was the director of a global HIV/AIDS ministry and addiction education program. Joshua authored a text and workshop curriculum used in U.S. and international faith communities for family and individual support. He completed training to become a Structured Family Recovery® counselor, as well as completed training in psychodrama and narrative exposure therapy. Joshua developed the Family Path for Origins, a video series supporting family members through addiction education and engagement for family healing. He is experienced in providing clinical support to families in person and through telehealth services. Joshua strives to provide families with an opportunity to return to a sense of belonging and hope and is committed to helping families find paths for healing and restoration.

Alexandra Brotzman

APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with extensive experience in dual diagnoses associated with substance use and psychiatric medicine, Alexandra Brotzman has been part of the Origins family since 2011. She initially served as a Nurse Manager prior to assuming her current role in 2015 as Family Nurse Practitioner in residential care. She provides a broad range of advanced practice nursing services including holistic evaluation, diagnosis, and management of both acute and chronic medical conditions and says its especially rewarding to see the entire process of change occur in our patients from admission to discharge. In 2020, Alexandra returned to school and is now board certified as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She’s an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Mayflower Society, and Daughters of the American Revolution. Outside of work she stays busy with offshore fishing tournaments and traveling as much as possible.

Karla Romero

LVN – HEALTH SERVICES MANAGER

As a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Karla Romero has provided exceptional nursing support for Origins Recovery Center and Hannah’s House residential patients undergoing drug and alcohol detoxification since September 2011 before moving into her new role as Health Services Manager. Additionally, she has worked with pediatric patients and those with arthritis and osteoporosis. Karla graduated in 2016 from Texas Southmost College in Brownsville with her Associate Degree in Nursing after receiving her LVN from Texas State Technical College in Harlingen in 2011 and completing the Medical Assistant Program at Career Centers Brownsville in 2007.

Ira Slaid

DIRECTOR OF RECOVERY CARE

Ira started working with Origins in 2017 as an on-call driver. He next served as a Recovery Advocate, Recovery Advocate Supervisor, and Recovery Advocate Manager before moving into the Director of Recovery Care position in August 2022. Ira attended Alvin Community College (2001) and the University of Texas at Brownsville (2002-2004). He has successfully convinced patients to remain in treatment while adequately presenting the 12-Steps. Ira enjoys supporting Recovery Advocates to offer accountability and consistency, helping to maintain a safe environment for patients physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Meghan Brooks

Director of Admissions

Meghan started working with Origins in 2016 as an Admissions Specialist, seven years after beginning her own personal journey as a Hanley Center patient. With a firsthand understanding of the unique struggles that patients and their families endure prior to reaching out for help, Meghan knows that the initial phone call can potentially shape an individual’s outlook and willingness to seek and sustain treatment. Meghan received her bachelor’s in marketing from the University of Central Florida. She loves working in the recovery community, especially when she can assist other women to get the expert help they need. She is grateful for the opportunity to lead a talented Origins team that is on the front lines of healing in a company fully dedicated to advancements in treatment.