MEET THE PAY IT FORWARD SA TEAM
BEN BROOKS
Chief Executive Officer
Ben faithfully serves as the CEO of Pay It Forward SA. He is committed to empowering individuals and being of service to his community by fostering relationships and driving positive change. Ben understands what it takes to be successful in this program because he was a client of our on-campus residential sober living program. Having overcome his own issues of homelessness and substance use disorders, he guides those he serves to improve their lives through abstinence and utilizing support systems as a way to obtain healing.
When Ben is not working, he is an active member of the local recovery community and sits on the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations.
Ben is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since June 4, 2016.
GENNY SLATER
Chief Financial Officer
Prior to joining the Pay It Forward SA team, Genny served as the San Antonio Outreach Coordinator for Oxford House Inc. where she worked closely with PIF on behalf of Oxford House residents. In her role as Chief Financial Officer, she focuses on bringing wider attention to Pay It Forward SA and developing a broad donor base, allowing Pay It Forward SA to continue to serve all who are in need of our services. She is also a woman in long term recovery from substance use and deeply understands what a vital role supportive sober living plays in helping those struggling with substance use to achieve long term recovery.
Genny is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since April 30, 2016.
JENNA SALE
Development Director
The spirit of service was a core value taught to Jenna throughout her upbringing - a lesson that has resonated deeply and shaped her path.
After earning her BA in Marketing from Texas State University, she discovered a powerful way to merge her skills with purpose. Jenna has fallen in love with San Antonio, a city that has given her so much, and it's incredibly fulfilling to now give back to this community through the vital work we do at Pay It Forward SA.
LAUREN CAMPBELL
Women's Program Manager
Lauren moved to San Antonio in 2019 to pursue a new life in recovery. After completing treatment, she moved into sober living. The structure and accountability proved to be exactly what she needed. Lauren came to work for Pay It Forward SA in 2020. “I believe in the success of sober living because I know what it’s done for my life and my recovery. I am passionate about serving those who are transitioning out of the cycle of substance use.” Lauren enjoys working closely with those who are in the sober living community.
Lauren is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since October 6, 2020.
CHRIS PERRY
Men's Program Manager
Chris is a former resident of Pay It Forward SA's sober living dorm program. After spending years in and out of homelessness, Chris committed to his recovery and is enjoying everything his new life has to offer. His extensive experience makes him the perfect choice to guide the men in our program, helping them to navigate and succeed in their own individual recovery journeys.
Outside of work Chris enjoys walking in nature (which has been instrumental in his recovery), eating good meals and fellowshipping. His biggest joy is watching his son, Devin, becoming a successful and happy young man.
Chris is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since September 30, 2020.
KARI THOMPSON
Recovery Coach
Kari is Pay It Forward SA’s Recovery Coach, walking alongside participants as they navigate the ups and downs of early recovery and rebuilding their lives. She brings deep empathy, experience, and encouragement to everyone she supports. Before stepping into this role, Kari was part of the HOPE Program staff, where she worked closely with women in treatment and built strong, lasting connections.
Prior to joining Pay It Forward SA, Kari served as a recovery coach at San Antonio Recovery Center and CHCS’s ITP Program. As someone who is herself in long-term recovery, she brings a powerful perspective and the ability to connect authentically with those she serves.
Kari is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since February 19, 2016.
ELTON JOHNS
Bridge Program Administrator
Throughout his recovery, Elton discovered faith and an altruistic sense of purpose, realizing his journey was about helping others. He became an advocate for others as a Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Coach and Mental Health Peer Specialist sharing his story and promoting resilience, compassion, and demonstrating that recovery is possible.
Elton is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since September 5, 2021.
BUNNY ROBINSON
Direct Care Staff
Bunny serves as a dedicated member of the Pay It Forward SA team, bringing compassion, insight, and lived experience to her role. Her commitment to supporting others in recovery is rooted in her own journey—one that began when she made the decision to seek help and entered treatment at Haven for Hope. she continued her path toward healing through Pay It Forward’s on-campus residential sober living program.
Having experienced firsthand the power of community, accountability, and support, Bunny is passionate about walking alongside others as they rebuild their lives. Prior to joining Pay It Forward SA, she worked for nearly five years at the Center for HealthCare Services in the same program that helped her begin her recovery.
Bunny is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since March 15, 2016.
ANGEL MAE STARR
Direct Care Staff
Angel serves as a valued member of the Direct Care team at Pay It Forward SA, where she supports women entering the same program that once changed her life. As the very first participant in the HOPE program, Angel began her recovery journey on November 22, 2022—and just two months later, she officially joined the staff.
Her experience in recovery has allowed her to restore relationships that once felt out of reach, especially with her three daughters. Angel finds purpose in helping others rediscover the joy and laughter that addiction once silenced. She is committed to offering the same support and compassion that helped her begin again.
Angel is proud to be flourishing in long-term recovery since September 3, 2022.