Staff

David Ewell

David Ewell, Executive Director, came to SAAF in December 10, 1991. David served as the accountant for seven years before filling the position of interim and then Executive Director in 1999. David is responsible for all financial and budgetary issues of the Foundation, as well as having ultimate responsibility for human resources and policies and procedures. David programmatically oversees the nursing, administrative, dietary and adjunctive therapy programs. David is the liaison with all of SAAF’s major funders and has been an active member of Title I HIV Planning Council, the San Antonio AIDS Council and the HIV Region 8 Consortia. Prior to SAAF David was a staff accountant for 6 years at Psychological Corporation of Harcourt Brace and Company.

 

 

 

Jill Rips

Jill Rips, Deputy Executive Director, came to SAAF in November of 1999. As Assistant Director Jill has programmatic oversight, serves as Director of Development (is responsible for most of the grant writing narrative and program development), as well as general administrative duties. Jill oversees the education, case management, marketing/special events, and volunteer services programs. Jill is responsible for all programmatic/evaluative reporting to each of SAAF’s many funders.

Jill has been very involved in establishing syringe exchange as a public health intervention in San Antonio for the dual epidemics of HIV and Hepatitis C. Jill is one of two members of the Mayor’s HIV/AIDS commission. Jill has an MA in Anthropology from the New School for Social Research (NY, NY) and MPhil in Sociomedical Sciences from Columbia University (NY, NY). Prior to working at SAAF, Jill had over 10 years of experience in HIV/AIDS public health work both domestically and internationally, including the publication of articles in scholarly journals.

 

Pat Day

Pat Day, RN, Director of Nursing, originally worked with SAAF in the early years as a Hospice Nurse provider, eventually becoming a Board Member, and Chaired the Board for several years. He has returned to SAAF to assume the duties of Director of Nursing. He will oversee the residential medical program and is responsible for assessing and coordinating admissions, supervising all CNAs and LVNs, as well as managing and overseeing nursing care provided to the residents. He will also be responsible for the employee health program, infection control, employee policies and in-service training, medical donations, nursing volunteer and preceptor. He maintains a working relationship with local physicians, medical facilities, and other AIDS service organizations.

Prior to coming to SAAF, Pat has been a well known Hospice Nurse, serving the community for the last 22 years at several Hospices around town and helping educate the community about Hospice, Pain Management, HIV, and general nursing topics.
 

America Samaniego

America Samaniego, Executive Assistant began at the Foundation in 1995. America oversees all the billing and bookkeeping of the Foundation, as well as all the financial administration of the HOPWA tenant based rental assistance program. America supervises the SAAF’s receptionists and housekeeper/maintenance.
 

 

 

Jose Cervantes

Jose, Director of Case Management, joined SAAF in 2005. As Director of Case Management, Jose's primary responsibility is the coordination of case management, client advocacy and housing services to over 800 clients. Together with a dedicated staff of six, Jose is commited to ensuring clients are linked with healthcare, psychosocial and other client centered services.

Jose earned his Masters degree in Counseling, with an emphasis in Professional Mental Health Counseling, from Webster University. Jose is also a graduate of the University of Houston and is a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker with the state of Texas. Prior to coming to SAAF, Jose worked as a Social Worker/Case Manager with the South Texas Family AIDS Network, a program which provides medical care and psychosocial services to women, youth and children living with HIV/AIDS. Jose's commitment in the fight against AIDS dates back to 1999 when Jose first joined SAAF as a member of the Education Department and subsequently in Case Management.

 

Terri Davis

Terri Davis, LVN – Assistant Director of Nursing-Terri came to SAAF in September 2000. She is responsible for personnel orientation and training as well as the management of care and treatment of patients. Prior to SAAF Terri has experience in Telemetry, ER, Out Patient surgery and Internal Medicine.
 

 

Vanessa Gonzales

Vanessa came to SAAF in March of 2003. As Director of Prevention Education she is responsible for providing prevention education for Bexar and surrounding counties from schools to jails to corporate offices. Vanessa focuses on educating youth on dangers of this disease and the effects it has on young adults as they continue to account for at least half of all newly diagnosed cases of HIV.

 

Theresa Perry

Theresa Perry, Dietary Manager, came to SAAF in February of 1995. As Dietary Manager Theresa oversees a staff of 5 providing 3 hot meals a day, 365 days year. Theresa consults with the dietitian of the University Health System to review weekly menus. Theresa and her staff arrange special meals for holidays and for fun variety for clients. Prior to working at SAAF, Theresa worked for Living Centers of America.

 

Regina Villalobos

Regina, Marketing/Events Director, brings with her a vast knowledge of the coordination of special events. She oversees all integrated marketing activities including branding, public and corporate relations, viral communication, and special events. In addition she is involved in the day to day duties of fundraising and assisting with grants. Regina holds a M.A. in Media Management from Ohio University and a B.A. in Communication from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
 

 

Susan Bradley

Susan Bradley, Volunteer Coordinator, began her volunteer work a