Headway’s newest team member brings experience as a fellow veteran and life coach
Thriving hundreds of miles apart from one another, Bastion’s two Headway locations have a lot in common. Of course, they both utilize the same unique clinical model, providing individualized goal setting and occupational therapy in a group environment where veterans can develop meaningful relationships and build a supportive community together. Veterans in both cities have access to art and music therapy, adaptive yoga, field trips, cooking groups, and more. But since launching this summer, what really stands out is the compassion, creativity, and flexibility of our new Headway San Antonio team, and how that mirrors the spirit of our Bastion and Headway community here in New Orleans.
Navy veteran Chris Viveiros spotted a flyer advertising Headway while attending one of his other veteran programs – he wasn’t sure if he was eligible to participate, but was intrigued by the group dynamic and emphasis on community. Even in the expansive veteran landscape of “Military City USA,” Chris said Headway immediately proved itself to be a beacon of connection and community that he hadn’t quite found since transitioning out of the Navy.
“It’s given me a group of people that I get to hang out with and be myself for a little bit,” Chris said. “When you go to an appointment or other groups, that’s work. At Headway, there’s still therapeutic goals but they’re woven into the day naturally.”
With a skilled background in life coaching, mental health, and substance recovery, Chris quickly transitioned from a Headway participant to Headway San Antonio’s first ever Program Assistant and Adaptive Van Driver. Each week, he provides safe and reliable transportation for Headway veterans. Most days, his route includes more than just driving responsibilities – it can also involve rallying participants to help them get up and moving, a service Uber or public transportation can’t provide. Chris offers equal parts motivation and tough love to his Headway comrades in the way only a fellow veteran can.
“I can give someone a hard time when they’re running late in a way that other people can’t, because I was part of the group,” Chris said. “I think that really helps, because they know that I’m one of them and that I was in the group just a couple weeks ago before taking on this role.”
Once they’ve made it to their destination, Chris supports the veterans of Headway by recognizing when they need a helping hand. Through encouragement, thoughtful reminders, and necessary prompts, Chris aims to help veterans with planning and execution, especially those that struggle with short term or working memory.
“Especially with the veterans that I pick up, how can I help make sure that you’re ready on time? What’s the plan to help get you up on time, or some of those smaller things?,” Chris said. “It’s helping them break these things down into smaller, more manageable steps.”
Chris credits Headway San Antonio Program Manager Katie Odom and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Marina De Leon for creating a fun, inclusive environment where veterans get the resources and support they need woven into their day, providing a holistic approach to building independence and gaining new functional skills.
“It’s a great environment to be in and I’ve found that it’s given me a lot more confidence,” Chris said. “These veterans really are the highlight of my week. Everybody’s happy to be where they’re at, and it makes the rest of my week better.”
Thank you to our founding partner Wounded Warrior Project and our generous supporters at The Yeargan Foundation for funding Headway San Antonio’s new adaptive van!