The Agape Center
       Peer Recovery in Motion
                 



The Agape Center Staff

Executive Director: Tony Foster, M.Ed.
Biography:   Tony Foster received his Master’s in Educational Counseling at Sul Ross State University in 2002. Tony has been involved with mental health service provision for 20 years. Tony joined the staff of Amarillo Area Mental Health Consumers in 2006 as a peer group facilitator and van driver. Tony became the Executive Director in 2010, and he currently presides over the budget, encourages and supervises staff, evaluates success of the program through outcome measures, teaches the education groups, and serves as a public representative for the agency. Tony is an accomplished mental health advocate and has written articles on recovery and stigma that have been published in psychology journals such as Europe’s Journal of Psychology and Schizophrenia magazine. Tony's personal hobbies include mathematics, coin collecting, writing, mountain hiking, and weight training.

Center Director: Aleshia Cardenas
Biography:   Aleshia Cardenas has been a member of the Agape Center team since 2023, when she began serving as a Progress Note Assistant, and she was promoted to Center Director in 2025. Aleshia is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Walden University, where she is expanding her knowledge and skills to better serve individuals and families within the community. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, recovery-oriented environment where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and hope.Drawing from her own lived experience with complex PTSD and mental health recovery, Aleshia believes that healing is possible and that peer support has the power to change lives. She is committed to fostering an inclusive community where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered to achieve their personal goals.

Shuttle bus Driver: Teresa Gallagher
Biography:  Teresa Gallagher has been the shuttle bus driver for the Agape Center for 3 years. Previously she worked as a cook for Market Street, and she was employed as security personnel for Faith City Mission. Teresa has a long history of service as Shelter Manager for Martha's Home, and she was instrumental as a peer mentor for Patsy's Place and Downtown Women's Center. Teresa loves working with people. She moved to Amarillo 25 years ago to get get clean and sober. She thanks the Lord, Downtown Women's Center, Martha's Home, and the Agape Center for providing a space for people to grow. Teresa's motto is "One day at a time."

Peer Support Specialist Lead Volunteer: Joyce Castillo
Biography:   Joyce Castillo serves as the Lead Volunteer at the Agape Center in Amarillo and is passionate about helping others find hope, healing, and purpose. She holds certifications as a Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (MHPS) and Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS), using both her training and personal experience to encourage and support those facing life’s challenges. As a person in recovery, Joyce is committed to maintaining her sobriety and believes that lasting change is possible through perseverance, support, and faith. Her faith is a guiding force in her life and inspires her commitment to serving others with compassion and understanding. Joyce enjoys helping individuals access resources and achieve their goals while building a stronger, healthier future.

Progress Note Assistant - Avery Barrick
Art Teacher - Aaron Taylor
Yoga Instructor - Margie Netherton
Love in Action Store Manager - Malaki Ivery
Lead volunteer and Peer Suppport Specialist - Joyce Castillo