Coastal Plains Community Center

Mary Cortez-Zavala has worked in the Mental Health field for a total of 35 years beginning as a volunteer for Rio Grande State Center Outreach (now Coastal Plains Community Center) in Kingsville, Texas in 1985. Mary graduated with an Associate Degree in Humanities from Eastern New Mexico University at Roswell before moving to Kingsville in 1983. After moving to Kingsville, Mary proceeded with obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of Psychology while continuing to volunteer with RGSC outreach, then, located in the Kleberg County Courthouse basement. Mary has served as Rehab Service Coordinator role with Nueces County Mental Health Center before coming back to Rio Grande State Center in 1990. While serving multiple rolls with this agency, Mary has seen many positive changes and growth with the name, staff, the programs and services that are provided today by Coastal Plains Community Center. Mary has served in various capacities during her tenure with this agency including Service Coordinator, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Supervisor, Assistant Clinic Supervisor for the Kingsville and Falfurrias offices. Mary currently serves as the Clinic Director for the Kleberg/Kennedy County office housed in Kingsville, Texas. Additionally, Mary oversees the Military Peer Veterans Program that serves the 9-county area and also coordinates with various agencies/entities to ensure needs are met for the population she serves.