Board Members

Artemio and Shauna Ortiz, AiA Co-founders

Artemio Ortiz, Ordained Minister, holds a Doctorate Degree in Theology and has worked with people who have Mental Health issues and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for over 40 years. He also served in the Children’s program at Iglesia Del Pueblo in Palmview, TX, for 16 years. He currently serves as the Lead Minister of the AiA Ministry.

Shauna Ortiz, Ordained Minister, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has worked with people who have Mental Health issues and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities since 1992. She also assisted her husband in teaching in the Children’s program at Iglesia Del Pueblo in Palm view, TX, for 16 years. She currently serves as the Vice-President and Co-Minister of the AiA Board.

Ruth Marquez, AiA President

Ruth Marquez, Ordained Minister, has a 30 year history in marketing and advertising. She has preached in churches all over Texas and Mexico, in both Spanish and English, for the past 40 years. Mrs. Marquez is also a JMT certified life coach with the John Maxwell Team. She is an active member in her home church, Vital Church, in McAllen, TX. Mrs. Marquez serves as the President of the AiA Board.

Laura Chong, AiA Secretary

Laura Chong, Licensed Professional Counselor, has worked as a Mental Health Supervisor for over 15 years and is Assistant Director of the Children’s Maranatha Adventureros Club at Central Del Valle Seven Day Adventist Church in McAllen, TX. She currently serves as the Secretary of the AiA Board.

Jaime Flores, AiA Treasurer

Jaime Flores, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has worked in the field of Mental Health for over 40 years. He is an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Harlingen and currently serves as the Treasurer of the AiA Board.

Jeanie Diaz, AiA Board Member

Jeanie Diaz, has owned and managed a popular restaurant in Harlingen, TX, alongside her husband, since 2001. In the past, Mrs. Diaz also worked as a Community in Schools Coordinator. She is a Christian and currently serves as an AiA Board Member.

Leti Pereira, AiA Board Member

Leti Pereira has been a Community in Schools Coordinator for the past decade and serves as the Board President at her local church, First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in McAllen, TX. She currently serves as an AiA Board Member.