Kathy Strong
Executive Director

Kathy has been a part of Nacogdoches Treatment Center since it began in 1972. Her mother was the Center's first executive director. When she retired in 1996, Kathy took over the position, but it wasn't a straight path to the job. Raised to be a person of service, Kathy received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1980. She was a special education teacher for six years before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her two children. The urge to serve came calling, though, and soon Kathy was hired as Executive Director of an apartment complex for adults with disabilities. With news of her mother's retirement, the Treatment Center's board asked Kathy to apply for the vacant position. She was hired in December of 1996 and the next month, the Alzheimer’s Day Activity Program began.

Kathy's love for the program continues to echo through her every day. She says of the work, "What we do everyday matters to those who need us. We get to provide a safe, loving and stimulating environment for individuals with dementia. They live in a world of confusion, uncertainty and frustration. It is such a wonderful feeling to see them have a group to belong too, people that become friends and to watch them do activities and feel successful! I believe we all need a group to belong to and somewhere where we feel that we have self-worth. That’s what we provide here at NTC."

Kathy and her high school sweetheart, Terry, have been married since 1979. They have two children, Lindsey and Aaron, and four precious grandchildren. Kathy is a member of numerous organizations and committees that focus on those with disabilities, and she is continually searching for programs and services that will better the lives of caregivers and clients. Her door is always open and her phone always on!

Sandy Fortenberry
Activities Assistant

Sandy is a Nationally-Certified Activity Directory with 33 years of experience under her belt, most of which has come at Nacogdoches Treatment Center. Sandy's experience begins in Lufkin where she first volunteered at a local nursing home. It didn't take her long to join the staff and soon, she was attending Angelina College and obtaining her certificate for activity director. Sandy grabbed every opportunity to train as a dementia specialist, work that paid off when she was asked to start an Alzheimer's unit at Sunrise Healthcare. Her next step was assembling a training manual for the local Alzheimer's Association chapter to teach local caregivers and facilities the best possible way to provide care to those with dementia. The work was rewarding, yet Sandy missed interacting with the people she so dearly loved. She returned to the nursing home, but God quickly made new plans for her. When an opportunity to run the activity program at Nacogdoches Treatment Center came knocking in 2000, Sandy jumped at the chance.

Sandy served as Center's Program Director until 2024 when she stepped down from that role. She maintains her involvement though, serving as Activities Assistant. Her goal is to make each day fun but more importantly, to allow the Center's clients to be who they are, right now. The smiles, laughs and conversations that come from each day have led to decades worth of memories. Some of the fondest ones come during the annual Christmas Bazaar. "Our annual fundraiser is like a family reunion. Families we have helped over the years come, and we talk about all the good memories we had together."

An Army brat by birth, Sandy has lived in many places, including Germany as a child. The Pineywoods of East Texas, though, are where Sandy and her husband, Teddy, have called home since 1988. They share two children, Sharesa and Teddy II, as well as two pups: Maggie, a beautiful and cuddly yellow lab, and Rosco, a bouncy rescue. Sandy teaches Sunday school at Stallings Drive Church of Christ. She also sings all over the Nacogdoches-Lufkin area with two a cappella groups, the Heart of the Pines Barbershop Chorus and Brick Street Harmony Quartet.

Alexis Strong
Co-Program Director

Alexis Strong is the Co-Program Director for the Day Activity Program at Nacogdoches Treatment Center. She holds certifications as an Activity Director and Dementia Care Practitioner. She is from Garrison, Texas, where Alex resides in her grandparents' home with her husband Aaron and their two sons.

Her career in geriatric care commenced in 2010 as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), motivating her to pursue further opportunities in healthcare. Alex has gained extensive experience working in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and doctor's offices, developing valuable skills for supporting dementia patients and their families.

In 2022, Alex joined the Nacogdoches Treatment Center as an Activity Aide and was subsequently promoted to Co-Program Director in 2024. She is dedicated to enhancing clients' well-being by facilitating activities that bring joy, camaraderie, and self-esteem. Alex ensures caregivers feel confident that their loved ones are treated with love, respect, and dignity, and she focuses on providing meaningful activities tailored to clients' strengths. Her vibrant personality fosters an environment of enjoyment and engagement.

Alex is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, beach combing, and spending time with her family and four dogs. Additionally, she serves as a Sunday School teacher at Cold Springs Baptist Church.

Glenda Madden
Co-Program Director

Glenda Madden is a Co-Director of our Day Activity Program for individuals with dementia.  She began her employment with us in April 2023.

Glenda's journey in caregiving is a testament to her unwavering dedication and love for her work. In her role, Glenda brings a unique blend of warmth, expertise, and creativity to the program. Her background as a Certified Activity Director and over 20 years of experience in elder care have equipped her with the skills to navigate the complexities of dementia care while maintaining a deeply compassionate approach. She provides a nurturing an empathetic connection with those under her care. Her professional path reflects a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors

Glenda's passion for enhancing the lives of individuals with dementia is evident in her dedication to creating meaningful and engaging activities. She believes that every individual deserves opportunities for connection, joy, and purpose, regardless of their cognitive challenges. Her commitment to her work has made a profound impact not only on the participants of the program but also on their families, who often express gratitude for the care and compassion their loved ones receive.

She is from Douglass, TX. She is married to her husband, Charo, and they have three children and two grandchildren.

Louis Sandoval
Activities Assistant

Louis Sandoval is a biology major at Stephen F. Austin State University with a passion for healthcare and a heart for helping others. He currently works as an Activity Aide, where he gets to create fun, engaging, and meaningful experiences for our clients. He also holds a Dementia Care Practitioner certificate, which has helped him better understand how to support those navigating memory loss with compassion, patience, and creativity.

One of the highlights of the week is when he brings his dog, Nova, to work on Fridays. She’s a calm, lovable companion who’s always ready to spread joy—and maybe sneak a few treats. She’s just as much a part of the team as he is, and the clients absolutely adore her.

Outside of work and school, Louis is a big fan of the outdoors, science, and telling the kind of cheesy dad jokes that make people groan and laugh at the same time. (What do you call an alligator in a vest? An investigator!) Whether he is studying, working, or just making someone smile, he always aims to lead with kindness, curiosity, and a sense of humor.

Kalkidan Abate
Activities Assistant

Kalkidan Abate is a student at Stephen F. Austin State University where she is majoring in Kinesiology. Her academic focus is centered around understanding the human body, health, and movement, which directly supports her passion for working in healthcare and rehabilitation settings. Kalkidan says she is truly grateful to have found a job at the Nacogdoches Treatment Center, calling it a blessing in my life. She says, "Being part of a team that genuinely cares for others has given me purpose and joy, and every day I’m reminded why I’m passionate about working in healthcare. I believe that God led me to this opportunity at just the right time, and I’m thankful for His guidance in placing me in a role where I can learn, grow, and make a difference in the lives of others."

Before joining the treatment center, Kalkidan had the opportunity to work at Hoover Oaks Memory Care and Assisted Living in Sugar Land, Texas. That experience gave her a deeper appreciation for serving the elderly community. She found it incredibly rewarding to assist residents with compassion, patience, and respect, and it strengthened her commitment to working in environments that support wellness and dignity. Kalkidan says she truly enjoys working with elderly individuals and believes in providing care that makes a meaningful difference in their daily lives. It brings her joy to be part of a team that prioritizes both physical and emotional well-being, and she's proud to contribute to the care and recovery of those we serve.