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About Kind Clinic

Kind Clinic is a program of Texas Health Action

THA is a community informed non-profit organization dedicated to offering health services in a safe and supportive environment with an expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and people impacted by HIV. THA’s programs include Kind Clinic and Waterloo Counseling Center.

You Be You. We'll Be Kind.

Kind Clinic provides culturally affirming, high quality health services for LGBTQIA+ people and people impacted by HIV. Founded in 2015 by community activists and volunteers, Kind Clinic is a national leader in innovative sexual health care that offers patients access to HIV prevention medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), HIV testing and care, STI testing & treatment, intersex and gender-affirming care.  Kind Clinic has locations in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas and statewide virtual care.

At Kind Clinic, we’re here to offer you an affirming and sex-positive healthcare experience, whether in our clinics or virtually. Our support services and streamlined care make it easy to get your prescription, because your well-being and pleasure are our top priorities. 

Our Impact

Kind Clinic was created by and for the communities we serve, and we’re committed to sustaining our innovative healthcare model and pursuit of health justice for decades to come. Now serving over 25,000 Texans annually, Kind Clinic is one of the largest and most trusted providers of care for LGBTQIA+ people and those impacted by HIV in Texas.

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LEADERSHIP

Christopher
Hamilton

Chief Executive Officer

Christopher has always leaned into his passion for improving healthcare access and initiatives for the betterment of Texas residents.

This journey has led Hamilton to serve in leadership roles where he has had the opportunity to create and launch successful healthcare, education and advocacy programs for a number of organizations.

Hamilton joined Texas Health Action in 2018 as CEO and since that time has worked to grow the sexual health and mental health services offered by Texas Health Action programs, Kind Clinic and Waterloo Counseling Center. Hamilton led the expansion of Kind Clinic to physical locations in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, as well as the development of a stand-alone virtual service to provide sexual health services to people across Texas. In 2021 he led the organization through a merger with Waterloo Counseling Center to integrate behavioral health services.

Prior to Texas Health Action in 2018, Hamilton held numerous leadership positions over nine years within the Ascension Seton Healthcare system. Most recently, he served as the director of Oncology Service Line where he spearheaded the development of an oncology service line in partnership with the newly established LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin.

Outside of his day-to-day responsibilities, Hamilton has given his time and counsel to several boards including Chairing the Investment Committee of One Voice Central Texas, the City of Austin Boards and Commissions HIV Planning Council, and the Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

Dr. Matthew
Bauer

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Bauer is the Chief Medical Officer at Texas Health Action (THA), where he oversees clinical strategy and quality of care across the organization’s affirming, evidence-based health services.

Dual board-certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Bauer brings deep experience in HIV prevention and treatment, LGBTQIA+ health, primary care, and public health innovation.

Prior to joining THA, Dr. Bauer held clinical and executive leadership roles at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Cincinnati OH and an Ohio nonprofit focused on LGBTQIA+ and HIV care. In his most recent role as CMO, he launched and expanded HIV and PrEP programs, Hepatitis C treatment, and substance use services including medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). He also led efforts to secure federal Ryan White and Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) funding and partnered with the Ohio Department of Health on minority health initiatives and statewide Mpox outbreak response.

Dr. Bauer completed his medical degree at the University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, his internal medicine residency at Wright State University, and his infectious diseases fellowship at The Ohio State University.

He is dedicated to advancing equitable, patient-centered care for communities historically underserved by the healthcare system.

Megan
Brunson

Chief Operating Officer

Megan Brunson was named Chief Operating Officer of Texas Health Action in February 2019.

 

Megan’s 20 years in healthcare leadership have focused on strengthening operations across inpatient, outpatient, home health, and nonprofit settings—work that has centered on building strong teams and expanding organizations, programs, and services. She believes that access is the most important element of care, and that there should be no wrong door to enter the healthcare system. For Megan, reducing barriers is essential to ensuring people feel supported and comfortable engaging in care.

Before joining Texas Health Action, Megan served as the National Director of Operations for Amputation Prevention Centers of America, where she led the development of specialty surgical and outpatient clinic programs across the country to reduce complications and prevent amputations for patients with complex conditions like diabetes. That experience reinforced her belief that timely, accessible care is key to long-term health outcomes—a principle that continues to guide her leadership today.

Megan’s life, education, and career have followed what she calls a “warmer-weather migration,” beginning in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she grew up, then to the Seattle area, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Puget Sound. She later received her MBA from Colorado State University, spent five years in San Francisco, and ultimately settled in Austin.

Megan shares Texas Health Action’s passion for advancing health justice and is dedicated to making high-quality, affirming care accessible to all. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending lazy afternoons by the pool with her husband, Kelly. They live in Southwest Austin with their two cats, Mac and Jules.

Max
McKinney

Chief Financial Officer

Maximillian J. McKinney, a native of Jackson, MS, husband and father of three beautiful daughters.

Max is a multifaceted entrepreneur and nonprofit leader dedicated to building sustainable ventures that empower communities and inspire innovation. As the driving force behind multiple initiatives, Max has successfully bridged the worlds of business, community, and healthcare with a unique vision for growth and impact.
 
Through his fiscal leadership at multiple nonprofit organizations, Max has advanced initiatives in fiscal compliance, capacity building and quality improvement. His work ensures organizations have the financial stewardship, accountability, and resources needed to scale their missions. His ability to navigate diverse industries highlights his adaptability and forward-thinking approach to business development.
 
With a passion for financial stewardship, accounting innovation, and community service, Max hopes to continue to grow his influence across sectors-driven by a commitment to excellence, creativity, and transformative impact.
 

Juan
Benitez

Chief Advancement Officer

Juan Benitez was named the Chief Advancement Officer of Texas Health Action in January 2023. Juan oversees communications and marketing, as well as development and fundraising for THA and it’s programs across Texas.

Prior to joining Texas Health Action, he was the Communications Director for Workers Defense, a family of organizations made up of a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), PAC and Independent Expenditures Committee (Super PAC). He oversaw all messaging, earned media, social media and overall communications strategy across Texas, with a focus on labor policy and running electoral programs to elect progressive candidates across Texas.

Juan also served as the Communications & Marketing Manager for Vivent Health, leading the communications strategy for a merger with AIDS Services of Austin and supporting clinic locations in Colorado and Wisconsin, as well as all fundraising efforts.

Juan is the sitting Chair of the City of Austin’s Commission on Immigrant Affairs, first appointed by now Congressman Greg Casar and reappointed by Councilmember Jose ‘Chito’ Vela. As Chair and Commissioner, Juan advises Austin City Council, the City Manager’s office and other City Departments on policies and municipal budget expenditures, particularly in the areas of health and human services, education, and the demographic makeup of the Austin immigrant community.

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Senior Leaders

Joe
Anderson Jr.

Director of Community Engagement

Januari
Bradley, MBA, SPHR®

Director of People & Culture

David
Byers

Director of Information Technology

Erin
Dente

Director of Marketing

Shanna
Horan, LPC, LMHC

Director of Behavioral Health Services

Khalen Garcia

Director of Development

Joshua Gonzalez

Creative Director

Gilbert Hernandez

Administrative Manager

Caleb
Pfund-Smith

 

Director of Clinical Operations

Matt
Phebus

System Director of Patient Support Services

Jessica
Smeltzer, MHL,RN,CPHQ

System Director of Clinical Quality

Steven
Tamayo

Director of Community Health

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Texas Health Action Board

Board Officers

Zeus
Khan

Chair

Zeus is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over fifteen years of experience implementing a variety of digital tools and programs for hospitals and clinics in the Austin community. 

 

Originally from the east coast, he received his Bachelor of Science from Messiah University and Masters in Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s University before migrating to Austin in 2014. He began his professional career in health education/STI prevention for high-risk adolescents, eventually moving into Electronic Health Record (EHR) consulting, virtual care operations, strategic planning and marketing. 

Zeus has been devoted to improving and increasing access to healthcare in our community, working with CommUnityCare, the UT Dell Medical School, and Ascension Health. Currently, he is the Director of Digital Health at Texas Oncology. His volunteer experience includes: the Hill Country Ride for AIDS, CASA of Travis County, Meals on Wheels, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and The Austin Bulldog Rescue.

When he’s not on the hunt for Air Conditioning, Wi-fi and breakfast tacos, Zeus enjoys participating in charity runs, home renovations, community events, and spending time with his chosen family. 

Juan
Valdemoros

Vice Chair

Juan Valdemoros is a Senior Legal Counsel with more than 15 years of experience advising global technology companies on complex commercial transactions, data privacy, cybersecurity, regulatory matters, and compliance.

Juan’s work spans SaaS and technology transactions, product development, corporate governance, and cross-border matters.

Juan currently serves as Senior Legal Counsel at a leading global banking technology company, where he provides strategic legal guidance on complex commercial transactions and regulatory matters across the region. He partners with business leaders and cross-functional teams to navigate evolving legal and compliance requirements, manage risk, and support responsible growth across multiple jurisdictions.

Juan is a Texas-licensed attorney with advanced graduate education in business law, international taxation, project management, and business administration. In his free time, Juan enjoys traveling, cooking, staying active, and exploring his interests in architecture and design.

Javier
Lemus, CPA

Treasurer

Javier is a certified public accountant (CPA) and is licensed in the State of Texas.

 

Javier received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in Accounting at Texas State University.

Following college, he spent 11 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the assurance practice where he provided audit services to clients in various industries such as banking, asset management, broker dealers, employee benefit plans, and healthcare. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Javier is currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Capital Farm Credit where he supervises accounting and financial reporting, finance, treasury services and loan accounting operations. 

Javier has also been an active volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas and at Austin Rainbow Theatre. He is a die-hard college football fan and loves animals. During his spare time he likes being with his friends, playing with his dogs and enjoys theater.

Bryan
Hayes

Secretary

Brian Hayes joined Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) in January 2019 as Director of Human Resources.  DRTx is the official Protection and Advocacy Agency for Persons with Disabilities in Texas, providing legal services for clients across the State. 

Brian has more than 34 years of human resources management experience in both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Public Relations from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1995 and holds professional certifications from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). After spending most of his HR career working with manufacturing, oil and gas, and petrochemical companies as well as local government organizations, Brian had the unique opportunity to lead a premiere long-term supported care program in Galveston for residents with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

Brian’s volunteer work is extensive, serving on the Board of Directors for The HRSouthwest Conference for more than ten years, and as a general volunteer for the conference for more than fifteen years.  He moved to Montgomery, Texas in May 2023 to be closer to his two adult daughters. Brian married his best friend, Rudy, in November, and they live with their 2 fur babies, Grady and Hazel. Before moving to this area, he lived in Austin for 5 years, where he served the HR community as the Chapter President for Austin SHRM in 2021.  Prior to this Brian lived in the Clear Lake and Galveston areas of Houston and he served as Chapter President for Texas Bay Area SHRM in the Clear Lake area of Houston for four years. He was recognized as the Texas SHRM Distinguished Volunteer of the Year in October 2024, and in 2023 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Austin SHRM’s Excellence in HR awards program. 

Brian has served as Assistant State Director for TexasSHRM (Texas State HR Council) for the past 4 years.  Prior to this role, he served as District Director for District 3 for Texas SHRM, which includes Williamson County HR (WilcoHR), Austin SHRM, Brazos Valley SHRM (College Station/Bryan), Heart of Texas SHRM (Waco), Montgomery County SHRM, and HR Houston, along with CenTex SHRM. Brian has also volunteered as a mentor for AustinSHRM’s award-winning HR Mentoring Program and was recently asked to be part of the program offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Board Members

Chris
Davis

Morgan
Davis

Johnny Devora

Rich Gottbrath

Jon Jimenez

Nikelle S.
Meade

Cesar Rodriguez

Susan Word

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AWARDS

  • 2017 – The Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin “Most Innovative Medical Care” (Kind Clinic)
  • 2018 – The Texas Medical Association Foundation’s (TMAF) John P. McGovern Champion of Health Secondary Award (Kind Clinic)
  • 2019 – Texas Academy of Family Physicians’ Public Health Award presented to Kind Clinic’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Cynthia Brinson
  • 2019 – The Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin “Services Wild Card” (Kind Clinic)
  • 2020 – The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Business Awards “Health and Wellness” (Kind Clinic)
  • 2020 – Out Youth’s OUTStanding Community Partner Award (Kind Clinic)
  • 2022 – University of Texas Austin Community Partnership Award (Kind Clinic)
  • 2024 – Ceci Gratis Guardian Award Nominee by Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce (Kind Clinic)
  • 2024 – The Austin Business Journal “Best Non-Profit CEO” Nominee (Christopher Hamilton)
  • 2024 – Philanthropitch Finalist (Kind Clinic)
  • 2025 -The Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin (Kind Clinic)
  • 2026 – The Top 5 of 2026 from BusinessRate – (Kind Clinic Dallas – Oak Lawn) 

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