Cody McKenzie

Nurse

Cody is a devoted husband of 19 years and a proud father of three children ranging from 18 to 4 years old. Family has always been the center of his life and the driving force behind many of the decisions he has made. In 2017, Cody and his wife made the life-changing decision to attend nursing school together. After years of working as a mechanic, he realized that while the work provided stability, it did not give him the deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment he was searching for. Nursing offered him the opportunity to serve others, make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and build a career rooted in compassion and service. Outside of his work, Cody enjoys studying stoic philosophy and applying its principles of resilience and perspective to everyday life. You can often find him cheering on his children at Bandera home games or watching for his daughter in the stands at Longhorn football games. He also finds peace in spending time outdoors and values every opportunity to be with his family, whether it’s through simple moments at home or adventures together in nature.

My Why

Becoming a nurse was more than a career choice, it was a way to give back and find deeper purpose in life. Through both personal experiences and my professional work, I have witnessed the profound impact that alcohol and drug use can have on individuals and the families who love them. Those experiences shaped my perspective and gave me a deep sense of empathy for people who are struggling, along with a strong desire to be part of the healing process. I also carry a deep respect and gratitude for our veteran community. I understand that many veterans face unique challenges related to mental health and substance use, and too often this population is underserved. Many carry invisible wounds from their service and struggle to find the support they need. As a nurse, my goal is to provide compassionate care, understanding, and encouragement to those working toward recovery. I hope not only to help treat the physical effects of addiction, but also to support individuals as they rebuild their health, regain hope, and reconnect with the people and purpose that matter most in their lives.