Our Mission / Our Team
Our Mission: To empower children with special needs through compassionate, inclusive equine therapy programs that inspire growth, confidence, and a better quality of life.
Our gentle, highly trained horses help improve balance, coordination, and self-esteem—while giving children the joy of connecting with these
remarkable animals in a peaceful, natural environment.
Founded in 2023 in San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Equinoterapia SMA, A.C. is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with special needs through the transformative power of the human–horse connection.
At EquinoTerapia SMA,
we offer equine therapy in a safe, nurturing setting where children with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges build confidence, independence, and well-being.
We’re a passionate team of board members, staff, and community partners supporting local children with special needs. Blending nonprofit and business expertise with real heart, we turn compassion into action — empowering children, supporting families, and creating lasting impact.
Jean L. Gerber
Founder & President, Equinoterapia SMA, A.C.Jean L. Gerber is a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community advocate whose career has combined business leadership with a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.
Before making San Miguel de Allende her home in 2002, Jean enjoyed a successful career in commercial real estate in New York, Miami, and San Francisco, developing the leadership, organizational, and entrepreneurial skills that would later become central to her work in the nonprofit sector.
In San Miguel de Allende, Jean served as Executive Director and Board Member of Casita Linda, an organization dedicated to providing safe, dignified homes for families living in extreme poverty.
During her years of leadership, she helped strengthen the organization and build the foundation for its
long-term sustainability.
A lifelong horsewoman, Jean has always understood the extraordinary connection that can exist between horses and people. Combining that passion with her commitment to children and families, she envisioned creating a professional equine therapy program in San Miguel de Allende that would be accessible to children with physical and neurological disabilities, regardless of their families' ability to pay.
In 2023, Jean founded Equinoterapia SMA, A.C., bringing together professionals from the equestrian, medical, therapeutic, and business communities to turn that vision into reality. Today, the organization provides equine therapy to children facing challenges including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other neurological and physical conditions.
As Founder and President, Jean continues to lead the organization's development, build community partnerships, advocate for children and families, and work toward the long-term sustainability and growth of Equinoterapia SMA.
Her career reflects a consistent belief that strong organizations, compassionate leadership, and the willingness to act can create meaningful and lasting change in a community.
Constance M. Sheehan
Board Member – Clinical and Strategic AdvisorConstance M. Sheehan, Ph.D., LCSW is a psychotherapist, consultant, and educator with more than two decades of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate complex relational and life transitions. Her work integrates relational, somatic (mind–body), and neuroscience-informed approaches to support healing, communication, and emotional well-being.
Dr. Sheehan has taught in graduate programs at institutions including Northwestern University’s Family Institute, the University of Denver, and DePaul University. She has completed advanced training through Harvard Medical School in Mind–Body Medicine and Positive Psychology and is a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher through the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.
She brings extensive clinical, academic, and consulting experience to the board of Equinoterapia SMA.
Jim Kraus
Board MemberAfter a successful career as an advertising Creative Director in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas, Jim brought his lifelong commitment to creativity and community service to San Miguel de Allende, where he has lived full-time since 2021 and works from his art studio in Colonia San Antonio.
His dedication to supporting individuals with diverse abilities began early, spending his college summers teaching art to developmentally disabled young adults living in group homes. As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Jim also brings deep, personal insight into the experiences of neurodiverse children and their families.
His perspective is shaped by both compassion and lived experience, as well as a profound belief in the importance of therapeutic programs that foster confidence, connection, and communities where every individual is valued and accepted.
Alan Rodriguez
TreasurerA Certified Public Accountant with specialized expertise in nonprofit and tax-deductible organizations, Alan brings more than a decade of experience strengthening the financial integrity and long-term sustainability of mission-driven initiatives. Throughout his career, he has guided social impact organizations in building sound financial structures, implementing transparent reporting practices, and developing responsible strategies for growth and stewardship.
As Treasurer, Alan is deeply committed to the principle that financial transparency is the foundation of trust — empowering organizations to expand their reach, strengthen donor confidence, and create lasting impact within the communities they serve. Combining technical expertise with a passion for service, he plays a vital role in ensuring the organization’s resources are managed with accountability, integrity, and care.
Noor Ayub
Director of Therapeutic Services & Certified Equine TherapistNoor Ayub is a Clinical and Health Psychologist and Certified Equine Therapist with experience in psychotherapy, equine therapy, and the development and leadership of therapeutic programs. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Tecnológico de Monterrey and completed her certification in Concepto Gronar, endorsed by FEMTE and FEM. She has also completed the AMET Equine Therapy Training Modules, further strengthening her expertise in equine-based therapeutic interventions. She also completed a professional certification in Equine Therapy through Leadership Training, with official recognition from the Mexican Ministry of Public Education (SEP).
Her clinical practice is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and informed by the principles of Relational Systemic Family Therapy. She provides individualized care for children, adolescents, and adults with and without disabilities, integrating evidence-based psychological interventions with equine therapy to promote emotional, cognitive, behavioral, social, and functional development.
Throughout her career, Noor has directed therapeutic equine programs, led multidisciplinary volunteer teams, established collaborative partnerships with healthcare and educational institutions, and contributed to the design and implementation of community-based therapeutic initiatives. Her work is guided by a commitment to ethical, evidence-informed practice and the delivery of comprehensive, person-centered care.
Hope Boland
Board MemberHope Haywood Boland has dedicated more than four decades to philanthropy, child advocacy, and community service across the United States and Canada, with a lifelong focus on supporting children, families, the arts, and therapeutic riding programs.
Throughout her years in Chicago, Jacksonville, Montreal, and California’s Santa Ynez Valley, Hope served in numerous nonprofit and advocacy roles supporting hospitals, museums, children’s organizations, and therapeutic riding programs. Her work included service with children’s hospitals, youth advocacy programs, and equine therapy organizations, as well as community initiatives focused on improving quality of life for vulnerable children and families.
Hope brings to the board a deep passion for therapeutic horsemanship, extensive nonprofit leadership experience, and a heartfelt commitment to helping others through compassionate community service.