About Us
Every successful individual knows that an achievement depends on a community working together.
Our Team
Our collective, dedicated board of directors, compassionate staff, generous donors, expert consultants, and invaluable community partners are united by a shared commitment to uplift the children of San Miguel living with special needs. We are all deeply rooted in the San Miguel community, and it is this strong connection that fuels our mission. By seamlessly combining proven nonprofit expertise, sharp business insight, and an unwavering passion for fostering positive change, we turn empathy into tangible action. Through strategic use of our diverse skills, unlimited energy, and steadfast dedication, we empower children, offer vital support to families, and ultimately strengthen the fabric of our beloved community, creating a lasting and deeply positive impact that lasts a lifetime.
Founder & President | Jean Gerber
Jean, a distinguished philanthropist and visionary entrepreneur, has designated San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, as her residence since 2002, following an illustrious career in commercial real estate across New York, Miami, and San Francisco. Her dedication to community development is exemplified through her substantial contributions to Casita Linda, a highly esteemed nonprofit organization dedicated to constructing homes for deserving families in San Miguel de Allende, where she fulfilled roles as both Executive Director and Board Member.
This unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of San Miguelenses underscores her profound philanthropic zeal and active participation in local initiatives.
A passionate equestrian, Jean recognized the significant therapeutic benefits of equine interaction for young individuals. This realization led her, in collaboration with a skilled team of equestrians, business, medical, and therapeutic science experts, to establish Equinoterapia SMA in 2023.
This initiative exemplifies her innovative approach to philanthropy, combining her personal interests with a mission to create impactful programs that serve community needs, especially in youth development and well-being. Her leadership in founding Equinoterapia SMA further solidifies her reputation as a visionary leader who transforms ideas into tangible, positive projects for the beloved San Miguel de Allende community. Jean’s transition from a successful commercial real estate professional to a dedicated philanthropist and founder of impactful organizations such as Casita Linda and Equinoterapia SMA demonstrates a profound commitment to community development and social welfare. Her strategic vision and proactive engagement have markedly enhanced the quality of life for numerous families and young individuals in the region, establishing her as a key figure within the city’s philanthropic sector.
Secretary & Vice-President | Jim Kraus
A former Advertising Creative Director with experience in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas, Mr. Jim dedicated his college summers to teaching art to developmentally disabled young adults residing in group homes. He relocated permanently to San Miguel de Allende in 2021 and now produces art within his studio in Colonia San Antonio. Having raised a child on the autism spectrum, Mr. Jim comprehends the distinctive needs of neurodiverse children and their families, as well as the importance of therapeutic services in cultivating inclusive communities where every individual is welcomed.
Treasurer | Mike Koen
Mike, with over 25 years of experience at Sears Roebuck, brings extensive success in managing expanding organizations with intricate budgets. His nonprofit service commenced in Chicago, where he participated on the Executive Committee of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) from 2003 to 2008 and has since been involved with CJESenior Life from 2004 to the present. In San Miguel, Mike provides financial expertise and support to Casita Linda, Feed the Hungry, and Ninos con Autismo—a therapeutic center he co-founded with his wife Joyce to provide testing, training, and resources to children on the Autism spectrum.
Director of Therapeutic Services & Certified Equine Therapist | Lizeth Aida Martinez Montañez
Lizeth Martínez is a highly qualified Certified Equine Therapist with extensive experience in therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy. She earned her certification through Concepto GRONAR, endorsed by FEMTE and FEM, and has completed multiple specialized training modules in hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and equine-assisted interventions. With over 12 years of experience and six years of hands-on practice at leading equine therapy centers—including her role as Lead Equine Therapist at “Yo Levanto la Mano por Ti”—Lizeth has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting a broad range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. Her approach combines science-based therapeutic techniques, horse-assisted activities, and personalized therapeutic treatment plans to foster progress and well-being. Beyond her therapeutic expertise, Lizeth is deeply committed to education and training. She has led numerous workshops to prepare volunteers, parents, and educators, ensuring a collaborative, compassionate, and safe environment for all participants. At Equinoterapia SMA, Lizeth oversees program development, therapist training, and personalized client care, helping children and families benefit from the healing connection between humans and horses. Lizeth aims for excellence, ethics, and science-based protocols to develop quality programs, maintain equine care, and support children’s growth. Her goals include promoting excellence, ethics, protocol adherence, program certification, and equine principles, contributing to Program Quality & Development. She strives to attain excellence in equine therapy education, certification, program development, quality, and child development to benefit children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Equine Therapist, Clinical Psychologist | Noor Ayub
Noor specializes in health psychology. Since 2021, she has dedicated her professional practice to equine-assisted therapy, earning certification through the Centro de Actualización del Magisterio Celaya SEG. Noor has extensive experience in both clinical and hospital settings, working with children with various special needs. She has also shared her expertise at different equine therapy centers, combining evidence-based psychological methods with the therapeutic benefits of horse-assisted interventions.
