About Us
Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together.
Our Team
We are a dedicated group of board members, staff, and community partners working together to support San Miguel’s children with special needs. Combining nonprofit expertise, business experience, and a shared passion for making a difference, we unite compassion with action.
Through our skills, energy, and commitment, we empower children, support families, and strengthen our community—creating a lasting, positive impact.
Jean Gerber
Founder & President
After a successful commercial real estate career in New York, Miami and San Francisco, Jean has made her home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico since 2002. She served as Executive Director and Board Member of Casita Linda, a highly-respected nonprofit that builds homes for deserving families around San Miguel de Allende. A passionate horsewoman, Jean understood the power of equine therapy to transform young lives, and together with a talented team of equestrian, business and medical professionals, she founded Equinoterapia SMA in 2023.
Jim Kraus
Secretary & Vice-President
A former advertising Creative Director in Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas, Jim spent his college summers teaching art to developmentally disabled young adults living in group homes. He moved to San Miguel de Allende full-time in 2021 and creates art in his studio in colonia San Antonio. Having raised a child on the autism spectrum, Jim understands the unique needs of neuro-diverse children and their families—and the value of therapeutic services to foster loving communities where all are accepted.
Mike Koen
Treasurer
A 25+ year veteran of Sears Roebuck, Mike brings a wealth of success managing growing organizations with complex budgets. His service in the nonprofit world started in Chicago, where he served on the Executive Committee of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) from 2003 to 2008 and then CJESenior Life from 2004 to present. Here in San Miguel, Mike offers 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 offer testing, training and resources to children on the Autism spectrum.
Noor Ayub
Program Director
Equine Therapist, Clinical Psychologist
Originally from Mexico City, Noor has a specialization in health psychology.
Since 2021, she has focused her professional practice on equine-assisted therapy, earning her certification through the Centro de Actualización del Magisterio Celaya SEG.
Noor brings extensive experience from both clinical and hospital settings, having worked with children with a wide range of special needs.
She has also contributed her expertise to various equine therapy centers, combining evidence-based psychological approaches with the therapeutic benefits of horse-assisted interventions.
Lisa Attridge de Gordillo
Certified Equine Therapist
Originally from the U.K., Lisa grew up immersed in swimming and horseback riding—activities that ignited a lifelong passion for movement, wellbeing and horses.
For more than 35 years, she has dedicated her career to health and fitness, with a strong focus on physical movement, nutrition and overall wellness.
In 2001, Lisa moved to Mexico, where she met and married her husband, a fellow equine enthusiast.
In 2023, Lisa became a certified Equine-Assisted Coach, specializing in emotional growth, life transitions and empowerment coaching for adults.
She is also certified through the Asociación Mexicana de Equitación Terapéutica A.C. (AMET) as a Hippotherapist, with a specialization in working with children and youth.
Brenda Sexton
Event Coordinator
Brenda comes to Equinoterapia SMA with honed business skills and a passion for creating innovative and fun events. After successful careers in commercial real estate and film and television production in Chicago, she now leverages her success in engaging industry leaders and helps inspire others to join our community and support our mission. She and her husband have lived in San MIguel de Allende for 12 years.