Kate Vasquez
Founder and Executive Director
Most people take years, or even a lifetime, trying to figure out what makes them happy. This is not so for Kate Vasquez. As an Autistic individual herself, she's known since early on that she wanted to combine her love of horses with her desire to help others like her with special needs. As early as elementary school Kate enjoyed assisting with activities in the special education department rather than enjoying recess with her classmates. About that time she attended a summer bible school camp where she especially liked the horseback riding activities. Kate had found her niche -- horses and helping those with special needs.
Even at that tender age, Kate had a dream, and she set out to make it a reality. She volunteered at a Therapeutic Riding Center in TX. A valuable asset to the program, she was put on the fast track for her certification as a therapeutic riding instructor for adults and children with special needs, which she achieved soon after her high school graduation.
Majoring in psychology and minoring in special education, Kate then attended Texas A&M University San Antonio full time, but never gave up her duties at the Therapeutic Riding Center. She taught a full load of classes there and also took time to attend and take classes at PATH international's (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) conferences throughout each year.
With PATH she first became a registered therapeutic riding instructor, then a certified equine specialist in mental health and learning instructor. She was allowed into the latter program early, due to many letters of recommendation extolling her maturity and dedication to those with special needs and horses.
Towards the end of her college career it was time for Kate to continue chasing her dream, so she found and started Open T.R.A.I.L. (Therapeutic Riding Actively Improving Lives) Ranch, her own therapeutic riding center. She owns majority of all of the horses and has specifically trained them to be used in her program for therapy.
Graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2012, the ever over-achieving young lady continued accruing academic accolades. She also minored in Sign Language, and has completed and received her certification for her equine therapeutic vaulting instructor's license. Both specialties aid Kate in helping different types of children and adults with special needs. She also is a registered Mentor for PATH International, able to aid those wanting to go through the same process she did and help them achieve their dream of becoming a therapeutic riding instructor.
Lauren Jimenez (LJ)
Operations and Development Director
LJ serves as the Operations and Development Director for Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch, where they oversee organizational operations, development initiatives, volunteer engagement, communications, fundraising efforts, and strategic growth. As is often the case in the nonprofit world, they wear many hats and work across multiple areas of the organization to help ensure OTR continues to provide meaningful opportunities for participants, families, volunteers, and the community.
With an extensive leadership background and commitment to service, LJ brings a solutions-focused approach to organizational development and daily operations. They are passionate about building sustainable systems, strengthening community relationships and creating opportunities that allow both individuals and organizations to thrive. Their leadership style emphasizes collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous growth.
LJ holds a Nonprofit Management Certification and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering with a Business pathway. By combining their experience in nonprofit leadership with their growing expertise in technology and business strategy, they are committed to helping OTR embrace innovation while remaining mission-focused.
While much of their work happens behind the scenes, their passion for animals remains at the heart of everything they do. Whether working alongside the horses, spending time with the ranch animals, or finding new ways to support their care and well-being, LJ believes that every animal has something to teach us. During their downtime, you'll often find them herd bonding in the pastures, checking in with the horses, or creating a little harmless chaos with the chickens and goats. Usually with a smile on their face and a treat up their sleeve.
At their core, LJ believes growth happens when people are empowered to discover their strengths, embrace challenges, and pursue their full potential. They are proud to support Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch's mission of fostering confidence, independence, and personal growth through equine assisted services and meaningful community connections.
Evelyn Shoemake
Volunteer Coordinator and Ranch Hand
With over 18 years of combined experience across the financial industry and medical administration, she has built a career centered on supporting individuals and families through compassionate and service-driven work. In her medical administrative role, she has worked closely with children and adults facing physical, developmental, cognitive, and behavioral challenges by providing administrative support for clinics specializing in speech, physical, and occupational therapy. Her experience working with individuals with disabilities has made her a valuable resource in facilitating collaboration among patients, families, and providers while promoting clear communication and compassionate advocacy.
Her dedication for helping others extends beyond her professional career. Evelyn has also supported awareness efforts for R.I.S.E., a program serving individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, through member recruitment,ongoing engagement, and emotional support based on her own personal family experience. Additionally, she has served as a team captain and Luminaria Ceremony Chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraising events periodically over the years.
The passion and love for horses came at a young age, introduced by her father through the family horses. She developed a deep, lifelong connection to them. Following her father’s passing after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, she found comfort and purpose through volunteering for Open T.R.A.I.L Ranch. For the past four years, she has dedicated her time to supporting individuals in need while experiencing her own healing journey through the therapeutic bond between people and horses. Becoming part of the staff at OTR has allowed her to combine her two passions: helping people with disabilities and her love for horses.
Connie Clark
Grant Writer
Connie Clark is an IBM retiree and now freelances as a grant writer, editor, copywriter and journalist for San Antonio, Boerne, and Bulverde Spring Branch agencies and publications. A native Texan, Connie grew up in a small farming town north of Corpus Christi and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Sam Houston State University. Most of her adult life was spent in Houston; she moved to the Hill Country in 2006. Connie is active in the Boerne and Bulverde Spring Branch Chambers and Hill Country Women in Business. She also networks as a member of the Stone Oak Ladies Business Association and the Northside Business Association. She teaches a class on resume writing and interviewing for the Christian Job Corp.
Connie has written articles about Kate Vasquez and Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch and is excited to assist with funding this fabulous organization.