Kate Vasquez
Executive Director & Founder
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.
Amber Wodarz-O'Hara
Program Director, CTRI & ESMHL
Amber Wodarz was first introduced to horses at the age of two years old, and has been hooked ever since. Amber grew up as a military brat, with a Dad serving in the United States Army. She has traveled and lived many places around the world including Heidelberg, Germany.
Amber has been taking riding lessons since she was seven years old. While in Germany, Amber’s main discipline of focus was dressage, which is still one of her great passions today. She also shares the same amount of love and passion that she has for horses with helping those with special needs, which has led her to Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch, where she has fallen in love with the amazing work they do there.
Amber graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Liberal and Fine Arts in Psychology. Amber has both a Certification as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) as well as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). Both certifications are through PATH Intl.
Lauren (LJ) Jimenez
Development Director & Volunteer Coordinator
LJ was born in Austin and raised in San Antonio. With a full immersive background in the Deaf culture, American Sign Language is their first language. Their love and passion for animals and the willingness to help is what led them to Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch; where they have stepped up to help with our volunteers and any potential development to help OTR succeed.
When they are not living their best life at Open T.R.A.I.L they are working as an American Sign Language Interpreter with Sorenson Communications. Offering full access to communication for Deaf individuals across the country. They will be pursuing a future in Veterinary science and Zoology which they hope to put forth those skills to Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch and animals in need, should they cross paths.
Their hobbies include: writing, singing, art, and exploring the great outdoors. Their favorite horse is Lady, and when the opportunity arises really enjoys taking a moment to say hello to ALL of the 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.
