HOPE Board & Staff

Cheryl Barry is psychotherapist who has been a member of HOPE's Board of Directors since 2015. She is currently serving as Board President. 

Cheryl originally hails from Boston, MA. She is a horse owner, lover and caregiver who has been a part of the equestrian community for many years. 

While Cheryl was in college here in Florida, a woman came to one of her classes to conduct a presentation on equine-assisted therapy and the mission at HOPE. Cheryl was intrigued, and reached out to the HOPE staff for more information. 

Cheryl began to volunteer with HOPE, and become committed to supporting the mission and operation of the organization. She made it her own mission to share with others the work being done at HOPE. 

Mark Crews has been involved in the healthcare industry for 40 years.  He has served on the Board of Directors for Florida Assisted Living Association and Alachua County Elder Care.  Mark joined the HOPE Board of Directors in ????, because of the amazing work and services HOPE provides for the disabled and to veterans. 

Cathi Brown is a native Floridian who describes herself as having “an ongoing love affair with horses.” Her first spoken word was “horse”. 

While obtaining a Master of Exercise and Sport Science with a specialty in Adapted Physical Education and undergraduate courses in Animal Science with a Equine Specialty, Cathi discovered the wonders of equine-assisted therapy. Seeing firsthand how these wonderful and magical animals, the horse of course, form partnerships with the entire team and help all individuals reach their therapy goals inspired Cathi to continue her education; graduating from the University of Florida with a Master of Occupational Therapy. Cathi was able to then fulfill her dream of combining her profession and her passion. Since that time Cathi has been providing equine-assisted therapy and activities at HOPE HOrses helping PEople.

Cathi is a nationally registered and state certified Occupational Therapist, is a Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl., and is a registered therapist with the American Hippotherapy Association. Cathi has extensive experience working with children and adults with physical, developmental and mental health disabilities. She also has training in Sensory Integration, Ocular Motor Skills, Bilateral Integration and CranialSacral Therapy. 

Cathi is a co-founder of HOPE, serves on the Board of Directors and is HOPE’s volunteer Director of Therapy and Adaptive Programs. Cathi’s desire to help others and a long time love of horses continues to fuel her commitment to HOPE to provide high quality services and excellence in programming and have a lot of fun and laughter!

Leona has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations. Not only is she a member of the board, but she also manages HOPE's website and social media accounts. 

HOPE's board members are an integral part of our organization, helping us make the decisions that ensure we can continue providing life-changing services to our community

This could be you! Join the HOPE Horses Helping People Board of Directors and make a difference in someone's life.