Our Stable of Professionals
Co-Founder & President
Dr. Ali Freedman
Ali Freedman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego who also completed her MBA with an interest in supporting the sustainability of social services for youth and families. Ali has worked anywhere from clinician to executive to consultant in a variety of nonprofits within the social service sector. Her belief in the importance of early intervention prompted her to complete the Advanced Infant and Preschool Mental Health Certificate. Always looking for effective ways to help and engage people, Ali became certified as an Equus Coach where people are brought together with horses to gain insight and see their patterns and potential through those unique relationships. Currently working as a consultant, she is also committed to several projects for which she volunteers. Ali has a heart for helping, especially people who have faced serious adversity and anyone in the animal kingdom!
Dr. Shannon Lerach
Co-Founder & Program Manager
Dr. Shannon has spent her professional career working for a variety of county, non-profit and charitable organizations, including Kearny Mesa Juvenile Hall, Juvenile Forensic Services, The Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady’s Children’s Hospital, and the Fred Finch Youth Center (where she met her beautiful wife, Dr. Ali). Her professional career has focused on serving the underserved and disenfranchised, and she has specialized in working with children and adolescents and their families who have experienced abuse and trauma.
After spending a year volunteering as a trauma therapist in Liberia, Dr. Shannon returned to her hometown of Solana Beach in 2012 to live and open up a private practice, where she works as a trauma-specialist working with children, adolescents, adults and families utilizing therapeutic approaches including Child-Centered Play Therapy, Attachment-based therapies, family-systems theory, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDRIA Certified), mindfulness and parental-coaching. Shannon has been practicing as a Registered Play Therapist since 2014 and spends her afternoons making arts & crafts with kids and teens while talking about big feelings in her magical playroom.
Dr. Michelle Kole
Equus Coach Master Facilitator & Military Specialist
Dr. Michelle Kole is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with 19 years of experience in the field of mental health. Michelle’s area of focus is in working with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. She is currently the Clinical Director for Helix Treatment Centers, a residential treatment center for women which focuses on using a somatic approach to treating trauma. She serves on the Board of Directors and as a subject matter expert for two nonprofits serving firefighters and veterans with PTSD. She has received extensive training in the following approaches: Psychodynamic, CBT, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and hypnosis. Michelle also is a yoga and meditation teacher and draws upon healing modalities from her spiritual practice as well. In her free time, she enjoys doing anything that involves spending time with animals, especially her two rescue dogs and three donkeys.
Renee Sievert, RN, LMFT, PCC
Equus Coach Master Facilitator & Equine Coach Manager
With over 30 years in the healthcare field, Renee Sievert specializes in consulting, teaching, and coaching in the areas of leadership and team development. She travels nationwide to facilitate Equus team-building workshops where participants have opportunities to increase self-awareness, leadership presence, communication skills, and congruence as they interact with horses. Renee’s quiet wisdom and calm energy provide a safety net that invites people to learn and grow. Renee is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and an Equus Master Facilitator. She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology and is a Registered Nurse and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Renee is also a Brené Brown Certified Daring Way and Dare to Lead Facilitator, and is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the International Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
Safia Kerr
Marketing Director
Safia Kerr's multicultural journey has shaped her unique ability to see the world through diverse lenses, infusing her marketing work for Horseplay Collective with authenticity and depth.
Leveraging extensive commercial real estate experience, Safia founded Haven Collective, crafting resonant brand narratives. Her storytelling passion extends to pro bono work with Horseplay Collective, amplifying their equine therapy mission.
With innovative spirit and belief in meaningful connection, Safia redefines marketing—not just promoting, but inspiring. Her work touches hearts, helping organizations like Horseplace Collective share their vital mission with the world.
Carolyn Kates
Advisor & Social Media Manager
Carolyn's journey in the health and wellness field has always been unique. After 25 years as a Hospice RN (MSN NP), she retired and shifted her focus from end-of-life care to a more holistic approach. Her new path was helping people live and nurturing the planet through healthy eating, farming, and spiritual care.
Carolyn's adaptability has been one of the hallmarks of her professional journey. Her ten-year career with Whole Foods Market would include eight years of marketing, where she focused on local vendors and farmers. Carolyn's thirst for knowledge and her passion for health and wellness led her to work with various organizations including Suzie's Farm, Olivewood Gardens, Wild Willow Farms, Be Wise Ranch, Cyclops Farms, Coral Tree Farms, Eco-Life Conservation, and the KidsEcoClub among others. Her work has extended to over 350 community events in the past ten years, including health seminars, cooking classes, fundraisers, and farm-to-table dinners throughout San Diego County.
Our team in action…
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Our team in action… *
