Meet MAC's Staff

Executive Director & Physical Therapist
Kathleen A. Hinderer, PhD, MPT, PT (Kathy)

Dr. Kathy Hinderer has more than 25 years of experience as a physical therapist and has considerable clinical experience treating a broad spectrum of disabilities across the lifespan. She obtained her BS degree in physical therapy from the University of Michigan, her Masters of physical therapy (MPT) and MS degrees from the University of Washington, and her PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan in the Center for Human Motor Research. She completed a fellowship in developmental disabilities and is certified in neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and sensory integration (SI). She has conducted several research studies and has co-authored professional publications, including four chapters in leading rehabilitation textbooks. She has served in a leadership capacity for several local and national organizations and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), and American Hippotherapy Association (AHA).

MAC Program Director
Debora A. Blake, J.D.

Debora Blake, J.D. has training in both PATH Intl. and EAGALA approaches to provide adapted riding and equine facilitated learning for special needs and at-risk youth populations, which complements her life-long passion for working with horses, individuals with special needs, and at-risk youth. She has extensive experience working with and advocating for individuals with special needs and at-risk youth. She has developed and implemented program for educational environments, diversion programs, treatment facilities, and at-risk youth interventions. She has served individuals with disabilities and at-risk youth in various capacities throughout her professional career as a children & juvenile law attorney, administrative law judge, special education hearing officer, and currently as educational advocate & consultant through ACCESS Education (www.accesseducationmi.com). She is a parent of eight children; four adopted with special needs. In addition, she has served as a therapeutic treatment level foster parent for 30 children, many of whom have benefited from equine assisted therapy and learning approaches. She has also been very involved with 4-H over the years, including inclusive programs.

PATH Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Social Worker
Roberta Hirshon, MSW

Roberta has more than 25 years of experience as a social worker and a life-long passion for riding and showing horses. As a social worker, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults who have had a wide variety of mental health impairments and challenges, including autism, traumatic brain injuries, stress induced disorders, substance abuse & addictions, foster care, and family issues. Prior to coming to MAC, she directed the equine facilitated psychotherapy program at Forward Stride Therapeutic Riding Center in Oregon. She teaches part time at MAC and is a part time clinical faculty member in Social Work at the University of Michigan.

PATH Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Abilities Coach
Laura Strader

Laura is a PATH Intl. Therapeutic Riding Instructor who has experience working with special needs populations. She has over 15 years of experience riding, showing, and caring for horses. Her riding and showing exerience includes dressage, hunt seat,jumping, eventing, and gymkhana. She has been active in 4H and FFA and has assisted with an equestrian program at a Girl Scout Camp. In addition, she is enrolled in the veterinary tech program at Baker College.

Technology Director & Abilities Coach
Gary Evans

Gary grew up on a farm with horses and has a great breadth of experience, including technology, agriculture, and construction. Gary has considerable experience with IT security, network support, desktop and user support. He advises and provides technology support at MAC part time and is a Computer Systems Specialist in the University of Michigan Technology Services Department. He also had considerable experience in the building trades and is a very skilled mason.