Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides the vision and leadership that guide T.H.E. Center forward. As dedicated community members and passionate advocates for our mission, they ensure that every decision supports the well-being of our horses, the empowerment of our participants, and the growth of a welcoming, inclusive community.
Anakaren Bradshaw
Board Chair
Anakaren has been part of T.H.E. Center for eight years, beginning as a Development Assistant and growing to support all areas of the organization. She holds BFAs in Psychology and Theatre & Film Production, along with a minor in Education, from the University of California, Riverside.
With a long history of community involvement, including serving as Miss Hemet 2015, Anakaren currently serves as a board member as well as the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator. Outside of her volunteer work, she works as a professional actor with over ten years' experience in film, television, and commercials. A proud vegan and animal advocate, she is honored to serve an organization that promotes the power of the human–animal bond, while using her skills in photography, graphic design, and public speaking to connect with the community.
Samantha Betanzos
Treasurer
Samantha Betanzos brings a diverse background in real estate, community service, and small business leadership to the ranch. With a BA in Psychology and years of experience supervising nonprofit programs focused on community support and education, she has a deep commitment to service and empowerment. Samantha is a Hemet business owner, commissioned California Notary Public, Enrolled Agent, and Registered Legal Document Assistant. She is married with three children, ages 10, 12, and 22, and her entire family loves participating in ranch events as well as caring for the animals at T.H.E. Center, Inc. Her passion for helping others, along with her dedication to community and education, supports the mission of wellness, human-animal connections, and compassion for all.
Mindy Lanum, Ph.D
Secretary
Dr. Lanum has over 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit industry to measure program impact, implement major change initiatives, and create administrative systems and processes to effectively support an organization’s operations. In her current role she has oversight of the organization’s administrative infrastructure, project management, data analytics, compliance and privacy. Dr. Lanum provides a systems-thinking perspective to all aspects of her work with a focus on effective execution of new strategies and initiatives.
Bob Duistermars
Board Member
Bob Duistermars moved to the San Jacinto Valley in 1960 when his parents built a Dairy Farm in San Jacinto. Bob graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1969 and attended Mt. San Jacinto Community College and Redlands University. Wanting to stay in the Valley, he purchased his own dairy and operated it as J&B dairy for 20 years before selling it and taking a desk job with United Way. He was the CEO of the local United Way for 28, years retiring in 2018. He remains very active in the community and serves on several nonprofit Boards. Bob has been married to his best friend Jeanne for 53 years and they have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.