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.
Samantha Betanzos
Board Chair
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.
Susan Weeks
Treasurer
Susan has been part of the San Jacinto Valley since kindergarten, having moved from the Chicago area. A graduate of Hemet High School, Susan also attended classes at Mt. San Jacinto College and UCLA. Susan has two grown children and four grandchildren. With over 40 years of experience working with company finances and more than 28 years in the nonprofit sector, Susan retired after 18 years with Central County United Way. Susan is passionate about giving back to the community and remains deeply committed to service.
Anakaren Bradshaw
Secretary
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.
Mindy Lanum, Ph.D
Board Member
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.
Vicki Lynch
Board Member
Vicki Lynch has been a proud member of the San Jacinto Valley community since 1995, when she moved to the area and married her husband and best friend, Ray. After two decades in the retail industry, Vicki stepped away from her career to focus on raising their three children. When their youngest was diagnosed with autism at age two, Vicki’s life took on new meaning, marking the beginning of her passionate advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Over the years, Vicki has facilitated support groups for parents of children with special needs, providing a space for connection, understanding, and shared strength. Though health challenges have shifted how she shows up in this work, her heart remains firmly rooted in serving the disability community