Leading through Serving

Co-Founder &  President 

Sherri Clement is a dedicated mental health professional and the visionary co-founder of Chayah Care, a pioneering Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning center in Texas. With a passion for helping at-risk youth and their families, Sherri has devoted her career to creating innovative therapeutic interventions that harness the unique healing power of horses.

Sherri holds a Master’s degree in Social Work, graduating from Texas A&M cum laude with extensive training in trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mental Health First Aid. Her diverse therapeutic expertise allows her to tailor her approach to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring a holistic and individualized path to healing.

Co-Founder &  Interim Executive Director 

 Following her competitive career in Rodeo, Brittain transitioned her expertise into leadership development and faith-based equine therapy. She serves as the Equine Programs Director for Chayah Care and Horse Power Equine Therapy, a ministry that utilizes the therapeutic power of horses to help heal children and individuals overcoming trauma. She also frequently conducts equine assisted psychotherapy and horsemanship demonstrations and serves as a motivational speaker across Texas. 

 Honors and Hall of Fame Inductions 

• Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame: Inducted as a Women Contestant.
• Central Texas & Hill Country Rodeo Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Class of 2025. 

 Director & Treasurer

 Suzanne Bettencourt is the Program Manager of Educator Preparation in the Office of the Dean at Texas A&M University. With a distinguished career in education administration and a steadfast commitment to excellence in teacher training, Suzanne plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education by overseeing the preparation and development of new educators.  

 Suzanne’s leadership qualities contribute to the governance of Chayah, ensuring that the organization operates efficiently and ethically, adhering to high standards of practice. 

Director & Board Secretary

 
Meet Tamara, our vibrant and dedicated Board Secretary at Chayah. With a passion for community engagement and a heart for service, Tamara plays a pivotal role in coordinating our team of volunteers for projects and events, bringing people together for a worthy cause with her contagious enthusiasm. Armed with a background in project management and a knack for organization, Tamara ensures that every volunteer opportunity runs smoothly and efficiently, maximizing our impact and effectiveness in serving those in need. Her warm demeanor and natural leadership inspire others to get involved and make a difference, fostering a sense of camaraderie and purpose within our organization. Whether she's drafting agendas for board meetings, rallying volunteers for a fundraising event, or lending a helping hand wherever needed, Tamara's unwavering dedication and positive energy are truly the heartbeat of Chayah. 

Director 

 
 Crista Morris is a prominent entrepreneur, nonprofit organizer, and community leader based in the Coastal Bend area of Corpus Christi, Texas. Alongside her husband, Josiah Morris, she is widely recognized as the co-owner and operational backbone of Morin Surfboards, a highly respected custom surfboard shaping business. 

 Crista is deeply involved in local community support, Morris serves as the Outreach Specialist & Events Coordinator and is currently advocating for equine therapy in her area.

Director 

 
Ida currently serves on the Board and provides Clinical Administration: Rowe manages the backend clinical infrastructure, coordinating the intake and scheduling systems required to deliver mental health services and family therapies. 

Trauma-Informed Support: She helps orchestrate the care pipelines for individuals navigating deep trauma, severe anxiety, major depressive disorders, and human trafficking aftercare programs. 

During her Intership with Chayah, she provided Equine Therapy Coordination: Working alongside the program director, she ensures the logistical alignment of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) sessions, which pair clinical treatment with the therapeutic presence of horses.