Laura Perez, former executive director of the Special Needs Support Center in White River Junction, has joined MoonRise Therapeutics, an equine-assisted mental health therapy center in Taftsville, as operations director.
Perez will join center founder and Farm Director DJ Jesser and Clinical and Program Director Ben Fox, who recently moved to a full-time role, on MoonRise's new executive leadership team. This new shared leadership model will allow the co-directors to focus on specific areas of expertise while collectively steering MRT towards a strong and sustainable future.
“MoonRise is fortunate to have Laura’s wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector coupled with DJ and Ben’s heart-led therapeutic leadership skills,” said board chair Dianne Hinaris. “All three bring so much to the organization in their new leadership roles, allowing for MoonRise Therapeutics to continue providing outstanding care to our community.”
With more than 15 years of community organization experience, Perez has dedicated her career to creating a safer, happier and healthier place for us all to live, play and work. She is a graduate of Union Institute and University in Cincinnati and holds an MBA, with a focus on strategic organizational leadership, from Norwich University.
Fox, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, becomes the center's first full-time clinician. He has over 15 years' experience as a therapist in the community.
Jesser has served as MoonRise's executive director since 2018. She is pleased to now share ownership and responsibility of running the small nonprofit organization.