Michele, Taylir, Cara

Shea Center volunteers serve from the heart, freely giving their time, talent, and treasure. As you read the bios of these three wonderful women, we’re sure you’ll agree they exemplify that spirit. They also warmly invite you to join them in making a difference through The Shea Center’s summer camp program.

Michele Gingras, Volunteer Services Manager

Hi there!

I joined The Shea Center in March 2021 as the Volunteer Coordinator, with no prior horse experience. By March 2022, I stepped into the role of Volunteer Services Manager and learned how to halter, tack, groom, and lead a horse. Shea truly is therapy in every sense of the word. Being part of this incredible community of staff, clients, volunteers, and our herd of horses has been nothing short of amazing. The stories I’ve heard, the triumphs, the challenges, and everything in between are what make this job so rewarding.

I’m a proud mom of two adult daughters, and I feel incredibly lucky that my eldest now works at Shea as well. I love spending time outdoors—whether it’s running, walking, or gardening—and especially enjoying peaceful walks along the beach. In my free time, I also love decorating, reading, knitting, and sharing life with my husband.

What are your favorite things to do in the summer?

If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your time, we’ve got some exciting volunteer opportunities coming up with our Summer Camps! Plus, if you volunteer for two weeks or more, you’ll receive one of our exclusive limited-edition Summer Camp hats! Interested? Reach out to the Volunteer Office, we’d love to have you join the team!

Taylir Gregory – Volunteer Services Associate

I first got involved in 2019 as a volunteer and immediately fell in love with the atmosphere—the clients, the horses, and the mission that Shea embodies. I knew early on that I wanted to grow here, and in 2020, I officially joined the team as a staff member.

I started as a Lesson Treatment Assistant (LTA) and stayed in that role for two years. Over time, I began to see just how essential our volunteers are to everything we do—and I felt called to support and grow that incredible part of our community. In 2022, I joined Michele Gingras in the Volunteer Department.

One of my favorite parts of the job is seeing our volunteers every day and watching the joy on our clients’ faces when they’re greeted by them. Getting to know each volunteer personally helps us better support their experience and growth at The Shea Center.

To help our volunteers thrive, we offer ongoing training in areas like Tack and Grooming, Bridling, and Leading. We also host continuing education sessions a couple of times a year on various topics to further enrich their knowledge and connection to our work.

And of course, there’s Summer Camp! It’s one of the most exciting times of the year—filled with horseback riding, games, and lots of laughter. We’re always looking for amazing volunteers to be part of the fun!

Cara Adams – Volunteer Services Assistant

My journey at The Shea Center began as a high school volunteer, where I spent four years working with children and horses. That experience sparked a deep love for both, which brought me back to Shea in late 2024—about halfway through my college career.

I’ve always believed that even the smallest efforts can create meaningful change. That belief is what led me to join the Volunteer Department. Watching our volunteers and clients build such genuine, meaningful relationships has changed the way I view the world. Shea is a humbling place—one where authentic connection thrives in a world that often feels rushed and superficial.

Our volunteers are truly the heart of what we do, and we’re so grateful for all they contribute. Whether it’s leading, sidewalking, cleaning a cross tie, or tending to the therapy garden, every task helps us serve our mission.

As we head into summer, we’re especially in need of volunteer support to help us deliver an unforgettable Summer Camp experience for our clients. We host two camps: Emerald Cove, held in the early morning, and our well-loved Shea Summer Camp in the late morning. Together, these camps require nearly 50 volunteers each week—and this year will be no different! If you’re interested in signing up for a week (or more!), let us know—we’d be thrilled to welcome you to our Summer Camp team!