Remarkable Resident: Kris Yellin
For Kris Yellin, a lifelong passion for horses has become a commitment to helping people with disabilities through equine therapy.
The owner of High Ground Coffee House on Marguerite Parkway, which celebrated its fifth anniversary on August 1, also works at the Shea Center, a nonprofit organization in San Juan Capistrano that uses horses for physical, occupational and speech therapies, mental health care, personal development and other therapeutic activities.
Kris began volunteering at the Shea Center in January 2019 and became a part-time staff member in 2021. As an equine specialist, she's seen the center improve the lives of countless people, from children with Down syndrome and physical disabilities to war veterans suffering from PTSD.
One of her current clients is an 11-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. Blind and with limited speech, he has blossomed since incorporating horseback riding into his physical therapy several years ago. "He's ridden progressively more challenging horses, and he can now do so many more things on his own," says Kris. "It's really amazing to see."
Clients aren't the only ones who benefit from their involvement with the Shea Center. Volunteers and staff members also reap rewards from the center's calming, nurturing culture.
"Volunteers have shared with me how being part of the Shea Center makes them feel safe, or helped them deal with depression or the loss of a loved one," says Kris. "Volunteering there gives them purpose."
Kris grew up on Long Island, New York, riding and showing horses. A law career and raising a family kept her away from riding for many years, so working at the Shea Center has had a profound effect on her, too.
"I feel like I've always had a connection with horses," she says. "Even this morning I had to go and say goodbye to Major, one of my favorite horses who's retiring. I had to give him my love."
Sloane's Story
Lauren Spicer volunteered at the Shea Center as a young girl. When her third child, Sloane, was born with Down syndrome, instead of being fearful, she was able to celebrate and enjoy her little girl because she knew the Shea Center would be there to help.
Janelle Robinson, chief program officer at the Shea Center, calls horses "amazing pieces of equipment" that mimic the act of walking for riders. The repetitive motion of riding can help accelerate the development of muscle strength and coordination needed for independent mobility.
Sloane was mentally ready to start walking when she first came to the Shea Center, but her muscles weren't developed enough to allow it. Horseback riding did more than help her learn to walk—and soon run—it also gave her newfound confidence."
These successes are just so huge moments for everyone on our team," says her physical therapist, Matt Mitchell. "We're all very excited to see her running now."
While extremely proud of her daughter, Lauren emphasizes that people "with Down syndrome are worthy of dignity and respect, regardless of their abilities. Even if they aren't reading books when they're older, and holding a job and living independently, they're worth being celebrated."
