Gina Mendez, MSW, LCSW

Founder and Clinical Director

Gina Mendez founded Gaits to Healing to provide active Military, Veterans, First Responders, and EMS Personnel, along with their families, a compassionate and effective approach to healing through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) equine-assisted therapy and continued mental health support.

Gina began her career in addiction counseling, later working with youth involved in gangs or on probation, where she witnessed the profound connection between trauma, environment, and behavior. She went on to serve in Child Protective Services and Family Services, supporting foster youth, families in crisis, and individuals with disabilities affected by trauma. As a therapist, she has focused on trauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and suicide prevention—utilizing her years in social services and clinical practice to advocate for care that truly works.

After losing her brother to suicide, Gina became deeply committed to preventing suicide in populations that often go unseen or unsupported. Her other brother’s twenty-five-year career as a volunteer firefighter who served through 9/11 gave her firsthand insight into the toll of repeated trauma and the urgent need for comprehensive support. Witnessing the high rate of suicide among those who serve inspired Gina to create lasting, accessible care for them and their families.

Wanting to close the gaps in existing services, Gina adopted the evidence-based EAGALA Model of equine-assisted therapy, also utilized by the VA, and assembled a dedicated team of First Responders, Veterans, and passionate professionals who share her belief in this mission and use their skills and experience to help bring it to life.

Through Gaits to Healing, Gina continues her mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that active military, veterans, EMS personnel, and first responders always have a place to find connection, healing, and support.