Our Team
Trish Lay
Board President
Trish has worked for and been involved with nonprofits for over 20 years. She has had the honor of being a part of FTLOA for over 6 years, watching it grow from a conversation in a restaurant to the magical Mustang Mission it is today. Trish grounds her experience in business with her knowledge in horses and continues to be an active advocate for FTLOA and for the horses they give a voice to that otherwise goes unheard.
These days, Trish’s involvement is more from the sidelines, helping wherever and however she is able and can lend a voice. Yet, she remains a steadfast champion to Gina, her family, and all the hard work they accomplish daily.
Trish is pictured here with Bodhi [aka Hayden], a Sand Wash Basin mustang she adopted in 2024
Lisa Trujillo
Board Vice President
Lisa Trujillo brings more than 27 years of experience in public service, communications, and nonprofit leadership, along with a lifelong connection to domestic and more recently wild horses. She currently serves in a senior communications role for the State of Colorado and has spent over 17 years working in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communications, supporting complex programs and mission-driven organizations.
In addition to her professional background, Lisa has extensive hands-on experience in equine rescue, rehabilitation, and operations. She has worked closely with mustangs and domestic horses for more than two decades, advocating for thoughtful, ethical, and horse-centered care. Her work has included supporting nonprofit operations, volunteer coordination, fundraising initiatives, outreach, and education, as well as overseeing daily care, veterinary coordination, and long-term planning for horses with diverse needs.
Lisa is drawn to For the Love of Aria because of its shared commitment to horse-first practices, valuing consent, trust, and partnership over control, and creating space for horses to be seen, heard, and respected. She believes meaningful progress in rescue and advocacy happens when leadership is grounded in integrity, clear structure, and a deep respect for the horse as a sentient being.
As Vice President, Lisa is committed to supporting the organization’s mission through strategic guidance, communications leadership, and collaborative board development, helping ensure For the Love of Aria continues to grow with clarity, purpose, and heart.
Gina Kuttrus
Founder, Executive Director
Gina, founder of For the Love of Aria, found her purpose in life rescuing and rehabilitating mustangs. A licensed nurse by trade, Gina has always had a passion for alleviating the suffering of others. When her daughter Abby was born with severe disabilities, she realized her love for serving and helping those in need would transfer into the realm of horses. Abby received the grim prognosis from doctors that she would never walk or talk. Gina, refusing to be subjected to those limits, started diving into adjunct therapies and healing modalities to give Abby the best chance possible at a happy, healthy life.
When Abby was about two years old, Gina discovered hippotherapy and their lives began to take a turn for the better. Horses proved to be the healers that Abby needed, and she began making progress in leaps and bounds. Abby is now able to halter, lead, groom, and ride horses independently. She can now make eye contact, which far exceeded anyones highest expectations for someone of her unique needs. Horses brought the entire Kuttrus family a sense of connection, resonance and understanding.
When Gina saw the power that horses had to reach Abby, she knew she had to take care of the horses that were taking care of her. She has since dedicated her life to discovering the best care for and training of horses as possible. She has studied many different healing modalities, and as 2018 came she was introduced to the world of wild horse and mustang rescue and rehabilitation. A new chapter was unfolding in her life and the mustang mission began in 2019.
Sarah Gines
Board Treasurer
Sarah’s life has always been guided by a deep connection to animals, nature, and the quiet lessons they teach us about trust, patience, and healing. She is especially passionate about horses both wild and domestic, and the powerful way they reflect resilience, gentleness, and the importance of being truly seen and heard.
She is the founder of Brumby and Bandero Give Back, an initiative created to support and advocate for the wild ones. Through this effort, all proceeds from sales are donated back to help wild horses, ensuring they continue to be protected, honored, and supported for generations to come.
Through her time working with mustangs and wildlife photography, she has learned that meaningful change doesn’t come from force, but from listening. From allowing space. From meeting others where they are and honoring their voice. These values shape not only how I work with animals, but how I show up in the world and in service to others.
“Joining the board of For the Love of Aria is an honor that aligns deeply with my heart.” She believe strongly in advocacy, community, and standing alongside families with compassion, empathy, and action and is committed to supporting the mission of this organization and helping create a space where love, awareness, and hope continue to grow.
Sarah is grateful for the opportunity to serve and to be part of something that truly makes a difference, and we are thrilled to have her join our mission.
Rebecca Gatt
Board Secretary
Rebecca has had a lifelong love affair with horses and grew up spending every moment she could at the barn. Today she runs a small farm with her family that includes 3 mustangs and 3 burros/donkeys, including FTLOA alum, Isabella. Rebecca is passionate about supporting the long-term success and wellbeing of as many equines she possibly can. She is excited to use her background in project management and experience on multiple nonprofit boards to support and promote the mission of FTLOA.
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