April 15, 2025
Ms. Jes MaHarry
316 East Ojai Avenue
Ojai, CA 93023
Dear Ms. MaHarry,
On behalf of The Jacob's Ladder Group, I am reaching out to introduce you to our transformative work with children and young adults facing neurobiological challenges and specifically to share information about our innovative animal therapy program that is changing lives every day. As a longtime admirer of your work with the Sundance Jewelry line, I was deeply honored when Jacob's Ladder was chosen for Sundance Atlanta’s Day of Giving in 2020. That generous support made a meaningful difference in our programs, and I'm excited to share how we've continued to grow since then.
My Story and Our Mission
My journey with Jacob's Ladder began in 1998 when doctors diagnosed my son, Jacob, with developmental disorders and offered little hope for his future. As a mother and professional with a background in neuroscience, education, and mental health counseling, I refused to accept this prognosis. Instead, I drew upon my expertise to develop what would become the nationally accredited Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™), built upon the scientific principle of neuroplasticity – the understanding that the brain can change regardless of age, diagnosis, or level of functioning.
What started as a personal mission for me and my daughter, Aubry, to help one child has blossomed into an organization that has impacted over 6,000 children and young adults worldwide with conditions including autism, genetic syndromes, cerebral palsy, stroke, brain injury, and emotional-behavioral disorders. Our evidence-based approach has achieved remarkable outcomes, with significant improvements in cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and social engagement through the IWBMC™ .
Our Animal-Assisted Intervention Program: Circle of Hope
One of the most powerful components of our therapeutic approach is our AnimalAssisted Intervention Program, known as Circle of Hope. Our Roswell campus is home to 33 animals – from alpacas, donkeys, goats, and ponies to chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and our campus cat, Joy. These animal companions play a crucial role in our students' healing journeys.
Incorporating animal enrichment activities into a student's therapy naturally provides opportunities to build social skills, communication abilities, independence, self-regulation, and even fine and gross motor skills in a deeply
