Jeni hails from the great state of Michigan bringing with her over 15 years of experience working in the disability field. Obtaining her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Disability Studies, she is also a Certified Inclusive Fitness Training and Autism Exercise Specialist. While at the Ranch, Jeni enjoys providing new opportunities for the Ranchers and of course running the trails with the goats. You can find her curled up with a good mystery novel or exploring new areas of California in her free time. 

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Christina Lara began a 6 year career at the age of 19 working with seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. A passion for helping others and an interest in the neurology of the brain lead her to the field of special education where she has accumulated over 10 years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults with special needs.

Her educational background includes a concentration in Social Work with a focus in Art Therapy. Christina has extensive training in the Relationship Development Intervention model and the Handle with Care Behavioral Management system. In addition to her work as a private in-home interventionist, Christina has worked as an activities director and social skills consultant in a therapeutic school setting creating social programs which included cooking classes, arts and crafts, and summer camps.

Christina has a natural ability to connect to and build relationships within our special needs community. Her specialty is helping clients and families find solutions to social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Christina's reputation for success is well known throughout the South Bay and she maintains a high success rate of rehabilitation and improvement among her clients and their families.

Sydney is from Simi Valley, CA and has lived in Southern California her entire life. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science from San Diego State University. She loves working at the Ranch and having the opportunity to be involved in both Ranch Days and community outings. When Sydney is not at the Ranch, she is coaching water polo, or doing fun activities with her sister and friends.

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Kristen graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She began working in the disability field in high school as a Teacher’s Assistant and continued her career as a Director for Northern California Special Olympics. Kristen is an animal lover and fosters dogs. Golden Heart Ranch combines her two favorite passions of working with animals and individuals with disabilities. She is also certified in Early Intensive Behavior Intervention, and a Registered Behavior Technician.

Jeni hails from the great state of Michigan bringing with her over 15 years of experience working in the disability field. Obtaining her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Disability Studies, she is also a Certified Inclusive Fitness Training and Autism Exercise Specialist. While at the Ranch, Jeni enjoys providing new opportunities for the Ranchers and of course running the trails with the goats. You can find her curled up with a good mystery novel or exploring new areas of California in her free time. 

Amber is a California girl and lives in the beautiful community of Oak Park with her husband, three amazing boys, and two dogs with the longest names Superkalifragilisticexpialidocious and GremlinPrincessKyraBageera. She has over 20 years of experience working in the field of behavior and communication. Amber loves all things pink & sparkly, her morning cup of coffee, and of course working with everyone at Golden Heart Ranch.