Meet Our Team

Agoura Hills

Jeni Pierce

Program Director

Jeni hails from the great state of Michigan bringing with her over 20 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.

Sydney Hurst

Program Manager

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.

Jenna Hurst

Program Manager

Jenna was born and raised in Southern California. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from UCLA. She loves the outdoors and nature. Before working at Golden Heart Ranch she was teaching at a K-8 school. She has a passion for working with people and animals and loves adventuring into the community on our outings.

Sarah Sommer

Program Staff

Sarah was born and raised in Southern California. She enjoys being outdoors and going to the beach. She joined the GHR team in 2021 and enjoys the outings, overnights, and animals. Sarah has over 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Mickey ryan

Program Staff

Mickey grew up in a charming mill town in Massachusetts and made the move to sunny California in the summer of 2021. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Education, bringing with her over 25 years of teaching experience in public schools. Throughout her career, Mickey has worked with individuals with Autism, genetic disorders, learning disabilities, and social-emotional and behavioral challenges — always approaching her work with compassion, patience, and a genuine love for helping others thrive.

When she’s not working, you’ll find Mickey curled up with a good book, discovering new podcasts, or enjoying quality time with her family.

Pearl Castro

Communication Regulation Partner

Pearl has been a Communication Regulation Partner (CRP) specializing in augmentative and alternative communication for the past 7 years and in the autism field for over 13 years. She loves to support the non-speaking, unreliable or minimally speaking autistic community by helping them voice their inner thoughts to the world! At the Ranch, her goal is to assist the Ranchers to make deeper connections with one another and staff through communication. She loves to travel, explore new cultures, go on adventures and spend time at the beach. 

John Mcloughlin

Program Staff

 

South Bay

Christina lara

Program Director

Christina has been a dedicated part of the GHR team since 2014. She’s played a key role in developing social programs like South Bay Social Club, as well as organizing summer and overnight camps that bring the community together. Christina’s passion for working with individuals with disabilities began in 2008 at a Non Public School, where she supported elementary through high school students using Relationship Development Interventions (RDI). When she’s not creating meaningful programs, Christina loves spending time in her garden, exploring new places, cooking up something delicious, and relaxing with good music.

celina cosby

Program Staff

Celina is thrilled to be a part of the Golden Heart Ranch team! She brings over 20 years of experience in social services and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Human Services. Celina has a big heart for dogs — especially bulldogs and pugs — and loves soaking up the sunshine whenever she can. In her free time, you’ll likely find her enjoying outdoor adventures and diving into her favorite water sports.

Faith st. amant

Program Staff

Faith is excited to be part of the Golden Heart Ranch team! A recent graduate from Cal State Long Beach, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Psychology. Faith is passionate about helping others and looks forward to pursuing a career in occupational therapy, working with children, teens, and adults with Autism. Outside of work, she loves playing video games, listening to music, and hanging out with her pets.

Seasonal Camp Staff

amber tashman clements

Program Staff

 

ASHLEIGH rodriguez

Program Staff

Ashleigh holds a degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing a teaching credential, with a strong focus on social-emotional learning. With over a decade of hands-on experience supporting students in the area of Behavior Support within school districts, she brings both heart and expertise to every role she takes on.

She proudly leads Club Oak Park as Site Lead, overseeing services for nearly 150 students each day. As a parent of three neurodivergent children, she’s deeply connected to the community she serves and brings valuable personal insight to her work with diverse learners. When Ashleigh is not supporting students or studying, you’ll find her adventuring with her family. Whether it’s hiking local trails, heading to the beach, baking sweet treats, or visiting Disney and Universal.

chris fase

Program Staff

MAISIE rein

Program Staff

RICHARD navarrete

Program Staff

QUINN heffernan

Program Staff