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: M/Tu/Th Ranch Days
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.
Amber Tashman
Program Manager Seasonal Camps & Volunteers
Amber brings 20 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities through program development, implementation, behavior intervention, and community-based opportunities. As an Assistive Technology Specialist, Amber has specialized in both light-tech and high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, helping individuals build independence and meaningful connections through personalized communication supports. After years of supporting Golden Heart Ranch part time through seasonal camps, Amber joined the team full time, where she creates engaging experiences that encourage confidence, and belonging. She is especially passionate about the ranch’s animal programs and can often be found caring for the chickens, believing that connections with animals provide unique opportunities for learning, growth, and joy.
perri Armstrong
Program Manager W/F Ranch Days
Perri is from Simi Valley, CA and has spent many years working with children and individuals with disabilities in both educational and recreational settings. Before joining Golden Heart Ranch, she worked in special education, supporting students with a variety or learning, behavioral, and developmental needs. She is excited to bring her experience to GHR. When Perri is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, camping, and hanging out with her dogs.
Jenna destefano
Program Manager Gardening and Social Media
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.
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.
Mickey ryan
Program Leader
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.
Kevin Couto
Program Staff
Kevin grew up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, before relocating to California in 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and brings over six years of experience supporting individuals with autism, leanring disabilites, behavioral challenges, and otehr developmental needs across home, school, and community environments. At Golden Heart Ranch, Kevin is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences in art, exercise, and animal care activities. Outside of his professional work, Kevin enjoys listening to music, playing video games, spending time with his dog, and traveling.
chris fase
Program Staff
Growing up in Agoura Hills with a sibling with a disability, Chris has done volunteer work with the Ranch for nearly a decade since he was in middle school. Now having graduated from Emerson College with a degree in film production and a minor in health and society, he’s happy to work with the Ranch whenever he gets the opportunity, typically during the Summer Camp program. He enjoys educational outings where he’s able to engage Ranchers with his own passions for the arts and filmmaking. When not at the Ranch, he enjoys watching movies, reading comic books, writing and drawing.
Heysel Morales
Program Staff
Heysel Morales grew up in California surrounded by individuals with disabilities, including family members, which sparked her passion for inclusion and supporting others. Through volunteering and hands-on experiences, she became passionate about helping individuals feel confident, valued, and included. Heysel earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology and is continuing her education in Nutrition. She is especially interested in the connection between movement, mental well-being, and nutrition, and hopes to help Ranchers build healthy, positive relationships with food while recognizing each person’s unique needs and abilities. She is excited to be part of the Ranch community, build genuine connections, celebrate accomplishments, and support Ranchers in developing greater independence and well-being.
Tony Ruhman
Program Staff
Tony was born and raised in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from LMU he started working in the Santa Monica School District as one-on-one support for students of all abilities. He enjoys all things outdoors, playing board games and watching movies. Tony values creating an inclusive, comfortable and fun environment for all. He believes that the ranch exemplifies these values every day which leads to lasting and fulfilling memories.
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.
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.
Mia Lara
Program Staff
Mia is a dedicated support staff member at Golden Heart Ranch in the South Bay, where she has proudly served for several years. With a passion for fostering connection, independence, and joy within the community, Mia brings creativity, patience, and heart to her work every day. Beyond her role at GHR, Mia enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring new experiences that inspire her both personally and professionally. She is currently pursuing her goal of completing Culinary Arts studies, with the dream of blending her love for food with her commitment to helping others. Mia’s enthusiasm, curiosity, and care make her a valued part of the GHR community.
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
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.
MAISIE rein
Program Staff
Maisie is from Agoura Hills. She is a junior at UC Santa Barbara pursuing a major in English with a minor in Feminist Studies. She values creating welcoming environments where people feel comfortable to take risks and grow! Outside of GHR she loves to read, hike, and do improv.
Abby Tripp
Program Staff
Abby grew up in Agoura Hills and now lives in Salt Lake City, where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree. She is majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences and minoring in Special Education, with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist. Abby became involved with this community through her volunteer work with Special Olympics in both California and Utah, where she developed a passion for supporting individuals of all abilities. She loves spending her days at the ranch and looks forward to summer all year long so she can return. In her free time, Abby enjoys playing with her dogs, going on walks, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing at the beach whenever she gets the chance.
QUINN heffernan
Program Staff
Quinn is a senior at Colgate University in upstate New York where she is majoring in English with a minor in Biology. But she is still a SoCal girl through and through! She has been working with GHR for several years now and looks forward to hanging out with the Ranchers every summer! Outside of camp, Quinn enjoys biking, running, traveling, reading murder mysteries novels, and watching every period piece she can get her hands on.
Killian Burns
Program Staff
Killian was born and raised in Agoura Hills, CA and is currently living in New York city attending Pace University receiving her BFA in Commercial Dance. When she isn’t dancing, you will find Killian on the beach, reading, or getting fro-yo with her fiends. Thsi is her first summer at the Ranch and she is so excited to meet everyone and have the best time!
Ethan rosenberg
Program Staff
Ethan was born and raised in Los Angeles, spending most of his free time at his Grandma’s horse ranch in southern Illinois. While he grew up with family members with disabilities, it was his love of animals that sparked his involvement with the Ranch in 2021. While at the Ranch, he enjoys working directly with the ranchers, seeing them grow and learn new skills. He also enjoys going on community outings and animal care. When not at the Ranch, he loves to spend time with his horse, Bitsy; reading; and going on adventures.