Director of Programming

Agoura Hills

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.

Senior Coordinator

Agoura Hills

Keri brings both personal and professional expertise to her role at Golden Heart Ranch. She is a Registered Nurse and a certified Developmental Disability Nurse, she is also the parent of 3 kids one of which is a wheelchair user. Keri is an animal lover with over 10 animals at home, and a primary caregiver for the animals at the Ranch. Keri is grateful to be part of this wonderful community and enjoys the special connections with the Ranchers, families, and fellow staff.

Creative Director

South Bay

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.

Program Assistant

South Bay

Annette Harney was born in Alabama but grew up in Florida. Annette moved to California 3 years ago to pursue her career. She loves working with others and giving back when she can. Annette has worked with adults with special needs for over 6 years and really enjoys doing it. On her free time she enjoys spending time with her two adult children. One of her favorite hobbies is helping her friends and family with home decorating.

Program Assistant

Agoura Hills

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.

Program Assistant

Agoura Hills

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.

Program Assistant

Agoura Hills

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.

Program Assistant

Agoura Hills

Debbie was born and raised in Los Angeles and has lived in the Triunfo-Lobo Community for 25 years. Prior to her 45-year career in television, she worked in art therapy for individuals with disabilities. She returned to her roots in 2020 when she began working at GHR bringing her art expertise with her. The Ranch holds a special place in her heart as her boys attended pre-school here when the property was Sunny Skies. Debbie enjoys yoga, walking, hiking, playing with her dog Finn, and of course the GHR community!

Program Assistant

Agoura Hills

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.

Program Assistant

Agoura Hills

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Program Assistant

Agoura Hills

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.

Program Assistant

Agoura Hills

Ashleigh received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Behavior & Social Science, and brings over 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She leads the after-school program for the Oak Park School District and joins the GHR team for seasonal camp programs. While not working, Ashleigh enjoys hiking, going to the beach, watching movies, and doing anything Disney with her three daughters.

Super Guest Star

Agoura Hills

Sara is a Chicago girl but has lived in California for many years. She has been awarded honors for her volunteerism and service to the community. Sara is enjoying her retirement spending time with her family and in her garden.

Program Assistant

Agoura Hills

Marcia began her career in her home state of Minnesota working as a camp counselor and program director for individuals with disabilities. While in college studying Deaf Education and Special Education Marcia moved to California and worked as an uncertified teacher in a private school. She spent the 80s working for Joan Rivers as both her daughter’s nanny and personal assistant. Marcia previously owned a store selling movie props and costumes as collectibles, but is now happy to be back to her original goal and passion working with the Ranchers.

Al Paca was born at Golden Heart Ranch in December of 2013. He wants everyone to know he loves kids, kicking up his hooves, learning new things and eating a good crunchy apple . Al enjoys his job as a spokespaca and looks forward to getting to know all the friends of Golden Heart Ranch.