Board Of Directors

Deborah Rocha

With a Masters in Special Education and 33 + plus years in full time teaching for the Saugus Union School District, Deborah Rocha, founder of SRD Straightening Reins, has created a great team, each with their specialties, to serve both the youth on the ranch and in the community. Recently retired, Deborah can now spend full time to further develop programs that will enhance the mission of SRD.

The fact that horses and ranch life provided an additional five years for her daughter, Samantha, to spend time with her family and friends, before she took her life, solidified the power of horses. Deborah proceeded to acquire her EAGALA certification and made a commitment to honor Samantha’s legacy by creating a Foundation that would develop a youth’s confidence through hands-on experiences with simple tasks of horse grooming and care, equine-assisted learning workshops for communication skills, private equine-assisted psychotherapy for those dealing with more severe needs, as well as workshops that help to create healthy self-care habits for parents and caregivers.

Following the mission of SRD, Deborah has committed her board to furthering the legacy of the Samantha Rocha-Dyer Straightening Reins Foundation to provide every child a safe place to find the tools for their own mental well-being.

Joseph Jauregui

Joseph, co-founder of SRD Straightening Reins, has recently joined the organization’s board, marking a significant transition to a more public role in guiding the nonprofit he helped establish over a decade ago with his Mother Deborah Rocha. In the wake of a profound family tragedy—the loss of his sister, Samantha Rocha Dyer, to suicide at the age of 15—Joseph and his mother founded SRD Straightening Reins with a mission to transform grief into a force for positive community impact.

With a background as a medic in downtown Los Angeles, where he served for seven years, Joseph brings a wealth of hands-on experience in crisis management and compassionate care. In addition to his profound contributions to healthcare, Joseph has recently ventured into the FinTech space, founding an automated internet-only startup.

At SRD Straightening Reins, Joseph currently co-facilitates group sessions at the ranch for HomeBoys Industries as well as different groups in our community and assists in co-facilitating groups on campus at junior high schools in the area.? His commitment to the organization’s vision and his unique ability to connect with participants have been pivotal in its success. As Joseph steps into his board role, he brings not only his deep personal commitment but also his diverse professional expertise to further the organization’s mission of providing emotional and mental health support to the community.

Maritza de la Cruz - Treasurer

Maritza de la Cruz has worked in the Santa Clarita Valley for over 30 years before retiring as a speech and language pathologist for the Saugus Union School District. As a passionate educator for children with special needs, Maritza focused much of her efforts on educating and supporting the mental health and well-being of children and their families. Wanting to become active in her community, she researched other means of volunteering in the area of mental health and was drawn to the vision and mission of SRD Straightening Reins.

Maritza has since become a committed volunteer and is an executive board member. She mentions that has the privilege of working with Deborah Rocha, who is a boundless force for positivity, as well as, many other passionate and dedicated community members who have supported SRD since their doors first opened. The purpose of SRD is clear and vital; to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing place for children and youth struggling with mental health concerns to find self-worth and acceptance.

Arnold Bryant- Vice President

Arnold came to the Santa Clarita Valley almost six years ago after he was released from Active Duty in the United States Navy. For Arnold, mental health is no stranger. His mother has suffered long-term depression and anxiety, but through family support and medical professionals, she is living a happy and full life.

Arnold joined the advisory board because he wants to ensure that people who have a mental illness will have another means of support, and with SRD Straightening Reins, he firmly believes this could be the best option. Arnold is an avid animal enthusiast.

Jaslynn Williams

We are excited to welcome Jaslynn Williams as the newest member of the SRD Straightening Reins Board of Directors. With a profound commitment to community service, Jaslynn brings invaluable experience in project management and donor relations, aligning perfectly with our mission focused on mental health and crisis prevention.

Currently a Major Gifts Officer at Homeboy Industries, Jaslynn manages significant donor portfolios and oversees major gift solicitation. Impressively, she has raised over seven figures in her short tenure, significantly advancing the organization’s goals. Her role also extends to co-facilitating equine therapy sessions, leveraging the therapeutic benefits of animal interaction to support mental wellness.

Jaslynn earned her Master’s in Conflict Resolution and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from PennWest California. Her academic and professional journey, marked by strategic leadership and a deep understanding of community needs, positions her as a valuable asset to our board.

We look forward to Jaslynn’s contributions and the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our community’s mental health initiatives.

This version includes her fundraising success at Homeboy Industries, underscoring her capability and aligning with the mission of SRD Straightening Reins.

Daryl Vaughn

Daryl, is a seasoned professional with an impressive dual career in technology and client relations. His 20-year tenure in the tech sector includes a significant period at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where he contributed to the pioneering Viking 1 and Viking 2 Lunar Landers that went to Mars. This experience underscores his technical acumen and innovative thinking. Additionally, Daryl honed his interpersonal skills through six years in sales, excelling in customer engagement and relationship management.

Currently, Daryl focuses his efforts on community involvement, with a particular emphasis on educational and spiritual enrichment. He plays a key role in facilitating transportation for SRD at the local schools and co-facilitates Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs at local junior high schools. Together with his wife, Dana, he is a dedicated volunteer at their local church, underscoring his commitment to community service and connection.

SRD Straightening Reins is delighted to have Daryl Vaughn join their board. His diverse background and steadfast dedication are invaluable assets to the organization, promising substantial contributions to their mission and vision.