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
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.
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
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.
Maria Strmsek arrived at SRD Straightening Reins with more than 30 years of experience in Volunteer Management both at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Santa Monica Hospital. Ms. Strmsek has a BA in Psychology from CSUN and was past chair representing the directors of volunteers at the California Hospital Association. She was on the bo
Maria Strmsek arrived at SRD Straightening Reins with more than 30 years of experience in Volunteer Management both at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Santa Monica Hospital. Ms. Strmsek has a BA in Psychology from CSUN and was past chair representing the directors of volunteers at the California Hospital Association. She was on the board of several professional groups for volunteer management and assisted with planning the annual CA Hospital Volunteer Leadership Conference. After retiring in 2018, Ms. Strmsek offered to assist SRD’s board with media outreach. She also attends community meetings related to mental health awareness and education.
In her spare time, Ms. Strmsek takes classes in watercolor painting and mixed media collage. Her love her animals keeps her busy with her two rescued dogs.
Ms. Strmsek looks forward to assisting SRD Straightening Reins in making a difference in the lives of families and teens who need support with their mental health and well-being.
Arnold came to the Santa Clarita Valley almost six years ago after he was released from Active Duty in the United States Navy. He and his partner Alexander work hard to get information to the masses through Santa Clarita Magazine and élite Magazine Interactive Media. For Arnold, mental health is no stranger. His mother has suffered lo
Arnold came to the Santa Clarita Valley almost six years ago after he was released from Active Duty in the United States Navy. He and his partner Alexander work hard to get information to the masses through Santa Clarita Magazine and élite Magazine Interactive Media. 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 and has adopted three dogs he calls his fur-babies.
A graduate from the University of Southern California, Susan is an enthusiastic and goal oriented individual with 26 years of experience implementing and managing technology solutions, facilitating business process improvements, executing change management, and achieving cost savings initiatives for her customers. As Vice President,
A graduate from the University of Southern California, Susan is an enthusiastic and goal oriented individual with 26 years of experience implementing and managing technology solutions, facilitating business process improvements, executing change management, and achieving cost savings initiatives for her customers. As Vice President, Susan directs and oversees the day to day operations of the Business and Technology Integration Department including all aspects of project management activities and process improvement opportunities within Logix Federal Credit Union.
Susan was drawn to SRD Straightening Reins when her son, Eric, began visiting the Ranch. Eric experienced the benefits of the programs at the Ranch and is currently attending college. She noted that he learned teamwork and a strong work ethic which has helped him understand the importance of making positive choices when faced with daily challenges.
Currently on the board, Susan is committed to carrying out the mission and vision of SRD and she enjoys volunteering with everyone, both young and not so young at the Ranch. A “foodie,” Susan enjoys spending her days off trying new restaurants with her husband Carlos.
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