Board Of Directors

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 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 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  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, 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.