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Our team

Meet our team of educators and land stewards

List of Team Members

  • Emily Fuentes

    Director of Education & Programming

    She/Her/Hers

    Emily has been exploring, building, planting, and evolving at Sienna Ranch since 2018. With a robust background in gardening, woodworking, and early childhood education, she…

    Emily Fuentes

    Director of Education & Programming

    She/Her/Hers

    Emily has been exploring, building, planting, and evolving at Sienna Ranch since 2018. With a robust background in gardening, woodworking, and early childhood education, she brings a diverse set of skills and passions to her role. Her journey in environmental education began at UC Santa Cruz, where she discovered her love for teaching outside the traditional classroom setting. As a certified California Naturalist, Emily is dedicated to weaving play, ecology, and art into everyday learning. Her enthusiasm extends to the teen apprenticeship program, where she is excited to mentor and support young learners in their growth and creativity. Additionally, Emily serves as a mentor for the Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP) through AEOE. She is thrilled to continue contributing to the Sienna Ranch community and looks forward to the opportunities to learn and grow alongside her colleagues and students.

  • Sarah David

    Business & Sales Manager

    She/Her/Hers

    Sarah’s journey to Sienna Ranch began when her family moved from England to the Bay Area in 2007. Growing up in Kent, Sarah cherished a…

    Sarah David

    Business & Sales Manager

    She/Her/Hers

    Sarah’s journey to Sienna Ranch began when her family moved from England to the Bay Area in 2007. Growing up in Kent, Sarah cherished a free-range childhood that fostered her love for nature — a passion she shared with her children. She enrolled all three in Sienna Ranch classes in their elementary school years. Sarah has supported young learners as a classroom aide at Springhill Elementary and worked in operations management, overseeing food services at Mills College and LinkedIn. She holds a degree in Business & Marketing from Oxford Brookes University and studied Fashion & Illustration at Croydon College of Art & Design. Sarah is excited to combine her professional expertise with her passion for outdoor education at Sienna Ranch, creating meaningful experiences for young learners. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her young adult children, taking road trips, and hiking.

  • Courtney Zimmerman

    Animal Care & Communications Manager

    A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Courtney grew up surrounded by animals. She attended the University of Kentucky, earning her B.S. in Equine Science & Management.…

    Courtney Zimmerman

    Animal Care & Communications Manager

    A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Courtney grew up surrounded by animals. She attended the University of Kentucky, earning her B.S. in Equine Science & Management. Upon graduation, she worked at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden while simultaneously earning her M.A. in Communication and her M.A. in Zoology. In 2014 she made the move to San Francisco, working at the San Francisco Zoo and then UC Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center in Half Moon Bay. She started at Sienna Ranch in 2020, honing her skills in goat breeding & kidding, land management, and horseback riding instruction. Courtney loves mentoring the next generation of animal enthusiasts among both the students and animal care staff. In her free time, she plays competitive women’s soccer, visits craft fairs and explores the city with her family.

  • Noelle Pipa

    Education & Edible Garden Coordinator

    Noelle grew up in Santa Cruz and has been in love with nature and animals ever since she can remember. Having grown up in a…

    Noelle Pipa

    Education & Edible Garden Coordinator

    Noelle grew up in Santa Cruz and has been in love with nature and animals ever since she can remember. Having grown up in a place with so much biodiversity and wildlife, Noelle has always known the importance of protecting the natural world. She loves hiking in the redwood forests and swimming in the ocean. Noelle attended UC Davis to earn her B.S. in Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. During her summers in college, she worked as a camp counselor for Camp Gateway and a program specialist for Camp Campbell. It was then that her passion for working with children grew. After college, Noelle worked as a Natural Science Teacher at The Gardens at Heather Farm. Now at Sienna Ranch, Noelle enjoys creating nature curriculum that teaches nature science and exploration in fun, safe and hands-on ways.

  • Lindsay Shannon

    Archery Coordinator, Nature Program Instructor & SEED Instructor

    Lindsay grew up in Medfield, Massachusetts. What was supposed to be a temporary move to the Bay Area turned into a 25 plus year love…

    Lindsay Shannon

    Archery Coordinator, Nature Program Instructor & SEED Instructor

    Lindsay grew up in Medfield, Massachusetts. What was supposed to be a temporary move to the Bay Area turned into a 25 plus year love of California. She graduated from Hayward State University with a degree in Social Services and Psychology. She enjoys making jewelry, woodburning, walking her dogs and hanging out with her two daughters. Lindsay worked as an ABA behavioral therapist and behavioral consultant for over 15 years and her love of working with children with autism—as well as other special needs—has been a long lasting passion that continues to grow. Lindsay started working at Sienna Ranch in the summer of 2016 as part of the Special Events staff and now teaches many classes. Her love of nature, animals, children and art has given her the opportunity to continue to nurture naturalist skills with the wonderful staff and amazing kids at Sienna Ranch.

  • Katie Doarn

    Lead Nature Instructor

    Katie has been working in nature education since 2017 as a camp counselor, naturalist, rock climbing instructor, camp coordinator, and now as a lead instructor…

    Katie Doarn

    Lead Nature Instructor

    Katie has been working in nature education since 2017 as a camp counselor, naturalist, rock climbing instructor, camp coordinator, and now as a lead instructor at Sienna Ranch. Originally from southwest Ohio, Katie received her B.M. in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati, where she developed a love for early education. She made the move to the west coast in 2020 to attend St. Mary’s College of California for an MFA in Creative Writing. Katie has been at the ranch since the summer of 2022, teaching Jr. Ranchers, Explorers, and Foodie Farmers. In her free time, Katie loves to read books, bake delicious cakes, and write stories where magical things are always happening.

  • Heather Raum

    Nature Instructor

    Heather graduated from Lewis & Clark College, where she studied ecopsychology with a focus on children and youth education. She grew up moving between New…

    Heather Raum

    Nature Instructor

    Heather graduated from Lewis & Clark College, where she studied ecopsychology with a focus on children and youth education. She grew up moving between New York and England, spending much of her time in both places surrounded by nature and animals. She worked with animals at the AZA-accredited educational Zoo and attended immersive nature programs at an outdoor school in upstate New York. Throughout her pre-teen and teen years, she practiced her skills in fire tending, camouflage, tracking, and carving. After a meaningful solo experience, Heather was inspired by how nature supported her mental health and went on to study ecopsychology, exploring the ways the natural world nurtures human wellbeing. She has worked as an outdoor instructor and camp counselor since 2020, teaching kids to love and care for nature; in 2025, Heather relocated to the Bay Area to continue this journey. From catching lizards in Oregon’s high desert to collecting crayfish in Catskill streams, Heather is passionate about giving every child the chance to connect with the more-than-human world and believes nature is a space where wonder, curiosity, and belonging can grow.

  • Emma Johnson

    Nature Instructor

    Emma was born and raised in the East Bay, where she grew up hiking and camping with her family. She recently graduated from Chapman University,…

    Emma Johnson

    Nature Instructor

    Emma was born and raised in the East Bay, where she grew up hiking and camping with her family. She recently graduated from Chapman University, where she studied Education and Environmental Science, combining her love of working with children with her passion for science and the outdoors. She is especially interested in rocks, ecology, and marine biology.

    Through environmental education, summer camps, sailing, and other outdoor work, she has loved learning new skills through observation and hands-on experience. She also enjoys learning about the ecology, Indigenous history, and cultural significance of the lands she spends time on and hopes to thoughtfully incorporate this into her teaching.

    This will be her first year at Sienna Ranch, and she is excited to continue growing as an educator while sharing her enthusiasm for science and curiosity with her students. Outside of work, Emma loves crafting, live music, surfing, sailing, hiking, and spending as much of her free time as possible outside and in the sun..

  • Scarlett Reavey

    Nature Instructor

    Scarlett moved to Colorado when she was 13, where she fell in love with climbing and eventually began instructing youth programs at Boulder Rock Club.…

    Scarlett Reavey

    Nature Instructor

    Scarlett moved to Colorado when she was 13, where she fell in love with climbing and eventually began instructing youth programs at Boulder Rock Club. Since then, she has worked in a wide range of youth outdoor education roles leading backpacking expeditions in the Rockies, teen travel programs in Asia, and river trips in Patagonia. She values spending time in nature, sharing her skills and connecting with new people. After graduating from Colorado College with a degree in International Political Economy, she moved to a small town in rural Idaho, where she began exploring her creative side at the local pottery studio. She now teaches pottery lessons to kids of all ages, finding inspiration in the texture and beauty of the natural world. Scarlett recently relocated to the Bay Area and is excited to combine her love for nature and pottery at Sienna Ranch. In her free time she likes to climb, hike, surf, make pottery, and learn new crafts.

  • Maryam Najjar-Marquez

    Nature Instructor

    Maryam took multiple Sienna Ranch classes in middle school, and returned as an Animal Care Assistant in her senior year of high school. She is…

    Maryam Najjar-Marquez

    Nature Instructor

    Maryam took multiple Sienna Ranch classes in middle school, and returned as an Animal Care Assistant in her senior year of high school. She is now enjoying a new role as a Nature Instructor. She has experience volunteering at another ranch in Napa, a local animal shelter, and has her own goats. She hopes to utilize her current animal care experience while increasing her knowledge and skill. Maryam is currently homeschooling, and is looking into animal science for university. Outside of the ranch, she enjoys sewing, printmaking, thrifting, and hanging out with her goats and cats. She is excited to be part of the Sienna Ranch team.

  • Jessica Tugwell

    Equine Coordinator & Riding Instructor

    Jessica moved from London to the Bay Area in 2005, which is about the time her love of horses began. She started out riding English,…

    Jessica Tugwell

    Equine Coordinator & Riding Instructor

    Jessica moved from London to the Bay Area in 2005, which is about the time her love of horses began. She started out riding English, participating in 3-day eventing and then dressage. She found her passion for Western after a chance encounter with a local trainer, and has been hooked ever since. Jessica has learned everything she knows from being at the barn and has worked with horses for over 18 years. Before starting at the Ranch in 2022, Jessica volunteered at a local miniature horse rescue, worked as a side walker at a local therapeutic riding facility, and spent time as a stable hand for a local trainer. Jess is a certified Equine Sports Massage and Bodyworker as well as a licensed cosmetologist. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her Catahoula, Goose, and has a special interest in working with children that have spirited natures.

  • Alessa Kim

    Riding Instructor

    Growing up in the East Bay, Alessa developed a love for horses that quickly grew into a lifelong passion. She began riding in her early…

    Alessa Kim

    Riding Instructor

    Growing up in the East Bay, Alessa developed a love for horses that quickly grew into a lifelong passion. She began riding in her early teens and went on to compete in dressage, hunter jumpers, and eventing, gaining experience across a wide range of equestrian disciplines. This foundation led her to pursue a BSc (Hons) in Equestrian Sports Coaching from Hartpury University in the UK, where she furthered her knowledge of horse welfare, performance, and rider development. With over four years of coaching experience, Alessa is dedicated to helping riders reach their goals through safe, engaging, and confidence-building lessons. Outside the arena, Alessa enjoys equine photography, hiking, and creative projects like drawing and crochet. She is passionate about fostering meaningful connections between riders and their horses, inspiring both to grow together as a team.

  • Gordy Gross

    Facilities Technician

    Gordy is a self-taught carpenter and fixer of many things. He’s been taking care of all facility needs at the Ranch since 2021, everything from…

    Gordy Gross

    Facilities Technician

    Gordy is a self-taught carpenter and fixer of many things. He’s been taking care of all facility needs at the Ranch since 2021, everything from adding steps to a hillside and repairing broken fences to making sure the bathrooms are clean and the coffee is ready to go first thing in the morning. Gordy is a fan-favorite amongst Sienna Ranch students, especially when he’s reading picture books to the Junior Ranchers during lunch. He grew up in Oakland and enjoys coming to the ranch, especially when he gets to spend time with the animals.

  • Mike Jennings

    Orchard Manager

    Born and raised in the East Bay, Mike grew up hiking, camping and gardening. He studied horticulture in Santa Cruz and the Sierra Foothills before…

    Mike Jennings

    Orchard Manager

    Born and raised in the East Bay, Mike grew up hiking, camping and gardening. He studied horticulture in Santa Cruz and the Sierra Foothills before attending Prescott College in Arizona, where he received a degree in Agroecology and Permaculture Design. He has over 20 years of experience in horticulture and has also worked as a botanist for the National Forest Service. Mike has been at Sienna Ranch since 2012 and is glad to put to use his expertise in sustainable land stewardship. In addition to managing the orchards at Sienna Ranch, Mike is an amateur plant breeder, working with fruits, vegetables, cacti, flowers, and native plants. In his spare time he runs a small nursery business, Diablo Valley Farm & Nursery, where he propagates and sells plants out of his backyard in Pleasant Hill. A self-taught musician, he loves to sing and play the guitar, mandolin, banjo, and piano.

  • Rachel Murray

    Animal Care Assistant

    Rachel is a Bay Area native and lover of all animals. She is living out her childhood dream as an Animal Care Assistant at Sienna…

    Rachel Murray

    Animal Care Assistant

    Rachel is a Bay Area native and lover of all animals. She is living out her childhood dream as an Animal Care Assistant at Sienna Ranch, where she especially enjoys spending time with the horses. She believes in the healing power of animals, nature, and laughter. Rachel’s favorite time of year is the spring when the baby goats are born and she gets to co-facilitate the equine apprentice program. She grew up in Lafayette and attended Springhill, Stanley, and Acalanes. After attending UCLA, she worked in the film industry until finding her true calling as a psychotherapist. When she’s not at the ranch or working, she loves running on the bike trail, riding her Peloton, and spending time with family and friends.

  • Sira Mobley

    Animal Care Assistant

    Sira Mobley is a high school student in the East Bay. Her journey at Sienna Ranch started in 2022 where she volunteered as a horse…

    Sira Mobley

    Animal Care Assistant

    Sira Mobley is a high school student in the East Bay. Her journey at Sienna Ranch started in 2022 where she volunteered as a horse apprentice. Now as a part-time animal care assistant, she is passionate about connecting people with nature and creating positive change in her community. In her free time, Sira is an avid hiker and mountain biker, and also enjoys being outdoors and spending time with animals. Sira is excited to connect and make a positive impact in Sienna Ranch, gathering knowledge she can use for the rest of her life.

  • Brooke Vandersloot

    Animal Care Assistant

    Brooke is an Animal Science major at Cal Poly SLO. She grew up around horses, but college has given her the opportunity to work with…

    Brooke Vandersloot

    Animal Care Assistant

    Brooke is an Animal Science major at Cal Poly SLO. She grew up around horses, but college has given her the opportunity to work with a broader range of animals, which has furthered her passion for animal care and science. Outside of school, she loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or skiing. She’s so excited to be surrounded by so many amazing animals and people at Sienna Ranch.

  • Madeline Manvitz

    Animal Care Assistant

    Madeline Manvitz is a Sophomore at The Athenian School. She has been a part of the Sienna Ranch community for as long as she can…

    Madeline Manvitz

    Animal Care Assistant

    Madeline Manvitz is a Sophomore at The Athenian School. She has been a part of the Sienna Ranch community for as long as she can remember. Whether participating in classes, camps, apprenticeships, volunteer feeding, or now as a part-time Animal Care Assistant (ACA). Madeline loves all animals but has grown particularly fond of horses and dogs. In her free time, you can find her at the barn riding, snuggling her 3-year-old Golden Retriever, Oliver, listening to music, or convincing her parents to let her foster a dog. Madeline is a hard worker with a kind heart, and she looks forward to helping care for the animals, learning new skills, meeting new people, and making a positive impact on Sienna Ranch.

  • Samantha Reidenbach

    Animal Care Assistant

    Samantha began her journey at Sienna Ranch as a young camper where she found a deep passion for animal care. After years of being a…

    Samantha Reidenbach

    Animal Care Assistant

    Samantha began her journey at Sienna Ranch as a young camper where she found a deep passion for animal care. After years of being a camper, she was an apprentice for both Farm Hands and Equine camps for three summers. Now as an Animal Care Assistant, she loves working with the animals bringing extensive experience ranging from showjumping with her lease horse, Joey, to caring for the ranch’s animals. In her free time, Samantha is a tennis player who loves listening to music and exploring nature with her dog. She is excited to bring her years of ranch knowledge and dedication to positive community impact to Sienna Ranch.

  • Theo Avila

    Animal Care Assistant

    Theo is a high school senior from Concord. They have been involved with Sienna Ranch for over ten years. Beginning at age six, they attended…

    Theo Avila

    Animal Care Assistant

    Theo is a high school senior from Concord. They have been involved with Sienna Ranch for over ten years. Beginning at age six, they attended camp every year until aging out of the program. After that, they continued to participate in the volunteer feeding and apprentice programs before finally achieving their dream of being hired at Sienna Ranch. Outside of work, Theo enjoys hiking in the Bay Area hills and learning about the natural world, as well as cooking and baking for their friends and family. As a lifelong lover of the outdoors, they are excited to work in animal care and give back to the community and the critters that have brought them so much joy over the years. 

  • Sophia Reaves

    Animal Care Assistant

    Sophia is a Junior at Campolindo High school. She came to Sienna Ranch as a camper when she first moved to the Lamorinda area in…

    Sophia Reaves

    Animal Care Assistant

    Sophia is a Junior at Campolindo High school. She came to Sienna Ranch as a camper when she first moved to the Lamorinda area in 2021. Since then, she has taken private riding lessons, volunteered as an animal feeder and an apprentice for the many camps the ranch offers. Sophia especially loves working with the horses. Outside of Sienna Ranch, Sophia enjoys playing flag football at Campo and many musical instruments including the electric bass, double bass, guitar, and banjo (with more to come!) and participating in her high school’s orchestra and jazz band. She is also a car enthusiast and enjoys working on her own car and learning more about them!

  • Leina El Nakat

    Animal Care Assistant

    Leina El Nakat is a freshman in college studying psychology. She grew up around animals and is very passionate about helping them which led to…

    Leina El Nakat

    Animal Care Assistant

    Leina El Nakat is a freshman in college studying psychology. She grew up around animals and is very passionate about helping them which led to her applying for the part time animal care assistant job. Through this job she wants to connect with nature, and gain more insight on how to help animals. In her free time she likes to go on hikes, spend time with her friends, and her cat. 

  • Sabrina Agazzi

    Marketing Intern

    Sabrina grew up in the East Bay and attended Sienna Ranch summer camps as a child. She previously worked here for two years as an…

    Sabrina Agazzi

    Marketing Intern

    Sabrina grew up in the East Bay and attended Sienna Ranch summer camps as a child. She previously worked here for two years as an Animal Care Assistant. She loves the positive environment and opportunity to work hands-on with different animals. Sabrina left the ranch to attend UC Davis, where she recently graduated with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in English. She gained hands-on experience in this field as a Marketing and Communication Intern for the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. As an avid animal lover, she also took several animal science courses and served as Social Media Manager for the Draft Horse and Driving Club. When Sabrina is not at Sienna Ranch, she enjoys doing ballet, trying new crafts, watching historical dramas, camping, and spending time with her rescue dog, Hailey. Now, with her newly acquired communication knowledge and experience, she is excited to be back at the ranch as a Marketing Intern!