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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 Shanon

    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 Shanon

    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.

  • Rachel Houser

    Lead Nature Instructor

    Rachel Houser is an artist and educator. She was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains where…

    Rachel Houser

    Lead Nature Instructor

    Rachel Houser is an artist and educator. She was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains where she spent much of her time hiking, exploring, and learning about the wildlife around her. She moved to the Bay Area in 2015 to earn her Bachelor’s in Sociology. She has worked as an educator for many years and is passionate about working with and supporting young people through their educational journeys. Rachel is also deeply passionate about environmental justice and would like to ensure that every child has an opportunity to develop a passion for and a connection to the natural world. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, drawing, and, of course, hiking.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Cooper Matuszak

    Summer Camp Instructor

    He/Him

    Cooper was born and raised in the East Bay and spent much of his childhood hiking and camping (and getting poison oak rashes) with his…

    Cooper Matuszak

    Summer Camp Instructor

    He/Him

    Cooper was born and raised in the East Bay and spent much of his childhood hiking and camping (and getting poison oak rashes) with his dad. Cooper has a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing from CSUEB and just completed a Certificate of Achievement in Biology: Natural History and Resources from Merritt College. Over the last two years, you may have seen Cooper presenting snake talks and goat story times as an Interpretive Student Aide at Tilden Nature Area and Little Farm, leading school groups on nature discovery walks as a Volunteer Terwilliger Nature Guide, or as an Intern Naturalist at Middle Harbor Shoreline in West Oakland with Nurture NATURE. He’s passionate about helping kids overcome fears and hesitations about the outdoors to discover a sense of belonging in wild spaces. Cooper is a certified California Naturalist, NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, is trained in Wilderness First Aid, and is an intermediate-level Spanish speaker. In his free time, Cooper enjoys bouldering, reading, making art, and spending time with his partner and pets.

  • Taylor Bailey

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Taylor is a rising Junior at Temple University in Philadelphia, studying Political Science and Art History. She is a Bay Area native, and spent her…

    Taylor Bailey

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Taylor is a rising Junior at Temple University in Philadelphia, studying Political Science and Art History. She is a Bay Area native, and spent her high school years rowing competitively at Oakland Strokes Rowing Club. She has experience working with kids as a coach for middle school rowers, as well as babysitting. She loves the outdoors, and worked as a Dock Attendant at Lake Chabot in Castro Valley last summer. Taylor loves hiking, reading, painting, and exploring new places with her friends. She is incredibly excited to join the team at Sienna Ranch and spend time with the campers this summer!

  • Isa McKerley

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Isa is a first year camp instructor and is excited to be part of the Sienna Ranch Team! She is studying Environmental Science at Bates…

    Isa McKerley

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Isa is a first year camp instructor and is excited to be part of the Sienna Ranch Team! She is
    studying Environmental Science at Bates College, Maine. In Maine, she is a working student at
    a show jumping barn, where she mucks stalls and does barn work in exchange for lessons. She
    has worked with children for the last five years as a preschool teaching assistant as well as an
    equine camp counselor and lesson instructor. In her free time Isa loves to horseback ride, hike
    in Tilden or Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, draw or paint, and spend time with her family.

  • Gemma Diforio

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Gemma graduated from the University of Vermont where she studied Environmental Studies and Education. She is originally from Portland, Oregon and moved to California two years ago.…

    Gemma Diforio

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Gemma graduated from the University of Vermont where she studied Environmental Studies and Education. She is originally from Portland, Oregon and moved to California two years ago. She has been working in outdoor education for the last 5 years and is excited about her first season at Sienna Ranch. She spent three summers working at a farm camp in Vermont, and co-directed Avid4Adventure camp in Oakland last summer. Additionally, she has spent two seasons ski instructing at Sugar Bowl Resort and was a substitute teacher for the Berkeley School District. In her free time Gemma loves to climb, read in the park, go on bike rides and host dinner parties. She is excited to explore this new place with campers by her side. 

  • Allie El-Sherif

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Allie is returning to Sienna Ranch for another summer! She has been working with children for six years – As a ski instructor, classroom aid,…

    Allie El-Sherif

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Allie is returning to Sienna Ranch for another summer! She has been working with children for six years – As a ski instructor, classroom aid, camp counselor, and horseback riding assistant trainer. She is originally from California and has always loved exploring the nature of the bay. She is currently studying Education and Psychology at Colby College, Maine. While at college, Allie works in both a kindergarten and head start classroom, with a focus on literacy and social emotional learning. In her free time she loves to horseback ride, do art projects, and spend time outside.

  • Maryam Najjar-Marquez

    Summer Camp 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

    Summer Camp 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 Summer Camp 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.

  • Cameron Powell

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Cameron got to know Sienna Ranch through summer camps as a kid and later volunteered as an Animal Care Apprentice. She continued in her journey…

    Cameron Powell

    Summer Camp Instructor

    Cameron got to know Sienna Ranch through summer camps as a kid and later volunteered as an Animal Care Apprentice. She continued in her journey at the ranch working as an Animal Care Assistant and is now enjoying a new role as a Summer Camp Instructor. She loves caring for and connecting with the goats, sheep, horses, ducks, and chickens. Cameron is also very passionate about the environment and loves living in a place where nature is so constant. She enjoys exploring local trails by running and hiking and spends time with animals whenever possible. Cameron is excited to share her love for Sienna Ranch with the summer campers!

  • 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.

  • 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!