Kim EAL (Equine Assisted Learning)Facilitator
Founder/President
Hi there! I'm Kim, the founder of XO Ranch.
Working with horses has been a life long journey for me. One filled with healing, discovery and growth. I started XO Ranch in 2021 to honor my late mother who worked with adults with disabilities, and to support my son with autism. This ranch is my heart project, a place where children including those with special needs can care for animals, learn horsemanship skills, and grow in confidence.
My love for horses began when I was just 6 years old. Riding on trails and beaches in Mexico with my mom. When my son was diagnosed with autism I saw first hand how therapeutic horses can be. That experience lit a fire in me to learn more and I began training with PATH International and more.
Today XO Ranch is home to a herd of therapy animals that serve individuals of all ages and abilities. Our therapy animals visit schools, memory care facilities, and special events. (And yes sometimes they show up dressed as unicorns!)
At XO Ranch we believe healing begins with connections, with the animals, the land and each other. I am passionate to make that healing accessible to everyone, and I am so glad you are here.
Stephanie — Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator in Training
XO Ranch Volunteer | PATH Intl. Member
Stephanie first discovered XO Ranch after seeing a post on Facebook. As a mother of a child with autism, she deeply understands the challenges families face and felt called to be part of something that brought real support and connection to the community. She joined the Ranch with the hope of helping others—and quickly became an essential part of the XO Ranch family.
Stephanie is passionate about horses and the transformative power they have in personal development. Her favorite part of ranch work is witnessing the excitement and pride on students’ faces as their gifts come forward. Watching participants grow, gain confidence, and discover strengths they never knew they had is what fuels her service here.
While she loves all the animals (and the dogs who think they’re staff), Stephanie has a special connection with Andi the therapy mini, as well as herd leaders Princeton and DonKAY.
Stephanie is currently pursuing her PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Learning Credential, driven by her love for helping people and her desire to grow in this field. A defining moment for her was watching Ian complete the Ranch Works program—seeing his pride, confidence, and transformation reaffirmed why she does this work. Those breakthroughs inspire her to keep learning and serving.
As XO Ranch grows, Stephanie hopes to welcome more students and expand the number of people the ranch can support.
Outside the ranch, she loves camping and spending time with her grandchildren.
In Stephanie’s words, XO Ranch is:
“A place to serve the community and ourselves… a little broken but full of love.”
Meet Jolene Gastelum Executive Assistant | Healing & Wellness | Horse Connection
Please welcome Jolene Gastelum, the newest member of the XO Ranch herd!
Jolene brings more than 20 years of experience in business management, administration, and technology, along with a lifelong passion for healthcare, helping others, and creating meaningful connections. Beginning her career in healthcare immediately after high school, she discovered her calling while working with children with special needs—a passion that has continued to shape who she is today.
Alongside her professional experience, Jolene brings her background in healing and spiritual wellness to XO Ranch. She is a Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, and Holistic Health Practitioner, specializing in energy work, energy transfers, and energetic alignment.
Her love of horses began as a little girl while spending time on her aunt’s farm, where she grew up riding and experiencing the gentle, accepting, and unconditional spirit of horses. That connection stayed with her throughout her life.
Jolene’s journey with XO Ranch began approximately five years ago when she met Kim, and the two quickly formed a meaningful connection. Through events, shared experiences, and time spent on the Ranch, Jolene developed an even deeper appreciation for the healing energy of the land, the animals, and the people who make XO so special.
Then came Princeton.
Their connection was immediate and profoundly meaningful. Through Princeton, Jolene discovered a new depth to the healing relationship between humans and horses. Their bond opened her heart to learning more about equine healing, energy, trust, and the extraordinary ways animals can touch our souls.
Today, Jolene feels incredibly honored to be at XO Ranch, bringing together so many pieces of her life’s journey—her love of helping others, her professional experience, her passion for healing, and her lifelong connection with horses.
She is honored to support the Ranch as Executive Assistant while continuing to learn, grow, and share in the beautiful work happening within the XO community.
Sometimes the universe brings us exactly where we are meant to be—and sometimes it has four legs.
Jolene is especially honored to continue this journey while carrying the memory and spirit of Princeton in her heart.
In Loving Memory of Princeton
Enjoy playing in the grass, my friend.
I feel your guidance, I feel your love,
and I know a piece of the magic we shared will always be with me.
Peace & Protection to all.
—Jolene