Our Team
Kim
Founder/President
Hi there! I'm Kim, the founder of XO Ranch.
I believe that working with horses is a lifelong journey where there's always something new to learn and discover, both with the horse and within ourselves. Eight years ago, I lost my mom, who used to work with adults with disabilities and loved barrel racing. To honor her memory and to support my son with autism, I started XO Ranch in 2021. We invite children, including those with special needs, to come to the ranch and care for animals while learning horsemanship skills.
My love for horses began when I was six years old. My mom would take me to ride horses on trails and beaches in Mexico. When my son was diagnosed with autism, I discovered just how therapeutic horses can be and it sparked a desire within me to help others through equine therapy. That's why I started training to become an equine therapist with PATH International. We also have mini horses and mini donkey who are certified therapy animals or in training. They are specially trained to visit schools and memory care facilities, and can even be decorated like unicorns!
At XO Ranch, we are dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can benefit from the emotional healing and personal growth that horses can help provide.
Connie
Secretary
Bryana
Treasurer
I have always been someone that really loves to help others including animals, I love to see people learn and grow. It’s been my personal mission to over come challenges in my own life. Coming to XO Ranch as a volunteer has paved the way to help me grow as well. Previous to my current homestead life I have a financial background. I was honored to meet this team of people and jump on board. I love a good cup of coffee and a data entry morning after feeding and watering my ever growing zoo. I am excited to see what the future holds for our program. Everyone here loves and appreciates what we are doing and where we continue to grow. I have witnessed first hand the power that this ranch has on children and families. Finding self- confidence and being more self aware. To see a mother watch their child be still and at peace just by petting and grooming a horse is enough. We are ever growing and always evolving
Rubie
I love making riding fun for my students and the horse. I believe in building a partnership with our horses and always putting safety first. I have experience with mustangs.
Some of my favorite things are Liberty work, riding bareback, and just simply being outside. I am so excited to see what hearts the horses here at Xo ranch will heal. I can personally say horses helped save my life. They gave me a purpose and I will always owe them everything for that. I have a couple opening on Saturdays and Sundays.
Matt
Vice President
Matt is a student-therapist training for his license in marriage and family therapy. With years of experience working with mental health and it’s effects on families, he continues to advocate for empowering individuals with knowledge to live fullfilling lives connected with their families and communities.
Matt splits his time providing a wide range of therapeutic services across the san diego area, volunteering for foster youth, and helping our wonderful clients at XO Ranch. He is on the fast track toward obtaining registration as an associate marriage and family therapist in 2024.