Jennifer Siozos, LPC 

Founder | Clinical Director | Operating Director 

Jennifer Siozos is the founder and Operating/Clinical Director of Rancho Del Pacifico. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 27 years of experience in behavioral health, Jennifer has devoted her career to serving children, adolescents, adults, and families facing trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, and complex mental health challenges. 

Jennifer founded Rancho Del Pacifico with a vision of combining evidence-based mental health treatment with the healing power of nature, animals, and authentic human connection. Under her leadership, Rancho Del Pacifico has become a place where traditional counseling is enhanced through equine-assisted therapy, experiential approaches, mindfulness practices, EMDR, somatic interventions, and other trauma-informed modalities. The ranch environment offers clients an opportunity to experience healing beyond the walls of a traditional office. 

Jennifer believes that every individual possesses inherent strengths and resilience. Her therapeutic philosophy focuses on helping clients recognize those strengths, develop practical tools for navigating life’s challenges, and create lasting change. She is passionate about empowering people to recognize their abilities, build resilience, and create lives that reflect their values and goals. 

Throughout her career, Jennifer has served in both clinical and executive leadership roles, including overseeing behavioral health organizations, developing treatment programs, leading quality and compliance initiatives, and supporting the growth of trauma-informed systems of care. Her passion lies in creating environments where healing feels safe, meaningful, and accessible. 

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, caring for the animals on the ranch, and traveling to new places. She values connection, adventure, and creating experiences that bring people together and foster growth. 

Andy Riffle 

Operations Manager | Equine Specialist | BHT

Andy Riffle serves as the Operations Manager, Equine Specialist, and BHT at Rancho Del Pacifico, where he supports the daily flow of ranch operations, animal care, program coordination, and client-centered equine experiences. In his role, Andy helps maintain a safe, organized, and supportive environment for clients, staff, volunteers, and the animals who are central to the healing work of the ranch. 

Andy brings hands-on expertise in equine care, herd management, animal-assisted programming, and mentorship. His work is grounded in a deep understanding of horse behavior, safety, relationship-building, and the ways animals can support personal growth, emotional regulation, and connection. 

Andy’s client support focus includes working with children, teens, young adults, and individuals who benefit from experiential, nature-based, and equine-assisted services. He is especially passionate about helping clients build confidence, emotional awareness, healthy communication, trust, and a stronger sense of connection with themselves and others. 

At Rancho Del Pacifico, Andy supports equine-assisted activities, skill-building sessions, group experiences, and ranch-based therapeutic support services. He works closely with the clinical team to help create meaningful, structured, and supportive experiences that are safe, intentional, and respectful of both clients and animals. 

Outside of his work at the ranch, Andy enjoys helping others deepen their connection with their own horses, spending time with animals, being outdoors, and continuing to learn about holistic wellness, nature-based healing, and the powerful role horses and farm animals can play in helping people feel grounded, connected, and supported. 

Stacey Bailey

Practice Manager 

Stacey serves as the Practice Manager for Rancho Del Pacifico, overseeing the daily operations that support both clinical services and client care. She manages practice operations, scheduling, referrals, admissions, clinician onboarding and credentialing, insurance coordination, and compliance initiatives. Stacey works closely with clinical leadership, referral partners, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure clients receive timely access to high-quality care. She also helps coordinate the operational aspects of Rancho Del Pacifico’s farm-based programs, supporting a seamless experience for clients and families throughout their treatment journey. 

Stacey brings extensive healthcare operations and referral management experience from a large children’s specialty healthcare organization, where she supported multidisciplinary services including behavioral health, psychology, neuropsychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, orthotics, pediatric rehabilitation, durable medical equipment (DME), complex care, and brain injury programs. Her background provides a comprehensive understanding of integrated healthcare systems, care coordination, insurance processes, and access-to-care initiatives. She is passionate about building efficient systems that allow providers to focus on delivering exceptional care while helping families successfully navigate healthcare services. 

Outside of work, Stacey enjoys traveling to national parks, growing and caring for orchids, exploring architecture and history, studying cultures from around the world, playing board games, and spending quality time with her family. She values lifelong learning, adventure, and creating meaningful experiences through travel and connections with others. 

Zyan Smith 

Administrative Assistant 

Zyan serves as the Administrative Assistant for Rancho Del Pacifico, supporting the day-to-day operations that help ensure exceptional client care and efficient practice management. She assists with scheduling, referrals, admissions support, insurance-related processes, office operations, and administrative workflows that contribute to the smooth functioning of the organization. Zyan works closely with clients, families, clinicians, referral partners, and community stakeholders to help facilitate timely access to services while maintaining a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment. Through her commitment to professionalism, communication, and service excellence, she helps advance Rancho Del Pacifico’s mission of providing compassionate, high-quality behavioral health care. 

Zyan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management while balancing the demands of collegiate academics and athletics as a student-athlete on the basketball court. Prior to joining Rancho Del Pacifico, she worked as a Transaction Coordinator with Genesis Realty, where she developed expertise in client relations, administrative coordination, and managing complex operational processes. Her background in business operations, customer service, and organizational management allows her to effectively support both clients and staff while contributing to the overall success of the practice. 

Outside of work, Zyan enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, exploring new experiences, and expressing her creativity through photography and videography. She values meaningful connections, personal growth, and capturing life’s memorable moments through her lens. 

Amanda Jones, M.A., LPC

Amanda provides clinical supervision at Rancho Del Pacifico for master's-level clinicians and Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs), supporting the development of high-quality, trauma-informed care across the farm's therapeutic programs. She also serves as an Equine Internship Supervisor, mentoring counselors as they advance their education and clinical skills in equine-assisted psychotherapy. Amanda is deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where both clients and clinicians can grow, heal, and thrive. 

Amanda is a Nationally Certified Professional Counselor licensed in both Arizona and Texas, with extensive experience working with children, families, military veterans, and individuals across the lifespan. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, certified Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist, and has advanced training through Natural Lifemanship and certification through OK Corral for Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Amanda is also an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist and Certified Integrative Trauma (CIT) practitioner, with specialized training in the only two EMDR protocols designed for partnering with horses in treatment. Her clinical background includes extensive work with children and families in the foster care system, operating as a licensed Group Foster Care Home, and developing parenting programs that help families build stronger, healthier connections. 

Outside of her clinical and supervisory work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and horses. She is also a certified yoga instructor and incorporates trauma-informed yoga practices into therapy when appropriate to support holistic healing and emotional regulation. 

Ayla Perez, MA, LCSW

Ayla serves as a Clinical Supervisor at Rancho Del Pacifico, providing oversight and support to clinical staff to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed care across programs. She is dedicated to fostering clinical excellence, ethical practice, and professional growth among clinicians while helping maintain a strong, connected, and supportive therapeutic environment for clients and families. 

Ayla holds a Master's degree in Women's and Gender Studies and a Master's degree in Social Work. She has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges including trauma, grief, gender-based violence, and systemic stressors. Her clinical work is grounded in a compassionate, relational approach that emphasizes authenticity, empowerment, and the healing power of connection and community. 

In addition to her supervisory and clinical work, Ayla is actively engaged in community-based mental health efforts, including volunteering at community gatherings, facilitating educational workshops, and participating in speaking engagements focused on mental health, wellness, and social justice. She brings a strong commitment to culturally responsive, equity-centered care and collaborative healing. 

Outside of her professional life, Ayla enjoys movement, spending time in nature, and traveling. 

Laurel Rettle, PhD, LPC, LIAC 

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Laurel is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Independent Addictions Counselor who provides therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families at Rancho Del Pacifico. She integrates traditional counseling with experiential and equine-assisted approaches, helping clients navigate challenges related to mental health, relationships, substance use, and personal growth. Her therapeutic style is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to the unique needs of each individual. 

With specialized training in Strategic and Systems Theories, Laurel utilizes a variety of evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. Her work focuses on helping clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change. She is passionate about supporting clients in developing practical tools that foster resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. 

In addition to her clinical work, Laurel serves as the leader of Rancho Del Pacifico's Equine Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), overseeing therapeutic programming on the farm and supporting the integration of equine-assisted services into treatment. She works closely with clients and the interdisciplinary team to create experiential opportunities that promote recovery, healing, connection, and personal transformation. When not working with clients, she loves travel, art, architecture, cultural experiences, genealogy, board games, and making memories with her family. 

Stephanie Baker, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Stephanie serves as Rancho Del Pacifico's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Medical Director for Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services. She provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and clinical oversight for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, Stephanie helps ensure clients receive comprehensive, individualized care that supports long-term recovery, resilience, and overall well-being. 

A board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Stephanie earned both her Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. She specializes in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, ADHD, insomnia, adjustment disorders, and complex psychiatric presentations. Her approach integrates evidence-based psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, patient education, lifestyle interventions, and collaborative treatment planning. In addition to her clinical work, Stephanie serves as a Faculty Associate with Arizona State University's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, where she teaches and mentors future nursing professionals. Her professional interests include trauma-informed care, neurodevelopmental disorders, integrated behavioral health, lifestyle psychiatry, and equine-assisted mental health interventions. 

As a lifelong equestrian, Stephanie has a deep appreciation for the healing power of the human-animal connection and its role in fostering emotional growth, self-awareness, resilience, and recovery. Outside of her professional roles, she enjoys spending time with her family, caring for her horses and other animals, exploring the outdoors, trail riding, and working on home and garden projects. She believes that connection with nature and animals provides grounding, perspective, and opportunities for meaningful healing and personal growth. 

Christi Stice, PhD, LPC

Christi serves as a Lead Therapist at Rancho Del Pacifico, providing excellent clinical care and supporting clients through compassionate, individualized services. She works extensively with tribal communities, thoughtfully incorporating cultural awareness and respect for traditional practices into her counseling approach. Through her work both on the farm and within the community, Christi creates a therapeutic environment that honors each client's unique background, values, and healing journey. 

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor, Christi has more than 25 years of experience serving diverse communities. She is certified in the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) model and integrates equine-assisted therapy with evidence-based clinical practices to support emotional healing, personal growth, and recovery. Known for her compassion, insight, and accepting presence, Christi is deeply valued at Rancho Del Pacifico for her thoughtful leadership and dedication to helping clients navigate meaningful change. 

Christi has loved and owned horses since childhood and feels grateful to combine her lifelong passion for horses with her calling to help others. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys music, dancing, and spending quality time with her family and friends. 

Jessica Mitchell, LPC

Jessica is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Rancho Del Pacifico, providing therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and adults through a compassionate, client-centered approach. She also facilitates group therapy programming, including an emerging group designed to support queer and neurodivergent clients in their 20s, offering a space focused on connection, identity exploration, and emotional support. 

Jessica has been serving individuals and families since 2012. She earned her Master's Degree from Washington State University and has completed additional training in Trauma-Informed Care, Play Therapy, Natural Lifemanship, Art Therapy, and experiential approaches including animal-assisted and equine-assisted therapy. Her clinical work is grounded in creating a welcoming and emotionally safe environment where clients feel seen, understood, and supported in their healing process. 

Her professional experience includes work with early childhood populations (ages 2–8) and their families through play therapy, as well as adolescents and adults in community mental health settings addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, family transitions, and relational challenges. Jessica has a special interest in trauma, family disruption, and experiential modalities that integrate creativity and connection, including art and animal-assisted therapies. 

Outside of her clinical work, Jessica enjoys yoga, reading, and creating art. 

Haley Leighton, LMSW

Haley is a Licensed Master Social Worker at Rancho Del Pacifico, providing equine-assisted therapeutic services for children and adolescents. She also facilitates adolescent group programming, supporting emotional regulation, social development, and healthy coping skills through structured, experiential, and horse-assisted interventions. 

Haley specializes in working with children ages 6–12 and has extensive experience designing and implementing therapy programs that integrate equine activities to promote emotional, behavioral, and social growth. She is passionate about helping children overcome challenges by building confidence, connection, and resilience through the unique therapeutic bond between humans and horses. Her clinical approach is grounded in experiential learning and strengths-based care, with a strong focus on engagement, safety, and developmentally appropriate support. 

She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Arizona State University and completed her Master of Social Work and LMSW licensure through ASU. Haley brings a deep commitment to supporting children through meaningful, hands-on therapeutic experiences that foster healing and long-term growth. 

Outside of her clinical work, Haley enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active. She has her own horse and enjoys trail riding and liberty work. She also finds joy in swimming, hiking, and paddle boarding, which keep her connected to nature and support her overall well-being. 

Jenna Del Balso, MS, LAC

Jenna is a Licensed Associate Counselor at Rancho Del Pacifico who works with children, adolescents, and adults, helping clients navigate life's challenges while building resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful connections. She is particularly passionate about incorporating music, creativity, and experiential approaches into the therapeutic process, recognizing the powerful role that creative expression can play in healing, emotional regulation, and personal growth. Jenna strives to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued. 

Jenna earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College and obtained her Licensed Associate Counselor credential through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Since joining Rancho Del Pacifico in 2021, she has worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, life transitions, emotional regulation challenges, and self-esteem concerns. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices while remaining individualized to each client's strengths, goals, and unique experiences. She often integrates music, mindfulness, experiential interventions, trauma-informed care, creative expression, and the healing power of the human-animal bond into her work. 

Jenna believes that healing occurs through authentic relationships and meaningful connection. Her passion for music and the arts allows her to offer creative pathways for self-discovery, emotional processing, and personal transformation, helping clients access strengths and insights that may be difficult to express through words alone. 

Outside of her professional work, Jenna enjoys singing, playing musical instruments, creating art, reading, writing, spending time outdoors, watching movies, and seeking new adventures. She enjoys spending time with her wife, family, and their two beloved fur babies, Zoe and Elton.  

Amanda Caras, LAC  

Amanda provides individual counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults at Rancho Del Pacifico. She is committed to creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel safe exploring challenges, building resilience, and developing the skills needed to navigate life’s transitions. Amanda draws on her diverse clinical experiences to help individuals work through emotional distress, behavioral concerns, relationship challenges, and mental health struggles while supporting overall wellness and personal growth. 

Amanda is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with experience in school counseling, private practice, and crisis mental health services. She previously worked as a K-8 school counselor and most recently provided support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and mental health crises through her work with The Hope Institute. Amanda earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Arizona. Her background allows her to work effectively with clients across a variety of ages, developmental stages, and clinical needs. 

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Maya, being outdoors, and watching sports. A former collegiate softball player, she spent 17 years playing the sport, an experience that helped shape her strong sense of teamwork, perseverance, dedication, and connection with others. 

Wendy McGowan, LAC

Wendy provides office-based and telehealth counseling services at Rancho Del Pacifico for adolescents and adults ages 15 and older. She specializes in helping clients navigate trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Wendy is committed to creating a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where clients can process difficult experiences, develop resilience, and move toward healing and growth. 

Wendy is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Counseling from Prescott College. She has more than five years of experience working with teens and adults who have experienced grief and trauma. Wendy is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based approach used to address PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and other mental health concerns. She is also a Compassionate Bereavement Care provider and has specialized training in religious trauma and relational trauma, allowing her to support clients through complex life transitions and experiences of loss. 

Her counseling approach is rooted in family systems theory and integrates strengths-based cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts therapy, trauma processing, and grief-focused interventions. Wendy believes that healing occurs through compassionate connection, self-discovery, and the development of practical tools that help clients move forward with confidence and hope. 

Outside of her professional work, Wendy enjoys traveling with her husband, reading, baking with her children, and taking long walks with her dog, Concord. 

Thania Gonzalez, M.S., LAC

Thania is a Licensed Associate Counselor at Rancho Del Pacifico, providing clinical services for children, adolescents, and families. She supports clients through a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach focused on building emotional awareness, resilience, and healthier family connections. She also contributes to group-based therapeutic programming that helps youth develop coping skills, emotional regulation, and interpersonal growth in a supportive environment. 

Thania holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an emphasis in Family Dynamics. She also completed an Associate degree in Advanced Behavioral Health Science with an emphasis in Violence and Abuse and has completed Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Professional training. Since 2017, she has worked in nonprofit mental health settings serving children and families in a variety of roles including Youth and Family Support Partner, School-Based Services Interventionist, Case Manager, and Intake Specialist. 

Her clinical work is grounded in a strengths-based approach that emphasizes empowerment, collaboration, and meaningful family engagement. She is passionate about helping families strengthen relationships and create lasting change through practical skills and supportive therapeutic connection. 

Outside of her professional work, Thania enjoys reading with a cup of coffee, spending time with her pets, and spending time outdoors hiking in Sedona. 

Meliza Jackson

BHT |Counseling Intern

Meliza ("Muh-LEE-zuh") is a Counseling Intern at Rancho Del Pacifico, providing counseling services under clinical supervision while completing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and accepted as they navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and work toward meaningful growth and healing. 

Meliza brings a unique background in education and music, experiences that have shaped her belief in the healing power of connection, creativity, and authentic self-expression. During her graduate studies, she was recognized as an Honor Roll nominee for her academic achievement. Her clinical interests include trauma counseling and trauma-informed care, with a focus on helping clients reconnect with themselves, process difficult experiences, and move forward at a pace that feels safe and empowering. She is particularly drawn to person-centered counseling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), expressive arts, and experiential approaches that honor each individual's unique story and lived experience. 

Meliza believes that meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely understood, supported, and empowered to explore who they are. Her approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and collaboration as clients work toward greater self-awareness, resilience, and well-being. 

Outside of counseling, Meliza enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring Arizona through hiking, paddleboarding, and travel. As a musician, she has had the opportunity to tour internationally, connecting with diverse people and cultures around the world. She also enjoys discovering new music, cooking, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with family and friends. She feels honored to be part of the Rancho Del Pacifico team and looks forward to supporting clients on their journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. 

Photo coming soon

Zoe Reep, LMSW 

Therapist Intern 

Zoe provides therapeutic services at Rancho Del Pacifico, supporting children, adolescents, and families through experiential and nature-based approaches to mental health care. She is passionate about helping teens who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral challenges, and difficulties connecting with adults. On the farm, Zoe incorporates experiential learning opportunities that encourage clients to build confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and healthy relationships through meaningful interactions with animals and the natural environment. 

Zoe is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who earned her Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology and Mathematics from Michigan Technological University and her Master of Social Work from Boston College, where she specialized in clinical social work with children, youth, and families and earned a certificate in advanced social research. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Work at Arizona State University, where her research focuses on outdoor therapeutic interventions, including equine-assisted services, and barriers that limit access to outdoor spaces for diverse communities. Prior to joining Rancho Del Pacifico, Zoe worked as a wilderness therapy guide, mobile crisis clinician, middle school counselor, and youth climbing instructor, integrating experiential and adventure-based approaches into her work with young people. 

Outside of the ranch and her research, Zoe enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, camping, running, and road trips with her partner and dog. She is deeply committed to expanding access to outdoor and experiential programs for youth from diverse backgrounds and is passionate about fostering belonging, connection, and healing in outdoor spaces.