Meet our ‘Ohana
Our growing team is dedicated to making a positive impact through the power of horse.
Board Members:
Paige Deponte, Maurissa Deponte, Dirk Terpstra, Jack Naidich, Dr. Banks A (Advisory Board).
We are actively seeking more dedicated board members.
Meet our Team
Paige Deponte, Founder & Executive Director
Paige Deponte has traveled the world, but Maui has always been her sanctuary—a place of peace and grounding. A survivor of complex trauma, Paige is a dedicated advocate for healing and resilience. Her journey of giving back to Maui began in 2011, after the passing of her husband. During this difficult time, she found solace and joy in her horses, whose sentient and inspiring souls sparked a profound sense of purpose. In 2021, Paige founded THE Spirit Horse Ranch to provide a space for children and adults affected by trauma to heal and build brighter futures, especially within Maui’s community.
Paige holds multiple certifications, including EAL Academy Certified Facilitator, Natural Lifemanship TIC-EP, HeartMath Certified Trainer and Coach, Brainspotting Trained, Art Therapist, Certified Belief Clearing Practitioner, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. She cherishes her ranch life with her family of four children, ten grandchildren, her beloved horses, and her loyal Australian Shepherd, Blue. Paige’s unwavering passion lies in protecting and nurturing the future of every Maui community member.
Maurissa Deponte, Facilitator
Maurissa Deponte is a dedicated single mother of three incredible children. Raised primarily on Maui, she graduated from Seabury Hall and has also had the enriching experience of living and traveling abroad in New York and Italy. Despite her travels, she finds her heart firmly rooted in Maui, where the mountains and ocean bring her a profound sense of peace. Growing up on her father’s ranch, surrounded by horses, was a formative and cherished part of her upbringing. Her travels with her mother and older brother further deepened her appreciation for her island home and the diverse individuals she encounters daily.
Maurissa is an EAL (Equine-Assisted Learning) Certified Facilitator, Natural Lifemanship TIC-EP (Trauma-Informed Care Equine Professional), HeartMath Certified Trainer and Coach, Brainspotting trained, and certified in Mental Health First Aid. Her natural empathy and deep connection with others make her a compassionate and effective guide in helping program participants on their healing journey.
Sophie Pierce, Facilitator
Sophie Pierce joins our team as a EAL Certified Facilitator, Heartmarth Certified Trainer and Coach. Sophie is a well rounded professional with a BA in Journalism from Seattle University and a degree in Cybersecurity from UCLA. She specialized in social emotional learning, child psychology and development in her career as AmeriCorps teacher. Her love for animals started as a young girl. She is passionate about mind body spirit connection and strongly believes in the healing power of horses.
Ashley Ventimiglia, Facilitator
Ashley is a certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator at The Spirit Horse Ranch, blending science, creativity, and compassion. Growing up on Maui, she developed a deep appreciation for community and the healing power of nature. Ashley holds degrees in Animal Science, Zoology, and Equine Science from California Polytechnic State University, alongside a film degree from San Francisco City College—bringing together a rich background in animal studies and the arts. At Spirit Horse Ranch, she welcomes each person with warmth and without judgment, creating a space where healing can unfold naturally. Ashley is committed to meeting every individual where they are, honoring their story, and offering genuine support. Her greatest hope is for everyone to leave the ranch feeling seen, heard, and valued.