Meet our ‘Ohana
Our growing team is dedicated to making a positive impact through the power of horse.
Board of Directors:
Paige Deponte, Maurissa Deponte, Dirk Terpstra, Jack Naidich, Dr. Banks A (Advisory Board).
Interested in supporting our mission? We are actively seeking dedicated board members to join The Spirit Horse Ranch board of directors.
Meet our Team
Paige Deponte, Founder & Executive Director
Paige Deponte grew up on Oʻahu and moved to Maui at 19. Her career in photography and filmmaking took her around the world to more than 40 countries, capturing diverse cultures and stories. Yet through all her travels, Maui has always remained her sanctuary a place of peace, grounding, and purpose. A survivor of complex trauma, Paige has transformed her personal healing journey into a lifelong mission of service and resilience-building for others. Following the loss of her husband in 2011, she found solace and renewal through her horses, whose sentient and compassionate spirits reignited her sense of hope and meaning.
In 2021, Paige founded The Spirit Horse Ranch, a trauma-informed Equine-Assisted Learning and Resilience Center dedicated to helping children, families, and community members heal from crisis and trauma—including those impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires. Under her leadership, the ranch has provided thousands of equine-assisted sessions across Maui and Moloka‘i, offering accessible, evidence-based healing programs rooted in compassion and connection.
Paige is extensively trained and certified in multiple modalities, including EAL Academy Certified Facilitator, Natural Lifemanship TIC-EP, HeartMath Certified Trainer and Coach, Brainspotting (Levels 1 & 2), Art Therapy, Belief Clearing Practitioner, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
She continues to live ranch life surrounded by her children, ten grandchildren, her beloved herd, and her loyal Australian Shepherd, Blue. Paige’s unwavering passion is to protect, uplift, and empower Maui’s youth and families—helping each individual rediscover resilience, connection, and the strength to heal.
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.