Diana is someone who has always led with her heart so it is not surprising she is forging a new path at BIG Heart Ranch. She loves animals, loves the beach and most of all loves to work with people. Diana received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a minor in Psychology from Cal Poly SLO. Although she is raising her family, her vision for herself has always been to help others, so to be able to do so in an environment like BIG Heart Ranch is a dream come true. Diana believes the peace of the beach, the unconditional love of animals are just the first steps towards growth and healing...the possibilities are limitless.

Sandie started her love affair with animals at a very early age, caring for the family dogs , bunnies, gerbils and hamsters. Spending long summer afternoons fascinated with tadpoles and an army of ants in her backyard along with taking the lead on a “Save the Whales” campaign with her classmates.

After many years of the corporate grind, she realized something was missing and went on a Soulbattical of travel and self-discovery searching for her true purpose. This led her to The Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita to attend Training Cesar’s Way Fundamentals I & II with Cesar Millan. The next step was moving from Chicago to California to be closer to her daughter. Looking for an opportunity to volunteer, she discovered the Big Heart Ranch and immediately signed up. The very first event Sandie assisted with was a group of kiddos from LA’s School on Wheels. She was inspired, filled with joy and ready to jump on board!

Samantha grew up in Idaho with a passion for horses and has since moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. You know the saying, “you can take the girl out of the farm....” well Samantha’s love for animals is what landed her at BIG Heart Ranch. Samantha has starred in numerous hit television shows and movies of the week including HBO’s INSECURE, NCIS: Los Angeles, as well as the newly released Lifetime movie; REVENGE FOR DADDY to name a few. She has worked along side Jason Priestly in the WB’s first ever flagship web series and Alloy’s rendition of the hit book series “PRIVATE”. In her spare time she is certified in equine therapy and spends most of her time working to get dogs out of shelters and working towards the rehabilitation of rescue animals.

When not at his “real job” as Veteran Programs Manager for Higher Ground Los Angeles, Kris is at BIG Heart Ranch. If Kris could be any kitchen appliance he would be a blender because he likes to mix things up. At his Higher Ground chapter in Los Angeles, he does just that, combining his grit, creativity and strong belief in inclusivity as he works with veterans. When not at Higher Ground, Kris enjoys spending time meditating, cooking plant based meals with friends & reading. Kris is an avid outdoors person and enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, camping, climbing and cycling. He also volunteers at a LA Children's Hospital, an adaptive climbing program and the local LGBT Center.