LIVE AND LEARN WITH HORSES
  • Home
  • EAL
  • Why Horses?
  • Volunteer
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Home
  • EAL
  • Why Horses?
  • Volunteer
  • About Us
  • Contact
Search

About Us

​Camino Ranch Assn. is a registered Canadian charitable organization, Regn. #76677 2115 RR0001 

In 2015 a small group of like-minded citizens began a non profit society to create an equine based life skills learning centre for at-risk youth.  Our vision was to establish a facility to provide vulnerable youth with the intangible yet real benefit of horses, helping them find their path to embark on life's journey with self reliance and confidence. 

​With a dedicated Board of Directors, members, and volunteers, the vision grew to include a comprehensive program offering a wide range of valuable and practical life skills.  In 2018 we achieved status as a charitable organization from the Canada Revenue Agency.  

Meet the Board of Directors

Picture

Lorraine Koolen, President

Lorraine is a chartered professional accountant with many years of experience in accounting and business management. Her involvement in the lives of 2 cherished daughters provided valuable experience through leadership in Girl Guides of Canada and various home-school organizations. 

​As a certified equine assisted learning facilitator, Lorraine loves to share her love of horses and the lessons they can bring to the lives of youth searching for their path in life.

Laurentia LaSasso, Vice President

Lauren has many years of experience volunteering with outreach programs serving the homeless and vulnerable, including teaching life skills curriculum to inner city youth in Miami, Florida.

Laurie​ Heppner, Treasurer

Our talented treasurer, Laurie recently retired from her position in financial services with Coast Capital Savings after 22 1/2 years. Her goals with the Camino Ranch project include helping young people achieve financial literacy and achieve their goals. She has been a Langley resident since 1984 where she raised 2 fabulous children, volunteering with many child and youth driven organizations such as Girl Guides of Canada, junior baseball, Parent Advisory Committees, and the Langley School District, as well as the Cops for Cancer Campaign. Laurie still lives in Langley with her husband of 40 years and enjoys keeping her children and 2 wonderful grandchildren an integral part of her life. 

Jan Doyle, Secretary

Jan brings a wealth of experience as volunteer and event coordinator for a host of organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society, Boy Scouts, and National Home Warranty.

Meghan Smith, Director

​Meghan has a Bachelor's degree in social work from Vancouver Island University having lived in Nanaimo for three years. Meghan has also acquired a social services diploma and volunteered with troubled youth during her time at university. Her goals with Camino Ranch are to act as a support for the youth and be a positive guide in their lives. She is excited to be a part of Camino Ranch and feels very passionate about this project.

Faculty


​Rayanne K. Irving,
​Equine Instructor & Herd Manager
​

Picture
Picture
Now ​Rayanne is a survivor.  At the age of sixteen, she was manipulated, emotionally tortured and physically forced to remain in servitude to the sex slave trade right here in Lower Mainland BC for almost 6 months.  After a violent gang invasion and daring escape, she was smuggled out of town in the middle of the night with the help of a street social worker.
Now a horsewoman for many years, Rayanne knows first hand how horses can provide a life line for those searching for their trail.  She has acquired vast knowledge and experience in caring for, training, competing and coaching horses and their people.                 
She is now dedicated to prevention through education and is the resident horsemanship instructor and herd manager at Camino Ranch, bringing her invaluable life experiences overcoming unthinkable challenges to vulnerable youth, helping them avoid similar situations.  
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • EAL
  • Why Horses?
  • Volunteer
  • About Us
  • Contact