Meet Our Team
Sandy Long
Executive Director and Equine Specialist
Sandra earned her MIS Degree in 1997 from Gannon University and worked in the Technology field for over 11 years before starting Blended Spirits Ranch Equine-Assisted Therapy Center. She has always had a love for horses and has always known she had a calling to help those who have suffered trauma. When the opportunity to put these two passions together became a reality, it lit a commitment in her heart that is insatiable. She holds 6 certifications in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy through Greg Kersten of The OK Corral Series, is certified in Equilateral through Sarah Jenkins, MC, LPC of EMDR International, and in Faith Based Equine Assisted Philosophy, by Unbridled, LLC.
Sandy feels blessed to be able to coordinate this outreach, and continues to be amazed at the miracles that happen when combining the love of horses with the love of humans.
Jeanette Paradis
Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist
Jeanette Paradis joined the Blended Spirits Ranch staff in May 2016. She is our riding instructor and is also certified in EAP/EAL by Greg Kersten of The OK Corral Series, and in Faith Based Equine Assisted Philosophy, by Unbridled, LLC. Jeanette cherishes each one of our horses. She thoroughly enjoys equipping riders to work to their potential as she partners with the horses throughout this exciting process. She teaches both English and Western riding and works with a variety of ages and levels of experience. Jeanette brings 25+ years of experience in the equine industry as a rider, show groom, instructor, trainer, judge and clinician. Her teaching style is warm, encouraging and insightful.
Megan Chong, LPC
Equine-Assisted Therapist
Megan is a graduate of Gannon University, obtaining her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology in 2001. She continued her education at Gannon, receiving her Master’s of Science in Community Counseling in 2005 and her Post-Graduate Certificate in 2006. Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. In addition to her work here at the ranch, Megan is the owner and therapist of Tradewinds Counseling Services, LLC., in Edinboro, where she specializes in the assessment and treatment of complex trauma, dissociation, problematic sexual behavior in children, sexual offending behavior in adolescents, and family reunification. She provides services to individuals of all ages with a focus on children and adolescents. Services may also include family or group work. Megan utilizes brain-based and sensorimotor modalities throughout treatment. She is also trained in EMDR. Megan is certified in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy through Greg Kersten’s OK Coral and is trained in Equilateral (Equine-Assisted EMDR). She loves working with the horses at Blended Spirits Ranch to offer clients this powerful modality to their healing. Blended Spirits Ranch Equine-Assisted Therapy Center accepts UPMC, Highmark, Optum, United Behavioral Health, UMR, and CCBH (Erie County Medicaid).
Cheryl Forero, LPC
Equine-Assisted Therapist
Cheryl joined the Blended Spirits Ranch team in October of 2017. Cheryl is a graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2004. She continued her education at Edinboro University receiving her Masters in Community Counseling in 2009. In 2016, Cheryl completed a 10-month certificate program in Traumatic Stress Studies under the direction of Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. In 2004 she completed a 3-year program at Full Spectrum Center for Healing Arts. Cheryl is currently the owner and therapist at A Place for Hope, Healing, and Transformation, LLC where she provide treatment for individuals and families focusing on concerns such as grief, abuse, trauma, and experiences that have impacted an individual’s development.
Devan Daughenbaugh
Barn Manager
Since joining the BSR team in October of 2019, my life has been full of life lessons and love from the boys at the ranch. They have taught me patience and how to enjoy the little things. When I am not at the ranch, I am at home taking care of the family farm. My boyfriend and I raise beef cattle and have just been licensed to sell our own maple syrup on the local maple syrup tour! I have been around horses my whole life, which lead to me competing in Western pleasure and eventually barrel racing, which I still compete currently on my horse Drego.
Taylor Hoglund
Horse Care
Taylor joined our Blended family in the year 2020. Her love of horses and animals in general helped her pursue a career as a certified veterinarian technician. Taylor thoroughly enjoys spending her weekends with the boys. She loves each of their spunky personalities and their gentleness with their riders.