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.
Chelsea Ackerman, M.Ed., NCC, LPC
Equine-Assisted Therapist
Chelsea is a 2006 graduate of Westminster College, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. She went on to receive her Master’s of Education in School Guidance and Counseling from American Military University in 2012. Chelsea is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a National Board-Certified Counselor. In her years of experience, she has provided services to individuals and families in a variety of settings. In addition to more traditional forms of talk therapy Chelsea is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and certified in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy through Greg Kersten’s OK Corral. She is passionate about using more natural paths to healing and respects the strength and courage that it takes to seek treatment.
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.