Our People

About Rusty Halo Director Steph Peek

Steph Peek is founder and Executive Director of Rusty Halo Foundation. In 2017, Steph left an incredibly successful 25+ year career to start the Foundation and dedicate her time and energy to serving at-risk youth.

Prior to Rusty Halo, Steph worked in the construction industry, having quickly climbed the ladder from a front office administrative position to VP of Purchasing and Operations at DeNova Homes, a well respected Bay Area real estate development firm. She then went on to co-found and run her own construction company BrightonFelton. Over the course of her career, Steph was the recipient of numerous industry awards and an active member of Professional Women in Building.

Steph’s decision to step away from the corporate world and to create Rusty Halo was born out of a commitment to service and youth, and also her own experience with horses. While at DeNova, Steph volunteered with HomeAid Northern California, helping to build and rehabilitate shelters and fundraise for the nonprofit. She later served on the Advisory Board of Junior Achievement of Northern California, and has for several years volunteered with the Navy League of the United States and Honor Flight.

It wasn’t until 2014 that Steph rode her first horse while travelling. Yet she immediately connected with the animal and the calming and peaceful nature of the experience. Inspired and driven by this introduction to horses, the pull to service, and a desire to reach youth, Steph took her first lessons with therapeutic horses and never looked back. She founded Rusty Halo shortly thereafter.

Steph has since earned her Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s of Social Work (MSW), and is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with her Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC). She is certified in a model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), as well as a coaching model through the Certified Board of Equine Interaction Professionals - Mental Health (CEIP-MH). Steph also utilizes her training in expressive arts and energy psychology to enhance her practice for the clients. Steph brings a unique vision and talent to the therapy world with her well rounded abilities to provide Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and coaching as well as therapeutic activities. Steph has a gift for providing leadership skills to young people while also creating a therapeutic environment that is welcoming to all.

Teens have always had a snug and comfy place in Steph's heart. Not having children of her own, she is bubbling over with love and compassion, and is ready to spill that love all over the teens that need it.

Certifications and Education :

Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA)
MSW with a focus on Children, Youth and Families from Cal State University East Bay
Pupil Personnel Services Credential
Certified Equine Interactive Professional - Mental Health (CEIP-MH)
LCSW, License# 125545

Autism Spectrum Diagnosis Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)

Memberships and Organizations:

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
California Society of Clinical Social Workers (CSCSW)
Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP)

HorseDream USA

About the Foundation

Our Board of Directors

Steph Peek

PRESIDENT
Laura Lawlor

TREASURER
Laura serves as Treasurer of the Board, bringing a unique blend of financial expertise, technical acumen, and entrepreneurial insight to the organization. With a strong foundation in accounting and software development, she currently holds the role of Senior Software Solutions Architect at Oracle, where she designs and implements innovative technology solutions for a wide range of clients. Prior to her work at Oracle, Laura successfully owned and operated a small business, gaining firsthand experience in leadership, financial planning, and operations management.
In her role as Treasurer, Laura plays a vital part in ensuring the foundation’s financial stability and sustainability. She provides strategic oversight of budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance, and is deeply committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of the organization’s fiscal operations.
Beyond her professional achievements, Laura is a passionate equine enthusiast with a strong commitment to the healing power of equine-assisted therapy. She is currently pursuing certifications in equine-assisted learning, further aligning her personal interests with the mission of the foundation. Laura is an avid lover of nature and the outdoors, and finds deep personal fulfillment in supporting programs that empower children through meaningful connections with horses. She is especially inspired by the smiles, confidence, and joy that equine-assisted experiences bring to the children the foundation serves.
Christi Waybright

SECRETARY
Christi has been a part of the Rusty Halo Board since 2019. She is a retired police detective who is passionate about helping others. Christi thoroughly enjoys performing in musical theatre and hanging out with her service dog, Yeti. Christi wholeheartedly believes in our Rusty Halo mission and wants to bring this beautiful foundation’s services to impact as many lives are possible. Horses are magical and have the most beautiful healing power.
Marisa Barley

DIRECTOR
Marisa is honored to be serving as the Director of Fundraising for the Rusty Halo Foundation. She’s so touched by Steph’s passion for what she does and believes there’s such a need for what she provides. She was born and raised in Oakland Marisa is a retired court reporter and now spends her time in the entertainment world. Her favorite activity is to go hear her son, Garrett, play music, and she loves hanging out with her pup Frankie too!
Rick Kraushar

DIRECTOR
Rick Kraushar is the CEO of Grandview and Generation Communities, two home builders that operate in the Western United States. Previously as a President of Richmond American, he specialized in developing business plans and creating a successful home building division in the Sacramento Region along with co-operating the Bay Division. During his time at LGI Homes, Rick worked his way to become a Regional Vice President of Acquisitions, Entitlements and Development gaining experience in multiple states and markets. He worked for Shea Homes for almost 13 years in the Northern California division where he really learned all aspects of home building and commercial development from a quality home builder and master developer. In his spare time, Rick likes to coach his daughter's travel softball team and volunteer, when possible, with his youngest daughter's dance company.
Dora Ritzer

DIRECTOR
Dora Ritzer, LMFT is an experienced, evidence-based, and compassionate therapist who specializes in working with children and families involved in the court and foster care systems. With a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, Dora brings both clinical expertise and intuitive insight to her work, helping clients navigate the emotional complexities of high-conflict custody cases, foster placements, and reunification efforts.
Her approach integrates structured, evidence-based interventions with creative modalities such as play and expressive arts therapy, particularly when working with young children. Dora is committed to supporting families in crisis, offering a steady, nonjudgmental presence and working collaboratively with caregivers, legal professionals, and community partners to promote the best outcomes for the children she serves.
In addition to her clinical work, Dora is proud to serve on the board of the Rusty Halo Foundation, an equine-assisted therapeutic nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by trauma, systemic inequity, and involvement in the child welfare system.