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
Our Board of Directors
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Steph Peek
PRESIDENT
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Laura Lawlor
TREASURER
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Chrisi Waybright
SECRETARY
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Marisa Barley
DIRECTOR
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Rick Kraushar
DIRECTOR
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Dora Ritzer
DIRECTOR
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Dan Manry
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR