Julie Phillips is the Executive Director of Strides of Growth which is located at Desert Sun Ranch in Queen Creek, Arizona. Julie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly SLO in Recreation Administration where she studied Therapeutic Recreation. Julie is a mother of 5 amazing children, 4 of whom are neurodivergent. Julie believes strongly that all of us - humans and animals alike, need a job, purpose, and the ability to give back. Julie is grateful for the blessing of recognizing and understanding the innate connection between animals and humans. It was through the depths of these beliefs along with her drive, dedication and strong desire to help all beings live a fulfilling, healthy, happy, & well-balanced life, that a need for this non-profit was born. Julie’s summation is that kindness, acceptance, and making a difference, are the seeds for mental wellness in all that live and breathe. The dream for Strides of Growth is the embodiment of such attributes.  

Paige Newpark is a Nonprofit Leadership and Management student at Arizona State University (Summer 2025 graduate), and brings15 years of combined experience in both the equestrian and mental health fields. Their love for horses began in childhood, and from there, Paige sought every opportunity to deepen their connection with these incredible animals. With experience working in both PATH and EAGALA facilities, Paige specializes in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). Their approach centers on holding a safe, supportive space for individuals, where they can explore personal growth and healing through interactions with horses. Paige's work emphasizes mindfulness, emotional awareness, and self-regulation while encouraging individuals to build confidence, communication, and leadership skills. They believe that horses offer a unique ability to help people stay present, grounded, and just be—creating an experience that supports physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Jaclyn Wahlberg is a pediatric occupational therapist passionate about empowering children of all abilities. She holds a doctorate in occupational therapy from Northern Arizona University and has dedicated her career to helping kids access the support they need to thrive. At Desert Sun Ranch Academy, Jaclyn assists students in overcoming challenges to fully engage in their learning. She also provides intensive therapy at Gye Di, a nonprofit serving children with complex disabilities. At Strides of Growth, Jaclyn is excited to incorporate hippotherapy into her practice, using the movement of horses to help children develop strength, coordination, and confidence. She believes in the profound impact of hippotherapy and is committed to helping every child reach their fullest potential.