Founders
Ehren Plummer
Founder &
Executive Director
Ehren has a passion for youth and has been working with teenagers for nearly 30 years. He is currently a middle school teacher in Vancouver, WA. He has worked with youth in Chicago and Portland through Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life. He is also a former youth pastor. Ehren has coached many sports both in high school and middle school. He and his wife are currently mentoring several groups of teenagers. He is looking forward to getting the ranch off the ground so more kids can find hope, peace and freedom.
Kia Plummer
Founder &
Board Member
Kia is currently a kindergarten teacher. She adores the many opportunities that she has to love and support kids and their families through education. Prior to teaching, Kia was a social worker for at-risk youth exposed to or experiencing trauma, both in Chicago and Portland. “I love working with kids, and praying on their behalf. I believe that it takes the effort and commitment of “a village” to meet the needs of today’s kids. My heart’s desire is for our youth to find belonging, hope and freedom through connection, community and Christ. This is the exciting focus of Rising Above Daily Youth Ranch!” Kia is looking forward to opening the ranch, and expanding her ability to support kids and families in the Southwest Washington community. Kia is known for her welcoming heart and making others feel valued.
Our Staff Team
Lexie Helt
Trainer & Session Leader
Lexie currently works at her family’s business in the funeral industry, learning each day about compassion and empathy during emotional phases of life. She is an avid lover of horses and has been riding in various disciplines as well as teaching youth in basic riding skills for many years. Lexie is passionate about Christ, specifically in kids ministry. She has served as a Sunday school teacher at Grace Foursquare Church in Camas for five years with kindergarten to third grade aged kids.
Lexie has an energetic and youthful spirit with a heart to serve and grow a connection with the people around her. She cannot wait to begin this journey using horses to help youth grow trust, initiate healthy boundaries, and ultimately grow their love for Christ, each other, and the horses around them.
Cathy Mahon
Horse Trainer &
Curriculum Dev .
Cathy Mahon, founder of Life Lessons with Horses is a dedicated teacher, facilitator and coach. Her demeanor is one of patience, kindness and gentleness, with just enough insistence to move you in a confident relationship with the horses.
Cathy has a passion for horses and understands and appreciates the brilliance of their natural wisdom and intuition. Through her extensive training and experience, she guides and encourages you to discover your true self through your interactions with the horse, all while keeping an important measure of safety as the number one priority.
Cathy’s ability as a coach and facilitator will not only lead you into a soft, yet powerful connection, but she will step back and allow you to find the sacred space to see yourself mirrored within the heart of the horse.
With her guidance and the horse’s gentle but firm teaching approach, you’ll step beyond what you thought possible in your life, out to new places to explore, discover and master!
Tracey Ritchie
Development Director
Tracey has a heart for Jesus and believes that every child deserves a voice. Her passion lies in advocating for children, especially as a mother of kids who have experienced trauma and who live with emotional, mental, and physical disabilities. Tracey is experienced with Autistic and ADHD children. She is dedicated to helping these children receive the care they need.
Tracey enjoys sharing her story with other parents who are struggling with the anxiety of navigating the healthcare system.
Tracey brings a wealth of experience in administration, event planning, and fundraising. In addition to coordinating our events, she leverages her skills to write grants that support financial growth for our programs and infrastructure. She also effectively manages our online presence.
Jeannette Lopez, LMHCA
Barn Manager & Volunteer Coord.
Jeannette is a Licensed Mental Health Counseling Associate with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, and an Associate of Applied Science in Mental Health and Human Services.
She has worked as a Restorative Justice Conflict Resolution Specialist with at-risk youth and has experience in program development, including Animal Assisted Learning Activities and emotional intelligence training. Jeannette served as a Behavior Intervention Specialist at Beaumont Middle School, facilitating restorative justice protocols for three years.
Her expertise includes crisis and trauma-informed care, strengths-based communication, and mentoring for individuals affected by complex trauma. Additionally, she has served as a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee, providing counseling and case management, and worked as a Supportive Employment Coach. Jeannette is also a certified mental health professional in the EAGALA Equine Assisted Therapy model and brings over 13 years of experience in natural horsemanship.
