Meet our Humans

Donna Eckwortzel - Founder & Executive Director
Donna is the dedicated founder of Hearts Landing Ranch, a sanctuary she established in 2013 with a heartfelt mission to support foster, human trafficking victims and local youth through Mentoring and since 2016 Hearts Landing Ranch has been a similar ministry to Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. And, due to the severity of trafficking and childhood trauma, in 2020 added Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) Program and Donna along with 7 other team members became EAGALA Certified.

Driven by her deep compassion and understanding of mental health challenges, Donna has built a space where individuals can find healing and hope with the help of her team of rescued therapy horses. Her leadership and commitment have made Hearts Landing Ranch a trusted place for transformative, Equine-Assisted care.

Nicole Walter - Program Development
After volunteering for several years, Nicole became HLR's first employee in 2021. Nicole's education is in Equine Science Management. She has had "hands-on" experience in training and care of horses at multiple well-established farms.
In 2020 Nicole also became an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist and served hands on with clients and volunteers as Equine Program Director, until moving out of state in January of 2026. She is now working on program development, grant writing and other online support. 

Anthony Trujillo - Facilities/Equine Specialist
​Anthony is an entrepreneur and mixed martial artist who currently serves as a certified EAGALA Equine Specialist, mentor, and facilities maintenance coordinator at HLR. He brings valuable lived experience from his own 12-step recovery journey, along with years of sustained sobriety and a strong commitment to service. Anthony has sponsored over 50 men and women as he has remained active in AA since 2021. He currently attends 3 home groups, holding the role of secretary for two. During this time he has led a book study as well as shared his story in H&I meetings in local rehab facilities. Further expanding his community involvement, Anthony trains and teaches jujitsu, and has found a strong veteran presence in both of these areas. Anthony embodies the transformative power of healing and stands as a powerful example of resilience and recovery for those he mentors. 

Corynn Kalla - Herd Care
Corynn grew up with a love for horses and has spent a lot of time riding and caring for them. She is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in animal science, with plans to continue on to vet school and potentially specialize in equine veterinary care. Corynn started as a volunteer and enjoyed learning the horses’ individual personalities and quirks. She states that caring for them has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has strengthened her love for working with horses and that she continues to be inspired by their ability to help people and make a positive impact. 

Sierra Tsygankov - AMFT/Client Intake
​Sierra is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), and EAGALA-Certified Mental Health Professional who earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology. She is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change through experiential approaches.  Her professional involvement with Hearts Landing Ranch began during her undergraduate internship and continued through her graduate practicum. These experiences deepened her appreciation for the healing and growth that can occur through experiential approaches and ultimately led to her continued work with Hearts Landing Ranch. 
Drawing from her clinical education, professional experience, and experience as a U.S. Army veteran, Sierra brings authenticity, resilience, and compassion to her work with clients. She believes that some of life’s most meaningful growth happens through connection, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to step outside of one’s comfort zone in a supportive environment.
Whether working with individuals, families, or groups, she is committed to creating a space where clients feel empowered, supported, and encouraged as they move toward their personal goals and greater well-being.

Dr Robyn Masters PhD - Psychologist
​Robyn Masters is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of stress-related disorders. For the last decade, she has worked with children, teens, and adults, from diverse families who have faced significant adversity. Through insight, connection, and experiential practice, her clients report a reduction in symptoms related to a dysregulated nervous system so they can get back to living life more fully. She is formally trained in equine-psychotherapy (EAGALA), EMDR, the Circle of Security Parenting Program, and Unyte Integrated Listening Program. From a Military family herself, Robyn is EAGALA Military Certified and is honored to offer evidence-based treatment to military personnel and their families. 

Jaime Perell - LMFT
In her private practice, Jamie primarily works with first responders, including Sacramento Fire, SacMetro Fire, and CHP. She helps people who are in the line of fire and experienced tremendous trauma. Jamie has certifications in EMDR, Brainspotting and EAGALA and has been the Supervisor for Hearts Landing Ranch Marriage and Family Interns.
It has been almost 8 years since Jamie first came to Hearts Landing Ranch while working in an adolescent at-risk treatment center. She calls the Ranch her “happy place” even though she is still working with serious trauma, because the horses carry much of the weight to help clients find solutions out of self-harm, suicidal ideation, addiction and sexual trauma.