OUR FACILITATORS
MEET THE TEAM
Nancy Hernandez Riggs
Founder and Program Director
Energy Medicine Practitioner, Trauma Recovery Soul Coach, Equine Specialist, Trained Natural Lifemanship, EAGALA & PATH
Haloranch is a gift, a beautiful blessing that I would like to share with you all. Being a life long equestrian and trauma survivor myself, I have first hand experience of the healing power of horses and their innate ability to hold space, to be authentic and to live in the moment, the exact moment that I am in.
Horses have taught me that healthy connections based on trust, understanding and compassion are the foundation of all my relationships. Their teachings have been a catalyst for my own healing.
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My hope is that you too will find your own healing journey, co-creating with others (and horses) in a safe environment outside in nature, connecting to your inner, true authentic self, because healing is the medicine that lives in us All!
Haloranch Wellness Center was created for you.
Clincal Counselor
Tracy Sanna received her Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling with a focus on spiritually integrated psychotherapy from Loyola University Maryland. She began her career as a therapist at two different acute care facilities, helping teens and adults work through issues including substance abuse, self-harm, depression, anxiety and PTSD.
Since then, she has worked as an out-patient private practice therapist in Maryland. In addition to counseling, she finds joy in teaching. Tracy taught middle school and high school for ten years and currently teaches undergraduate Psychology. Tracy moved to San Diego from Baltimore, Maryland in the beginning of 2022 and deeply enjoys exploring the beauty of the west coast.
At a young age, Tracy felt the power of being in the presence of horses. Shortly after becoming a therapist, she sought to understand the connection she experienced with equines. Tracy completed training in equine assisted psychotherapy through EAGALA and Natural Lifemanship. Since then, she has facilitated groups and individuals as they also discover the benefits of the horse and human relationship.
Hannah Phillips
Clinical Counselor
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Hannah Phillips, LPCC, is a licensed professional clinical counselor with over a decade of experience supporting individuals through trauma, chronic stress, burnout, and major life transitions. Her work centers on nervous system regulation, somatic healing, and relational awareness, helping people move beyond insight alone and into embodied, sustainable change.
Hannah’s approach blends clinical expertise with experiential, nature-based practices, creating space for clients to reconnect with their bodies, their inner world, and their authentic selves. She believes healing is not about fixing or forcing change, but about creating safety, awareness, and connection so the nervous system can soften and new possibilities can emerge.
Carissa Lane
Therapist
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a master’s degree in clinical psychology, specializing in trauma-informed, body-oriented therapy. I work with individuals navigating PTSD and complex trauma, chronic stress and burnout, grief, addiction and recovery, chronic pain, and major life transitions, as well as those who feel stuck in survival patterns or disconnected from themselves.
My work integrates neuroscience and nervous system regulation with experiential, relational healing approaches. I draw from Somatic Experiencing®, somatic touch work, equine-assisted therapy, and energy-based practices to support change that is felt and embodied, not just understood. I also facilitate retreats and immersive healing experiences that allow for deeper reconnection and integration.
Originally from San Diego, I feel a deep connection to the land and the quiet, restorative presence of nature here. At HaloRanch, I offer a grounded, attuned space where clients can slow down, connect with horses and the natural world, and explore their inner experience at a pace that feels safe. Together, we work to gently shift protective patterns, restore trust in the body, and support lasting healing that unfolds from within.
I view healing as a process of reconnection to self, body, relationship, and the natural rhythms that support resilience, vitality, and authentic living
Tanner Phillips
Equine Professinal
Tanner Phillips is an equine professional and military veteran whose work is grounded in presence, leadership, and relational trust. Shaped by both his service as a veteran and his lifelong experience with horses, Tanner brings a calm, steady approach to facilitating connection between horses and humans.
Tanner believes horses offer honest, immediate feedback that helps people become more aware of their internal state—often more effectively than words alone. Through his work, he creates environments where safety, regulation, and authentic connection can develop naturally, allowing both horse and human to respond with clarity, confidence, and mutual respect.
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Giovanna “Gio” Meiche is an Equus Coach, Master Facilitator, and equine specialist working with horses and humans through integrative, body-based, and awareness-centered practices. Originally from Brazil, her path has taken her across Europe and the United States, shaping a multidisciplinary approach that blends therapeutic bodywork, mindfulness, creative expression, and equine-guided development.
She is certified in equine-assisted coaching and equine massage therapy, and is also a licensed massage therapist trained in somatic and holistic modalities. Gio is the founder of Soul Sanctuary, where she offers sessions and experiences designed to support balance, connection, and well-being for both horses and humans.
Gio Meiche
Life Coach/Equine Specialist
For more than 20 years, horses have been a meaningful part of my life through riding, competing, and participating in equine therapy. I have witnessed firsthand their remarkable ability to foster connection, insight, and healing.
As a Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s degree, I have worked extensively with individuals who have experienced trauma. Guided by my commitment to integrative healing, I became an Eagala Certified Equine Specialist and am currently pursuing certification as a trauma-informed coach.
I am dedicated to nurturing the connection between humans and horses, recognizing the profound impact these relationships can have on personal growth and recovery. My perspective is also shaped by supporting a family member through addiction and trauma, deepening my understanding of both the challenges of healing and the powerful role horses can play in that process.
At Halo Ranch, I collaborate with therapists and coaches to create safe, supportive spaces where individuals can explore their challenges and uncover their inner strength. Through customized equine-assisted programs, I aim to support each participant on their unique path to wellness, using partnership with horses as a catalyst for growth and healing.