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Amanda Paddock is the Executive Director of Echoing Hope Ranch, where she leads the organization with a commitment to operational excellence, transparent governance, and high‑quality services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in nonprofit management, animal conservation, and organizational operations, she oversees all aspects of daily operations, budget development, regulatory compliance, program quality, and strategic partnerships.

Amanda joined Echoing Hope Ranch in 2020 and advanced through roles including Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Operations before assuming the Executive Director position in 2024. Her leadership has strengthened financial systems, improved staff development and evaluation processes, expanded community partnerships, and ensured consistent compliance with the Arizona Department of Developmental Disabilities. She is known for her ability to lead teams through change, build strong internal systems, and cultivate a positive, mission‑aligned organizational culture.

Before joining Echoing Hope Ranch, Amanda held leadership roles in nonprofit and veterinary settings, including Director of Operations and Curator of Conservation and Education at Zoo New York and Client Services Manager at Summit Veterinary Referral Center. Her early career in wildlife biology and education provided a foundation in research, animal care, program development, and community engagement.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She has completed advanced training in nonprofit leadership, financial management, and The Empowerment Dynamic (TED*) facilitation. She remains dedicated to building inclusive, compassionate, and sustainable programs that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Jasmine was born in Douglas, AZ, and grew up in Bisbee. Bisbee is her home, but she moved to Sierra Vista a few years ago to be closer to her family. Jasmine is a 2010 graduate of Bisbee High School and soon after began her work supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Little did she know that this would be where her heart was. Jasmine started her career with EHR in 2018 as an on-call/relief staff for all departments. Shortly after, she was promoted to the team for the IDLA program in 2019 and became a DTA lead. In 2020 she became a lead for habilitation and respite. Jasmine became EHR’s Program Assistant in 2021 and Program Manager in June 2022. Jasmine has grown with EHR’s participants and would never choose to have done anything differently. Jasmine has four children and is thankful to be part of EHR, guiding individuals along a successful path.

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Bryan (James) Schaff was born in Washington DC, lived in Virginia, West Virginia, and Korea before moving to the Hereford area in 1979. He graduated from Buena High School in 1981 and shortly after graduating, joined the U.S. Navy. He spent three years on an aircraft carrier based in San Diego and then two years as a Navy reservist in Stuttgart, Germany.

After Germany, he found myself back in Arizona, first in Flagstaff, and then Tucson working in a variety of management roles. He finally settled back in Hereford in 2008 where he got married and raised four children. In his free time he enjoys sailing, camping, traveling with my family, and enjoying my four wonderful grandchildren.

He started at Echoing Hope Ranch in 2020 working in the GSE (group supported employment) and HCBS (home and community-based services) programs. In 2025 he took on leadership role in the transportation department and in July 2026 moved into the Ranch Manager position; a position that gives him a unique opportunity to contribute his skills and talents towards fulfilling the Ranch’s mission of providing growth, discovery, and learning in safe and respectful homes and communities. His personal goals and values closely align with the mission of Echoing Hope Ranch, and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute his experience, knowledge, and dedication to an organization whose goals he is passionate about. He looks forward to his continued personal growth as it coincides with the growth of Echoing Hope Ranch.

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I was born in Tucson, AZ but grew up in Naco, AZ. I graduated from Bisbee High School in 2012, not sure of what kind of career I wanted. In 2014, I applied to be a DSP with a different agency not knowing it would change my perspective on life. I have been a part of EHR since 2018 starting as a Direct Support Professional. I have to be honest though, I didn’t expect to love what I do, I just needed a job at the time. I worked as a DSP with EHR until 2020, when I became an IDLA lead. I became a Program Lead in June of 2022. Working with the individuals we support here at EHR has been the best experience yet. The relationships I have built with not only the individuals we support but with their families as well has been amazing. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this team.

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Allie is the Therapeutic Support Specialist at Echoing Hope Ranch, where she facilitates person-centered treatment planning and programmatic support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Drawing from a background in occupational therapy and disability rights advocacy, Stewart implements evidence-based strategies to enhance daily living skills (ADLs and IADLs), promote self-advocacy, and improve quality-of-life outcomes for supported individuals.

Since joining EHR in January 2023, Stewart has contributed to accessible programming across the organization, including workshops for staff and community partners, as well as tier-based vocational training for supported individuals. She provides direct support, facilitates interdisciplinary planning, and leads community outreach through neurodiversity-affirming education. Her professional interests include rural disability resource equity, trauma-informed care, and systems-level inclusion.

Stewart earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University, where she currently serves on the Board for Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. As of 2025, she holds titles as a Certified ADA Coordinator (ACTCP) and Certified Sexuality Occupational Therapist (CSOT). Her prior work spans traditional medical settings, community-based mental health programs, and adaptive art studios. Now based in Southern Arizona, she remains committed to creating opportunities for people with IDD to lead empowered, connected, and self-directed lives.

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Kathy Adams is the Training Coordinator/Instructor at Echoing Hope Ranch (EHR). As a Certified Instructor for the Arizona Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Kathy instructs employees in the required DDD training and also researches, writes, develops, and instructs new training specific for EHR employees. Beginning first as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and transport driver at EHR in 2021, Kathy brings this background along with her education experience to the EHR Training position to empower DSPs with the tools to support and empower individuals while continuing to provide direct support, writing and publishing the monthly Parents and Guardians Newsletter, and coordinating activities for the EHR day program’s monthly calendar.

Previous to working with EHR, Kathy has 20 years teaching experience in both private and public schools in grades pre-K through high school. Teaching in both neurotypical and neurodiverse classrooms as well as spending two summers instructing students in Summer English Workshops at a university in East Asia, Kathy understands the value of teaching to meet the preferences of diverse learning styles. As an advocate for equal opportunities for all learners in the classroom while teaching Pre-K through 12th grade, Adams remains committed to facilitating opportunities now for adults of all abilities–for inclusion in their community and in leading their most independent, empowered life.

Kathy earned her two Bachelor of Science degrees in both Art and English at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. Her love of learning and the spark of learning that lights up when nurturing/mentoring another person is the motivation that fuels her passion.