OUR STAFF
Dr. Jillian Stewart | Executive Director
Dr. Jillian Stewart, PT, DPT, Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist is a physical therapist who graduated from Northwestern University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2014 and received her Hippotherapy Clinical Specialty in 2017. As a physical therapist she saw a need for community integration and inclusion for people with disabilities, which lead her to start Surf & Turf Therapy, in 2018.
With 30 years of horsemanship experience, 15 years of surf experience, and over a decade as a physical therapist, Jillian is passionate about enhancing the relevance and reputation of the use of non-traditional therapeutic tools. She actively advocates for the profession, providing guest lectures at universities and therapy clinics, being featured in podcasts, participating in panels, and mentoring professional students. She is an active member of the American Hippotherapy Association, International Surf Therapy Organization, and San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, as well as a voting board member on the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association.
Dr. Allyson Blackstone | Physical Therapist, Billing Specialist
Dr. Allyson Blackstone, PT, DPT is a physical therapist who graduated from Northwestern University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2021. She completed her last clinical internship with Dr. Jillian at Surf & Turf Therapy and was honored with Northwestern’s Clinical Excellence Award for her work as an intern. As a former dance teacher from Santa Cruz, California, Dr. Allyson is thrilled to pair her love of working with kids with her love of the ocean. She is thrilled to be working at Surf & Turf Therapy and loves seeing the joy and progress in her patients every day.
Danielle Cupps | Riding Instructor, Barn Manager
Danielle Cupps is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with experience as western trainer’s assistant and groom. Danielle grew up jumping and barrel racing, which lead her to compete for Rocky Mountain College’s WIHA Team at the national level. She shares her love of horses and 17 years of experience as an equestrian through teaching therapeutic riding lessons and running the sibling support and inclusion program on the turf side at Surf & Turf Therapy. In 2021, she helped develop and continues to lead a program which gives back to San Juan Capistrano’s under resourced communities through riding and equine education.
Payton Forche | Executive Assistant
Currently pursuing a Masters in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, Payton Rose grew up immersed in western riding, specializing in barrels, reining, and ranch riding. With a deep understanding of the human-horse connection, she's eager to support therapy sessions at Surf and Turf Therapy. Payton is dedicated to optimizing office operations to ensure seamless support for the team and looks forward to integrating horses in her future career to promoting mental health and well-being through equine facilitated psychotherapy.
Violet Burke | Equine Program Assistant
Violet has been riding for 10 years and owns a Quarter Horse named Daisy. She has competed in barrel racing, ranch riding, and sorting, and is excited to begin breakaway roping. Her passion for horses and helping others made her a natural fit for Surf & Turf Therapy, where she first volunteered in 2023 and quickly made a lasting impact, earning the title of 2023 Youth Volunteer of the Year. Outside of her work with us, she enjoys riding Daisy, line dancing, spending time with friends, and visiting her family ranch in Julian.
Mike Jacob | Therapeutic Surf Instructor
With over 25 years of surfing experience , Mike has spent the last three years sharing his passion for surfing through his own company, Alive & Stoked.
Mike loves working with kids who may not have many opportunities to engage with the ocean. He believes that the ocean is a profound teacher, offering lessons in resilience and the ability to navigate life's challenges. The beauty and therapeutic qualities of the sea inspire him every day, and he feels privileged to help the next generation not only learn to surf but also connect with the ocean.
Excited to make a meaningful impact, Mike looks forward to building friendships with students, families, and fellow staff members. He deeply believes in the mission of Surf & Turf and is eager to continue learning throughout this journey.
Riley Phillips | Speech Language Pathologist
Riley Phillips, M.S., CCC-SLP, has felt her calling to speech therapy since she was 11 years old– completing her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Boston University and returning home to support every individual in communicating with others. She grew up attending horse summer camp and is happy to be intertwining her love for animals, kiddos, and speech. Riley is passionate about celebrating the unique characteristics of every individual and encouraging children to explore the world around them, who they were designed to be, and their voice.
Lauren Ward | Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
Lauren graduated with a Bachelor's in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Purdue University and earned her Speech-Language Pathology Assistance License from Loma Linda University in the Winter of 2025.
She first began volunteering at Surf and Turf Therapy in May 2024, where she quickly developed a deep connection to the organization's mission. Lauren is inspired by the welcoming community at Surf and Turf, including the dedicated staff, volunteers, and the wonderful families and children we serve. The positive and supportive environment has made her experience here truly special, and she feels privileged to be a part of it.
Outside of her role at Surf and Turf, Lauren works as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant with SLP Riley, where she continues to grow her passion for helping others. Her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those she works with is evident in everything she does.