_edited.png)
Meet the board
Stephanie Barton
Board President
Stephanie works as an attorney at law and is very involved in the Springfield community. She has helped to start an orphanage in Haiti which she has visited several times.
​
"My husband and I felt the calling to expand our family through the foster care system and 3 biological sisters were placed in our care in 2014. Throughout the years, our girls move forward, but their loss and trauma is still there. Refuge Ranch has given them such hope to look forward to while learning to trust their horse, their mentor, and know God has a beautiful plan for them. I have seen first hand the healing that takes place by Refuge Ranch. I’m proud to be a part of this Board bringing hope and healing to at-risk youth and families."
Alec Ackerman
Treasurer
Alec serves as Associate Wealth Management Advisor at Shunk Financial Group. He brings his financial expertise to Refuge and he volunteers as a mentor in the Bridges Mentorship program. Alec serves as the chair for the finance committee.
​
"I first became involved in the mentorship program and felt led to serve further and utilize some of the gifts from my background in finance. Even though I had zero horse exposure until my 20s, I instantly fell in love with all things equine - which is how God led me to the Ranch!"
Ron Duff
Past Board President
Ron serves as a Real Estate Broker along with his wife Suzie. The couple have each brought their gifts to Refuge for many years.
​
"I love that Refuge offers a temporary life-escape for kids, volunteers and anyone who visits the campus. It’s an amazing place and a God blessing. I love that Christ is the center of everything the Ranch is. God is transforming the ranch into an untypical destination that is very inviting and even fascinating to those who visit. Once there… kids and adults quickly experience a place of community and safety. Most important is that Refuge offers an environment to grow personally and spiritually. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of all of this?"
Katie Young
Board member
Katie is a successful insurance agent and owner of Katie Young State Farm Agency. She has a talent for bringing people together and a passion for helping children and families.
​
"I love the unique and effective connection and healing the Ranch offers in Jesus' name."
​
​
Lucas Shelton
Board member
Lucas is a sales manager at Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits. He has known Chris and Steve since he was a kid and got involved with Refuge helping maintain the grounds. After seeing the way God was at work at the Ranch to touch the lives of so many families, he decided to join the board. He serves as the chair of the development and communication committee.
​
"It has been a real blessing since joining the board and to watch how God is growing the Ranch and expanding its capacity to serve our central Illinois community and more. Its hard to express in words the stories, the moments, and the experiences that have taken place at the Ranch.I look forward to how God will continue to use the Ranch and to bring a piece of His Kingdom here to earth and touch the lives of those who need Him."
Jen Shelton
Board member
Jen spent more than 20 years working in veterinary medicine. That contributed to her love of animals and understanding of the special bond people have with them. She is a stay at home mom and often volunteers her time and talents to Refuge Ranch, including work on special projects like furnishing and decorating the Fishes and Loaves house.
​
"The ranch serves as the liaison in the healing process which I find amazing! These children have often been robbed of their child-like wonder and little by little a glimpse gets restored. Additionally, seeing horses break through their bondage of abuse is so encouraging. Hope coupled with patience and faith restores a lot of broken people and animals alike. God is in the restoration business and the ranch facilitates His mission!"
Garrett LeVault
Board member
Garrett serves as the student pastor at Hope Church. He learned about the ranch by bringing students to visit and spending volunteer days there.
​
"I serve on the board because I believe the world needs more spaces for young people to unplug, work with their hands, and know what it means to 'tend' to the world God entrusted us to care for. I am excited to look for new ways for youth ministries to partner with Refuge Ranch. I am encouraged and inspired by the stories of what God has done through His people here at the Ranch. I am honored to be a part of the team tasked with stewarding this remarkable ministry."
Elizabeth Wright
Board member
Elizabeth is a chef instructor for Illinois Assistive Technology Program's Tech Kitchen, a program that assists individuals with disabilities in finding assistive technology to make meal prep easier. She serves as the events chair and leads the planning and execution for Refuge's largest annual events.
​
"I was introduced to the ranch from being on staff at a LSCA, a partner organization and through my now husband Zack who had been a volunteer and was a staff member for many years. I had always been impressed with the deep community at Refuge Ranch, and their commitment to long term mentorship and healing. Refuge Ranch has been a blessing to me personally in getting to know the amazing guests, volunteers, and program participants. I am so grateful for all God is doing with this organization and that He allows me to participate."
​
​