_edited.png)
Meet the staff
Chris Daniels
Founder/
Executive Director
Chris provides leadership and direction for Refuge Ranch, helping guide the organization, staff, and partnerships as we pursue our mission of serving youth and families.
​
"Refuge is a culmination of my love for Jesus and His unrelenting mercy, my love for horses, and my passion to share the same freedom I have found with others who are hurting. I never could have imagined He would allow these things to come together the way they have at the Ranch. Every day here is a gift and I can’t imagine doing anything else!"
Jen McCormick
Director of Operations/ Adaptive Riding Instructor
Jen handles much of the day to day that keeps the Ranch running smoothly while leading the Freedom Reins Adaptive Riding Program and creating opportunities for participants to grow through connection with horses. She is certified as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH International.
​
"I love working for an organization that is founded and focused on God’s grace and mercy. "
Kierra Boyce
Program Director
Kierra worked at Refuge as a Ranch Hand during college and graduated in 2018 from North Park University with a degree in Non-Profit Management. She leads our mentoring programs, supporting mentors and creating meaningful, Christ-centered opportunities for youth to build relationships, grow, and experience hope.
​
"I love that I am part of a community that pushes me to grow deeper in faith in Christ and also serve alongside those people."
Liz Mayes
Equine Director/
Barn Manager
Liz oversees the care, training, and well-being of our horses while helping ensure they are safe, prepared, and well-suited for their important work at the Ranch. Liz started attending sessions at Refuge as an elementary student and spent many years growing her faith and horsemanship skills at the Ranch. She now pours out the hope and healing she has received from Jesus into those children and families served at the ranch today.
​
"Since I was once a kid in sessions at the Ranch I was so excited to be on the flip side! If I am not working at Refuge, you can find me on a horse or working on my degree in Equine Assisted Therapy!"
​
​
Chavet Johnson
Assistant Program Director
Chavet supports mentoring programs by helping coordinate activities, care for participants, and create welcoming experiences for the youth and families served at Refuge Ranch.
​
"The Ranch combines my love for people, the outdoors, horses (and all the animals), Jesus, and kids all in one place. Being able to serve on staff here is literally a dream come true!"
Dylan Smith
Facilities Director
Dylan oversees the care and maintenance of the Ranch property, helping ensure our facilities and grounds are safe, functional, and ready to serve our programs.
​
"I love riding and working with horses. I also love being a part of a ministry that helps youth. When I am not working at Refuge, I spend most of my time writing music, tending to my homestead, spending time with family, volunteering and attending church."
Shelby Smith
Volunteer Director
Shelby welcomes, equips, and coordinates the volunteers who generously give their time and talents to help make the work of Refuge Ranch possible.
​
"I love being part of a ministry dedicated to impacting lives while they are young—when the most soul-rescuing can be done. I love that we have the opportunity to walk alongside youth who have experienced far more than they should have and, ultimately, introduce them to our sovereign Creator. There is no greater calling than to serve our God."
Grace Viola
Office Assistant/Mentor
Grace supports the day-to-day work of the Ranch in the office while also investing personally in youth through mentoring and time spent alongside them.
​
"I love working at Refuge Ranch because I get to share the love of Christ and be part of a family. When I am not working at Refuge, I enjoy spending time with family and friends at church or loving on dogs in the shelter."
Hannah Knight
Communications Assistant
Hannah helps tell all the amazing stories happening at Refuge Ranch. She manages all social media platforms and strengthens communications efforts with her unique skills and insight. Hannah also oversees a camp for kids from under-resourced communities.
​
"Through my family I have seen the impact and healing the Ranch can bring to kids. It brings me so much joy to help share that impact with others and show them what the Ranch mission is about!"
.jpg)
Amy Rourke Jones, CFRE
Development Director
Amy builds relationships with donors and supporters, helping connect people with opportunities to generously invest in the mission and future of Refuge Ranch. She has spent her career in higher ed fundraising.
​
"I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share the mission of Refuge Ranch in our community. The work happening here is inspiring and life-changing."
Olive Goodall
Ranch Hand
Olive helps with the hands-on work of caring for the Ranch and its animals while investing in youth through mentoring, encouragement, and everyday Ranch experiences
Alexander Davis
Ranch Hand
Alexander works alongside our youth in the day-to-day rhythms of Ranch life, using horses, chores, and shared experiences to build relationships and create opportunities for growth.
Garrett Wagoner
Facilities Assistant
Garrett helps maintain and care for the Ranch property, tackling the hands-on projects that keep our grounds and facilities safe and running well.