Who We Are

Meet Our Staff

  • Katie Jacobsen

    Katie Jacobsen

    Public Relations Director
    Session Instructor

    I first heard about Crystal Peaks in 2008. I was in college and my mom sent me an article about the ranch. I was deeply touched by what I read, moved to tears, and I felt the Lord open something up in me that had been, a long time, buried deep in my heart.

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  • Ellen McBride

    Ellen McBride

    Finance Director

    The thing I love most about the ranch is that it is for people of all ages. From the very young to the retirees, there is a place for each to participate and volunteer. I have seen God bring his children to a place where it is safe and where they can come and be loved by staff without judgment. Living in Central Oregon brings a greater depth of experience with God every day.

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  • Jeff Gorham

    Jeff Gorham

    Facilities Manager
    Session Instructor

    There are so many things that I love about what I get to do on the ranch. I love working with children, horses, dirt and the never-ending list of chores. I love "the ranch buzz", the sights and sounds of ranch life on a daily basis. There is nothing akin to the clamor of...

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  • Rachel Shultz

    Rachel Shultz

    Similar Ministries Manager
    Session Instructor

    My husband Brad and I began our call to ministry together while living in Southern California. We both had the opportunity to volunteer with the horse program at Palomar Christian Conference Center (a Christian camp). It was during that time that I discovered Kim’s first two books...

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  • Megan Barrett

    Megan Barrett

    Community Outreach Manager

    I grew up in Central Oregon and visited Crystal Peaks for the first time when I was 12 years old with my 4-H group. Although I didn't fully understand it at that time, God planted a seed in my heart for the ministry during that first visit. I remember listening to Kim speak and deeply feeling the presence of the Lord as she, with incredible faith, shared stories about hope, love, and redemption.

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  • Sarah Robinett

    Sarah Robinett

    Equine Coordinator
    Session Instructor

    I first heard about Crystal Peaks when I was 12 years old, listening to Troy and Kim speak on the Focus on the Family broadcast. When I turned off the radio, I told my mom emphatically, “THAT’S what I am supposed to do with my life!” From that moment on, I knew God was calling me to work with kids and horses.

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  • Ruth Hartford

    Ruth Hartford

    HR Coordinator

    I first heard about Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch while listening to Dr. James Dobson talk with Kim about her book Hope Rising. My husband, Ron, and I stopped to listen, heart-to-heart, as Kim described her devastating childhood pain and the redemptive healing only Jesus can bring. I was moved to tears and quite speechless.

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  • Ann Hawley

    Ann Hawley

    Volunteer Supervisor

    I’ve had a special place in my heart for Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch for over 20 years. My husband Greg and I met Kim and Troy in the early 90’s, and we’ve cherished their sweet friendship over the years. We’ve continued to pray for the Lord’s leading on their lives and, although we moved to Portland years ago, our bond has remained strong.

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  • Stephanie Voth

    Stephanie Voth

    Intern Supervisor

    I felt called to Crystal Peaks after hearing about the ministry from my mentor. The Lord would not let me forget about what He was doing in this place. I started praying about coming out to Central Oregon to serve. I frequently heard about the books and listened to podcasts of the Focus on the Family interviews. Also, others I'd asked to pray with me over this choice to serve the Ranch were constantly calling to find out if I'd made the decision yet.

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  • Wendy Moore

    Wendy Moore

    Administrative Coordinator

    My heart is full when I am at the Ranch! My husband Devin and I felt a strong calling on our lives to relocate to Central Oregon in 2016. We knew God had a plan and we knew His promises to be true and that He would reveal His plan in His timing. For the first year following our relocation we knew we would, for family reasons, need to still split our time back in Northern California.

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