School of Ranch
School of Ranch
  • Home
  • Workshops
  • Join
  • Team
  • About
  • Contact
  • Gigs
  • SoR Extend
  • Host Us
  • Apple Corps
  • More
    • Home
    • Workshops
    • Join
    • Team
    • About
    • Contact
    • Gigs
    • SoR Extend
    • Host Us
    • Apple Corps
  • Sign In
  • Create Account

  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • My Account
  • Sign out

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Workshops
  • Join
  • Team
  • About
  • Contact
  • Gigs
  • SoR Extend
  • Host Us
  • Apple Corps

Account


  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • My Account
Workshop session

TEAM

Volunteer-Led, Student Run

School of Ranch is a volunteer-led, student-run 501c3 nonprofit.  The company has no paid administrative staff and has a volunteer board of directors.  While we are volunteer-led, we are student run.  High school students make our webpages, run our registration system, create and manage our advertising, and post our social media.  They work where they want, when they want, on what they want.  They learn what is means to have real responsibility, the importance of interdependence, and the realities of life in a start-up company. 

Join Us

Got an idea for a workshop?  Are you a high school students interested in a career in marketing?  Do you like to organzie and produce events? Join us!

LEARN MORE

STUDENT INTERNS

Cohen Herbert

Cohen Herbert

Caleb Kitchens

Caleb Kitchens

Cohen is currently pursuing a degree in software engineering while in high school in Bend! Working at School of Ranch has taught Cohen the dedication and resilience required in business. What he likes most is the how the team owns the successes and the problems, how every challenge becomes an opportunity for everyone to learn and grow. Co

Cohen is currently pursuing a degree in software engineering while in high school in Bend! Working at School of Ranch has taught Cohen the dedication and resilience required in business. What he likes most is the how the team owns the successes and the problems, how every challenge becomes an opportunity for everyone to learn and grow. Cohen loves outdoor activities, and welcomes new challenges and learning opportunities in the tech and outdoor realms.

Caleb Kitchens

Caleb Kitchens

Caleb Kitchens

Caleb Kitchens

Caleb is an intern, and he loves to rock climb and alway tries his best to succeed in whatever endeavor he undertakes.   He is currently in his senior year of high school. Working for School of Ranch, he is learning valuable skills in time management, marketing, and communication.

Willow Young

Willow Young

Caleb Kitchens

April Sorenson

Willow is currently a sophomore in high school and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for the School of Ranch.  She is interested in website and graphic design and hopes this internship will teach her the skills she needs after college.  She is grateful for this unique opportunity and the knowledge she will learn through this e

Willow is currently a sophomore in high school and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work for the School of Ranch.  She is interested in website and graphic design and hopes this internship will teach her the skills she needs after college.  She is grateful for this unique opportunity and the knowledge she will learn through this experience.  In her free time, Willow enjoys reading, photography, playing tennis, and hanging out with friends.

April Sorenson

April Sorenson

April Sorenson

April Sorenson

Aspen is currently a senior in high school working on finishing her GED. She loves to play music and do art and to be in nature. She is very excited about the opportunity this internship provides and is learning more everyday. She believes this experience will help her get into the graphic design program at COCC.







Aubrey Taylor

Aubrey Taylor

April Sorenson

Aubrey Taylor

Aubrey is an intern who enjoys basketball, soccer, baking, and reading. She’s eager to start her internship at School of Ranch and discover the new skills she can develop. 






WORKSHOP LEADERS AND GUEST STARS

Beth Covert

Scott Duggan

Scott Duggan

Beth is a food alchemist.  Before leaving her artist career and moving here from Ohio six years ago, Beth studied up on desert gardening. On arrival, she became the garden department manager at a local retailer.  When her suggestions to stock climate appropriate plants went nowhere, she started High & Dry Garden Works, her own lab for pro

Beth is a food alchemist.  Before leaving her artist career and moving here from Ohio six years ago, Beth studied up on desert gardening. On arrival, she became the garden department manager at a local retailer.  When her suggestions to stock climate appropriate plants went nowhere, she started High & Dry Garden Works, her own lab for propagating plants that can thrive with limited water, excessive sun and wind, and deer.  Among the many things she grows are her own foodstuffs, which she now by magic makes into amazing new shapes and forms. If you call Beth, prepare for a conversation that goes something like, "Hold on a sec, I just discovered how to make dehydrated french fries and need to write it down!"

Scott Duggan, OSU

Scott Duggan

Scott Duggan

Scott Duggan

Scott is an assistant professor at OSU.  He is well known, liked and respected among local farmers and ranchers. His outreach and extension program focuses on horse and livestock production and management. Additionally, pasture management and forage are an integral part of his programming. Scott's research focuses on livestock management and forage production in pastures. 


Joe Slattery

Joe Slattery

Scott Duggan

George Blackman

Joe is a welder's welder with a rare combination of large company, small small, and instructional experience.  Joe spent a lot of years at Honeywell, and  his responsibilities included running the training program for new welders.  With his own professional welding operation run out of a well-equipped shop, Joe and his family, horses, and

Joe is a welder's welder with a rare combination of large company, small small, and instructional experience.  Joe spent a lot of years at Honeywell, and  his responsibilities included running the training program for new welders.  With his own professional welding operation run out of a well-equipped shop, Joe and his family, horses, and cow, live the classic Central Oregon ranch life.  If you broke it, Joe can fix it.  If you need it, Joe can make it, and he likes nothing more than passing on those skills to his neighbors.

George Blackman

George Blackman

George Blackman

George Blackman is a local treasure.  As much historian as craftsman, George fashions his own tools from machines that are twice his age, each with its own storied past.  Blacksmith, sculptor, inventor, carver, woodworker, you name it, all rolled up into one engaging, enthusiastic member of our Central Oregon community.  George built his 

George Blackman is a local treasure.  As much historian as craftsman, George fashions his own tools from machines that are twice his age, each with its own storied past.  Blacksmith, sculptor, inventor, carver, woodworker, you name it, all rolled up into one engaging, enthusiastic member of our Central Oregon community.  George built his career as a welder, but his passion is in working with traditional tools to handcraft practical works of art.  

Elly Jocham

Elly Jocham

George Blackman

Scott Mallory

Elly would probably rather be in her soap shed working on her latest concoction, she can't resist the chance to spread her love of soap making to her Central Oregon Neighbors.  When it comes to soap, she has years of experience that started as a hobby and has blossomed into a successful company.  She specializes in creating small batches 

Elly would probably rather be in her soap shed working on her latest concoction, she can't resist the chance to spread her love of soap making to her Central Oregon Neighbors.  When it comes to soap, she has years of experience that started as a hobby and has blossomed into a successful company.  She specializes in creating small batches of artful, gift worthy hand poured soap. When she does leave her shed, Elly loves sailing!  And we're sure she knows how to clean up afterwards!.  

Scott Mallory

George Blackman

Scott Mallory

Scott Mallory is a native Oregonian, living mainly in the east Gresham area and has been in Central Oregon for the last 3 years. He worked in the nursery industry for over 35 years as a grower and now owns his own tree trimming business, Mallory Ornamental Tree and Yard. He is an expert on all things trees; trimming, pruning, planting, re

Scott Mallory is a native Oregonian, living mainly in the east Gresham area and has been in Central Oregon for the last 3 years. He worked in the nursery industry for over 35 years as a grower and now owns his own tree trimming business, Mallory Ornamental Tree and Yard. He is an expert on all things trees; trimming, pruning, planting, reduction and removal. His family lovingly refers to him as everybody’s tree guy!

Shannon Kane

Shannon Kane

Shannon Kane

Shannon Kane

Shannon Kane is the owner of Wild Grown Farm. She has grown edible nursery stock commercially for over a decade and has an extensive background in permaculture and regenerative agriculture. She lives with her family on their farm in Central Oregon where they run a direct-to-consumer pastured poultry operation and edible plant nursery.  

Rebecca Saul

Rebecca Saul

Shannon Kane

Shannon Kane

Rebecca was born and raised a city girl, but attended Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, where she solidified her love of the agrarian lifestyle and desire to be self-sufficient. She began her goat journey in 2012 and two years later started Glimfeather Farms. Her herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats help her produce a wonderfully cleansing 

Rebecca was born and raised a city girl, but attended Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, where she solidified her love of the agrarian lifestyle and desire to be self-sufficient. She began her goat journey in 2012 and two years later started Glimfeather Farms. Her herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats help her produce a wonderfully cleansing goat milk soap.  While she doesn't make goat cheese commercially like she does her soap and lotions, she is an expert cheesemaker with a Masters degree in education.  Rebecca tries to source as many high quality, natural, local, and sustainable ingredients as feasible. She loves experimenting with new recipes and looks forward to teaching you!

Dr. Persia

Dr. Persia

Shannon Kane

Dr. Persia

Dr. Persia of Black Diamond grew up riding in western disciplines including cattle sorting, reining, and western dressage. Dr. Persia worked on a ranch where she developed a strong passion for equine management, teaching, and rehabilitation. Combining this passion for horses and love of intricate science led her towards obtaining her doct

Dr. Persia of Black Diamond grew up riding in western disciplines including cattle sorting, reining, and western dressage. Dr. Persia worked on a ranch where she developed a strong passion for equine management, teaching, and rehabilitation. Combining this passion for horses and love of intricate science led her towards obtaining her doctorate in veterinary medicine.  Dr Persia is a fantastic workshop leader, bringing knowledge, humor, and a engaging style to the sessions she leads.

Kate Beardsley

Kate Beardsley

Kate Beardsley

Kate Beardsley

Is there anyone who doesn't know Kate Beardsley, founder of Mustangs to The Rescue, selfless leader of countless rescue missions, and an accomplished educator who has touched so many lives in Central Oregon.As a professional horse trainer, riding instructor, wrangler and program director, Kate has numerous years of experience working in v

Is there anyone who doesn't know Kate Beardsley, founder of Mustangs to The Rescue, selfless leader of countless rescue missions, and an accomplished educator who has touched so many lives in Central Oregon.As a professional horse trainer, riding instructor, wrangler and program director, Kate has numerous years of experience working in veterinarian clinics and served as board member with Oregon Equestrian Trails, Back Country Horsemen of Oregon, and Central Oregon Wild Horse Coalition among others.  Kate is a treasure, and we're super glad to partner with her on workshops.

Taylor Kane

Taylor Kane

Kate Beardsley

Kate Beardsley

Taylor Kane is a direct to consumer pastured poultry farmer in Redmond, Oregon. He raises a diverse array of poultry including chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese. His background as a high-level athlete and coach led to his desire to raise the most nutrient-dense and ethically raised protein for his community. Taylor holds an MBA and is passionate about building truly sustainable businesses. 

Gordon Jones

Gordon Jones

Kate Beardsley

Gordon Jones

Gordon Jones is an Associate Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University. He serves as Central Oregon Agronomist for the OSU Extension Service based in Prineville, covering Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and S

Gordon Jones is an Associate Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University. He serves as Central Oregon Agronomist for the OSU Extension Service based in Prineville, covering Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Agriculture from Warren Wilson College and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences from Virginia Tech. Gordon conducts research, teaches extension classes, and provides technical assistance around pasture, hay, and small grain management, soil fertility, and drought resilience.

Rick Bell

Rick Bell

Debbie Wood

Gordon Jones

Rick Bell has over 13 years of experience working for the U.S. government, including 7 years as an Airborne Ranger, where he gained the discipline and focus he applies to his current work. Since moving to Oregon in 2014, Rick has lived off-grid on 20 acres, which he is converting into a fully self-sustainable property. With a background i

Rick Bell has over 13 years of experience working for the U.S. government, including 7 years as an Airborne Ranger, where he gained the discipline and focus he applies to his current work. Since moving to Oregon in 2014, Rick has lived off-grid on 20 acres, which he is converting into a fully self-sustainable property. With a background in electrical engineering courses and practical experience in off-grid systems, he now teaches small classes on batteries, solar panels, wiring, and water management. His goal is to help others master solar power and battery systems, teaching how to set up and manage their own 12-volt Direct Current systems for trailers or homes.

Debbie Woods

Debbie Wood

Debbie Wood

Debbie Wood

Debbie Wood is from Prineville, where she works as the coordinator for Crooked River Weed Management Area located in the Crook County OSU Extension Office. In her 9 years there, she has incorporated working with more partners on projects across county borders. Crooked River Weed Management Area creates public and private partnerships to m

Debbie Wood is from Prineville, where she works as the coordinator for Crooked River Weed Management Area located in the Crook County OSU Extension Office. In her 9 years there, she has incorporated working with more partners on projects across county borders. Crooked River Weed Management Area creates public and private partnerships to manage noxious weed populations in the watershed through education, prevention, inventory, control, and restoration.

Ron Rue

Ron Rue

Debbie Wood

Debbie Wood

Ron is a seasoned mechanic and small business owner with 25 years of expertise in repairing various types of equipment. He has previously worked for a company that involved traveling to golf courses and cities to perform equipment repairs. Six years ago, Ron established his own business to achieve a better work-life balance and spend more

Ron is a seasoned mechanic and small business owner with 25 years of expertise in repairing various types of equipment. He has previously worked for a company that involved traveling to golf courses and cities to perform equipment repairs. Six years ago, Ron established his own business to achieve a better work-life balance and spend more time at home. He and his family enjoy spending quality time outdoors.


Heidi Maricle

Heidi Maricle

Heidi Maricle

Heidi is a farm girl through and through. Raised on a small acreage farm in Tumalo, Heidi has been involved in farming and ranching since she was 9 years old. She has spent  thousands of hours training and running crews, and operating equipment-- first in hemp and then in hay.  Heidi's business, You Need a Farm Girl, offers consulting, la

Heidi is a farm girl through and through. Raised on a small acreage farm in Tumalo, Heidi has been involved in farming and ranching since she was 9 years old. She has spent  thousands of hours training and running crews, and operating equipment-- first in hemp and then in hay.  Heidi's business, You Need a Farm Girl, offers consulting, labor, and education for anything farm related. In her free time, Heidi is Farm Director for Friends of The Children, where she mentors youth in all things agriculture.

Holly Hutton

Holly Hutton

Heidi Maricle

Heidi Maricle

Meet Holly Hutton. She is a registered herbalist with the American Herbal Guild and has been teaching herbalism for over 14 years. She currently shares her knowledge with students through Central Oregon Community College and the Herbal Academy. Holly is the founder and creator of Herbal Goddess Medicinals, where she combines her passion f

Meet Holly Hutton. She is a registered herbalist with the American Herbal Guild and has been teaching herbalism for over 14 years. She currently shares her knowledge with students through Central Oregon Community College and the Herbal Academy. Holly is the founder and creator of Herbal Goddess Medicinals, where she combines her passion for natural medicine and herbalism.  In addition, she grows and sells medicinal herb plants suited for Central Oregon.

Lucinda Baker

Lucinda Baker

Heidi Maricle

Lucinda Baker

Lucinda has a deep understanding of horses, built through decades of hands-on experience, study, and in-depth research into what makes them tick. At heart, she is both a researcher and a teacher, always eager to share what she’s learned. Her work is grounded in equine ethology, neuroscience, neurochemistry, emotion, learning, and memory—t

Lucinda has a deep understanding of horses, built through decades of hands-on experience, study, and in-depth research into what makes them tick. At heart, she is both a researcher and a teacher, always eager to share what she’s learned. Her work is grounded in equine ethology, neuroscience, neurochemistry, emotion, learning, and memory—the core components of what she calls, "The Equine Mandala". This framework explores the science behind how horses think, feel, learn, and communicate, bridging the gap between academic research and practical application. Her training philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement and operant conditioning, with no use of dominance or fear-based methods.  

Dr. Andy Sabatier

Dr. Andy Sabatier

Dr. Andy Sabatier

Dr. Sabatier completed his doctorate in physical therapy in 2013 from New York University, followed by clinical training at Stanford Hospital in the cardiac ICU. He helped thousands of patients to survive their most critical and complicated moments practicing in the ICU in Central Oregon. He has continued to study breathing mechanics unde

Dr. Sabatier completed his doctorate in physical therapy in 2013 from New York University, followed by clinical training at Stanford Hospital in the cardiac ICU. He helped thousands of patients to survive their most critical and complicated moments practicing in the ICU in Central Oregon. He has continued to study breathing mechanics under the guidance of Mary Massery DPT.  Prior to his work as a physical therapist, Andy earned a BS in psychology while playing four years of lacrosse at Auburn University. After moving West, he enjoyed a 5-year career as a professional freeskier, traveling and competing in some of the world’s most iconic mountains. Academy West combines that passion for excellence in performance with a critical eye for patient care and improving the human condition through the power of functional breathing strategies. 

Jonathan Chatman and family

Jonathan Chatman

Dr. Andy Sabatier

Dr. Andy Sabatier

Jonathan Chatman discovered his life's passion while building tree houses as a boy.  Jonathan joined the Army Corps of Engineers in 2004, where he was trained and excelled in carpentry, masonry, and plumbing.  After his time in the service, he embarked on  a career as a journeyman carpenter. Mr. Chatman has a wide range of knowledge and e

Jonathan Chatman discovered his life's passion while building tree houses as a boy.  Jonathan joined the Army Corps of Engineers in 2004, where he was trained and excelled in carpentry, masonry, and plumbing.  After his time in the service, he embarked on  a career as a journeyman carpenter. Mr. Chatman has a wide range of knowledge and experience and loves to teach willing learners. Jonathan is now retired living in Prineville with his beautiful wife and 6 children. 

Suzanne Landry

Dr. Andy Sabatier

Josh & Victoria Williams

Suzanne Landry is a Wellness Educator, and Celebrity Chef, and author of The Passionate Vegetable and Fresh Food Matters. Suzanne has over thirty-five years of experience as a culinary instructor, educator, and industry consultant, and has inspired many people toward a healthier lifestyle.  She is very active in a women’s group that she s

Suzanne Landry is a Wellness Educator, and Celebrity Chef, and author of The Passionate Vegetable and Fresh Food Matters. Suzanne has over thirty-five years of experience as a culinary instructor, educator, and industry consultant, and has inspired many people toward a healthier lifestyle.  She is very active in a women’s group that she started 5 years ago and loves hiking in Central Oregon with them.

Josh & Victoria Williams

Josh & Victoria Williams

Josh & Victoria Williams

This talented duo believe that horses open doors to greater joy, deeper connections, and transformative healing. Together they have over 50 years of experience in horsemanship, bodywork, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. Victoria has not only trained and ridden national and world champion horses, but also has a wealth of experience i

This talented duo believe that horses open doors to greater joy, deeper connections, and transformative healing. Together they have over 50 years of experience in horsemanship, bodywork, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. Victoria has not only trained and ridden national and world champion horses, but also has a wealth of experience in horsemanship instruction, and equine therapy co-facilitation.
Josh is currently a doctoral candidate in Occupational Therapy with a BS in Exercise Science. With over 25 years as an authorized meditation teacher in the Sant Mat lineage, he blends mindfulness with his professional licensure as a LMT and hands-on experience in biomechanics and exercise science research labs. His relational approach to Equine Body Work seamlessly integrates mindfulness practices with equine-assisted healing interventions.  

Amy Sidran

Josh & Victoria Williams

Floyid Nicolas, PhD

Amy holds advanced degrees in wildlife biology, science education, and agriculture, blending her love for the natural world with hands-on learning. Her journey spans Peace Corps service in Bolivia, launching a student-led urban farm in Washington, and teaching science internationally in the Dominican Republic. Most recently, she led farm-

Amy holds advanced degrees in wildlife biology, science education, and agriculture, blending her love for the natural world with hands-on learning. Her journey spans Peace Corps service in Bolivia, launching a student-led urban farm in Washington, and teaching science internationally in the Dominican Republic. Most recently, she led farm-based education at The Hotchkiss School before planting new roots in Bend, Oregon. Amy currently teaches Upper School Science at Cascade Academy and runs her own business, Take Root Edible Garden Design. 

Floyid Nicolas, PhD

Josh & Victoria Williams

Floyid Nicolas, PhD

Dr. Floyid Nicolas is an Assistant Professor in Agricultural Water Management at Oregon State University, based at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research & Extension Center in Madras. With a deep background in engineering and sustainable water use, Dr. Nicolas focuses on making irrigation smarter and more efficient for farmers and garde

Dr. Floyid Nicolas is an Assistant Professor in Agricultural Water Management at Oregon State University, based at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research & Extension Center in Madras. With a deep background in engineering and sustainable water use, Dr. Nicolas focuses on making irrigation smarter and more efficient for farmers and gardeners. His research blends cutting-edge tools - like hydrological modeling, remote sensing, machine learning, and GIS - to tackle issues like irrigation efficiency, salinity management, nutrient leaching, and climate adaptation in agriculture 

Jimmy Broadus Wilkie V

Jimmy Broadus Wilkie V

Jimmy Broadus Wilkie V

Owner and head beekeeper at Broadus Bees, Jimmy has had a fascination with bees and their importance to the environment ever since he studied wildlife biology at Western State College in Colorado. He wants to educate people about the importance of bees in the production of food. He feels it is his responsibility to give back to the very thing that gives us life. 

Madeline Wettig

Jimmy Broadus Wilkie V

Jimmy Broadus Wilkie V

Madeline is a community-rooted educator and herbalist whose work blends deep ecology, traditional skills, and hands-on healing arts. Certified in reflexology, permaculture, and herbalism—with over 2,000 hours of herbal training and counting—she’s led workshops on pine needle basketry, cooking with foraged foods, and making natural remedie

Madeline is a community-rooted educator and herbalist whose work blends deep ecology, traditional skills, and hands-on healing arts. Certified in reflexology, permaculture, and herbalism—with over 2,000 hours of herbal training and counting—she’s led workshops on pine needle basketry, cooking with foraged foods, and making natural remedies since 2022. Whether guiding seasonal plant walks or exploring health through the soles of the feet, Madeline loves sharing her passions in the spirit of connecting meaningfully with the land and people through craft, curiosity, and care. 

Megan Rheeder, PT

Jimmy Broadus Wilkie V

Megan Rheeder, PT

Megan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Athletic Trainer who blends her deep knowledge of human movement with a lifelong love of horses. She’s been riding since age five and has competed in eventing, show jumping, and dressage. Through her business, Cascade Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Megan works directly with equest

Megan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Athletic Trainer who blends her deep knowledge of human movement with a lifelong love of horses. She’s been riding since age five and has competed in eventing, show jumping, and dressage. Through her business, Cascade Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Megan works directly with equestrians traveling on-site to help riders improve their biomechanics, prevent injury, and ride more effectively. She’s currently training a newly adopted mustang for the 2025 Oregon Mustang Challenge, and brings a grounded, horse-centered approach to everything she teaches. 

Steve Curley

Steve Curley

Kelly Patrick

Megan Rheeder, PT

Steve grew up around his grandparents dairy farm in Northern Pennsylvania and has always appreciated the rural lifestyle with all the benefits of farming. As he and his wife Jennifer began raising their family, they were able to move to the country with their own small farm. The Curley family has been raising Nigerian Dairy goats for over

Steve grew up around his grandparents dairy farm in Northern Pennsylvania and has always appreciated the rural lifestyle with all the benefits of farming. As he and his wife Jennifer began raising their family, they were able to move to the country with their own small farm. The Curley family has been raising Nigerian Dairy goats for over ten years on five acres south of Redmond that also sometimes includes hogs, steers, rabbits and chickens. 

Kelly Patrick

Kelly Patrick

Kelly Patrick

Kelly Patrick

 Kelly is a life-long resident of Central Oregon with over 40 years experience driving & towing personal trailers, as well as Deschutes County Sheriffs Office trailers and equipment. He has completed Skid Car and Emergency Vehicle Operations training on multiple occasions. For the last 10+ years he has been responsible for certifying Deschutes County Search & Rescue to tow trailers. 

OPERATIONS

Mark Gross

Mark Gross

Bob Charpentier

Elaine J. Cole

Mark is School of Ranch's founder and executive director.  He also develops, produces and markets many of our workshops.  

Elaine J. Cole

Bob Charpentier

Elaine J. Cole

Elaine is our Workshop Development Manager and talent wrangler, responsible for new workshop development and implementation.

Bob Charpentier

Bob Charpentier

Bob Charpentier

Bob Charpentier

Bob is our CTO. After 26 years as a math teacher, Bob transitioned into the Ed Tech field, working with School of Ranch founder Mark Gross on their company, School Loop. 

Cathy Springman

Britni Setterholm

Bob Charpentier

Cathy leads our Equine Leadership Council and is responsible for nominating topics for our horse-related workshops and advising us on all things equine.

Megan Westersund

Megan Westersund

Britni Setterholm

Britni Setterholm

Megan enjoys learning homesteading skills including high desert gardening and traditional wool crafts. She thrives on spending time outside at her family’s property. Currently she is learning beekeeping and raising chickens. Megan is excited to be involved with School of Ranch because of her passion for building community and skill sharing. 

Britni Setterholm

Britni Setterholm

Britni Setterholm

Britni Setterholm

Britni is a native Minnesotan and loves the outdoors. She produces many of our workshops and enjoys learning from the variety of experts at School of Ranch.

Sarah Wavers

Sarah Wavers

Sarah Wavers

Sarah Wavers

Sarah is a Workshop Producer. She grew up wild in La Pine on a +/- acre & was able to live a very free childhood. Her dreams were built from dirt and pine needles. Fast forward to bigger dreams, she has built 2 homes, lived without running water for years and has had 13 jobs (different industries) in 9 years. Sarah brings her lifetime of 

Sarah is a Workshop Producer. She grew up wild in La Pine on a +/- acre & was able to live a very free childhood. Her dreams were built from dirt and pine needles. Fast forward to bigger dreams, she has built 2 homes, lived without running water for years and has had 13 jobs (different industries) in 9 years. Sarah brings her lifetime of skills and experience to the table to share with anyone who will listen, and seeks out knowledge with the same fiery passion.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark Gross

Mark Gross

Joan Sciacca

Joan Sciacca

Hey there!  I'm Mark, School of Ranch's founder,  Board President, and Executive Director.  I had a 20 year career in magazines, newspapers, on the Internet at its dawn.  After 9/11, I left publishing and became an award-winning International Relations teacher in a public school in San Jose. While teaching, I started School Loop, an innov

Hey there!  I'm Mark, School of Ranch's founder,  Board President, and Executive Director.  I had a 20 year career in magazines, newspapers, on the Internet at its dawn.  After 9/11, I left publishing and became an award-winning International Relations teacher in a public school in San Jose. While teaching, I started School Loop, an innovative service for schools that saved teachers time while building a support community around each student.  I sold School Loop in 2018, and my partner Carolyn and I chucked it all and bought ten acres in rural Oregon, where School of Ranch was born.

Joan Sciacca

Joan Sciacca

Joan Sciacca

Joan Sciacca

Joan is School of Ranch's Secretary, and a recent transplant. After 30+ years as an engineer in corporate America, she retired to Central Oregon and bought a log home on 5 acres. Now what!?! She grew up following her father around helping with all his projects. DIY is in her DNA. Why pay for something you can do yourself? Her neighbor tol

Joan is School of Ranch's Secretary, and a recent transplant. After 30+ years as an engineer in corporate America, she retired to Central Oregon and bought a log home on 5 acres. Now what!?! She grew up following her father around helping with all his projects. DIY is in her DNA. Why pay for something you can do yourself? Her neighbor told her about School of Ranch on Facebook. Her first workshop with School of Ranch was welding and now she’s hooked. Joan is looking forward to many more opportunities to learn new skills. Her ranching education started with the OSU Master Gardener and Master Beekeeper programs. She has two honey bee colonies and wants to turn some of her land into pollinator habitat with an emphasis on native plants. Chickens and goats are on the list, but they need fencing, sheds and paddocks built first. 

Bob Baker

Bob Baker

Beth Covert

Beth Covert

Bob is School of Ranch's Treasurer. Bob has lived in Central Oregon for over 30 years.  He grew up ranching near Bakersfield CA. Every summer his grandad would send him up into the mountains with the cattle, a horse, and a rifle and tell him stay there till the fall.  Bob learned a lot.  Fast.  He served his country with distinction durin

Bob is School of Ranch's Treasurer. Bob has lived in Central Oregon for over 30 years.  He grew up ranching near Bakersfield CA. Every summer his grandad would send him up into the mountains with the cattle, a horse, and a rifle and tell him stay there till the fall.  Bob learned a lot.  Fast.  He served his country with distinction during the Vietnam War, and spent his career working with the railroad.  Bob never lost touch with the land and today has a spread outside of Redmond.   Bob can advise on a number of topics including tractors and accessories, horses, cattle, lumbering, landscaping, water management, fire prevention, power tools and fence building and maintenance.  

Beth Covert

Beth Covert

Beth Covert

Beth Covert

Beth is a food alchemist.  Before leaving her artist career and moving here from Ohio six years ago, Beth studied up on desert gardening. On arrival, she became the garden department manager at a local retailer.  When her suggestions to stock climate appropriate plants went nowhere, she started High & Dry Garden Works, her own lab for pro

Beth is a food alchemist.  Before leaving her artist career and moving here from Ohio six years ago, Beth studied up on desert gardening. On arrival, she became the garden department manager at a local retailer.  When her suggestions to stock climate appropriate plants went nowhere, she started High & Dry Garden Works, her own lab for propagating plants that can thrive with limited water, excessive sun and wind, and deer.  Among the many things she grows are her own foodstuffs, which she now by magic makes into amazing new shapes and forms. If you call Beth, prepare for a conversation that goes something like, "Hold on a sec, I just discovered how to make dehydrated french fries and need to write it down!"

ADVISORY BOARD

Kaleb Watson

Monee Gagliardo

Kaleb Watson

Kaleb Watson is School of Ranch's muse, if a 6' 3" linebacker can be a muse.  Mark Gross, our founder, hired Kaleb to teach him how to use a chainsaw, and School of Ranch was born.  Kaleb was our first workshop leader, and though he has moved away, he remains an integral part of our team.  Kaleb grew up ranching and farming  with his cowb

Kaleb Watson is School of Ranch's muse, if a 6' 3" linebacker can be a muse.  Mark Gross, our founder, hired Kaleb to teach him how to use a chainsaw, and School of Ranch was born.  Kaleb was our first workshop leader, and though he has moved away, he remains an integral part of our team.  Kaleb grew up ranching and farming  with his cowboy father, and over time became self-sufficient at home and ranch maintenance.

Kaleb spent six years in the Marine Corps, where he earned his teaching stripes as a pistol instructor.  

After the Marines, he began a career in construction. He learned welding, equipment maintenance, basic mechanics, hydraulics and, most important to him, troubleshooting. Kaleb has a drive to pass on his know-how and enjoys helping people build the skills he spent years acquiring.  He has relocated to AZ where he plans to launch School of Ranch!

Chris Mahai

Monee Gagliardo

Kaleb Watson

Chris LaVictoire Mahai is an experienced public, private and non-profit board member. She has a leadership and management history of delivering significant operating results in financial, media, healthcare, and professional services. Today Mahai consults with executives and boards of public and private clients across the US and around the

Chris LaVictoire Mahai is an experienced public, private and non-profit board member. She has a leadership and management history of delivering significant operating results in financial, media, healthcare, and professional services. Today Mahai consults with executives and boards of public and private clients across the US and around the world. In her board roles over the past 20 years, she has chaired the audit and governance committees of the board, plus several ad hoc committees. As a private equity investor focused primarily on women- owned and led businesses, Mahai has also played an advisory role in start-up situations.

Monee Gagliardo

Monee Gagliardo

Monee Gagliardo

Monee Gagliardo

Monee Gagliardo is a born connector, horseback rider, and founding member of our original Equine Leadership Board.  She served for a year as School of Ranch's Social Media Leader, volunteers at our workshop, and cooks a mean batch of tamales.  

James Hettick

James Hettick

Patrice Spyrka

Monee Gagliardo

James is a multifaceted individual with a passion for craftsmanship and education. With over 15 years of experience in carpentry, coupled with expertise in electrical work and machine mechanics, James is adept at a wide array of trades. And he loves sharing his knowledge and helping people build skills. Born and raised in Culver, James jo

James is a multifaceted individual with a passion for craftsmanship and education. With over 15 years of experience in carpentry, coupled with expertise in electrical work and machine mechanics, James is adept at a wide array of trades. And he loves sharing his knowledge and helping people build skills. Born and raised in Culver, James joined the Marines where he was trained in automotive, jet turbine, and solid fuel rocket mechanics, earning numerous certifications. He also is certified in asbestos abatement and has a safety certification from OSHA. Now back in Central Oregon, he gives back to the community through School of Ranch.

Patrice Spykra

Patrice Spyrka

Patrice Spyrka

Patrice Spyrka

Patrice grew up in the mountains of Colorado and had her first horse when she was five. 4-H was her main interest growing up and she competed in every event available. Her horses and adventures are chronicled in her book, Tales of a Young Rider.  At Colorado State University, she worked at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She developed a

Patrice grew up in the mountains of Colorado and had her first horse when she was five. 4-H was her main interest growing up and she competed in every event available. Her horses and adventures are chronicled in her book, Tales of a Young Rider.  At Colorado State University, she worked at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She developed a love for jumping and dressage, winning the Lory State Park Horse Trails.  She became passionate about Dressage and groundwork while riding an upper level school master. She raised her daughters with horses and was very active in 4-H, volunteering as a 4-H Horse Project, Performance Team and Record Book Leader.  She also competed in California State Horseman's Association Horse Mastership program, where she took the top score for Region 5, showing expertise in all aspects of horsemanship. Pinto World was her highest level of competition, where she won 2 Reserve Champion ribbons for Western Pleasure.  Currently, she enjoys exploring the Tumalo trails and taking in the Cascade views from her ranch. 

Kaye Kloster

Patrice Spyrka

Patrice Spyrka

Kaye is School of Ranch's advisor from SCORE, a national network of retired executives.  Her area of expertise is nonprofits, sales, marketing, government contracting and general business planning and strategy.  She worked in the construction industry for 25 years. Kay is  resourceful and well connected, and has made several important introductions already. 

Jacob Hundt

Jacob Hundt

Jacob Hundt

Jacob Hundt grew up on a dairy farm in the Driftless Region and was one of the founding students of the Youth Initiative High School in Viroqua. He studied at Deep Springs College, the American University in Bulgaria, and the University of Chicago. Since 2004, he has worked as a trained Waldorf high school teacher and guidance counselor a

Jacob Hundt grew up on a dairy farm in the Driftless Region and was one of the founding students of the Youth Initiative High School in Viroqua. He studied at Deep Springs College, the American University in Bulgaria, and the University of Chicago. Since 2004, he has worked as a trained Waldorf high school teacher and guidance counselor at Youth Initiative High School and was a founding board member and instructor of the Driftless Folk School. Currently, Jacob is Director and faculty member of Thoreau College, an emerging microcollege inspired by Waldorf education, Henry David Thoreau, Deep Springs College, and the Scandinavian folk high school movement.

Carol Fox

Jacob Hundt

Jacob Hundt

Carol raises Nigerian Dwarf goats on her one-acre micro-farm in Redmond. A

retired RN, she has experience teaching “Survival Gourmet” cooking classes and other health-related topics at the Free School in Santa Cruz, CA. She moved to Central Oregon 9 years ago to realize her life-long dream of raising goats, only to discover that she didn’t

Carol raises Nigerian Dwarf goats on her one-acre micro-farm in Redmond. A

retired RN, she has experience teaching “Survival Gourmet” cooking classes and other health-related topics at the Free School in Santa Cruz, CA. She moved to Central Oregon 9 years ago to realize her life-long dream of raising goats, only to discover that she didn’t know how much she didn’t know about those quirky, sensitive, and loveable creatures. She is eager to share what she has learned about how to keep her goats healthy, happy, and productive, and to empower others with goaty aspirations to be well-prepared for the adventure of goat husbandry. She also enjoys making cheese, yogurt, and occasionally ice cream from the milk they produce, and is looking forward to sharing this process with the community. Carol has converted many skeptical non-goat-cheese lovers with her very mild, creamy, un-goaty goat cheese, and can share some secrets about the process.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2025 School of Ranch -

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept

Free Newsletter!

Subscribe and you'll never be in the duck, er, dark, again!

Sign Up