Administrative and Support
Pat Brown, Maintenance and Construction
Pat Brown and his wife Beth, came to us from Dothan, Alabama. Pat is an experienced teacher and school administrator with a Masters degree in school administration. His years of experience before coming to the Ranch taught him the need many students have for more intensive parenting. Meeting their emotional needs is foundational to meeting their academic needs.
Pat also loves woodworking and owned a construction company before coming to the Ranch. Whether working in the Ranch's garden or the wood shop, or tutoring students who need special assistance, Pat models the love of Christ. As he uses his skills to keep things beautiful here, he looks for ways to point our students to Jesus.
Brian McDonnell, Chief Operating Officer
Brian McDonnell has been a blessing beyond measure to Wears Valley Ranch. Ever since his college days at Georgia Tech, he has had a desire to invest his life in ministry full-time. He and his wife Saralyn joined the Ranch staff in 1998, overseeing property development and finance. When their family grew, Saralyn became a stay-at-home mom, and Brian assumed her responsibilities as Business Manager. Brian holds a Bachelor’s of Electrical Engineering and is a licensed general contractor and water system operator. He also serves as Associate Pastor at Covenant Community Church of Wears Valley.
Ben Seyller, Media and Technology Coordinator
Ben and Jenn Seyller served faithfully as houseparents at Laurel Ridge for more than four years. In May 2010, Ben assumed the role of Media and Technology Coordinator. In this role, he is responsible for campus-wide IT support and development of audio/video media for Ranch students, missionaries, and other homeschooling families.
From his own homeschool education and experience, Ben brings a wide array of interests and skills, including construction, amateur radio, kayaking, and being both a student and teacher of the Bible.
Prior to joining the Ranch, Ben and Jenn served Sonlight Shelter Children's Home in Cody, WY. They continue to serve as a volunteer family for Ranch students. We thank God for bringing the Seyllers to the Ranch and pray His blessing on them and their ministry.
Marybeth Tynik, Office Manager
Marybeth Tynik is originally from Belle Glade, Florida. She had always felt drawn to ministries that helped children in crisis. Following that calling, she earned a degree in Family Ministries from Toccoa Falls College. While there, she considered an internship at the Ranch; after graduating, she served for two years as a Mentor at Christopher House.
I loved everything about the vision and mission of the Ranch, especially providing holistic healing/development through a family support system... I am passionate about providing (the students) with a redemptive community and being a part of that community.
After a brief time away, we are thrilled that Miss Marybeth has returned to become the Office Manager in the Welcome Center. If you call or visit the Ranch, she is the joyful person you are most likely to speak with.
I wouldn't even pretend to know what God has in store for me, but I know He is using the Ranch to teach me how to live in and be part of a healthy, God-centered community. I trust that He will use these experiences to glorify Himself now and in the future, in whatever capacity He calls me to serve Him.
We thank God for bringing Marybeth back to the Ranch and pray His blessing on her for her faithfulness. She is certainly a blessing to us!
Janet Shave, Accounts Payable Clerk
Janet Shave has been connected and involved with the Ranch from some of its earliest years. She moved with her family to east Tennessee in 1990. While attending a local church, they learned of the Ranch and quickly fell in love with its purpose and mission. They began serving as a volunteer family, opening their home to students who were unable to return to their own families during breaks.
For the last 25 years, Janet has dedicated her life to serving the Lord by serving her family and home schooling her four children. During this time she developed a variety of homemaking interests and skills, including quilting, cross-stitching, gardening, raising rabbits and chickens, and making homemade soap. Now that her children are raised, Janet hopes to continue to "give her life away" while working and serving at the Ranch.
We are blessed to have Janet involved in the Ranch once more, sharing her joy and varied experience with students and staff alike.
Becky Williamson, Assistant to Executive Director
Becky Williamson joined the Ranch staff in 1997 as Office Manager. For twelve years she was the voice everyone heard when they called and the first person they met when they visited the Ranch. Her quiet demeanor, gentle spirit, and servant's heart have always endeared her to staff, students, and visitors alike. She has shown aptitude for a variety of tasks and handled each new assignment with grace and diligence. In 2009, Becky became the Assistant to the Executive Director, Jim Wood. As Jim's assistant, she produces the daily radio show, Abiding in Christ, manages his speaking calendar, produces the Ranch newsletter, and coordinates a host of other details to keep the administrative offices running smoothly. Though she would never call such attention to herself, Becky is a blessing beyond description. We truly thank God for her marvelous contributions to His work at the Ranch.
Stephen Wood, Maintenance
Originally from the Ukraine, Stephen is the oldest of four children adopted by Jim and Susan Wood. He spent most of his teenage years as a student at St. Andrews School before accepting a construction position with a contractor in Nashville. When asked if he would like to move back to the Ranch, he didn't hesitate-- in fact, it was an opportunity he had been praying for, and the result has been a blessing to both Stephen and the Ranch.
In May 2010, Stephen married Camile McClure, a 2009 graduate of St. Andrews School. We marvel at God's kindness in bringing the two of them together and allowing them to continue serving here.
