Residential Program

Dan and Hayle Sanborn, Oak Rise Houseparents

The Sanborns came to the Ranch from Nebraska in June 2009.  Hayle has a BS in Education from Concordia University with majors in Spanish and English, with additional studies at the University of Costa Rica.  Dan has a BS in Secondary Education and diverse experience as a shop teacher, small engine repair. 

Both Dan and Hayle were eager to find a place where they could share the gospel with their students and see the impact in their lives.  After an exhaustive Internet search, they found out about the Ranch online.  We’re so grateful that God led them here! 

 I come from a family of teachers, and I love to teach! We were determined to find a place where we could not only be parents to these children, but also continue to be involved daily with their education--everything from the Bible to grammar to appreciating God in nature.  – Hayle Sanborn 

God just continues to grow my love of working with kids and teaching them various skills.  Working here at the Ranch has provided that chance on a 24/7 basis.  There is nothing better than seeing students take pride in gifts God has given them and achieve something they never thought possible.  – Dan Sanborn

Scott and Rebecca Braun, Laurel Ridge Houseparents

The Brauns moved to the Ranch in May 2010 from Tucson, Arizona.  They have a deep love for Christ and a warm heart towards others -- and it shows!  Scott has worked with people in a variety of contexts - paint contracting, sales, and security.  Rebecca has faithfully served the same company for over twenty years in several capacities -- customer service, human resources, and risk management.

 Outside of their careers, the Brauns have been involved in local mission work, including outreach in Sonora, Mexico and in a local nursing home.  Their genuine warmth and their desire to serve Christ by loving others is evident from the first time someone meets them.  Their precious daughter, Chyna, is another evidence of their deep love for children and their calling to serve Christ.

We love sharing God's creation and his endless love for his children (John 3:16, Romans 5:8).  Scott's gift of communication and Bible teaching is his passion.  Reaching the lost and hurting has always been our desire.

The Brauns were introduced to us by a dear couple who had recently become enthusiastic supporters of the Ranch.  We thank God for bringing us together, and we pray His blessing on the Brauns' ministry to the girls at Laurel Ridge.

Jay and Sarah Stenfors, Pleasant Hill Houseparents

Jay and Sarah Stenfors met at a dude ranch in Colorado, after graduating from Kansas State and Grove City College respectively.  They first served at the Ranch in 2005 and 2006, with Jay as Equestrian Director and Sarah in Accounts Payable.  The Stenfors then moved to China to teach English to university students.  The Lord brought them back to Wears Valley in August 2009 as houseparents at Pleasant Hill.  Jay and Sarah are glad to come back to the Ranch, thankful that the Lord has called them to live and serve with the wonderful staff and students here.

Ben and Rachel Wheeler, Christopher House Houseparents

The Wheelers moved from San Antonio, Texas to become Christopher House houseparents in March 2010. They first heard about the Ranch from Andrew and Hannah Wood, who were then serving in Christopher House themselves.

Ben completed an Associates degree at the University of Phoenix while serving as a Seargeant and Dental Lab Technician in the U.S. Army. Rachel completed an Associate’s degree in Sign Language Interpreting. Sign language is more than a passing interest for her– it is a ministry she is passionate about sharing with others.

Serving the Lord is especially exciting for both of us. Lord willing, we hope to inspire the boys to be lifelong servers of others, to the glory of God. We are excited about the opportunity to use a homeschool model to teach, especially since Rachel is a former homeschool student herself. And we both like to cook!

Ben loves music and worshiping the Lord with songs, psalms, and spiritual songs. He loves talking to people about the things of the Lord, and hopes to encourage the boys at the Ranch to be bold in evangelism and discipleship. He also enjoys working on cars, running, hiking, and building projects.

We thank God for bringing the Wheelers to the Ranch and pray His blessing on them and the boys at Christopher House.

Mentors

Alison Lee

Originally from New Jersey, Alison holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.  She has a love for language and is passionate about teaching students to communicate effectively.

God is using my time here to teach me so much about relating to kids, and how to graciously correct and encourage, lessons I'm sure will be so practical when teaching full-time.

Lorie Wolfe

Corrine Cook

Corrine Cook, from Texas, graduated from Bryan College with a Communications/Theatre major and a Bible minor.  Her career counselor told her about Wears Valley Ranch, and her visit to the ranch confirmed that this was the place God was leading her.

Coming here and working with the kids has been a wonderful growing experience, both spiritually and mentally!  God has blessed me with the opportunity to be able to use His gifts for the benefit of the students – drama, piano, sports – all while loving the kids, and most importantly learning to love Jesus more.

Ross McCracken

Originally from Pennsylvania, Ross McCracken found about the Ranch from a friend at Grove City College.  After graduating from Grove City in 2008, Ross worked at a state run children’s home in western Pennsylvania, an experience he describes as “very different from working at the Ranch”.

I want to be a positive male role model for these kids, living life with them and showing them Jesus through academics and athletics.

Rachel Ralston

Kelly Quarterman

Kelly grew up in Roswell, GA and graduated from the University of Georgia in 2007.  After volunteering at a mission in Brazil and interning in a campus ministry, she discovered Wears Valley Ranch on the internet.

I've been living at Pleasant Hill for over a year now and have loved sharing life with God's precious children here at the Ranch.  I've learned so much about God's discipline and His love, and I've been encouraged that His promises will endure forever.

Katy Price

Katy, originally from Indiana, found the Ranch on the Internet.  She holds a degree in Bible with an emphasis on Education and Missions and has previous experience working with youth.  After looking at a number of children’s homes on the Internet, she felt God leading her to the Ranch.  In the future, she hopes to serve the Lord as an English teacher and to continue working with orphans.