St. Andrews School
Annette Emory, Dining Hall Hostess
Annette came to the Ranch after having worked several years at the Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta, GA. Since coming to the Ranch, she has furthered her culinary arts education, while serving the main mid-day meal to Ranch staff and students five days a week. She also prepares all meals during our summer camp program and for various retreats and volunteer groups as well. Campers and volunteers routinely tell us what we already know – Miss Annette’s cooking is fantastic! We’re so glad the Lord brought her to the Ranch!
Gwen Mathis, School Administrator
Gwen came to the Ranch from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in February, 2006. After serving as a mentor at Laurel Ridge for two and a half years, she began tutoring in the school in the fall of 2008. Gwen felt called to further her understanding of how to work with students with special needs, and through diligent study she has now achieved a Master's degree in Special Education from Abilene Christian University. As the St. Andrews School Administrator, Gwen organizes the day-to-day operations of the school, oversees testing, and tutors students. If all of that weren’t enough, she is also a talented musician – teaching piano and helping lead worship with the flute and guitar, among other instruments. We thank God for bringing such a godly, multi-talented lady to facilitate the education efforts at St. Andrews School!
Andrew Wood, Humanities Director
Andrew was only nine years old when his parents moved to Tennessee to found Wears Valley Ranch. When they filled in as Houseparents for seven months Andrew lived with the other boys at Christopher House. He graduated from St. Andrew’s School, entered the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, then transferred to Boyce College at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY.
Graduating Boyce with highest honors in 2003, he went on to obtain an Advanced Master of Divinity degree from Southern Seminary in 2006. He then returned to the Ranch to help his Dad. While here he met his beautiful wife Hannah who came to the Ranch with her Dad on a mission trip.
After serving with Hannah as a houseparent for almost two years, Andrew became the Humanities Director at St. Andrews School in June 2010. He continues to serve as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 278 at the Ranch. The Lord is kind!
Jim Wood, Headmaster
Jim, along with his wife Susan, founded Wears Valley Ranch to meet the needs of children who come from families in crisis. Their founding documents emphasized the importance of providing an education that is biblically Christian and tailored to the needs of the individual child. As part of the holistic ministry at the Ranch, every child is provided a tutorial education. Susan's degree in education assisted her in developing St. Andrew's School, where she also served for eight years as Principal and continues to offer consultation as needed, providing wise counsel and innovative approaches to teaching children. Jim's gifts as a teacher and his contagious love for God undergird the entire school program with a sense of excitement about learning.
Matthew Young, Math and Science Director
For over four years, Matthew and Janna Young served as houseparents at Pleasant Hill. As their own family grew, they knew they needed a change but hoped to continue as part of the Ranch.
Matthew is now completing a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and serving as Math and Science Director in St. Andrews School.
Janna, who already holds a Master’s in Statistics, is serving as a stay-at-home mom and periodically tutoring students. When needed, the Youngs also serve as a volunteer family for students during school breaks. We are so thankful that they are still part of the Ranch family!