Our Team

Executive Director & Co-Founders

Craig is a 4th generation farmer from Chico, CA. Craig and Jen met at Azusa Pacific University in 2006. After college, Craig moved to Etna to join the staff of Kidder Creek Camp (part of Mount Hermon) and in 2010 Jen joined the camp staff as Ranch Camp Director. They were married by the end of that year and six months later they started Rockside Ranch where their love for farming and redemptive program ministry come together.

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Director of Communications & Donor Care

Abby grew up in the Scott Valley and always knew she would end up coming back - she just wasn’t sure how or when. Her time at Biola University, Kidder Creek and Mount Hermon planted seeds for authentic community and a passion for personal growth. She loves all kinds of personality tests and when she’s not planning her next backpacking trip she is learning the art of flyfishing or walking in the woods at the ranch with her dog Hazy.

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Director of Administration

Trina is a native of Southern California who moved to Spokane, WA in 2019. She has a heart for ministry and loves helping people understand and live in their identity in Christ. She loves a good cup of coffee, a great conversation, and long walks with friends. Trina and her husband, Steen, have been married since 1988 and are parents to three grown sons and two daughters-in-law.

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Director of Development 

Steen is a native of the Pacific Northwest. He moved to Southern California after college and then to Spokane, WA 38 years later after raising three sons with his wife, Trina. Steen has spent the majority of his professional life in nonprofit fundraising and finds the ministry of Rockside Ranch to be a wonderful fit for his skills and passions. He loves reading, strong coffee, robust conversation and anything competitive.

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Director of Admissions

Zack is from San Diego, CA with a background in business management and overseas missions. He has had the privilege to work in over 20 countries with organizations such as Christian Surfers, Surfing The Nations and Young Life. Zack has always had a heart for young men and is excited to come alongside the students at Rockside as an encourager and mentor.

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Staff Support

Missy is from Southern California and has a notable history working with youth. She worked  as a Youth and Family

Ministry Director, then later as a Recreation Therapy Specialist at a long term (youth) residential facility. 

Throughout her professional pursuits, Missy has emphasized fitness and incorporating physical activity into youths’ lives , leading her to build specialized fitness programs and running clubs. She has always been committed to helping others thrive spiritually, mentally and physically .

Fun Fact: Rockside Ranch co-founder Jen Thompson was part of Missy’s youth group!  

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Director of Alumni & Family Support

David brings his training and experience as a crisis counselor to Rockside Ranch. He helps young men who feel stuck get the help they deserve. Named director of student and family support in 2020, Dave works closely with graduates and their families. His background includes suicide prevention, alternatives to self-harm, and trauma support. He is passionate about working with various types of survivors to help them develop resilience—so that they can not only survive but thrive. A life-long resident of Southern California, Dave loves college football. He also loves to hang out on the sand in Laguna Beach with his amazing wife of 33 years and his three wonderful adult children and their spouses.

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Creative Manager

Asher is a Scott Valley local. As a teen he spent many hours learning photography and videography.
For the past few years he has worked as a freelance creative with the goal of combining his passion for digital arts and a desire to serve God alongside other young Christians in his community. He is excited to now be on the Rockside team to help share the many stories of restoration.

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Social Media Manager

Sadie was born and raised in Portland, OR, though Scott Valley feels like a second home as she grew up coming to Kidder Creek camp every summer. Sadie attended Bethel University for two years, gaining experience in marketing and social media. She met her husband Jordan in the valley between her years in college. They got married at Rockside and now have their daughter, Georgia. Her days are filled with mini humans working at a daycare as well. Sadie enjoys playing piano, singing, being outdoors in the sunshine and drinking a lot of coffee.

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Director

Nick studied at Biola University earning his B.A. in Biblical Studies and M.A. in Ministry and Leadership. He loves cultivating a connection to life and land with the students here at Rockside Ranch. Nick is committed to helping students overcome crisis and is eager to guide them as they discover the fullness of life through relationship with God. In his free time you can find Nick exploring the mountains, reading, writing songs, or in a deep and thoughtful discussion with others.

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Program Director

Scott earned his M. Div. from Westminister Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Scott leads the student programs at Rockside and is deeply dedicated to lasting life change and restoration. His leadership and passion for redemption have developed our student programs to have an even greater impact on students' lives. Scott lives near the ranch with his family and loves to explore the Marble Mountain Wilderness surrounding the ranch.

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Assistant Program Director

Kristopher served 23 years with the US military where he led and supervised hundreds of troops at a time and thousands over the course of his career. Upon retirement, he and his family moved to Scott Valley after hearing a calling to ministry. Kris uses his background and training to develop leadership, organization, and effective teamwork at Rockside Ranch. In addition, Kris is actively pursuing a Theological Seminary degree.

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Farm Manager

Kate is a natural teacher and encourager. She joined the team in 2014 and has helped improve almost every area of the ranch. In addition to her role as farm manager, Kate has taken the opportunity to escape the winter weather in Etna for extended missional opportunities in places like Benin, Africa, or the Australian bush.

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Registered Nurse

McKenna earned her B.S. in Nursing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is passionate about approaching health, wellness, and recovery holistically. McKenna is working hard to grow Rockside’s medical program and our team of medical professionals. She lives with her husband, Nick, at the Ranch in Etna and loves to bake fresh bread and other goodies. You will also find McKenna exploring the surrounding wilderness on her time off with Nick and their dog “Z”.

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Butcher Shop Manager

Evan went to college in Rapid City, South Dakota from 2005-2006. He Graduated in ‘06 with a major in cabinet making.
Years later, he worked for the Boys Club Thrift Store in Rapid City, SD and eventually, a friend of his introduced him to Rockside Ranch. Over time, he realized that God was calling him to be a part of Rockside. He believes it is God’s heart beating inside of him for these young men to be restored and living the abundant life that Chist offers.

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Grounds Manager

Cain was born and raised in Rapid City South Dakota. He was in crisis when a friend told him about Rockside Ranch. He completed the 8 month Student Program in 2022. After completing the program, he felt led to join YWAM and do their 6 month DiscIpleship Training School. During his time with YWAM he sensed God was calling him back to pour into the young men at Rockside. In his downtime you will find Cain working out, playing cribbage or studying the bible.

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Program Lead

Stephen earned his B.A. in Bible and Theology from Biola in 2016. In May 2023 he visited the Scott Valley and ran into a string of coincidences that convinced him to apply. Now, he is thrilled to work for Rockside and see young men experience new beginnings and an abundant life in Christ. He enjoys exploring the beautiful Scott Valley and convincing students to try his plant-based cooking. 

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Program Lead

Colten worked 3 summers at a local adventure camp called Kidder Creek. He fell in love with the area in those summers. After 1 year of study at Calvary Chapel Bible College and 1 more summer at Kidder Creek, he decided he wanted to pour into guys that are on the long mission of restoring their lives. Colten loves to do anything outside whether it’s going on hikes or mountain biking the valley. He also really enjoys the farm cats that are always right at his door waiting for pets.
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Director & Host Family

Since moving to Shady Creek Farm in 2014, Zach (Site Director) and Jordyn have had a passion for not only raising nutrient dense, naturally healthy food, but they have also had a passion for raising up people. They have added eight kids to the family via adoption and foster care, and their farm has been able to offer work, a place to stay, and a mentoring opportunity to people in transition or crisis. They are thrilled to launch Rockside Great Lakes and see lives change.

Email Zach or Email Jordyn

Program Director

LoriJo has been active in para-church ministry and faith-based non profit leadership since 1984. In 2021 she received National Certification as a Non Profit Executive, Non Profit Consultant, and Non Profit Development Executive. An avid writer for many years, LoriJo has written several blogs, booklets, magazine articles, and published a book of her life story, entitled “Never Abandoned”. LoriJo has four adult children – two of whom are in full time ministry, one is a Federal Attorney in Dallas Texas, and one is a store manager in Greenville, Michigan. She also has three adorable granddaughters who have given her the best title she has ever received: “Grandma Jo”

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Farm Operations & Logistics Manager

Cory has been a mechanic of vehicles and golf course equipment since 2006. In early 2022, He felt the Lord leading him to Rockside Ranch Great Lakes, where he could utilize his love for farming. He has been friends of Zach & Jordyn Osburn since 2017, and been through some life restoration with them walking along side of him and his family. Now is his chance to pay it forward, with God at the center. He and his wife Lisa have been married since 2008. They have two daughters and two sons.

EMAIL CORY

DIRECTOR & HOST FAMILY

The Veals are from Sturgis, South Dakota and got connected to Rockside through our friends the Falcons and Painters. Matt and Ketura served as youth pastors at Open Bible Chuch in Rapid City for nine years, and Matt retired from a career as a deputy with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office in December.  They have known RJ, a graduate of the Rockside program, since he was a little boy. Matt shared “Once we saw the transformation in RJ happen - we knew this was something we wanted to be a part of.” 
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Program Director

Doug was called to leave his job in civil service to pursue a new career in full time ministry. He graduated from Liberty University with a B.S. in Christian Counseling. During his studies, he cultivated a passion for the similarities between regenerative farming and regenerative salvation. Rockside Ranch has been the perfect place for him to learn and teach how our lives and the land eagerly yearn for redemption. Doug enjoys being a Husband, Father and practicing woodworking as a hobby.

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Operations Manager

Tricia grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota and has been a member at Open Bible Church where she served as a youth group leader for 7 years. She and her husband of 23 years have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.
She graduated from 1st level INSTE Bible College. She has had the privilege of serving with great people in ministry and feels the Lord has opened doors for her to continue serving at Rockside Ranch Black Hills. Tricia has a passion for helping others and feels everyone deserves a little grace and a second chance.

Email Tricia