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 entrepreneurship and overseas missions. Zack first visited Rockside Etna in 2020 and immediately fell in love with the mission. He loves connecting with student candidates and their families. In his free time he loves surfing with his wife, playing music and making short films. 

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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.

Email Asher

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 & Host Family

Nick studied at Biola University earning his Bachelors degree in Theology and his Masters degree in Ministry and Leadership. He loves cultivating a connection to life and land with the students. Nick is committed to helping students overcome crisis and 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 with his family.

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Program Manager

Johannes is from Munich, Germany, with a background in tech. There he was involved in various areas of church ministry, including youth and camp ministry. After completing his M.A. in Theology at Talbot School of Theology, he wants to live out the Gospel practically and serve others in a hands-on way. He loves sports and activities that involve action and adventure, as well as exploring the outdoors with his wife Jasmin. Together, they love sharing life and building community with those around them.

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Workforce Manager

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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Program Lead

Chris grew up in South Texas and moved to California to attend Biola University and pursue his passion for theological and biblical studies. He has always felt a strong calling to vocational ministry and finds joy in teaching others about the Bible and supporting their spiritual growth. In his free time, Chris enjoys reading theology books, is a bit of a coffee connoisseur, and loves diving into Scripture.

Email Chris

Farmhouse Director

Jacob grew up in Memphis, TN. He developed a love of the hospitality industry during four years at a local steakhouse. He then moved to Scott Valley in 2015. Upon arriving, he worked at Scott River Lodge as the sous chef and then in 2018 as the Chef de Cuisine. He met his wife Megan and they were married in the fall of 2016. They have two kids, Adelaide and Cooper. He enjoys coffee, reading, fountain pens and notebooks.
Email Jacob

Farmhouse Butcher Shop

Before coming to Rockside, Chris ran a professional farrier business for 25 years. He has been married to his wife, Lindsey, for 18 years and they have three beautiful children. Chris loves Jesus and is grateful to be part of the Rockside community.
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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

Program Manager

John was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan and has two children. He was a trade plumber for over 15 years and found himself lost without purpose. He completed the student program and was radically changed by the love of Jesus. Since joining the staff, John has had the privilege of leading other men in the path of life restoration. John can fix just about anything and is a tremendous asset to the program and the team.

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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.

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ROCKSIDE CUSTOM APPAREL MANAGER

Kari, a native of Rapid City, brings 8 years of experience in custom apparel and design to her role at Rockside Custom Apparel. During her free time, she enjoys coaching youth sports and spending time with her family. She is excited to make a positive and meaningful impact in her community though Rockside Custom Apparel.

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Program Lead

Ayden grew up in South Dakota. After high school he went into the trades, pursuing the electrical trade. After three years doing electrical work he went on a 9 month mission trip to Belize and Africa. He has a heart to disciple believers and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus. He loves outdoor activities, exercising, church activities, and music.

Email Ayden

Program Lead

Keian Ladd worked as an electrician for two years before joining the Rockside staff. He was in Matt Veal's youth group and went on three missions trips with Matt. He is proud to be part of the Rockside Black Hills staff and grateful to help students on their journeys of life restoration, knowing he, too, will grow in his faith through the process. His interests include any and all outside activities, sports and martial arts.

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Chairman

Joe lives in Grass Valley, CA with Judy, his wife of 34 years.  He has two children and three grandchildren.  He has served in church leadership for decades in the roles of deacon and elder and has a passion for men’s discipleship.  Serving on the Rockside board is a return to his roots in Scott Valley where he grew up.  He is a financial advisor and operates Sierra Financial Advisory, an investment advisory firm.

Vice Chairman

Steve is a former professor at Azusa Pacific University and Dean of Christian Studies at Grand Canyon University. In 2016, Steve founded Sanctuary Claremont, a nonprofit church and coffee house in Southern California. Steve has mentored hundreds of students over his career.

Secretary

As a little girl, Jen dreamed of starting a ranch for healing and restoration. She grew up in LA, but spent her summers in Big Sky country Montana. After graduating from Azusa Pacific University in 2009 and co-founding Rockside Ranch in 2011, Jen became a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and has dedicated herself to wellness education and instruction at Rockside Ranch. 

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.

Beau and his wife Nicole live in Utah with their five children. They love history, foster care, and being outside. Beau has been a professor, caterer, hall director, church planter, piano teacher, fast food cashier, and consultant. Today, Beau works alongside Patrick Lencioni at the Table Group, an organizational health company dedicated to changing the world of work. Beau has co-authored two books. He is also on the board at Portland Seminary where he received his doctorate.

Mark is the Dean of Career and Technical Education at the College of the Siskiyous. Before moving to Siskiyou County, Mark spent over 20 years at Cal Poly State University managing the University's 6,000-acre farm. He holds a Bachelor's in Agricultural Business Management and a Master's degree in Agriculture from Cal Poly. In 2011, Mark and his family moved to Siskiyou County and became the President and General Manager of Belcampo Farms.

Joel has spent over a decade in Silicon Valley leading various teams at Okta as they have grown from ~140 employees to over 6,000 employees and $2+ Billion in revenue. Outside of work, Joel is bi-coastal with his Wife (Autumn) and son (Jonah). Joel is passionate about security, leadership, and giving back. His focus as a board member is to help scale Rockside to impact as many men in crisis as possible.

Kari grew up in Yreka and married her high school sweetheart, Jason in 1998. They bought their first business that launched their journey of work and life together 24/7. They raised her younger siblings and adopted their nephew years later after losing her brother in Iraq. Kari has a heart and passion for those who have walked through hardships and trauma and desires for all to know they are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. She has a degree in business admin and financial accounting and serves in marriage ministry.

Josh is a former executive at Mercer Advisors where he was the Head of Wealth Management. His responsibilities included the integration of acquired firms, organic growth, and client experience as a growth strategy. He is a Certified Financial Planner (r) with a degree in Economics from Westmont College. He lives in Denver with his wife Jennifer and their three children.

As a therapist with over 10 years of experience, Alyse is passionate about helping people achieve their full potential and live fulfilling lives. In addition to her clinical work, she is committed to ongoing professional development and community engagement. Her focus as a board member is to contribute to Rockside’s success by utilizing her expertise and knowledge in a clinical framework.