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.
Read MoreVice 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.
Read MoreDIRECTOR & 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.”
Email Matt
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.
Read MoreOperations 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.
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.
Read MoreSecretary
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.
Read MoreFounders
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.
Read MoreInterim Executive 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.
Email Nick
Read MoreDirector 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.
Read MoreDirector 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. And grandparents to one sweet grandson.
Read MoreDirector 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.
Read MoreDirector 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.
Read MoreStaff 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!
Email Missy
Read MoreDirector 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.
Read MoreDirector & 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.
Read MoreCreative 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.
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”
EMAIL LORIJO
Read MoreWorkforce 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.
Read More
