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.
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.
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 his job and all the opportunities he gets to connect with student candidates and their families. In his freetime 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 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.
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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