Staff introduction: Carissa miller

We are pleased to share that Carissa Miller joined our staff last month as the new Food Service Manager. Carissa graduated from Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO with a major in biblical justice before moving to California to intern with us. Having already served in the internship capacity for nine months made for a seamless transition for her to continue to serve the students and interns in the kitchen. Carissa values the approach to ministry here: “The Ranch sees the students as a whole person and cares for each aspect of their life - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. This is what leads to healing. I’ve seen ministries only focusing on physical needs while ignoring the others - the Ranch provides holistic care.”

SPecial recognition: Caryn Galeckas 

Staff member Caryn Galeckas was honored for having served at Christian Encounter for 40 years. Caryn serves as the office manager, has been an integral part of the wilderness program, and serves a major role in events including Family Camp and the Agony Ride.

Alumni News

CER Staff member Salena (Berger) Unitt (intern ‘16-’18) and husband Josh tied the knot on January 1st at Auburn Grace Community Church. Staff member Zach Malech officiated the wedding. Former Food Service Manager Chris Unitt, also mother of the groom, joined then Food Service Manager Kathleen McNama in catering the event.

Since 2017 Mike Ritter (intern ‘10-’11) has been a missionary with Steiger International, which mobilizes followers of Jesus to reach young people who would not walk into a church. He has gone on numerous missions to eastern Europe, where he met his wife, Annie.

Megan Moreno (student ‘14-’15) gradu­ated from CSU Long Beach with a bach­elor’s degree in Sociology in 2021. She is working as a patient access representa­tive at Adventist Health Sonora.

Rogelio Batson (intern ‘16) gradu­ated from Azusa Pacific Uni­versity with a Master’s in social work in May. Rogelio resides in Hacienda Heights, CA and started working as a case worker for a lo­cal nonprofit helping foster youth.

STAFF INTRODUCTIONS

Kevin Campbell joined the business of­fice staff after finishing his nine-month internship. Kevin completed his Master’s of Business Management at Azusa Pacific University while assistant coaching Divi­sion II women’s volleyball.

Garrett Kronland came on as part-time staff to serve in communications and administration. Garrett is also an LMFT and works at the local counseling center, Anew Day. Garrett and his wife, Jenny, have been married for three years.

Family Camp 2022   JULY 1, 6PM - JULY 4, 12PM 

Saturday May 21, 2022, 9-1pm

“You live out the gospel here. I’m learning what God’s love looks like and the two words that keep coming up are unconditional and sacrificial.” - Alec, intern

Brie Owen joined the intern team after completing her B.A. in Psychology last December. Brie says her time as an intern has taught her what loving like Christ looks like. Brie returns to New Hampshire this month and will begin her graduate studies in counseling at Messiah University in Pennsylvania this fall.

Alec Thies stumbled upon WORLD Magazine’s feature on Christian Encounter last summer. After diving headlong into the world of corporate finance for two years, he was looking to change directions. Alec started to pursue international missions when he learned of our domestic mission. Alec comes to us from Kalamazoo, MI.

David Ramey, a second generation Grass Valley native, first stepped foot on the Ranch property last summer serving with Christian Youth in Action’s youth program. David was also involved at Campus Life, a local youth group. As he learned more about the work at CER and the opportunity to live and work alongside youth, it became clear this was his next step.

Bless Flores, from Mill Valley, CA, arrived in February after graduating from Biola University in December. Bless has been encouraged in her own journey of healing and spiritual growth as she continues to engage with the Ranch community. Bless plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology this fall.