Category: Staff Update

Staff Introduction

8/30/2023

David Ramey joined our maintenance staff in July after completing a year internship in February and the months following as a volunteer in the maintenance department. A Grass Valley native, David’s experience in ministry along with his acquired skillset through years of apprenticing have made him a natural fit for the position.

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Staff Introduction

8/16/2023

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Sam Walker was hired as our new Business Office Manager and joined the staff team in May. Sam has been involved with Christian Encounter since 2016, when he began volunteering at our high school teaching math.

Sam served in the Navy for five years as a submarine weapons officer. He then began working at Lockheed Martin as a financial and project manager, where he stayed for 35 years.

Upon retiring in 2015, he and his wife Liz moved to Grass Valley. They have two grown children and two granddaughters.

On his decision to come out of retirement to take this position, Sam states, “It all boils down to doing it for the kids.”

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Staff Farewell

8/9/2023

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In June, we said a bittersweet goodbye to long-time staff member Sharon Palmer. Sharon arrived at Christian Encounter in 2010 and completed nine months of internship before joining the staff as the Girls’ House Leader. Sharon served in this capacity for a year and then transitioned into the business office full-time, where she served faithfully until her departure. Reflecting on the past 13 years, Sharon shares, “There is so much grace experienced at the Ranch. As an intern I made mistakes and I was met with grace. As a staff person, in my weaknesses I was met with grace...I would define my time here by grace.”

Sharon first met her husband Chris at the Agony Ride. They got married in 2020 in Angels’ Meadow and had their first child, Caroline, in Oct ‘21. In January ‘22, they launched a custom cabinetry business, Palmer Works.

Upon her departure, Sharon says, “I’ve been thankful for the Ranch community through the different seasons. I’m thankful to still be in the area and that that community isn’t ending.”

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Staff Farewell

6/28/2023

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Aaron Pellerino finished on staff this month. Aaron made significant contributions during his time here, particularly in spearheading the duplex renovation with a team of volunteers. Aaron and his wife Jaz remain local where Aaron continues his work as a general contractor.

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STAFF INTRODUCTION & special recognition

8/11/2022

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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.

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News & Stories

Staff Introduction

Staff Introduction

Staff Farewell

Staff Farewell

STAFF INTRODUCTION & special recognition

Staff introduction: Carissa miller

SPecial recognition: Caryn Galeckas

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