Category: Staff Update

STAFF INTRODUCTION & special recognition

8/11/2022

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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Alumni News & Staff Introductions

6/28/2022

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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.

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Staff Farewell

2/17/2022

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In April, Food Service Manager Kathleen McNama will be finishing two years of excellent service at Christian Encounter. According to Kat, the job combined “making people happy with food” alongside teaching and training the residents, making it an “ideal position for my gifting.” “An unexpected blessing was being able to work so closely with people...I always want to be a part of the Ranch. It just becomes a part of you.” A natural networker, Kat invited many in the community to join in the work happening at Christian Encounter. As Kat joins her husband Glenn in retirement, she plans to remain active volunteering locally.

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Staff and volunteer additions

12/26/2019

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In the fall, we had two residential volunteers join the Maintenance department, both of whom are former interns. Holly McClain came on as a part-time work program assistant upon completion of her internship, while Joseph Snyder’s (‘18) duties primarily consist of landscaping.

In the Food Service department, we welcomed Kim Gilliland, long-time Grass Valley resident and local AWANA Club Director, as assistant to Food Service Manager Chris Unitt. Olivia Crissman finishes up her one-year internship this month and will transition into the Food Service department as a residential volunteer early next year.