VISTA VERDE - Key Persons
Alisha graduated with a B.S. from the University of British Columbia located in her home town, Vancouver, Canada. For the last 6 years, she has been an active member of a local equestrian neighborhood where she has been working, teaching and competing. Growing up, she spent many summer weeks at ranch summer camps, and after an awesome first season with us during the summer, she's excited to see what winter is all about here in Colorado-she's never seen this much snow before!
Audrey recently graduated from Penn State University in May with a degree in Anthropology and Art History and this is her first season on the ranch. She previously worked as a bartender and server at a beer garden. This is her first time out west and she's excited to take advantage of all that our little neck of the woods has to offer including skiing, horseback riding, hiking, and gardening.
Audrey comes to us via Alaska, where she spent the last year living and working at a really cool lodge with views of the Northern Lights! She grew up in a teeny-tiny farm town in Southeastern Idaho called Monteview and graduated from BYU in 2022 with a degree in Exercise and Wellness. She loves to continually learn about all things health, specifically with a holistic approach-ask her what kind of shampoo she uses! Spending time in natures brings her the greatest joy and she's excited to now be in Colorado.
Ben joins us for his third season as our head chef. A former student of both Cincinnati State University and the University of Cincinnati, Ben started cooking for fun as a teen which led him to his first culinary job at 18. He's travelled the U.S. extensively for fun and work, picking up all variety cuisine knowledge along the way. He even spent a year in Oaxaca and Mexico City to really deep dive into the Mexican food scene. Most recently, he's become a novice equestrian, and when he's not at the stove, you'll find him hitting the trails on horseback!
This is Ben's 19th year at the helm of Vista Verde Ranch, where he oversees ranch operations and keeps the staff focused on the VVR ethos of servant leadership and life change. When he is not at the ranch working, as he says, "with the best folks a guy could ever ask for," Ben enjoys time at home with his wife of 25 years, Holly. These days, they are empty nesters, with one kid in college and three fully launched. That is, if you don't count the recent addition of Murphy, the Goldendoodle pup and his trusty big (but tiny) sister Hazel, who occasionally steps in as office assistant. Ben loves his Philadelphia sports teams, listening to and playing music, coaching track and field at Steamboat Springs High School, and playing on the North Routt softball team. Fun Fact: He's the youngest of 49 grandkids.
Chris Emery Ranch Hand Hometown: Jacksonville, FL Chris is a graduate of Kentucky State University where he played Division 2 golf. He's also a United States Marine Corp Veteran who served multiple tours in Iraq, before moving to Steamboat Springs where he previously worked at F.M.Light & Sons (you'll notice he's always in the sharpest duds) and volunteered with the Warhorse Ranch where some previous VVR horses now live. Now he's a Clark local and enjoys ice fishing, snowboarding, and pretty much anything outdoors. We're so happy to have him back for his second season at the ranch!
Damon is back for his 10th season in the dining room! He is passionate about wine, and is studying for his entry level sommelier course. When not serving in the dining room, you can find Damon at local restaurants, as he is a connoisseur of the local food and wine scene. He also loves spending quality time with friends and getting out into the backcountry on skis or snow shoes.
Darion was born in Mississippi and grew up in Houston. He attended Lone Star College pursuing an education degree, but now has his sights set on a career in Physical Therapy. Last season was Darion's first time living outside the city and he loved it so much he's back for more! He says the epic star gazing sure does beat the light pollution in the city. He made fast friends with the ranch cats, and when he's relaxing, he likes to read books (philosophy and dystopian novels are his favs), and hang out on the river. Fun fact: he plays orchestral trumpet!
Diane is back for her third season with us, and we're always so happy to have her hardworking spirit in the barn team. She's been working hard since she was fourteen: babysitting, waitressing, landscaping - you name it! Competitive by nature, she loves playing just about any sport. And when she's not enjoying the great outdoors she'll be exploring new places and taking pictures along the way.
Line Cook Hometown: As an adventurous and naturally curious individual, Dylan is excited to jump into his first season at the ranch. He went to college to study history education and has taught and observed in several different educational settings in the United States and the Netherlands. He recently worked at a lodge in Alaska as a prep cook and is eager to bring his expertise to the guests here at VVR. Ask him about hiking the Appalachian Trail!
Your story matters to Holly and hearing about your journey is what she loves to do when she is not working on bookkeeping for the ranch. In addition to her role as bookkeeper she is also a Realtor with Steamboat Sotheby's International Realty where she enjoys offering exceptional service to her clients. Home is very important to Holly. She and her husband, Ben, have called North Routt home for years, and they recently moved off the ranch into a log house they share with their two dogs. Mom to four grown kids and one son-in-law, Holly looks forward to time with family. She loves to learn and has a law degree from the University of Arizona. When not working, she can be found reading, knitting, or laughing loudly through her days.
Hunter joins us for his third season at the ranch, this time back to the kitchen after being a fishing guide during the summer! He's a University of South Carolina graduate and an avid fly fisherman who loves camping and live music. He grew up as a middle child between two sisters, so ask him how interesting that was!
Enjoy the splendor of the Rocky Mountains at our Colorado luxury dude ranch located just north of Steamboat Springs. You'll find a diverse offering of activities, amazing food, and a friendly staff. Oh, and the views aren't bad either!
Jack Rose Ranch Hand Hometown: Portland, OR This is Jack's second season at the ranch after graduating from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, with a degree in Business Management. Originally from the PNW, he's excited to explore Colorado and meet new people while he's here! When he's not mending fences, you'll find him fishing, hiking, or maybe a tennis or basketball game. Fun fact: he got his name after his parents watched Titanic while they were awaiting his arrival. Ask him about his mean yo-yo skills!
Jake graduated from Adams State University with a double major in Environmental Science and Physical Geography with a minor in Adventure Leadership and Programming. He has worked in the outdoor industry for the last six years and this is his third year heading up our guiding activities. In the summer you can typically find Jake on a river fly fishing or floating, on and off the clock! In the winter, Jake enjoys backcountry skiing, xc skiing, and snowmobiling.
Jamie is back with us for her third season at VVR, now as Head Wrangler! Born and raised in Northern Virginia, she previously worked for two different veteran organizations, focused on helping and supporting our nation's combat veterans and their families. With a calling to serve, she has attended multiple mission trips with various groups, traveling to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Zambia, Africa. Jamie enjoys staying active and being outdoors, including horseback riding, hiking, climbing, shooting and going on runs.
Dish Washer Hometown: Park Falls, WI This is Jasmine's first season at the ranch and she's so excited for her next great adventure here! She's from the great state of Wisconsin, and all her friends call her Jazz. She loves all things outdoors and is 23-years-young.
Job Titles:
- Assistant General Manager
- Director of Human Resources
Jason graduated from Scott College of Business at Indiana State University in 2015. Then he spent several years working as a financial advisor in his home town of Terre Haute. He grew up driving horses for his family's carriage business and brought his expertise back to the ranch in 2022 along with our newest team of Percherons. Jason worked at VVR 10 years ago as a seasonal employee where he met his future wife, Lauren, and we are so lucky to have him and his infectious smile back at the ranch in a leadership role. In his free time Jason enjoys snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and just got a pair of ATV's for some off-road adventures this summer!
Jenna joins us in the barn for her third season at the ranch! Back home in Alabama she has three horses of her own, where she enjoys barrel racing, trail riding, and the rodeo. She attended the University of South Carolina where she majored in Public Health. Jenna loves animals of all sorts, outdoor sports, traveling, meeting new people, and her family.
Joe Birchard Ranch Hand Hometown: Chicago, IL Joe joins us for his second season (as a staff member) after finishing up his degree in Engineering Management from Miami University. He spent his last four summers in Chicago working as an installer for Chicago Marine Canvas. Now, after many family vacations at the ranch, he's spending his summer with us and he's excited to be a part of the VVR team. And we are excited to have him! When he's not ranch handing, he enjoys exercising, horseback riding, skiing and hanging out with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Director of Food & Beverage
Jonathon, his wife, Ashley and their kids have called Clark, CO their home for the last 13 years. Jonathon is a longtime friend to the ranch and his passion for creative cuisine brightens our mealtimes and cooking classes. He originally honed his culinary skills at CIA, New York and he was previously the Head Chef at The Home Ranch, right here in Clark. When Jonathon is not cooking in the VVR kitchen, you will find him hunting, fishing and hanging out with his family. Fun Fact: He has been perfecting his apple pie recipe for 30 years!
Line Cook Hometown: Houston, TX Josh joins us for his first winter (second season at the ranch) in the Rocky Mountains. He launched his culinary career serving in the U.S. Navy as a cook for 4 years. His military voyages took him from Chicago to Seattle, Portland to Pearl Harbor and to far flung spots in Bahrain, Dubai, Italy, Spain and Thailand. He then worked in some smaller restaurants in Texas where he further honed his craft and mastered making a mean BBQ. Now that he's found his way to VVR, he's looking forward to exploring the mountains via horseback and getting some fishing time on the rivers. And of course, he's an avid Astro's fan.
Lauren is back for her second season at Vista Verde, now assuming role of head housekeeper! She's been working on ranches in Colorado for the past two years and has found a passion for living and working on ranches. She's a recent graduate from Wofford College and loves to ride horses and be outside.
Lily recently completed a semester at Slippery Rock University before joining us for her first summer at the ranch last season. She's back for her second season, and we're so excited to have her again as a server in the dining room! In high school she played soccer, field b-ball, ran track and won the Sportsmanship Award…and was a 4-H member. She enjoys being outdoors, staying busy and learning new things as well as making new friends. Sounds like she's in the right place! She also enjoys spending time with her family.
This will be Madeline's second season at the ranch, after being a housekeeper for the summer she's super excited to be in the kitchen assisting Melissa-especially for all the Christmas desserts! Since graduating high school in 2021, Madeline has been an apprentice with a Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program on a local dairy farm back in Pennsylvania. When not working with cows and calves, she enjoys playing piano, singing, field hockey, and basketball. She also likes to hunt and spend time outside.
Job Titles:
- Director of Training and Development / Youth Program Manager
Mandy got her start at VVR 20+ years ago as a wrangler after graduating from college. She spent a couple of summers with the horses before moving to Steamboat, where she met her husband, enjoyed being a middle school special education teacher, became a mom to two awesome kids, dogs, cats and fish. The love for the ranch and the Zirkel wilderness never left her, so when the family moved to Clark 7 years ago, all of the pieces fell into place for her return to VVR. Utilizing her background in education and a passion for kids and horses, she jumped into managing the youth program. More recently she became our Director of Training and Development, to ensure our staff members are receiving all of the tools they need to be prepared for their roles here at the ranch and beyond. On her time off, she enjoys watching her son play hockey, her daughter immerse herself in art projects, and spending time with her family outdoors.
A lifelong love of horses, food, and anything outdoors brought Melissa west in 2015. Working at VVR has provided a way to combine the career of a pastry chef and the desire to spend time outside hiking and riding like nowhere else could. Each season has it's own highlights; the Christmas Day feast, skiing, snowmobiling, fall cattle drives and pumpkin pies, summer popsicles and long hikes in the Zirkels.
Prior to heading west, she worked in various pastry positions for ten years in the Northern Virginia region, including restaurants, catering and wholesale volume pastry production.
After her first winter season, it was quite apparent that Nathan (our safety manager) was the cowboy she had been waiting for, and they were married in October of 2016.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources, Staff Relations & Development Manager
Mette is responsible for hiring all the amazing staff our guests will get to meet! When she's not interviewing potential staff, she's pouring into the community and culture of VVR. This is Mette's 8th season at the ranch, and she loves getting outdoors and still finds time to put on her guide pack for ski or fly fishing trips with guests. Mette was born and raised in the beautiful PNW and moved out to VVR after living in British Columbia where she managed a sea kayaking operation and mountain guided for a wilderness ministry. She heard about Vista Verde while backpacking in New Zealand, where she met a former Vista staff member, and is always planning that next adventure!
Michael Clasing Ranch Hand Hometown: Chesapeake, VA This is Mike's third winter on the ranch. He spends his springs and falls working in Lake Tahoe and his summers as a tour leader for German and Dutch tourists taking them across the various parks of the American Southwest. In his down time you can find Mike at Old Town Hot Springs and wherever local jazz bands are playing.
Job Titles:
- Fleet Manager & Head Groomer
Michael got his start at VVR back in the winter of 2017/18 as a ranch hand when he joined his new wife Becca, after meeting her on a hiking trip through Patagonia. After several years at the ranch, they headed back to Denmark for a spell in 2021 then found their way back to Clark in 2022 where Michael headed up operations at our new sister property, Steamboat Lake Outpost. Now he's back on the VVR crew taking care of our fleet of vehicles and equipment and keeping the ski trails in top shape through the winter. And Becca is taking charge of their three girls: Clara, Elsa and Alma. Fun fact: Michael served for 7 years on Arctic Command in Greenland, for the Danish military.
Line Cook Hometown: Liberty, PA Michael found his way to Steamboat five years ago, where he did HVAC work and taught snowboarding. He also worked in the kitchen at Steamboat's own Perry Mansfield School and at Table 79, before finding his way up to us in North Routt. He grew up working in the kitchen and with horses at the Three Springs Ministries in north-central PA and with 4 years of U.S. Marine Corps experience, we'd say he's a pretty well-rounded guy. When he's not busy in the kitchen, you'll find him riding, hiking and playing rugby. Yep, Steamboat has a rugby team!
Michael VanDenBerg Ranch Hand Hometown: Aurora, CO Michael went to school in Spokane, WA where he earned a degree in International Business while also competing in soccer and track and field. Upon graduating, He moved back to work full-time at his family's landscaping company in Denver, CO. After becoming a partial owner, Michael and his family decided to sell the company. He then took time off to travel the world before moving up to Steamboat Springs in October of 2022. He loves being outside, working with his hands, and helping people in any way he can, which makes him a great fit for a first-season ranch hand!
Nate is officially our Safety Manager, but that is just the start of what he does at the ranch! When not fixing fences or overseeing our fleet of hot tubs and snowmobiles…or guiding… or wrangling, he finds time to pursue his hobbies that include hiking, playing softball, curling and dancing. Nate really enjoys playing on Vista Verde's intramural softball team during the summer and volleyball during the winter. For his first job, Nate was involved in restoring a 1939 Cadillac LaSalle. He is a volunteer with North Routt Fire Department as an EMT and Firefighter Type 2. Finally, Nate married our own lovely Melissa in October 2016 in VVR's Great Room and they've more recently settled into a lovely home they've spruced up just across the road on the Elk River.
Nick is back for his third season at VVR. After getting his fill of moving snow last winter, he's happy to be horseback for this one. Before coming to Vista, he was lead wrangler at Emerald Valley Ranch in Colorado Springs. Nick's also an Army vet and served as Airborne Infantry in the 82nd Airborne. When he's not saddling horses, you'll find him mountain biking, fishing, shooting, and exploring our gorgeous wilderness area.
Noah Jones Ranch Hand Hometown: Wheaton, IL Noah joins us back at the ranch this winter, now with his wife and high school sweetheart, Sammie. He just graduated from Wheaton College where he majored in Business Economics and played football! When he's not out doing all the things ranch hands do, he likes to fish, hunt, and soak up the outdoors. Ask him what it's like growing up with seven siblings!
Job Titles:
- Assistant General Manager
- Director of Finance
Phil spent 30 years in the corporate world as an electrical engineer before joining VVR last year as our Director of Finance. He loves to tell about how something he designed is on Mars… deeply embedded in Mars because it crashed there. It's not all that reassuring to know that our finances are in the hands of a failed "rocket scientist", but we're happy to have him on the team anyway. Phil is married to Sara Brinkley, our massage therapist, and the two of them live very cozily with their dog near Sand Mountain in a small homesteader's cabin that they restored. They have two kids who are now married and living abroad in Spain and Australia. If you're lucky, you might find him hosting a mean game of poker.
Rebecca grew up in Bloomfield, Kentucky with a close-knit family. A graduate of Western Kentucky University she taught special education for 4 years. She also has about 8 years of experience working in therapeutic riding and loves animals, the outdoors, reading and traveling. Recently, she's been trying out all the awesome sports the Colorado Mountains have to offer including skiing, fly fishing and hiking. She's eager to continue improving her skiing skills at the mountain this winter!
We are thrilled to have River back for her sixth season where she'll continue heading up the barn and our heard of ponies. Prior to joining us she was active duty in the US Coast Guard. River is a Registered Yoga Teacher and an outdoor enthusiast who loves climbing, slack lining, skiing, and photography. Be sure to ask her about the pet alligator she used to have!
River is a graduate of Wheaton College where he received his B.A. in Christian Formation and Ministry. He previously worked as a youth minister for a church in North Apollo, PA. Now, he manages our wonderful ranch hands and oversees many of our day to day ranch projects, from fences to forklifts. River values his faith, hard work, and loving others. We are so lucky to have River and his wife, Hannah as part of our Vista Verde family for their second year!
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales and Hospitality
Roxy first came to Vista Verde starting in 1997 then left at the turn of the millennium to finish school and pursue a teaching career in Philadelphia. Many moons later she learned that the greener pastures are still right here, and spent the summer of 2018 with us before taking a Peace Corps assignment in Uganda, which was cut short by the pandemic. She then returned here in 2021 and has since stepped into a long-term role heading up our reservations. When not in the office, you'll find her communing with hummingbirds or dipping her toes in a babbling brook.
Job Titles:
- Guest Experience Coordinator
Sabrina grew up in a small farm town in Massachusetts before heading down to Florida to obtain a degree in Sociology and Psychology. After graduation she spent two years in the service corps before working around the world as an Au pair in Italy, teaching English in China, as a guide in South America, on cruise ships, and seasonally across the USA. This is her second year at VVR and when she isn't in the office you can find her riding up at the barn or hiking the many trails this amazing state has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Massage Therapist & Store Manager
Sara lives in Clark with her husband Phil, our Director of Finance. She is passionate about caring for others and found her calling as a talented massage therapist. More recently, she took charge of Fancy's Mercantile and we have her to thank for all the fantastic items we peddle in our shop. Prior to working with our guests, she was the Aquatics Coordinator at an Athletic Club. When Sara's not here easing sore muscles or tidying up in the shop, she's home taking care of her and Phil's tiny farm, complete with goats and Wilson the dog. Fun fact: her stepdaughter lives in Mallorca and is married to a Spaniard, and her stepson is married to an Australian, and living Down Under!
This is Shelby's first season at Vista Verde and she's excited to be immersed in the outdoors after former experience in retail management and accounting. Recently, she's started exploring her creative side and loves to read, write poetry, pottery, and paint. She has a knack for making connections with people and is pretty crafty with DIY's. Watch out, cause she's a huge prankster!
Taylor joins us on the ranch for her first season after spending her summer at another Colorado dude ranch working as a wrangler. She recently graduated with a degree in Animal Science from Washington State University. She's excited to spend the winter in such a beautiful spot and loves to hike, ski, take pictures, play guitar, and of course, ride horses. A fun fact: I played Rugby in high school!
Tessa went to school at Indiana University where she studied journalism. She grew up coming out to Colorado to ski with her dad and fell in love with the state. She always knew she wanted to call this state home one day and dreamed of working on a ranch. She's been living in the county for two years and was formerly working on a bison ranch taking care of over 400 bison! This is her first season at the ranch and she's excited to bring her passion for the ranching lifestyle, the county, and serving others to life via thoughtful and creative marketing stories. When she's not at the ranch you'll probably find her tucked into a corner at the library or exploring the area with her dog, Hal.
Tommy joins us for his third season in the dining room, and we're thrilled to have him back! If you're lucky, you'll see evidence of his passion for art which includes drawing, sketching and painting - he is quite the talent! Tommy's a student of Arapahoe Community College and a huge sports fan who played basketball in high school… although he admits that football is his favorite sport to watch. If you're in the mood for foosball, you might challenge him to a game - he's pretty confident in his skills.