I started at the Ranch as a casual in 2007 in the newly opened Rever House on the Pilot Butte campus. It was actually my sister-in-law, who at the time worked at Rorison House, who suggested that I would be a good fit for the job. Six months later I became full time and I have stayed at Rever throughout my five year career at the Ranch.

I was only 20 when I started and was in my first year at university at the U of R. Some of my family and friends told me I must have a really big heart to work at the Ranch because it would be really hard working with aggressive or at risk youth. Some were concerned for my well-being. All of them were excited for me to begin my career but weren’t quite sure what the Ranch really was. It wasn’t until I started working here that I could really explain what Ranch Ehrlo really is to them.

There are myths surrounding the Ranch out there in the community. Some people think it is a youth prison - that one makes me laugh because it’s the farthest thing from what we believe in. Other people think that we are all social workers working with the kids.

After talking to my family and friends, they now understand what we do at the Ranch and I’m going to use this blog to help you understand. I’ll be covering different topics that take place in the residences. If you have any questions about day-to-day house life, please ask.