For many employees at Ranch Ehrlo Society, the work becomes more than a career path – through opportunities for growth, education, mentorship, and connection, many staff discover their time at the Ranch becomes a defining part of their story.

Through the Faces of the Ranch series, we’re highlighting the people behind the work: the dedicated staff who help children, youth, and families build healthier lives and brighter futures every day.

When Karlyn Hadjistavropoulos joined Ranch Ehrlo in 2019, she never imagined the organization would become such a significant part of her life. Today, she describes the Ranch as the foundation for much of her personal and professional growth. It’s where she met her husband, formed lifelong friendships, found care for her daughter, and discovered the support she needed to complete her bachelor’s degree. What began as just a job’ became a community that helped shape the person she is today.

Karlyn first started at Ranch Ehrlo as a multiple program worker, floating amongst group living programs, meeting new teams, dozens of youth, and learning how programs differ from home to home. After two years of getting to know the organization, Karlyn took a permanent youth care worker position at Ranch Ehrlo’s Emergency Receiving program in Pilot Butte and later transferred to a youth group living home in Regina. After just one year in the program, Karlyn was promoted to youth care leader (YCL).

“I loved my job as a YCL. I was super fulfilled, feeling happy and content there and thought I would be there for the long haul…but once you have kids things change quickly,” shared Karlyn. “I realized shift work was no longer what I wanted and that it wouldn’t serve me well at this time in my life.”

Karlyn and her husband were happy to welcome their first child in fall 2024. During her maternity leave, Karlyn was able to supplement her government benefits through Ranch Ehrlo’s maternity top-up program, allowing her to receive approximately 80 per cent of her regular wages while away from work.

As her return-to-work date approached, Karlyn made the difficult decision to step away from youth care work to complete her degree in education.

Already familiar with the supports Ranch Ehrlo offers employees, Karlyn applied for and received education assistance, helping cover a portion of her tuition costs. Knowing she would still need to help support her family while returning to school full-time, she also applied for paid education leave and was approved to receive approximately 60 per cent of her salary while studying.

Another piece that made the transition feel a little easier was finding child care for their daughter. A space became available at the Ranch’s Ehrlo Early Learning Centre, giving Karlyn peace of mind as she focused on her studies while her husband continued working. It also made the eventual transition back into the workplace feel more manageable.

In December 2025, Karlyn proudly completed her education degree, and she began teaching at Ranch Ehrlo’s Transition Centre. In just over a year, Karlyn’s journey had come full circle – from youth care leader, to maternity leave, to education leave, and finally back to working at the Ranch as a full-time teacher.

“The experience was very positive for me. I felt very supported by the agency and my direct supervisor was nothing but encouraging. I would not have been able to finish my degree and continue on this career path if the [financial] assistance wasn’t available,” said Karlyn.

Continuing education and employee benefits have been prioritized at Ranch Ehrlo since the very beginning.

“Many employees opt to work at the Ranch due to the quality of the workplace environment,” founder Dr. Geoff Pawson wrote in 2004. “[An] aspect of creating a nurturing workplace has been the addition of benefits…these extra benefits create a sense of positive well-being for employees, while simultaneously recognizing staff for their efforts on behalf of the children served. In short, the human resources programs allow the Ranch to maintain a nurturing workplace that emphasizes training.”

Karlyn’s experience reflects the vision Dr. Pawson had when he established Ranch Ehrlo, creating a place where both employees and participants could grow while feeling supported, connected, and valued.

“I always felt like a valued member of Ranch Ehrlo. I feel connected to the agency, and that I’m part of a community. It’s so much more than a job.”

As part of our 60th anniversary, guests are invited to take part in a self-guided history experience at the Kesten Centre during our 9th annual powwow on August 27. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the start of the feast, the space will remain open throughout the day for visitors to come and go. 

The Kesten Centre will feature a history museum highlighting the past 60 years, celebrating the history, achievements, and stories that have shaped the Ranch. Former youth, staff, and their families, along with community partners, are encouraged to attend. If you plan to attend, you’re welcome to RSVP by emailing  ranchehrlo.news@ranchehrlo.ca.