connecting youth to meaningful mentoring

Jeff is the Founder and Program Director of Pleasant Valley Youth Ranch and Acres for Joy, a 501c3 nonprofit.

In 2004, Jeff purchased the land that is now home to PVYR and Acres for Joy. It was the journey of his 2nd daughter, Abigail Joy, that led to the development of these organizations, and the transformation of a once vacant field into a place of activity, joy, and challenge, all evidenced by the thousands of footprints, hoof-prints, and paw-prints that have tread there, and the care and love that accompanies them. 

Jeff is an Eau Claire native, and the father of four daughters and seven grandchildren, who all bring him immense joy. He completed Nursing and Physician Assistant degrees at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, and has been working in the field as a Physician Assistant and Behavioral Health Specialist for 37 years. 

While serving as a Physician Assistant remains a high privilege, it is service toward youth and families through Pleasant Valley Youth Ranch that provides the richest rewards for Jeff, allowing him the opportunity to lead with passion and dedication to the continued enrichment of all lives.

I’m new here at PVYR and am enjoying finding my place. 

My background is in administration and horses, which are the areas I am excited to be a part of here! 

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH…

is to watch the connections that happen here between the people and the animals - whether it’s a horse, quail or goat!  The softness that happens when those connections are made is a sight to behold and I am blessed to be a part of that. 

I am a Ranch Facilitator at Pleasant Valley Youth Ranch. I started working at PVYR in June 2021. When I'm not at the Ranch, you can find me caring for my own animals, or spending time with friends and horses! Animals are my passion!

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH... 

is the variety of animals and getting to know and care for each personality they have to offer! Each animal whether horse, donkey, goat, chicken or quail, all have their own unique personality, and watching the kids find their heart animal they connect with is what bring a smile to my face daily at PVYR. 

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE RANCH... 

Being able to connect with Jellybean, the mini donkey, on a level not many have seen. He and I bond and talk without words flawlessly and I adore caring for him daily while he gives me hugs! 

Each and every connection that is made at the ranch, human to human and human to animal, is special. Hosting the school program through Acres For Joy has brought too many memories to just pick one. I love watching each kiddo grow and flourish into something they didn’t expect from themselves, that smile big or small, is the greatest gift and memory I'll hang onto forever. 

  In June 2023, I started working at PVYR as the County Programs Coordinator, and I’m also a Youth Mentor. During my last year in college studying psychology and business, I worked for a CCS provider in Ashland and Bayfield counties. I was ecstatic to find this job where I’m able to provide CCS services and work more with youth and animals. When I’m not at the ranch, I enjoy hiking, reading, crocheting, cooking, and traveling to new places.

BEING A MENTOR IS ABOUT...  

Providing opportunities for kids to work on their goals and life skills in a really cool setting. It’s about exposing kids to new activities and ideas that help them learn more about themselves and the world around them. As much as I’m here to help these kids grow, they also teach me things and help me to grow. 

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH…

 Everything! If I had to pick, I would say the goats! They are so energetic and friendly. I’ve worked with many kids whose favorite ranch animals are the goats, so now they’re my favorite, too. Nothing beats watching a kid develop relationships with our animals! 

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE RANCH…  

One night during a workshop session, right as all of the mentors and participants were about to leave, two kittens walked into the barn. My participant and I stayed with them until our ranch manager figured out that the kittens belonged to our neighbors. I’m glad we were able to bring them back home, but I secretly hope they’ll visit us again someday!

I’ve been working at PVYR since December 2021, after making a change in my life that helped me pursue my passion for helping others in an organic, experience-rich setting. When I’m not mentoring, you’ll find me on the motorcycle with my wife, out on the road in our jeep, watching birds, enjoying a food experience, buried in a book, or getting lost in the fantastical world of online gaming.

BEING A MENTOR IS ABOUT…
Being a positive role model and providing support to a mentee so that they can grow in their self-confidence and challenge themselves through new experiences.  When I work with kids who are going through challenges, whether big or small, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing them put into practice the guidance and tools that we’ve been working on together.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH…
is hanging out with the goats; especially giving Felix his head scratches! I also take great joy in helping mentees begin to learn how to craft items in the woodshop.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE RANCH…
is helping one of my mentees with autism learn how to mix grain and feed the horses — witnessing him independently take ownership of that task, and watching his self-confidence and sense of responsibility flourish was amazing! I felt an immense sense of pride, myself!

My career journey includes work as a teacher, seminar planner, therapist and hospital chaplain.  As a community volunteer, I’ve learned from people of all ages, experiencing many life traumas and challenges, in many agencies, cultures and countries, always seeking ways that our life experiences and challenges can be applied to bring deeper understanding within ourselves and in the lives of others. There is so much joy and so much to learn in our short journey in this world.  And greater insights when we do life together!  

BEING A MENTOR IS ABOUT… Sharing time together with youth who have reached out with goals for their lives and are seeking new paths for growth.  Meeting them where they are and together choosing activities at the ranch and in the community that will challenge them to reach the next step in their journey.  Discovering new opportunities, role modeling skills, listening and guiding, sometimes instructing and redirecting, always with care and optimism.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH… 

We are a dedicated team of experienced professionals working together to support the youth in our service.  Staff at the ranch encourage us, plan activities, share ideas and offer their expertise as we learn to interact with animals and try unique crafts including leatherwork and wood working.  There is amazing flexibility and creativity in our work as we independently plan and role model every mentor session.  Each youth has unique goals and challenges -- it’s amazing to be part of their journeys and join with their team of care givers and supporters.

Mentors and mentees have the entire ranch to enjoy together!  We learn to interact with goats, chickens, quail, and horses and ponies in fun and safe ways.  We can cook and bake in the kitchen, learn new games and skills in the clubhouse, and make fun crafts and wood working projects in the craft barn.  During warmer seasons, we can plant and care for vegetables and flowers in the greenhouse and garden areas.  And there’s a big court for basketball, tennis, paddleball, even skateboarding… and a barn with ping pong and games. When the manager is present, we may be offered a wagon ride or bonfire for roasting lunch.  It’s relaxing to be at the ranch, to experience the peacefulness of the country.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE RANCH… 

Seeing youth learn how intuitive animals can be, and how each animal – like each person – has their own personality, behaviors and preferences.  Finding ways to work with each animal – then transferring our learning to the different people and challenges we each encounter.  It’s always encouraging to see youth gain understanding and skills as they find ways to team together to feed Sassy the horse while feeding the other horses and ponies, groom the fun, energetic goats, and hold a quail or chicken.

I was hired as a youth mentor at Pleasant Valley Youth Ranch in May of 2021. Previously, I had been employed at a large non-profit social service for  over 10 years. In 2019 I was honored to receive an agency wide Service Leadership Award for Compassion.

When not working, I enjoy being outdoors gardening, hiking with my dogs, biking and volunteering in the community.

BEING A MENTOR IS ABOUT...

To me, mentoring is about being a positive role model for a young person. To be there with them as they work towards their goals and celebrate their achievements.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH...

It's difficult for me to pick a single favorite! Definitely being in the outdoors throughout the seasons among the animals, especially the horses. Last year we built a state of the art greenhouse to grow flowers and vegetables!

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE RANCH...

Again, it's hard to pick just one. Last spring, Mama Bean (a goat) gave birth to not one or two, but three kids. A young mentee was able to witness that on his first day at the ranch. He's been hooked on the ranch ever since. Also, helping someone plant a seed and grow a flower to give to their mother on Mother's Day.

   A creative at heart, my happy place is doing anything related to design! I work as a Marketing Manager for a portfolio of eight Eau Claire hospitality- related businesses and freelance as a marketing, branding, and design consultant. I live in Eau Claire with my husband, two cats, and over 50 indoor plants. When we’re not working, you can find me with my husband re-wilding our urban lawn, re-claiming antiques, and enjoying living life! 

MY ROLE AT THE RANCH...     

I’m the designer behind the PVYR website, and I help the PVYR team with website updates and designing marketing materials. 

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH...     

As a grown-up farm kid, I have many fond memories of what it was like to be a young kiddo in a farm setting with lots of animals and nature to befriend and explore — I think that’s my favorite thing about the Ranch, is that it offers kiddos a chance to add a richness of experiences that can only come from interacting with animals and nature to their own stories. 

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE RANCH...

My husband and I visited the Ranch for an Open House and were treated to a horse-drawn sleigh ride - it was magical! 

  I have been working with horses since I was 13 years old, especially Warmbloods.  Most of my experience has been with foals and young horses.  I have two bachelor's degrees from Midway University which are Equine Rehabilitation and Business Administration,  as well as an EAGALA certification for equine therapy.  When I’m not at the ranch, I spend my free time reading, drawing, and hiking with my dog.    

MY ROLE AT THE RANCH...      

My role as the equine specialist is to make sure everyone (horses and humans alike) stays safe and happy during the session. On top of looking out for the wellbeing of the horses, I assist the mental health specialist by observing the interactions between  the horses and clients. 

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH... 

     Is the sense of community that is built, specifically around the animals and their care. I especially love watching the kids interact with the horses. The wonder and excitement they experience around the animals reminds me why I love horses so much. 

I'm thrilled to be a part of the PVYR mentoring team after spending 2019-2023 working with youth and adolescents in a more clinical setting. When I’m not mentoring, you can find me reading, spending time with my friends and family, and loving my chocolate lab, Kona.

BEING A MENTOR IS ABOUT…

To me, being a mentor is about being a positive support and role model to a mentee. I hope that I can help my mentees to build confidence in themselves, their skills, and their abilities by creating an environment where they feel safe enough to challenge themselves and grow; allowing the mentee to achieve the goals that they have created.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH…

My favorite thing about the ranch is that there are endless opportunities! There are so many benefits to connecting with nature and with animals and PVYR allows this experience all in one place. The ranch also allows mentees to engage in woodworking, leatherwork, gardening, crafting, baking, or cooking, which in a different environment they might not have been introduced to. To see mentees, build new skills and create new experiences at the ranch is extremely fulfilling.

MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE RANCH…

Is learning how to interact with animals that I have not previously interacted with. I think that this allows me to better connect with my mentees because I can empathize with them.

I'm a middle school teacher in Eau Claire and have two of my own teenagers. I enjoy outdoor activities, gardening, reading, and traveling with my family. 

BEING A MENTOR IS ABOUT... Helping mentees learn about themselves and how to navigate the world we live in. My goal is to help kids be their best selves, no matter what's going on in their life. 

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH... 

Being able to be in a beautiful place and spend time with super cute and silly animals. 

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE RANCH... 

Seeing participants learn, grow and be proud of themselves. 

I am a school social worker at Northstar Middle School in Eau Claire and have worked in various roles in education for 20+ years. I love spending time outdoors whether it's camping, hiking, running, on a lake, or with my dogs. 

BEING A MENTOR IS ABOUT...  

For me, being a mentor is about connection. As humans, we all want to be seen and heard. Our modern world is complicated, full of technology, and life can be really difficult. My goal is to be a consistent, trusted person whom my mentees can count on. 

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RANCH...  

My favorite thing about the ranch is the setting. When I'm at the ranch I feel like I can reconnect with nature and forget about the stress of life. 

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE RANCH...     

My most memorable experience at the ranch was the day a group of kids got to meet Buddy for the first time. He was the cutest, most lovable, wild little puppy!