Occupation: Associate Wealth Management Advisor at Shunk Financial Group

Why you serve on the Board at Refuge: I first became involved in the mentorship program and felt led to serve further and utilize some of the gifts from my background in finance.

One interesting fact about you: I had zero horse exposure until my 20s, and instantly fell in love iwht all things equine - which is how God led me to the Ranch!

Favorite flavor of ice cream: Cookie Dough

Meet the Board

Alec Ackerman, Treasurer

Occupation: Attorney at Law

Why you serve on the Board at Refuge: My husband and I felt the calling to expand our family through the foster care system and 3 biological sisters were placed in our care in 2014. Throughout the years, our girls move forward, but their loss and trauma is still there. Refuge Ranch has given them such hope to look forward to while learning to trust their horse, their mentor, and know God has a beautiful plan for them, because Refuge Ranch is a part of their healing story. I have seen first hand the healing that takes place by Refuge Ranch being the hands, feet, and hugs of Christ. I’m proud to be a part of this Board bringing hope and healing to at-risk youth and families. 

One interesting fact about You: I helped to start an orphanage in Haiti and have been there many times. 

Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream: Mocha Chocolate Chunk

Stephanie Barton, Board President 

Occupation: Agent/Owner of Katie Young State Farm Agency

Why you serve on the Board at Refuge - I love the unique and effective connection and healing the Ranch offers in Jesus' name.

One interesting fact about you - My kids are exactly 1 year, w hours and 3 minutes apart in age - and it wasn't planned!

Favorite flavor of ice cream - Jeni's Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream...but I'll usually take chips and salsa over ice cream any day!

Katie Young, Board Member

Name: Ron Duff, Board President
 
Occupation: Real Estate Broker with my wife, Suzie
 
Why you serve on the Board at Refuge: I love that Refuge offers a temporary life-escape for kids, volunteers and anyone who visits the campus. It’s an amazing place and a God blessing. I love that Christ is the center of everything the Ranch is.
 
God is transforming the ranch into an untypical destination that is very inviting and even fascinating to those who visit. Once there… kids and adults quickly experience a place of community and safety. Most important is that Refuge offers an environment to grow personally and spiritually. I find solace at the ranch. Through volunteer work and service, our spirit and faith get recharged. The kids we serve find hope and healing. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of all of this?  
 
One interesting fact about you: When it’s windy I still feel my hair blowing.
 
Favorite Flavor of ice cream: Definitely Moose Tracks

Ron Duff, Board Member

Name: Suzie Duff, Secretary

Occupation: Real Estate Broker, working with my wonderful husband at RE/MAX Professionals

Why you serve on the Board at Refuge: I am truly blessed to be a part of the Refuge Ranch which allows me to enjoy my love for God’s magnificent creation of animals and nature with the opportunity to serve Him in showing love to anyone that graces the property. As a more recently baptized Christian, I am aware that I have the responsibility of sharing His word and love, and Refuge Ranch allows me this opportunity.

One interesting fact about you: I REALLY like to cook and prepare meals and yummy items for other people. Ironically, that is where I find a lot of joy at the Ranch too! I love the big events that need a meal presented for our volunteers or visitors. It conflicts a bit with my love to 'work the ranch' however, as scooping manure is at the top of my list of 'recreational activities', when I have a little time to spare. I know....that is interestingly 'not right'. I love physical work and getting my hands dirty! I promise, however, to wash up REAL GOOD before serving the chili!!

Favorite Flavor of ice cream: When I was little and we took visits to B&R, I could not pick ONE favorite; so it was a scoop of Jamoca Almond Fudge and Pralines & Cream. A grocery store run would have to be Mint Choco Chip or now....Moose Tracks....They didn't have yummy combos like that when I was growing up. The choices are endless! Thanks...I am now craving some ice cream!!!

Suzie Duff, Secretary

Occupation: Sales Manager - Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits

Why you serve on the Board at Refuge - I have known Chris and Steve since I was kid and have always respected and admired the example they set in loving and serving others. They invited my wife, Jenny, and me to the Partner Up Dinner in roughly 2017 or 2018. There, we learned a lot about the Ranch and how it was changing the lives of so many kids and families. I also learned that Steve needed help mowing the grounds at the Ranch. As someone who enjoys mowing, I knew that was an area in which I could help contribute to the Ranch. Over the years prior, I have been able to witness how much God has used the Ranch, the staff, volunteers, and animals to touch the lives of so many kids and families.

In 2020, my wife and I welcomed our first child, Asher, into this world and were asked shortly after that to explore joining the board. A global pandemic, a newborn, and other life craziness did not align with joining the board at that time, but Chris and God didnt forget about us. In the spring of 2022 we were approached again and I am happy we were. It has been a real blessing since joining the board and to watch how God is growing the Ranch and expanding its capacity to serve our central IL community and more. Its hard to express in words the stories, the moments, and the experiences that have taken place at the Ranch. Its also been a great reminder to how great our God is. Being a first hand witness to the many ways he has moved little hills and large mountains to make incredible things happen that benefit those the Ranch serves. Its also moving to see the mass of people that freely and willingly volunteer time, energy and resources to help keep the Ranch moving forward. I look forward to how God will continue to use the Ranch and to bring a piece of His Kingdom here to earth and touch the lives of those who need Him.

One interesting fact about you -  I have ridden my bike 3 times from Springfield, IL to Six Flags St. Louis when I was in Jr. High and High School. 

Favorite flavor of ice cream - Although my family makes fun of me for it, the best ice cream to get at any ice cream shop is almost always Pralines and Cream. 

Lucas Shelton, Board Member

Occupation: 20+ years in veterinary medicine and stay at home mom

I love what the ranch embodies with helping children (our future) and using equine therapy to help. Throughout my career I have seen time and time again, people will spend more on their pets than sometimes they can realistically afford. The bond between owner and animal is so strong and even sometimes stronger than the human connection. And at the end of the day, that is what we are looking for, connection. The ranch serves as the liaison in the healing process which I find amazing! These children have often been robbed of their child-like wonder and little by little a glimpse gets restored. Additionally, seeing horses break through their bondage of abuse is so encouraging. Hope coupled with patience and faith restores a lot of broken people and animals alike. God is in the restoration business and the ranch facilitates His mission.

One interesting fact about you -  I LOVE to garden and get my hands dirty with soil! You name it and I will try to grow it!

Favorite flavor of ice cream - Tie between Jamoca Almond Fudge and Double Dunker

Jen Shelton, Board Member

Occupation: Student Pastor at Hope Church

I have been bringing students out to Refuge Ranch for years and we look forward to our serve day every year. I believe our service projects help move the ministry forward at Refuge, but honestly we come to the Ranch because they benefit from our time there. Even if for just a few hours, students unplug from devices, work with their hands, enjoy the peace of nature, and expand their view of God and ministry.

I serve on the board because I believe the world needs more spaces for young people to unplug, work with their hands, and know what it means to “tend” to the world God entrusted us to care for. I am excited to look for new ways for youth ministries to partner with Refuge Ranch. I am encouraged and inspired by the stories of what God has done through His people here at the Ranch. I am honored to be a part of the team tasked with stewarding this remarkable ministry.

One interesting fact about you -  I like to hike and backpack. My 2 most exciting trips have been climbing to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado and my 3-day trip into the Grand Canyon. Both were incredible adventures!

Favorite flavor of ice cream - Tasty Treat’s Coconut Soft-Serve

Garrett LeVault, Board Member

Occupation: Chef Instructor for Illinois Assistive Technology Program's Tech Kitchen, a program that assists individuals with disabilities in finding assistive technology to make meal preparation easier.

Why you serve on the Board at Refuge: I was introduced to the ranch from being on staff at a LSCA, a partner organization in Springfield, and through my now husband Zack who had been a volunteer and then staff member for many years. I had always been impressed with the deep community at Refuge Ranch, and their commitment to long term mentorship and healing. When I was asked to join the board to help with event planning I was happy to have the opportunity to plug in and put my skills to use. Refuge Ranch has been a blessing to me personally just from being a piece of that community and getting to know the amazing guests, volunteers, and program participants, I am so grateful for all God is doing with this organization and that He allows me to participate.

One interesting fact about you: Proud parent of not 1, not 2, but 3 corgis.

Favorite flavor of ice cream: Anything with caramel, cookie dough, or cotton candy.

Elizabeth Wright, Board Member, Events Chair