At Spirit’s Respite Ranch, our team is the heart of everything we do.
These are the passionate, hard-working folks—our ‘boots on the ground’—who make the ranch a safe, welcoming space for everyone. From our talented coaches to our animal caretakers and program leaders, each person brings their unique skills and a whole lot of heart to the table. Get to know the amazing people who make Spirit’s Respite Ranch a place of connection, healing, and joy.
our team
the spirit's respite ranch team
Abby
fav ranch animal:
spotty pickles
biggest fear:
snakes
(deathly terrified)
best friend:
coach charlee
(besides sidekick Ace)
claim to fame:
most millennial gen z
loves:
naps
special place in heart:
subway
shyness level:
zero
lives:
4 minutes from the ranch
job on the ranch:
coach, mentor & social worker
Brydelle
fav ranch animal:
Diesyl
biggest fear:
mice
(no thank you)
best friend:
boone
(border collie)
claim to fame:
i'm a lefty!
loves:
snacks & black angus cows
moonlights as:
4H leader
non-animal hobby:
An Adult synchronized skater
life away from barn:
figure skating coach
job on the ranch:
Coach & mentor
Reid
past life:
2 years at special needs orphanage in thailand
past life:
veteran
best friend:
duke
(pictured)
past life:
scuba instructor in australia
has lived:
South Africa, Australia, Thailand & Germany - now Canada
job on the ranch:
Coach & mentor
Justine
really likes:
hiking & riding in the mountains
been riding since:
6 months old
best friend:
cricket
(also a dog)
claim to fame:
(that she never talks about)
2021 Canadian barrel racing champion
loves:
juice boxes
job on the ranch:
Coach & mentor
Charlee
inspires:
loves:
Teaching goat tying clinics
always:
currently:
On a rodeo scholarship at montana western
hates:
cats, onions, and birds
job on the ranch:
Coach & mentor
Younger riders with hard work and positive mentality
wears white sneakers
Janelle
born & raised:
Stettler at Buffalo Lake
pet peeve:
dragging chains
(when someone opens a gate)
favorite food:
grapes
(Celiacs don't get great snack options)
when I was 8 I was:
guiding trail rides
in love with Kent for:
26 years & married for 17
job on the ranch:
founder, greeter, head honcho
"Our son Dax is the heart and inspiration behind Spirit’s Respite Ranch. His unique journey with severe autism opened our eyes to just how important it is to have a safe, understanding space for families like ours. Everything we do at the Ranch is built with people with disabilities in mind, creating a place where they can connect, feel supported, and just be themselves. Our 14-year-old daughter, Tova, already has her sights set on becoming a child psychologist so she can come back home and continue helping kids here for years to come.
Before Dax, life was a little different for us—we loved traveling and exploring new places. These days, you’ll usually find us working on projects around the Ranch, cheering Tova on at her volleyball or basketball games, or enjoying quiet moments with Dax on the farm.
Spirit’s Respite Ranch is more than a place; it’s a reflection of our family’s story and our hope to build a community where everyone feels at home.
from janelle:
EAL Canada™ Facilitator, Horse-Powered Reading™ Facilitator, Coach, Mentor, supports fellow parents with SN children
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Box 938
39446 RR19, 3,
Stettler, AB T0C 2L0
stettler, red deer, calgary, central & southern alberta, serving all of alberta with therapeutic riding and equine programs
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