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Our Team

Our team of 30 staff work together to provide all students and guests with meaningful experiences here at the ranch. Our four departments consist of retreat center staff, outdoor education staff, kitchen staff, and maintenance staff. These departments are led by Patrick, Kris, and Rowan. You can find our team and staff bios below!

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Patrick

Ranch Manager

Patrick (he/him) has been working in youth and community development programs for over 20 years. From serving in the Peace Corps and being a city planner to his years working in environmental and outdoor education programs, his mission has always been to serve communities and provide opportunities for others to grow, connect, and learn. Patrick continues to realize this goal at Walker Creek Ranch. In his free time, Patrick enjoys camping, cooking, bike riding, and playing guitar.

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KRIS

Assistant Ranch Manager

Prior to his time at Walker Creek Ranch, Kris (he/him) worked in Outdoor Education, taught in the classroom, and managed camps and conference centers for over a decade.  Some of his favorite places to spend outside are the High Sierra and the desert southwest.  He is dedicated to creating a positive and collaborative work environment, where people enjoy coming to work. 

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rowan

Manager of Outdoor Education

Rowan (they/them) has spent more than a decade working with youth; in both the camp and outdoor education fields. They are passionate about providing inclusive educational opportunities for people to connect with themselves, one another, and the ecosystems around them.  When they aren’t working, they like spending time outside, whether reading in the sun, birding, rock climbing, or mountain biking.

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pam 

Administrative Assistant

Pam (she/her) is a native Petaluman who has been working for Walker Creek Ranch over 25 years! When asked what she likes most about her work, Pam says that she loves reconnecting with the schools and teachers who return here year after year. When not working, Pam loves swimming, adventuring in her kayak, dancing, and exploring Lake Tahoe.

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kitchen team

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Our food service team is passionate about good food made by people who care. We are dedicated to making sure that students and guests are well-fed during their time here. Our chefs are well-versed in meeting special dietary needs, and enjoy the chance to be creative with various menus for our retreats. 

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Outdoor Education team

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Our outdoor education team are dedicated educators who love witnessing individual and group growth. We believe that accessing the outdoors is a basic right for all people and that we have the open space to provide it. While here, we want students and schools to foster lasting connections, and leave with a richer sense of self and community. 

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Maintenance team

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Our maintenance team is dedicated to keeping all the facilities clean, functioning, and ready-for-use. We believe that every group who comes here deserves a safe place with buildings that run smoothly. Our team can be found making ranch-wide improvements, including the new footbridge over the creek and the new carpeting!

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retreat center team

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Our retreat center staff take pride in providing genuine hospitality and care for all of our guests. We believe that this beautiful space is the perfect location for groups to explore and connect with each other and nature. It is important to us that all people who stay with us feel welcome and at home.

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