Head Server
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Damon is back for his 10th season in the dining room! He is passionate about wine, and is studying for his entry level sommelier course. When not serving in the dining room, you can find Damon at local restaurants, as he is a connoisseur of the local food and wine scene. He also loves spending quality time with friends and getting out into the backcountry on skis or snow shoes.
Head Ranch Operations
Hometown: Eau Claire, WI
Last year Abby earned her B.A. in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of Hawaii. This summer marks her 7th season at Vista Verde! While finishing her degree in Hawaii, Abby worked at a beach resort. In her free time Abby likes to read, hike, chill out in her hammock, and has recently developed a love for baking. Abby’s favorite travel experience was sailing from Massachusetts to Grenada on a 100 foot sailboat. Ask her about her awesome experience exploring some Utah national parks this spring!
Ranch Operations
Hometown: Belleville, PA
Since graduating high school in 2021, Madeline has been an apprentice with a Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program on a local dairy farm back in Pennsylvania! When not working with cows and calves, she enjoys playing piano, singing, field hockey, and basketball. She also likes to hunt and spend time outside, and we’re happy to have her join the crew for her first summer with us!
Server
Hometown: Crestline, CA
Raven jumped in mid-season to help us out in the dining room this fall, but she’s no stranger to dude ranching. Before finding her way to VVR, She spent two years at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana where she worked in the office and dining room and became a Ranch Ambassador. Not one to sit still for too long, prior to Rock Creek she worked at a bikini shop on Maui, a café in Perth, Australia and on a New Zealand dairy farm. She’s also worked for snowmobile and rafting outfitters in Aspen and dipped her toe into a “real world” job as a manager at Target in Denver. (We think she likes the outdoor life better). When she’s not working, you’ll find her exploring on foot or horseback, reading a good book, or cuttin’ a rug at barn dance.
Server
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
Tommy joins us for his second season in the dining room, and we’re thrilled to have him back! If you’re lucky, you’ll see evidence of his passion for art which includes drawing, sketching and painting – he is quite the talent! Tommy’s a student of Arapahoe Community College and a huge sports fan who played basketball in high school… although he admits that football is his favorite sport to watch. If you’re in the mood for foosball, you might challenge him to a game – he’s pretty confident in his skills.
Server
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Ellis joins us for his first summer at VVR after graduating from the University of Denver with a double major in Criminology and Psychology. He’s also a former attendee of Royal Tine Guide and Packer School up in Montana, and he spent some time in the Wyoming Teton’s as a wrangler after he graduated. When he’s not pitching in in the dining room this summer, you’ll find him out mountain biking or on a horse!
Server
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Before joining us for his first summer at the ranch, Ben went to Auburn University where he studied Biomedical Sciences. He spent three previous summers as a Camp Counselor, boat driver and health assistant, so of course he was an all-star with the kids and teens program this summer. Now he’s jumping into serving in the dining room this fall! In his free time, you’ll find Ben outdoors, hiking and maybe organizing a friendly soccer game. Fun fact: Ben has never broken a bone. We really hope it stays that way!
Server
Hometown: Tonawanda, NY
Karleigh joins us for her third season at the ranch helping herd the kids and show them a good time! Last summer she worked on a chicken farm and loved working with all the baby chicks while she helped with egg production, and her first job was at a Therapeutic riding center. Karleigh is thrilled to be back at the ranch, and when she’s not busy working, you’ll find her relaxing in a nice, sunny spot with her hammock and a good book! Ask her about her ski-diving adventure, or her time working as an American Ninja Coach!
Ranch Operations
Hometown: McVeytown, PA
Lily recently completed a semester at Slippery Rock University before joining us for her first summer at the ranch. In high school she played soccer, field b-ball, ran track and won the Sportsmanship Award…and was a 4-H member. She enjoys being outdoors, staying busy and learning new things as well as making new friends. Sounds like she’s in the right place! She also enjoys spending time with her family.