Head Server
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Damon is joining us for his seventh 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 Housekeeper
Hometown: Eau Claire, WI
This fall Abby earned her B.A. in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of Hawaii. This summer marks her 5th 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. Abby has had the opportunity to live in 6 different US states, be sure to ask her which ones!
Guest Services
Hometown: Wheaton, IL
Gigi grew up in Wheaton Illinois but always loved coming to Colorado for annual family ski trips. Gigi loves all things ranch! Some of her favorite things about Vista Verde are our wonderful horses, ranch dogs, and cats. In her free time Gigi enjoys working out and getting outside to hike or explore the beautiful Rocky Mountains. In the fall, Gigi will be starting her masters degree in Theological Studies at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY. Gigi has an adorable golden retriever named thunder – keep an eye out for him on the ranch!
Guest Services
Hometown: Clark, CO
Native to Colorado, currently living in California, Ashley attends California State University of Monterey Bay pursuing her Bachelor’s in Cinematic Arts & Technology. She is in her senior year with plans to be a film director and screenwriter. Ashley stays busy by volunteering at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and creating content for her podcast and YouTube channel. Ashley spends her free time with friends, exploring the outdoors, reading, or working on her screenplay. Ashley’s parents, Cheryl and Jacques Wilson, met and worked at VVR in 1988!
Guest Services
Hometown: Granby, CT
Peggy is a previous guest of Vista Verde and fell in love with the ranch so much she came to work here! Peggy is studying Health Sciences at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH. She hopes to one day become an EMT or Paramedic. Peggy is also a member of the National Ski Patrol and volunteers at Ski Butternut in Great Barrington, MA. Here at the ranch, she loves horseback riding and fishing, and in the winter she is an avid skier and snowboarder. Fun Fact, Peggy was the inspiration for a line in the song “That Kind of Beautiful” by Sister Hazel.
Guest Services
Hometown: Awendaw, SC
Jackson is a student at Coastal Carolina University majoring in finance and economics. He also plays rugby for the university and shoots sporting clays for his hometown team. Jackson loves anything outdoors! He visited Vista Verde twice in the past and said he fell in love with the ranch as soon as he set foot on it. Jackson is a 3rd degree black belt in the Korean art of Tang Soo Do.
Guest Services
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Caroline is a former guest of Vista Verde and she loved it so much she joined our staff this season! She is currently a Finance major at Clemson University. Caroline enjoys being active on campus and in her community. She is a member of Clemson’s Art Club and a volunteer at Ripple of One, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Some of her hobbies include cooking, baking, and creating art. At school Caroline’s favorite class is Accounting and she hopes to one day run a debt investing company geared towards women. Caroline’s favorite activity at Vista Verde is the breakfast trail ride!
Guest Services
Hometown: Steamboat Springs, CO
Lauren just graduated from Steamboat Springs High School. Lauren has lived overseas for 15 years of her life and loves being outdoors. She used to be a competitive swimmer and volleyball player. Her favorite things to do are swim in the ocean, white water rafting, camping, fishing, and driving around with her friends. During her time overseas, Lauren volunteered as a swim coach for her school in Jordan and Kazakhstan. She also loves to cook and bake, her favorite desserts to make are cheesecake and banana bread!
Guest Services
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Alice is a student at Davidson College working towards earning her B.S. in English and a minor in Hispanic Studies. At school Alice plays ultimate frisbee, is in the sailing club, and performs on stage with the Davidson College theater department. Alice also works as a trip leader for Davidson Outdoors club and as a Guest Services Representative for the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Backpacking and day hiking are a couple of her favorite outdoor activities. Back in Charlotte, Alice has two dogs, Maizy and Rosie, and a cat named Max.
Guest Services
Hometown: Oakland, CA
Jesse will be attending Carleton College next fall. While his major is currently undecided, he is interested in environmental studies, anthropology, and philosophy. Jesse loves music and is an avid musician, he performs in bands both in and out of school. Jesse previously worked as an intern for Athenian’s outdoor education program where he spent the year preparing logistics, gear, and supplies for a month-long expedition in Death Valley. Last summer he worked as an intern for Amazon Watch, an environmental non-profit aiming to protect the Amazon Rainforest and its Indigenous inhabitants. Jesse also volunteers as a tutor to younger students in his community. Jesse is looking forward to traveling during his gap year and spending the season with us at Vista Verde.
