Kid and Teen Program

Mandy Anzalone

Director of Training and Development/Youth Program Manager
First Aid, CPR, and WAFA Certified
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO

Mandy got her start at VVR 20+ years ago as a wrangler after graduating from college. She spent a couple of summers with the horses before moving to Steamboat, where she met her husband, enjoyed being a middle school special education teacher, became a mom to two awesome kids, dogs, cats and fish. The love for the ranch and the Zirkel wilderness never left her, so when the family moved to Clark 7 years ago, all of the pieces fell into place for her return to VVR. Utilizing her background in education and a passion for kids and horses, she jumped into managing the youth program. More recently she became our Director of Training and Development, to ensure our staff members are receiving all of the tools they need to be prepared for their roles here at the ranch and beyond. On her time off, she enjoys watching her son play hockey, her daughter immerse herself in art projects, and spending time with her family outdoors.

Alice Whisnant

Kid’s Supervisor
First Aid and CPR Certified
Hometown: Charlotte, NC

We’re so thrilled to have Alice back for her second summer at the ranch, this time helping wrangle the kiddos! She’s a rising junior at Davidson College where she studies Psychology and Hispanic Studies. She’s the captain of her campus Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, and she leads hiking and backpacking trips for her school’s outdoors club. Prior to joining Vista Verde, she worked back in Charlotte as a Day Camp Counselor, a Guest Services Lead at the U.S. National Whitewater Center and as Membership Rep at her local YMCA. Needless to say, Alice knows how to keep active and busy!

Karleigh Zack

Kid’s Supervisor
First Aid and CPR Certified
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!

Cameron Carter

Kid’s Supervisor
First Aid and CPR Certified
Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Cam is back for his second summer at the ranch, this time jumping in to help with the kids and teens! A current student at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, Cam previously worked as an overnight camp counselor in the Appalachian Mountains. When he’s not out here in the Rockies with us, he’s involved with his Phi Delta fraternity, the ministry he attends and finding a soccer, basketball or good chess game to jump into. He also loves a good Nintendo game and hanging out with his dogs back home. Ask him about the time he caught half a grapefruit in his mouth from the other side of the Colorado River!

Sarah Goldman

Youth Program Coordinator
First Aid, CPR, and WAFA Certified
Hometown: Galesburg, MI

Sarah joins us for her sixth season at VVR, moving over from the guide hut to the kids hut! She grew up in the lovely state of Michigan, but has been captured by the mountains of Colorado and may never leave! Before coming to Vista, she worked in a residential facility for teenage girls with trauma. Sarah would love to one day take her passion for the outdoors and her guiding experience at Vista to work in an outdoor therapeutic setting. No doubt, she’d be a huge success. When she’s not hitting the hiking trails in her down time, you’ll find her in a hammock with a good book in her hands.

Ben O’Neil

Kid’s Supervisor
First Aid and CPR Certified
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 we’re pretty sure when it comes to our kids and teens program, he’s up to the task! 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!

Anna Cook

Kid’s Supervisor
First Aid and CPR Certified
Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Anna just graduated from Colgate University with a degree in Computer Science and Spanish, before heading up to Vista Verde for her first summer! She loves animals and the outdoors, so we think she found the right place. When she’s not busy helping out with our kids’ program, you might find her stargazing or working on crafts!

Hannah Schiesl

Kid’s Supervisor
First Aid and CPR Certified
Hometown: Dubuque, IA

Hannah joins us for her first season after attending Iowa State for three years where she studied Animal Science. This fall, she’s excited to begin her DVM Degree at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University! Pigs are her favorite animal and she intends to focus on livestock health. Before VVR, Hannah taught children’s ski and snowboard lessons for 8 seasons and even managed weeknight lessons for 3 of those seasons. She’s also competed in collegiate waterskiing and favorite hobbies are snowboarding, working out, and line dancing! We bet you’ll find her scootin’ her boots during barn dance night!

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