WRANGLERS
SAMUEL ACKERMAN
Head Wrangler
First Aid, CPR & AED Certified
Hometown: Longmont, CO
School: University of Colorado
Samuel wandered into the Rocky Mountains when he was 11 and has been hooked ever since. He grew up backpacking, horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, and doing whatever else he could find in the western half of Colorado. He has a rather eclectic set of professional credentials, with ``Hired Magician``, ``University Tour Guide``, ``Car Restoration Specialist``, ``Wildflower Expert``, and ``Guitarist for 80's Rock Tribute Band`` filling his résumé. During college, Samuel worked as a backcountry guide, teaching young adults to survive and thrive in the wilderness. Samuel graduated with a degree in English literature and a Colorado state teaching license, thereafter spending a couple years as a high school English teacher. Now, he's returning to the mountains to ``live off the fatta the lan.`` Fun Fact: Rather than pursue a traditional MA degree, Samuel worked for the YMCA of the Rockies as the ``Master of Fun and Games`` (believe it or not, a real job title). He spent all his time writing skits and themed scripts and creating unique games to be played by 250 kids at the same time!
MARY GREFRATH
Herd Health Manager
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Clarence Center, NY
School: Buffalo State College
Mary graduated from Buffalo State College with a degree in art education. Along with art, Mary loves riding horses and exploring the great outdoors. Upon finishing school, she came to the ranch as a kids wrangler. After a short time away, Mary has made her way back to VVR last summer as a housekeeper, stayed this winter as a ranch hand and will now be with us in the barn! We couldn't be more excited about her return!
JAMES REEVES
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Le Grand, CA
School: California State University, Sacramento
Previous Position: Mule Packer
After spending two winters at VVR, James has decided to try a summer with us! He spent the past couple of summers as a mule packer in California, but decided he enjoyed Colorado so much that he needed to come back. While he was previously a ranch hand, he will now be joining the barn as a wrangler! James spent his years at California State University studying public relations while also playing rugby. Fun Fact: James loves listening to music, especially country and rock!
KATE HERRON
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Portland, OR
School: Butler University 2011
Kate's first time on a horse was when she was 3 years old, she grew up riding English Hunter/Jumper, and has volunteered with Equine Therapy. This summer, Kate worked at Elk River Guest Ranch just down the road from Vista Verde. Kate loves to sing and dance, Cheer on her Bulldawgs during March Madness. Fun fact: Kate's favorite movie is ``Elf`` and ``smiling is her favorite``
CASEY TYLER
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED, Lifeguarding
Hometown: Glen Allen, Virginia
School: University of Virginia
Casey graduated from the University of Virginia last winter with a degree in Cognitive Science and a concentration in Neuroscience. In college, she did YoungLife and Chi Alpha fellowship. She loves the mountains and enjoys traveling to different states for hiking and camping. She has hiked all over the county and her goal is to one day thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail and visit every national park. She loves the water and any activity it includes from swimming and sailing to wakeboarding and kayaking. Casey also loves to read and is always up for a good book discussion or recommendations. She’s excited to return for another winter season at the ranch!
STEPHANIE SHREVE
Wrangler
First Aid, CPR, AED
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Originally from Maryland, Stephanie has been riding since an early age. When she was 4 years old she rode a pony at a friends birthday and so her love of horses began. In high school Stephanie did hunter jumper competitions and even took the blue ribbon at the st. timothy's fall classic. Stephanie is excited to be a part of the Vista wrangler crew and spend her winter honing her western riding skills. Fun fact: Stephanie's favorite food is scones, she once ate 15 at one time!