Our Team

Staff Members:

Mark and Darlene Mayers
In 1994, Mark and Darlene Mayers provided therapeutic services for the children at the Ranch through a contract with a private company. Mark and Darlene left their jobs at the Ranch in 1999, following the loss of funding for full time therapists. Mark and Darlene rejoined the Real Life Children´s Ranch family in 2007. Mark is the Executive Director and Darlene is the Community Relations Director.

Prior to their return to Real Life Children’s Ranch, Mark served on the state team of a Florida Department of Juvenile Justice provider overseeing mental health and substance abuse services. Darlene provided therapeutic services through their private practice, Caleb Center for Counseling and did Community Relations for Reach FM, a statewide Christian radio station.

Mark and Darlene have two children, Hannah – age 11 and Noah – age 8. Mark and Darlene are excited to be back at Real Life Children’s Ranch. After many years of praying for an opportunity to be in full time ministry, Mark and Darlene believe that their return to the Ranch is truly an answer to prayer and a homecoming, as well.

Rosie Brennan
Rosie Brennan has been a part of the Real Life Children’s Ranch family for most of her life. Rosie was first a resident of the Ranch as a teenager and returned as an adult to become the part time Bookkeeper in 1992 and then the full time Administrative Assistant in 1997.

Prior to joining the Real Life Children’s Ranch staff, Rosie worked as both a bookkeeper and a secretary. Rosie is joyful that the Lord brought her back to the Ranch and looks forward to the ministry opportunities God brings with each new day.

Bob and Mary Young
Bob and Mary Young joined the Real Life Children’s Ranch family in 1994 as newlyweds, married only 7 months. They are the Professional Parents in the Heritage Home, where they have served faithfully for 14 years. Bob heads up the 4-H and FFA programs, as well as the Real Life Children’s Ranch animal program. Mary leads the Dance and Drama Team for the Ranch and is also a member of the Family Service Planning Team.

Prior to coming to Real Life Children’s Ranch, Bob worked full time at their church and had various responsibilities. Mary also worked full time at their church as a kindergarten teacher. Bob and Mary have four children, Jennifer – age 26, Troy – age 24, Kacie – age 18, and Crystal – age 16.

Bob and Mary feel blessed to be a part of the ministry of Real Life Children’s Ranch and have learned that there are no limits to how God can use you if you will lay your life down for Him.

Eric and Tracy Gruber
Eric and Tracy Gruber answered their call to join the Real Life Children’s Ranch family as Professional Parents in 1999. Originally they cared for six boys in the Baxter home and faithfully held that position for four and one half years. Presently, Eric and Tracy hold the Relief Parent position. This position carries the responsibility of scheduling and providing regular days off plus vacation time for all four parenting couples. Eric and Tracy are also members of the Family Service Planning Team.

Prior to coming to Real Life Children’s Ranch, Eric served for eight years as a Christian counselor to terminally ill individuals for a local AIDS ministry. Tracy had a successful career working for a leading Christian publishing company. Together, they worked in their local church as Royal Ranger leaders, Children’s Church leaders and coordinated many youth and children’s activities.

Eric and Tracy have 4 children, Kindra – age 18, James – age 17, Josh – age 15, and Moriah – age 9. The goal and passion of their hearts is for the well being of the children at the Ranch and to be used in any way necessary. Eric and Tracy take joy in knowing that God has used them as part of the team at Real Life Children’s Ranch to effectively touch the lives of hurting children, turning sorrows into joys and hopelessness into bright futures.

Denny and Margo Davis
Denny and Margo Davis joined the Real Life Children’s Ranch family as Professional Parents of the Baxter Home in 2006. Denny and Margo had a long term relationship with the Ranch prior to receiving the call to come on board full time. Denny and Margo are involved with the Equestrian Program at the Ranch, teaching rodeo and cowboy skills such as roping, cutting, barrel racing, riding and more.

Prior to coming to Real Life Children’s Ranch, Margo worked in the field of childcare and Denny worked in the field of law enforcement and is presently the Chief of Police for the City of Okeechobee. Denny and Margo have three children, Chris – age 17, Kayla – age 15, and Wesley – age 9.

Denny and Margo are excited to be living out their lifelong calling to work with children and to have the opportunity to watch as God uses them to minister to underprivileged children and assist them, not only in overcoming their difficulties, but living a victorious life in Christ, as well.

Bill and Veronica Gates
Bill and Veronica Gates joined the Real Life Children’s Ranch family as Professional Parents in 2007. Bill and Veronica serve as the Professional Parents in the Legacy home. Prior to joining us full time, they were involved with the Ranch for almost seven years, first as visitors, then as volunteers. During that time, they served as weekend relief parents and grew to love both the children and the staff.

Bill and "Ronni" have a five year old daughter, Avianna, who is adopted and is a constant reminder of God’s miracle working power. Avianna is thrilled to have a house full of playmates and is excited about having "brothers and sisters" she can share her life with.

Prior to accepting the call to full time ministry, Bill owned and operated his own fencing company and Ronni was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Bill has been involved with youth and children’s ministry for eight years and served as the director of the 0-5 year old ministry at his church overseeing a staff of 80-90 volunteers. Veronica has faithfully served with him as a teacher and caregiver.

The Gates family believes they are where they belong, sharing God’s love and their Christian values with the children and staff at Real Life Children’s Ranch. They look forward to seeing God impact and change lives through "Real Life" and feel humbled and blessed to be called to serve God in this capacity.

Jim and Elaine Wood
Jim and Elaine Wood followed the open door that led them into full time ministry and joined the Real Life Children’s Ranch family in 2007. They are the Professional Parents in the Homestead Home. In 2005, Jim was part of a mission team that visited the Ranch. Jim stated that it was during this trip that the Lord first began planting the seeds for him and Elaine to join the work the Lord was doing at Real Life Children’s Ranch.

Prior to coming to the Ranch, Jim and Elaine worked for over seven years in their New Hampshire Church. They continued their ministry work at the Teen Challenge Program for five more years. Jim and Elaine have three children, Jenny – age 22, Josh – age 21 and Marie – age 5.

Jim and Elaine are excited about the new challenges and blessings God has in store for them as they continue to follow His call. With years of experience working with children, they are delighted by the way God is using them to touch and change the lives of the children at Real Life Children’s Ranch.