Staff

CEO

Al Lorenzen

I arrived at the Ranch in February of 2011 after a year and a half as a member of the Board, following a passion to serve where the need is the greatest. I have been blessed with many opportunities in my life that have led me to my current position as CEO of Wildwood Hills Ranch of Iowa. My focus here is striving to follow God’s will by modeling the characteristics of a servant leader. I have a beautiful daughter named Haley and my wife Barb and I live in the Des Moines area with our two energetic sons, Luke and Levi.

Executive Director

Matt Moeckl

My background is in real estate and finance, but I have been serving at Wildwood Hills Ranch since 2004. While at the Ranch that summer I read a letter to a nine-year-old boy that his mother had written telling him they could no longer be a family. That boy went into the custody of the state after he left the Ranch. I thought about that boy numerous times and wondered where he ended up. After jumping back into my real estate career I was approached by another organization to volunteer with abused, neglected and impoverished children. Three years later, while working with that organization, the young man I read the letter to showed up not only in my cabin but in the group of three children I was responsible for that week. Shortly after that experience I was employed full time at the Ranch. I believe that many of the problems in our society, and around the globe, are caused by fathers failing to follow through with their responsibilities. I believe the reason I was put on earth is to defend the cause of the fatherless. I spend my free time with my beautiful wife Jena, our daughters Bekah and Maddie, our son Wyatt, and our family and close friends.

Data Support Coordinator

Ben Cohen

When I first arrived at the Ranch, I was moved in such a way I couldn’t explain. There weren’t even kids here yet in May when I showed up for my UNI Leisure Youth and Human Services Internship. Throughout the summer I was able to see God working here and in my life by showing me all that was possible with these kids. The sometimes tragic stories I’ve heard from our students is a reminder that there is work to be done, and we can’t do it alone. There are children out there who need our love and a safe place to grow, learn and heal. I grew up in the small town of Chariton, Iowa, and lost my mother, whom I loved dearly, at the age of 12. I share this only because I believe that she has helped me see the light even in times of darkness, and given me the passion for helping others to have reasons to smile. I also realize my past experience has lead me to working with youth who are considered at-risk. I want to be a part in changing the world and I know now that sharing God’s love and getting our youth outdoors is the way to do so. In my full-time position I get to help prove the ways we are making a difference by measuring our goals. I love sharing with the world all that Wildwood Hills Ranch is doing because I believe in this place with all my heart.

Director of Finance and Administration

Chris Ellifritt

I started at the Ranch in August 2012. After working for several years I went back to school to get my degree in business administration. Upon completion I reentered the workforce, but couldn’t seem to find the right fit. When I was approached for this position I finally found what I was looking for. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here and I thank God for bringing me to a place that does such wonderful things for children. I have an awesome husband, Ed, and four wonderful kids, Mike, Shawn, Cassie and Jennie. Also, I have the cutest grandson, Drake. I feel privileged to be able to come to work every day and participate in what God is doing here.

Youth Development/Group Sales Coordinator

Genelle Trowbridge

I graduated from Evangel University in 2014 with a degree in elementary education, a minor in leadership and a passion for volleyball after playing all four years in college. My major specifically reflects my huge heart for kids, and God has broken my heart for the broken-hearted kids especially. After I graduated from Evangel, I spent about six months in Australia doing a Discipleship Training School through an amazing organization, YWAM (Youth with a Mission). During my time doing missions work in Australia and the nearby island of Papua New Guinea, I realized that a big part of my heart was still in Iowa of all places, because of the kids I had worked with during my three summers at Wildwood Hills Ranch. It has been amazing to see how God has used my passion for ministry, kids and leadership by leading me to Wildwood to share His unfailing and everlasting love with at-risk kids and youth. (Jeremiah 31:3) I am so thankful that God has greater plans than I do, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow here at Wildwood as I book groups for our conference center in our group sales department, along with overseeing our youth development programs throughout the year.

Communications Coordinator

Heather Hermanson

I’m thankful and humbled to serve Wildwood Hills Ranch where the mission of the Ranch lines up with my personal mission—to share God’s love and spirit, which bring healing, transformation and purpose to our lives. This passion comes from my own story—one whereby God’s grace, I found complete healing after being sexually abused as a child.

My husband and I met working at a bible camp in Montana and we adore the camp environment—a place where transformation has opportunity to take root. We have four beautiful, energetic kids and enjoy sharing our love for everything outdoors with them, especially mountains and water. Other things that bring me deep joy: leading people into a deeper relationship and healing with Jesus, the reconciliation process, traveling, playing golf, spending time at my family’s lake cabin and coffee/conversation with friends.

Event Coordinator

Jillyn Gerken

I graduated from Loras College in May 2014 with a degree in Athletic Training and a minor in Coaching. I came to Wildwood in 2013 and 2014 as the Aquatics Director on the summer staff. The experience I had helped me grow closer to God again after drifting away for many years. I never expected the kids to have more of an effect on me than I could ever possibly have on them. (God is so good!!) I could never imagine anything better than helping kids realize God’s love; so I was honored when I was offered a position here at the Ranch full-time after the Summer of 2014. I believe serving God and showing his love to these kids is what I’m meant to do.

Director of Programming

Kaitlin Lundeen

I graduated from UNI and majored in leisure, youth and human services … essentially I majored in fun! My emphasis was in nonprofit administration and programming and had the opportunity to participate in some incredible internships and experiences in ministry, camps and nonprofits. Through many of these experiences God began to break my heart and draw my attention to people who did not have the same story as me. Those who were stuck in abuse and neglect, who didn’t have healthy families, or who lacked the security, blessing and opportunities I had been given. God brought me to Wildwood and my passions, interests and gifts began to align. I am absolutely loving getting to work with our summer staff and ranchers! Plus, when your “office” includes a high ropes course, waterslide and bonfire pit, each day is a new adventure!

Director of Equine Activities

Lynn Winkelmann

“Mr. Lynn,” as he is known here at the Ranch, was in Arizona working at a gorgeous guest ranch as head wrangler. It was a wonderful position in a beautiful location, but it was a training ground and God was at work. The thoughts, “I feel I’m not serving the Lord as well as I might” kept running through his mind. He prayed, “God, lead me to work with kids and horses.” Well, God does hear and answer prayers! And now as the director of equine activities, Mr. Lynn works with hundreds of kids each year through the summer programs, develops and leads equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions for kids throughout the year, leads the drill team, gives riding lessons, takes care of our incredible indoor arena and provides for about 35 horses throughout the year.

Director of Facilities

Mike Huntley

My role is to maintain the property—indoors and out. What brought me to the Ranch was God placing me here at the right time for His plan. I enjoy serving God at the Ranch and playing a part in changing kids’ lives. I have a wonderful wife, Valerie, and two daughters, Sydney and Mikayla.