About
History of the Ranch
In 1999, while traversing Colorado’s mountains, Chalae Collard had a vision to start a horse ranch, recalling how her childhood horse, Tina, helped her navigate difficult times. This vision was rooted in her desire to provide children and families with a sanctuary during tough times, mirroring the hope and freedom she experienced through Tina and her relationship with Jesus. Despite not knowing how or when this dream would come to fruition, she trusted in God’s voice. In 2015, she actualized this dream, establishing Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch near I-25 and Hwy 52.
Programs
Discover the fun
of learning horsemanship.
Our Events
Unforgettable time with family and friends.
The Founder of the Ranch
Chalae Collard, certified in Faith-Based Equine Assisted Philosophy (FBEAB), is the Founder and CEO of Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch. Inspired by her healing journey from traumas including domestic violence, PTSD, and sexual abuse, she founded the ranch to offer refuge and healing to women, children, and families. The ranch provides faith-based mental health and wellness programs, personal growth opportunities, and family-strengthening initiatives. From her childhood bond with her horse Tina, she learned about relationships, acceptance, and love, which inspired her work. Chalae has extensive ministry experience, developing and teaching Christian leadership skills to children and women, and contributing to a women’s mentoring program in Colorado. Her mission is to offer hope to those in a broken world and showcase the restorative power of God.
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Contact Us
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Meet the Board of Directors
Valerie Renville
Valerie’s desire is to help others become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Having come into a relationship with Christ later in life, her heart is for people to not just to know about Jesus but to know Him personally. Valerie met Chalae a few years ago and has been praying with her as God brought the vision of GOYR to reality. Valerie spent 12 years in business/marketing and as a Director she was responsible for a 3M budget covering different marketing segments – trade shows, pre-sales support, and PR. For the past 18 years she has served in local churches either as a staff member or lay leader. She holds a Master’s degree from Denver Seminary and is currently the Director of Christian Formation and Community Outreach at her church. Valerie has been married to her husband Brad for 26 years and they have two grown daughters, Rachel and Shannon.
Chalae Collard
Chalae’s heart is to minister to those struggling to find hope in a broken world and point to the restorative power of God. Her well traveled road with God includes emotional, spiritual and physical healing that encourages others to believe that brokenness in God’s Hands, leads to hope!
Kristina Price
My family discovered Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch (GOYR) during our healing journey in 2020. While my boys were participating in programs at the Ranch, I developed a deep connection with GOYR’s vision and the transformative power it brings to children and families.
Over the past three years at GOYR, I have been actively involved in creating and overseeing programs. I established the Homeschooling at the Ranch program, led the Hangin’ at the Ranch program, and carried out various administrative tasks. I hold certifications as a Faith-Based Equine Assisted Philosophy Facilitator (FBEAP) and in trauma-informed Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). My educational background includes a BA in Recreation and Non-profit Business from Cal Poly Humboldt State University.
For more than 13 years, I have dedicated my career to nonprofit organizations with a strong focus on at-risk youth. In addition to my equine background, I have volunteered for multiple Equine Hippotherapy programs, further expanding my expertise and passion for equine-assisted therapies.
Currently, I actively serve on the Town of Johnstown cemetery committee, sit on the Board of Directors for Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch, and actively participate in other community groups. As the new Ranch Program Director, I am committed to supporting the growth and expansion of Graceful Oaks, ensuring its continued positive impact on the community through the implementation of diverse programs.
Makayla Windholz
I started at Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch eight years ago as a secretarial volunteer. Over the years, I have watched the ranch grow and change in many ways, as well as my role there. I have assisted in running events such as Family Fun Nights and ranch reservations for community members, and have managed the Empowering Youth Leadership Program for several years. I also am now certified as a Faith Based Equine Assisted Philosophy facilitator (FBEAP) and facilitate FBEAP sessions at the ranch as well. Moving forward, I hope to participate in improving the youth programs offered at GOYR, and making these programs as accessible as possible for community members. I also am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Biomedical Sciences that I hope to use to further the therapeutic services offered at GOYR. Graceful Oaks and all the students I have worked with there hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to invest in the vision and mission of GOYR in my new role.
Kayleigh Weickum
Kayleigh is a military spouse and mother of three boys, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a licensed Real Estate Agent, with a strong background in construction, restoration, and real estate. Her extensive administrative and financial coordinating skills, coupled with her passion for community involvement, make her a valuable addition to our team. In addition to her professional expertise and dedication, Kayleigh also serves on her town’s Planning and Zoning commission and actively sponsors and participates in community events. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Kayleigh as she takes on this vital role at Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch.
Statement of Faith
Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch is a faith-based organization. Though the ranch is not associated with any particular denomination, the basis of our beliefs rise from the same Judeo-Christian values that our nation was built upon. The Founders and Board of Directors of Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch believe that Jesus Christ is the one true Son of God, Savior, Redeemer and coming King. We believe the Bible is the breathed Word of God, perfect in every word and without error. It is our greatest desire to serve God by the demonstration of our faith through action. Faith is demonstrated through “living example” to those we work with on the ranch. It is our highest honor to serve children and families of all backgrounds with the same loving grace that has so freely been given to us.
All of our programs and training are structured accordingly as a result of this foundation.
Even though this dream was rooted deep down in Chalae’s heart, she had no idea when this might occur or how to make it happen. Chalae only knew God’s voice speaking to her heart.
In 2015, Chalae followed God’s leading to turn this dream into a reality, and found the perfect ranch for Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch just 10 minutes east of I-25 and Hwy 52.
