Meet the Board of Directors
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
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.
Allison Johnston
Allison Johnston is a proud resident of Fort Lupton, where she has built strong ties and a deep connection to the community through both her professional and personal life. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce, a role that allowed her to connect with and advocate for local businesses, support community initiatives, and foster meaningful relationships throughout the region.
Allison’s connection to Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch is a personal one. Her children have participated in several of the programs offered at the Ranch, and the impact has been profound. Her oldest daughter has been especially influenced by the Leadership programs, which have helped her grow in confidence, self-awareness, and compassion — shaping her into a young woman with a strong sense of purpose and a heart for service. Meanwhile, Allison’s younger children eagerly look forward to the camps and events at the Ranch, where they thrive in the nurturing environment and hands-on enrichment activities.
Allison is honored and excited to join the Board of Directors. She is passionate about supporting the Ranch’s mission and is committed to helping it grow and thrive, so it can continue making a lasting, positive impact in the lives of youth and families across the community.
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.