Board of Directors

			
							Brett and Kassey run an amazing program with the best staff. Friendly, safe, and organized. Power went out due to high winds while we were there but it was like a hiccup and everything kept rolling. They also went above and beyond to help us celebrate our daughters 12th birthday. Thank you guys!! We hope to make it back one day.			

				Emi Vida			

			 3/21/2025
			
							No better place to be with family and friends. The staff are Amazing. They have the biggest hearts and went above and beyond with accommodating our family and making our time here unforgettable.			

				Kenny Vida			

			 3/21/2025
			
							This place is special. Staff is highly experienced and professional. They ensured all participants were seen, heard, and valued.			

				Jason Pratscher			

			 3/21/2025
			
							Great place to bring your family.....phenomenal staff everyone here is amazing.....thank you WWP....			

				Jesus Jasso			

			 3/21/2025
			
							Great place to work			

				Natalie Erickson			

			 3/21/2025
			
							We recently hosted a retreat at Meramec Adventure Ranch, and I can’t say enough about how incredible the experience was! From start to finish, everything was absolutely fantastic. The facilities were well-maintained, the activities were top-notch, and the natural setting provided the perfect backdrop for our group’s retreat. A huge shoutout to Brett and Casey, who went above and beyond to ensure our group’s needs were met. Their hospitality, professionalism, and understanding of our mission made all the difference. They took the time to tailor the experience to our group, and their support throughout the retreat was invaluable. If you’re looking for a place that combines adventure, relaxation, and outstanding service, Meramec Adventure Ranch is it. We’ll absolutely be back! Highly recommend!			

				Rich Watson			

			 3/20/2025
			
							I don’t even know where to begin to describe what this camp has meant to our family. We have been foster parents for thirty years and have had many children during that time. Unfortunately, many of these kiddos are separated from their siblings due to unforeseen circumstances. This camp has made it a mission to help kids have at least one week with their siblings together. Reuniting them, even for a while to forget all the reasons that brought them into care. They get to bunk together, cook their meals together, be partners in games and crafts, as well as make memories that they will never forget. Kassey and the crew are beyond amazing and I hope everyone takes advantage of this camp for their kiddos in care. Thank you guys for all you have done for our family! We will never forget you!			

				Julie Bruton			

			 3/20/2025
			
				Amanda Kennedy			

			 3/20/2025
			
							Meramec Adventure Ranch is an amazing place with outstanding support and incredible facilities! This place is truly a gem for at-risk youth! The staff here are absolutely amazing—caring, patient, and deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of the young people they work with. You can tell they genuinely care about each individual and go above and beyond to provide guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to grow. The variety of activities available is incredible! Whether it's outdoor adventures, creative arts, skill-building activities, or team sports, there's always something engaging happening. These activities not only keep the youth involved but also help them build confidence and learn valuable life skills. The facilities are top-notch—clean, well-maintained, and designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment. It’s clear that a lot of thought and effort goes into making this a place where young people feel comfortable and inspired. If you’re looking for an organization that truly changes lives, this is it. Highly recommend!			

				Ben Martin			

			 3/19/2025
			
							This place has changed our lives. We had been in and out of short term admissions at the hospital for 6 months. We finally broke down and decided to try the residential option. When i say we were devastated and scared.. i truly mean that. But this place has poured into our daughter and after 2.5 months she is home! Greg Shank (her therapist) has made such an impact on her. His purpose from the Lord was to impact kids and change their life in the best of ways. Family therapy every week was a joy and something we looked forward to. We will always be so grateful for him. Jeremy made the admission and discharge process so easy and he checked on us everytime he knew we were there. Receptionist was always so kind. We got to talk to our daughter every day. The staff in Breummer cottage was incredible, they welcomed our daughter with open arms and were essential in this process. We couldn’t be more thankful for KVC!!			

				Lynzie Katska			

			 3/19/2025
			
							KVC is the best! Knowledgeable and friendly staff, top shelf service, and affordable to boot. Daniel Cardoso is the best, would highly recommend KVC any day of the week!			

				Topher Thomas			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Daniel Cardoso is the epitome of Professional when it comes to his work! He is committed, driven and exceptional! 100% recommend			

				Drumerboy_ Kenny			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Daniel Cardoso is a gentle giant with the heart to work for the betterment of his children! Great place with greater people			

				Glazed Eyed Explorer			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Daniel was very professional and helpful. I appreciated his welcoming energy and he made me feel very comforted and heard.			

				Daniel McGuire			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Daniel is amazing. Can’t compliment the work he does here enough. Whatever he is getting paid isn’t nearly enough			

				Dalton Decker			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Dan is very knowledgeable and excellent to work with, highly recommend working with him.			

				Luke Byrd			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Outstanding. I can't say it enough. Not only the BEST, but the best POSSIBLE. 11/10			

				Jake Rieken			

			 3/19/2025
			
							KVC Missouri has the best executive team and St. James is a great place to work.			

				Kathy Anderson			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Everyone is always smiling and very friendly			

				Amanda Kennedy			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Glad I came here first it was perfect			

				Jake Hewitt			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Daniel is an excellent counselor			

				Max Messer			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Daniel is a great person!!			

				Ben Ferrand			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Absolutely amazing person			

				Sean Donohoe			

			 3/19/2025
			
				John Childers			

			 3/19/2025
			
				Daniel Cardoso			

			 3/19/2025
			
				Mickayla Light			

			 3/19/2025
			
				Connor Finn			

			 3/19/2025
			
				Jack Hume			

			 3/19/2025
			
				Henry Howerton			

			 3/19/2025
			
				Dalyn Trippe			

			 3/19/2025
			
				Andrew			

			 3/19/2025
			
				Monica Carter			

			 3/19/2025
			
				Darcy Davis			

			 3/19/2025
			
							Mostly good experiences. Better than where they were in the past. A lot of bad staff from previous years were wheated out, to benefit the children's bright futures. There is always room to grow!			

				Orion Parks			

			 3/18/2025
			
							Staff is always helpful in learning the day by day of my child’s progression or lack thereof			

				Brian Minnes			

			 3/18/2025
			
							Best place I've ever worked for!			

				Dystanie Wallace			

			 3/18/2025
			
				autumn._.drawzzz z			

			 3/18/2025
			
				Laura Greenstreet			

			 3/18/2025
			
				Jason Phillips			

			 3/18/2025
			
							Working at Meramec Adventure Ranch was the most challenging, rewarding job I have ever had. I could not possibly even begin to write all the ways in which it changed me as a person, as well as changed the lives of the youth we served. Brett hired me as a Guide with little to no "hard skills" and made sure I knew my heart for the kids is what mattered most--the rest could be learned--and he was right. The staff at the ranch is well trained and well-equipped, but most importantly, full of heart and grit and a passion for serving youth in foster care, war veterans, children on the autism spectrum, and countless others. I cannot recommend Meramec Adventure Ranch enough both as a place to work and a place to go to receive services in order to heal, grow and become who you were meant to be.			

				AmyRose Tomlinson			

			 3/16/2025
			
							What’s not to love about this place?? Beautiful setting? Check. Great folks running the place? Check. Programming aimed at folks leaving with a better sense of who they are? TRIPLE CHECK!!! In all seriousness, the experiences that I have had at the ranch are core memories for me. From the joy I have seen on the face of campers, the friends I have made in my time there, to the life changing moments I myself found when I wasn’t even looking. This is one of the places that will always be near and dear to my heart and I am forever grateful for the opportunities that were provided there!!			

				Roger Brocato			

			 3/16/2025
			
							‘Da Ranch has a spectacular Autism Week program every summer that our daughter has been a part of since it began. In January she begins talking about riding horses and using the zip line at the Adventure Ranch and we have to mark off the calendar each week! Writing down horseback riding and zip lining seems pretty simple to most people, but our girl won’t even descend the steps at home without sitting on her bottom! The Ranch has challenged her and helped her take new experiences I never thought she would be able to accomplish. Thanks KVC team for all that you do!			

				Leslie Berry			

			 3/16/2025
			
							Meramec Adventure Ranch changed my daughter's life! She's been going to the camp for individuals with Autism for 3 years now. Before camp she was quiet and withdrawn. After the first year, she came home a more confident, empathetic, and outgoing kid! The camp counselors are just the best! Really getting the kids to self-advocate, listening to them, and pulling them out of their shells. Hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and much more outdoor fun! She can't wait to go back!			

				Amanda Oppy			

			 3/16/2025
			
							We have had the wonderful and rewarding experience to volunteer at the Ranch during the Ozark scramble. It was wonderful to see the beautiful facility and property as well as meet the staff. Our son has been a guide there and has been able to enhance the lives of so many children and adults that have come to the ranch. It seems as though whether you attend the camp or you work or volunteer there, you come away having had a wonderful experience.			

				Erica Kochevar			

			 3/16/2025
			
							The Ranch is amazing for many reasons but especially for the relationships is created by letting kids be kids and reminding adults how to have fun!			

				Amanda Amsden			

			 3/16/2025
			
							I got the pleasure of serving here for several years and it is a challenging and inspiring place to work!			

				Luke Edgren			

			 3/16/2025
			
							The staff is great, very knowledgeable, caring and organized. Had a memorable time.			

				Joe Kochevar			

			 3/16/2025
			
							I can’t say enough good things about the Ranch. Amazing people doing amazing work!			

				Amanda Amsden			

			 3/16/2025
			
							Love the work they do!!			

				Chase Trautwein			

			 3/16/2025
			
				Mason Dowd			

			 3/14/2025
			
							I am currently working my 5th year at KVC/former Great Circle. I have always had good administrators who listen and are her to help when I need it. Some days are challenging, but so rewarding when I get to see them complete their programs and leave. I enjoy helping keep my kids safe and teaching them how to regulate and put those skills into practice. Another perk to working at KVC Academy in St. James is the nature you get to enjoy while there. It always helps relax the soul.			

				Nancy Koon			

			 3/13/2025
			
							Love working for KVC in St. James Missouri. Our campus is like family we all have a great working relationship.			

				Kathryn Anderson			

			 3/13/2025
			
							I have worked here for over a decade and enjoy working with the students and seeing their progress!			

				ELIZABETH BRANSON			

			 3/13/2025
			
							KVC really care about the children in their care and the guardian who take care of the children			

				Patricia Voss			

			 3/13/2025
			
				Daniel Wheeler			

			 3/13/2025
			
							I have worked at this facility under 3 different ownerships: Boys and Girls Town, Great Circle, and now KVC. Since the transition to KVC in April of 2023, I have seen so many changes in the positive direction. KVC cares about the clients we serve, but also the employees who work here. When a problem arises, steps are taken to address the issue. I have seen so many successful kiddos get the treatment they desperately needed in order to move past their trauma. In our education department, we not only teach academics, but we teach social and behavioral skills as well, with a focus on self-regulation and social-emotional skills. Kids learn to be kids again, and school is a big part of that. We allow them to practice, make mistakes, and then try again in a safe, controlled environment. Students earn transferable grades in our accredited school. High school students earn credit toward graduation, and we hold a graduation ceremony each year (when we have graduates on the school roster). Our day treatment program offers a safe space for kiddos who find public school too demanding, or just not right for them at this moment in time. We partner with local school districts to provide an individualized education to meet the needs of their learners. Our small class sizes and serene, nature-encompassed location make this the perfect fit for a variety of students. KVC Academy-St. James strives to provide the highest level of care for its students, focusing on the whole child.			

				Tina Wheeler			

			 3/12/2025
			
							I was here close to two years and it really straightened me up and had me come back to reality instead of using illegal substances to escape my problems! They taught me a lot of coping skills and the reviews talking about restraints and abuse were never true from the beginning, I have been to every kvc and every great circle which is now owned by kvc and I never witnessed anything other than immature kids acting out aggressively and staff members having to deescalate the situation I would highly recommend this campus and it was a very helpful experience that changed my life!: Thank you kvc and great circle members who want to help put an impact on kids who need help!			

				Johnny Burchette			

			 3/12/2025
			
							I was at KVC for a couple months and I was in Bruemmer cottage. And I had a pretty good experience. Even with all the diversity and different personalities and past trauma and other things amongst the clients that you live and interact with around campus. My CLS Jazmin and my Bruemmer staff in general really helped me get through it and enjoy myself there. So thank you Jazmin and Bruemmer staff for being there for me. I miss you guys! KVC is a place that will really help you grow and learn as a person, even at a young age. 5 Stars for me!			

				Sun Jin-Woo			

			 3/12/2025
			
							KVC Saint James is truly dedicated to the well-being of the youth in their care. The staff go above and beyond to provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where kids can heal and grow. It’s clear that they care deeply about each child, helping them work through trauma while building life skills. I highly recommend this facility for anyone seeking a compassionate and professional team that puts children first.			

				Kendrick			

			 3/12/2025
			
							KVC is wonderful. We have so much support especially from our caseworker Cherokee. We couldn’t ask for better response time or support even with my 400 questions a day. She is so thoughtful and caring with not just my placement but my entire family ! We are so lucky to have her on her case and be a part of KVC !			

				Megan Seese			

			 3/12/2025
			
							My Caseworker Cherokee and her supervisor Valencia have been nothing short of amazing, if I had to do it all over again I would choose them over and over again, I thank God for this amazing team we have. Please never stop being you and keep up the great work that you all do, you guys Rock			

				Latoya Whitley			

			 3/12/2025
			
							Since the merge to KVC, all employees have been going through ample trainings to better understand and work with kiddos from extensive backgrounds. Providing the best service possible for kiddos and families.			

				Jazmin Ruiz			

			 3/12/2025
			
							We have been so pleased with KVC and specifically our case worker Cherokee! She’s always responsive, helpful and supportive. We couldn’t ask for a better experience as first time Foster parents !			

				Alex Seese			

			 3/12/2025
			
							The staff at KVC are incredibly patient and understanding. They take the time to get to know each child's individual needs and preferences.			

				MaryJane Schafer			

			 3/12/2025
			
							Amazing place to work, really doing the hard to work to ensure kids are getting the services they need to achieve!			

				Lamar Lewis			

			 3/12/2025
			
							KVC helps the least, the last, and the lost find a better, healthier place as a person in our society.			

				Travis Moore			

			 3/12/2025
			
							communication on point			

				Cassie Bodendieck			

			 3/12/2025
			
							10/10			

				Daria Fox			

			 3/12/2025
			
				Iris Dowd			

			 3/12/2025
			
				BlinxFireGaming			

			 3/12/2025
			
				Ben			

			 3/12/2025
			
				Tharun Trammel			

			 3/12/2025
			
				Kelly Baughman			

			 3/12/2025
			
							This place completely changed my life when I came out to visit on a Project Odyssey with the Wounded Warrior Project. The staff was absolutely incredible at helping to challenge us in such a loving, compassionate yet supportive way to grow from our challenges to new levels previously thought impossible. Quite honestly the amazing staff members I met here changed my life several years back and thru the help and support the provided me - it helped me turn my life around and overcome some hard challenges after war I was going thru. It’s been amazing to see how much good work they do with many that just need an opportunity - I wouldn’t have the career…the life…or the happiness I do today if they didn’t take the time to talk to me when I was at my lowest & help me see that there was hope & I could overcome and return to doing great things.			

				Furdiddy			

			 3/09/2025
			
							Great communication!			

				April			

			 3/05/2025
			
				Caliray1k M			

			 3/05/2025
			
							Meramec Adventure Ranch is an incredible place. Their main mission, serving youth across Missouri who need adventure, learning, joy, and community, is inspiring. The love and care they show the young people with whom they work is awe-inspiring. My experience with MAR is as a principal; for the past fifteen years I have brought groups of student-leaders to the Ranch. Their work with our students has been transformational, both for the kids and for our school. Through the challenges of high ropes, low ropes, Alpine Rescue, and other activities, they challenge our high school students to grow as individuals and as a team. The leadership skills they develop here carry far beyond the Ranch. Any time a school leader asks me for recommendations on developing leadership abilities for students, the Meramec Adventure Ranch is my strongest recommendation! The staff and directors are outstanding—organized, passionate, and completely invested in making sure each experience meets the specific needs of the group. The food is great, the facilities top-notch, and it is easy to get to from anywhere in Missouri. As a Catholic principal, I will never forget the Masses I have experienced in the gorgeous natural settings, either on their lodge deck overlooking the Meramec River valley or in their amphitheater, deep in a hollow of a lovely woods. We teach our students to be leaders so that they can serve others. I love that the Meramec Adventure Ranch has become our primary partnership in this education. I also love that our support of the Ranch is its own form of service to many young people in need throughout Missouri.			

				Will Armon			

			 3/02/2025
			
							My son has been attending Meramec Adventure Ranch’s Camp for Individuals with Autism since he was 9 years old—he’s now 21. Over the years, he has gained valuable skills that he continues to use at home. His behaviors have improved, as well as his ability to participate in groups and interact socially. He absolutely loves going, and I plan to send him every year for as long as he can attend. I absolutely love the staff. Every person I e met over the years that have worked with my son has been fabulous and so patient, passionate and kind. They are so supportive and encouraging. Kassey has been so helpful, gracious, understanding and supportive to me as a parent throughout the years. She’s an anchor there and I appreciate her care for all of the clients that go to the ranch for adventures and fun. I’m so grateful to the ranch for giving us years of fun for my son and respite for myself.			

				Danielle Trainer			

			 3/02/2025
			
							The Meramec Adventure Ranch is not just a place, It’s an experience. It’s a retreat from the busyness and distractions of our current culture and offers an opportunity for kids (young and old) to tap into a basic human need for fun, play and adventure! At the same time, youth are encouraged to discover their own unique strengths as well as experience the importance of teamwork. My own children have had the awesome opportunity to experience “The Ranch” through their summer camp programs and my family has seen firsthand the amazing work the ranch staff pour into all the youth that are hosted here each year. Meramec Learning Ranch is truly top-notch and the work they do here is invaluable			

				Natalie Turnbough			

			 3/02/2025
			
							MAR is genuinely a top notch property that offers amazing programs and is truly run by the best people. Our family has been going for different events/programs since 2009 and our kids constantly ask to "go to The Ranch". They take their safety training very seriously and so I have trusted my children to participate in adventures that many would never even consider. The commitment to running their facilities and events with the utmost quality is amazing. Every time we go I think to myself "I hope that our kids choose to work here when they are older... not just for who they could serve but also for their own growth". Truly- you will never regret your time at "The Ranch"			

				Sara Grass			

			 3/02/2025
			
							Meramec adventure ranch is a phenomenal place that offers so many opportunities for kids. It is a beautiful facility that is well kept and as soon as you walk in the doors you feel at home. The directors and guides are always upbeat and willing to get their hands dirty, literally. They put their heart and souls into caring for kids that need to feel love, logic and adventure! My son Participated in the Agoge program where he had the opportunity to learn what’s it like to be a good citizen of the world, how to manage his emotions in a healthy way and how to use nature. Overall the Ranch is very special please with wonderful people			

				Mikie Harmon			

			 3/02/2025
			
							My Engineers Without Borders team received Wilderness First Aid Training from Brett and Kassey, and they were amazing! They were very receptive to our requests (such as learning more about heat-related illnesses and how to treat sprains and breaks) and gave us a lot of very detailed, relevant information. Every member of the chapter that attended left feeling confident in their abilities, and we all understood that attitude and a calm demeanor are key! If you're looking for WFA training that is tailored to your needs while still addressing MULTIPLE topics and wasting NO time, reach out to MAR!			

				Azzy Pittman			

			 3/02/2025
			
							Had the chance to take their Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification course a second time to help me and my team prepare to travel abroad. They were very accommodating of each person's goals for the training while still making sure we were all presented with the important facts and strategies for WFA and had opportunities to apply them. Brett and Kasey always have a lot of energy in their presentation and are always eager to answer questions and make sure everyone understands. We learned a lot in the short amount of time that we had because they helped us make the most of it.			

				Caleb Cooke			

			 3/02/2025
			
							The Meramec Adventure Ranch provides a first class, people focused experience that will awaken your heart to life. Experiencing the beautiful location, interactive activities and professional staff builds inner strength and appreciation for self growth and team camaraderie. The staff make this program one of a kind for any individual or group experience. It does not disappoint!			

				John Money			

			 3/02/2025
			
							The ranch has been an invaluable resource to our school district over the years. Their support of all our kids but especially our most vunerable, has allowed us to fundamentally help students improve their behaviors and grow in their social relationships.			

				STEPHANIE BILLINGSLEY			

			 3/02/2025
			
							KVC is such a benefit to the community and the people in it. They address every situation with a kind heart and tender care. They go above and beyond for anyone they encounter and do whatever they can to help those in need.			

				Jessica Huffman			

			 3/02/2025
			
							Had a great time at the ranch doing the Ozark scramble race with family and friends. The staff keep it really organized and make it lots of fun. My whole family enjoys the scramble race and we look forward to it every year.			

				Rachel Martin			

			 3/02/2025
			
							Absolutely love this place! Great staff who are extremely knowledgeable. So many things to do. Awesome place for retreats, events, or just to get away and have fun			

				Jeff Grass			

			 3/02/2025
			
							Casey and Brett were awesome as were the entire staff at Meramec Ranch. Their care and compassion helped myself as well as my group of wounded warriors.			

				Anthony Smith			

			 3/02/2025
			
							KVC Springfield is amazing & I will be forever grateful. My young son had been hospitalized approximately 7 times for suicidal ideation & aggression, in a 10 month period. He was also suspended from school several times. At KVC, he received needed trauma therapy, kept up with his education (receiving quality 1 on 1 tutoring from a Springfield tutor, had access to quality nursing staff, and benifited from 24/7 empathic staff. Since his release, he has remained in school, exhibiting good behavior. Although there have been a few hiccups at home, mostly late evening and bedtime, his behavior has been manageable. For kids in chronic mental health crisis, suffering from trauma, KVC is a wonderful resource. Thank you			

				Gary Lind			

			 2/26/2025
			
							Kari Dallas was amazing and informative! She makes me feel so much better about starting this journey with my wife. I can not wait to start this process and I appreciate her so much.			

				Teisha Hills			

			 2/26/2025
			
							Class tonight was great!! Kari done fantastic! Learned alot in a little time!! Can't wait to move forward! Justin pyle & Lacey wright			

				Lacey Gann			

			 2/26/2025
			
							Very informative and helpful with answers to doubts and questions. Thank you!			

				Maribel Ferrer			

			 2/26/2025
			
							Orientation was so good and informative! So excited to start this process!			

				F Harley			

			 2/26/2025
			
							Kari was great at orientation!!!			

				crystal darrell			

			 2/26/2025
			
				Breanna Mcgilton			

			 2/26/2025
			
							Nice team and work at KVC. Very important for people. Daniel Cardoso is Perfect.			

				Telma Nery			

			 2/20/2025
			
							Awesome people that do so much for our children!			

				Matt Michel			

			 2/20/2025
			
							KVC CAC is a very reliable and trustworthy agency. They are very mindful and timely in working with children who need forensic interviews and or SAFE/CAREs in a short period of time and even if fully booked for a day; they work after hours when needed.			

				Val Guffey			

			 2/19/2025
			
							Great place with friendly atmosphere. Makes kids feel at home with experienced interviewers. Works well with other MDT partners, and communicates clearly on what is needed from different agencies.			

				Randle Huddleston			

			 2/19/2025
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