Staff of Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. – troubled teen boarding schools and therapeutic boarding schools.
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Darren grew up in a small town in central Illinois. He attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and an Associate’s Degree in Music. He worked for a number of years as a youth and music pastor before going back to school to complete his graduate work. While in school, Darren started a small business and began volunteering with Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. In 1996, he began working full time with Teen Challenge as the Executive Director.
Darren received his Master’s Degree in Counseling at Liberty University and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and was officially recognized as a U.S. Home Missionary in 1998. Since coming to Teen Challenge, he has helped to coordinate training in adolescent ministry for the Teen Challenge national conferences and has served as an accreditation reviewer for the national organization. Darren and his wife Mary have been married since 1989. They have three children, Trina, Crystal, and Caleb.
While still in high school, Justin Smith went on two short-term mission trips that changed his life. He felt God calling him to full-time ministry and later attended Southeastern Assemblies of God University where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Bible with a minor in missions. While still in college, he began working professionally with troubled youth at the Lakeland Marine Institute in Lakeland, Florida. When he finished his degree in 1996, he moved to Arkansas, where he became a direct care staff member at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. Justin is now the Program Director at Teen Challenge. He is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God and is a certified instructor with “Handle with Care” (a behavioral management system). He is a certified low and high ropes facilitator and oversees the outdoor adventure portion of the Teen Challenge program. Justin married his high school sweetheart while still in college. He and his wife Holly have one son.
Joy is originally from California but grew up in Northwest Arkansas. In her late twenties, she surrendered her heart to the Lord. Joy is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and has a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She is also a certified teacher. Joy worked in the public school system before she founded Maranatha Christian School in 1992. She was the Principal and teacher at the school for 21 years before coming to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. Joy believes she has the perfect job now and that God is the answer and provides healing for the troubled boys she works with on a daily basis.
Seth Drewry grew up in Southeast Virginia. While still in high school, he felt God calling him to ministry. Later, Seth attended the College of William & Mary where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in religious studies. He served in various leadership capacities in Baptist Collegiate Ministries and had the opportunity to serve as a pastoral intern at Shepherd’s Valley Cowboy Church. While still in college, Seth read The Cross and the Switchblade and was later inspired to seek employment at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch after graduation. While working at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch, Seth obtained his Masters of Divinity from Oral Roberts University. Seth considers it a privilege to help the young men at Teen Challenge. He has been part of the team since 2011.
Gene has a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. He is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and received Christ as a senior in high school. He was the first member of his family to become a Christian. Gene attended the University of Arkansas and was active in Chi Alpha campus ministry. He worked full time with Teen Challenge in adult and adolescent ministry from 1977-1989. Gene is also a Certified Ropes Course Facilitator. Gene worked as a counseling pastor in Bentonville, AR for several years and later returned to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. He and his wife Rose have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Jennifer is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has a Master’s degree in Counseling from John Brown University. Jennifer has been a full-time staff member or volunteer here since 2004. She previously owned her own private counseling practice and worked as a licensed counselor in southeast Kansas doing intensive in-home family therapy and helping parents with their at-risk children. While in Kansas, she also served as a youth pastor at her local church.
When asked about ministry to teenage boys, Jennifer replied, “There is no other place that I would rather be than working at Teen Challenge and being a small part of helping the Lord restore these young men and their families.” Jennifer and her husband, Tony, have been married since 2003.
Angela has a background in administration with the public school system where she worked for six years. She is originally from Pensacola, FL, and moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1989 with her husband and their two children. She later adopted three more children from the foster care system. She was not raised in a Christian home but has served the Lord faithfully since giving her heart to Christ in 1996. Angela has worked with the youth in her rural community by building a recreational soccer league and teaching youth the value of hard work and determination. She has also worked with her church as a Sunday school teacher and served as a youth sponsor for many years. In addition to full-time employment here, Angela is the Assistant Ministry Leader for the Celebrate Recovery program she started in her church in 2010. She has been part of the TCAR team since 2011.
Steve has a bachelor of science degree from Evangel University and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from John Brown University. He has studied addiction and recovery counseling through the American Association of Christian Counselors. He worked on a volunteer basis with teens for five years while working in the corporate world. In 2006, he moved from his hometown — away from the negative impact of friends and familiar places — away in Texas to work full time here. Steve believes in the significance of the calling on these young men as evidenced by the attack on their lives at an early age. He has a passion to see these young men become free from the issues that hold them back, so they can reach their potential and fulfill their purpose. He is also a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God.
Karen earned her bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. Before coming to work at Teen Challenge, Karen worked as a substitute teacher in South Dakota, California, and Arkansas. She came to work as a classroom teacher at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch in January 2007 and is licensed by the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI). She grew up in Minnesota in a Christian home and was active in youth group, youth camps, Sunday School and Choir. A mother of 4 grown children, she has been involved with youth for many years. Karen feels blessed to be part of the team.
Before coming to Teen Challenge, Kim was a teacher at a Christian school. Kim is originally from Westville, Oklahoma. Since joining the team in December of 2013, Kim has seen firsthand the positive impact Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch has on the lives of troubled boys; she considers it a blessing to be part of their recovery process and enjoys getting to know the students as they experience a change in their lives.
Kim has been involved with youth through her church for many years as a Youth Worship Leader and Sunday School and Missionettes Teacher. She is also currently the Director of The Grace Place, a food pantry and clothing store for people struggling in the community of Lincoln, Arkansas.
Mary Reynolds is a licensed registered nurse from Tulsa, OK and is married to Darren Reynolds, the Executive Director. She was born the only hearing person in a deaf family. Her family was very blessed to have a strong deaf church ministry in their lives and that’s how she met Jesus in a personal way. She also has an Associate’s Degree in Christian Education from Central Bible College in Springfield, MO.
Mary believes that Jesus is the answer to the problems these boys face and that we should show them what that means in what we teach and in our actions. As a nurse, she supports a holistic approach to serving troubled boys and believes that the whole picture of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical factors contributes to what’s going on with a boy. Mary and her husband Darren have three children: Trina, Crystal, and Caleb.
Josh grew up in Millville, Pennsylvania. With a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Valley Forge University, Josh has spent time teaching choir and giving music lessons as well as spending time as a youth pastor. His hope for troubled boys is for them to find a better way to cope with life. He has been part of the Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch team since 2013.
Drew is originally from Claremore, Oklahoma and is a former student of Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. Before joining the Teen Challenge staff team, Drew was part of a missionary organization and worked in overseas missions to China, Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. His hope for troubled boys is to see them surrender to Jesus. Drew wants every student to experience the same freedom he found living every day with Christ. Drew and his wife, Sarah, have three children.
Ronnie was born and raised in Louisiana. After high school, he developed a personal relationship with Jesus and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from East Texas Baptist University. He went on to work as a salesperson. Ronnie was promoted through the tiers toward financial success until God called him to the ministry nine years later. Ronnie began volunteering in the local community seeking ways to serve and meet the needs of the people around him. Soon after, he found and joined the team at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. He and his wife, Leah, have six children.
Charity has Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Play Therapy from John Brown University. She grew up in Northwest Arkansas, just seven miles from Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. She got her undergraduate degrees in Ministry and Behavioral Science from Mid-America Christian University. It was there that she met her husband, Jay Hall, and they married in July 2006. Since then, God has blessed Charity and her husband with two beautiful children. Charity did her counseling internship at TCAR and later joined the staff team as a therapist in March 2017. Charity has spent time in youth and children’s ministry, and her heart has always been to show God’s love to others. Her hope for troubled boys is that Christ opens the door to share about Him at the right time.
Chris grew up in the oldest town in Texas. He is a certified teacher and has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Before coming to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch, Chris spent time working with troubled youth in the alternative education system in Texas. His hope for troubled boys is that they come to know their identity in Christ. Chris and his wife, Ashley, have three children.
Jimmy is originally from Glencoe, Oklahoma. He is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God and has spent time as a missionary in Greece. For several years, he worked with a college campus ministry and served in churches as a youth pastor, musician, audio/video technician, and associate pastor. He and his wife, Yvonne, are faculty trainers with Lifeline, a non-residential ministry of Teen Challenge. They assist communities by helping to establish Christian support groups in local areas and across the globe. Jimmy and Yvonne have two sons and one daughter-in-law.
Daughter of the navy, Yvonne grew up all over the United States. It was during an Easter service message that Yvonne gave her life to the Lord at the age of 17. She is now a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God and has spent time in music ministry, youth and college ministry, and time as a missionary in Greece. She and her husband, Jimmy, are faculty trainers with Lifeline, a non-residential ministry of Teen Challenge. They assist communities by helping to establish Christian support groups in local areas and across the globe. Yvonne and Jimmy have two sons and one daughter-in-law.
Andy has a master’s degree in Musiness Administration (MBA) from John Brown University. He grew up in Southern Illinois and is a veteran of the United States Army. While earning a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from Evangel University, he completed a summer internship at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch and became full-time staff for an additional eighteen months. In 2016, he returned to Northwest Arkansas to rejoin the team at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. Andy believes troubled boys can become history makers and change their world for the better.
Seth is originally from Stockton Illinois. During his freshman year of college, Seth volunteered in youth ministry at a local church. It was there that he felt God calling him to full-time ministry. He continued ministering to youth by using sports, outdoor recreational ministry programs, and serving in churches across the country. Seth has associate degrees in General Studies and Bible and Theology, and he completed a bachelor degree in Multidisciplinary Dtudies from Southeastern University in 2016. Later that year, Seth joined the staff team at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. Seth’s desire for these troubled boys is for them to “learn to walk out their faith in Christ.”
Micah grew up near Fayetteville, AR. He was active in his local church and gained experience in leadership as he worked with the young adults there. He heard about Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch through friends and fellow church members who worked at the program. He immediately felt a strong connection with the ministry. He began working with TCAR as an intern and later joined the staff team. Micah is also currently on the administration board of a local ministry. Micah’s hope for troubled boys is that they develop an incredibly deep love for God.
Jeff has lived in Northwest Arkansas for more than 20 years. He graduated from an Adult & Teen Challenge of Mid America program in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was there that Jeff knew he was called to ministry. Jeff has since spent many years in ministerial service, working with troubled teenagers and participating in worship ministry as a singer and guitarist. His hope for troubled boys is that they learn to walk with God. He and his wife, Diane, have been married since 2002 and they have two children: Thomas and Grace.
Phil Bernhardt is originally from west-central Illinois. After feeling the call to enter full-time ministry, Phil attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO, where he later earned a bachelor’s degree. While still in college, he heard a chapel message that encouraged him to learn more about the ministry of Teen Challenge. This led to a three-month internship with Teen Challenge and later to a full-time position with the ministry. Phil has been working faithfully as a direct care staff member at Teen Challenge Ranch of NW Arkansas since 1982. He has seen many lives transformed in his 35 plus years of service.
Jesse grew up in Springdale, Arkansas. He came to know Christ through the church. It was also at his church that Jesse learned about the ministry of Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. Jesse believes the teenage years are very crucial in a person’s life to impact and influence them, and that this ministry gives troubled boys an opportunity to develop a relationship with Christ while working through their struggles. Jesse and his wife, Lisa, have been married since 2013 and have two children.
Bryan grew up in Northwest Arkansas. At a young age, he accepted Christ and attended his first mission trip at the age of 13. By the time he was an adult, he had joined many more mission trips to help with building projects and local ministries, even going on to organize and lead trips to Mexico for hundreds of teenagers. He has experience working in construction and freelance tech ministry, installing and managing sound and media for various-sized churches. In March of 2015, he visited Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch to remodel rooms across campus. He joined the staff team a couple of months later as the Facilities Manager. He and his wife, Brianna, have been married since 2013 and have one child.
Paul became a staff member at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch in 1999. He had previously worked at Adult Teen Challenge centers in Chicago and St. Louis where he served for several years. Paul also worked with Goad Ministries as City Director in St. Louis. He is a graduate of Bryan and Stratton Business College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. He is also a graduate of Central Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies and a Minor in Church Planting. Paul is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Outside of his long career in full-time ministry, Paul has 20 years full-time work experience in restaurants and management. He enjoys cooking and working with teens.
Kenneth is originally from Houston, TX, but has lived in Arkansas for 30 years. He first heard about Teen Challenge during a radio advertisement on a local station. Having worked 12 years at Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter, Kenneth felt God calling him to continue working with kids in crisis in another ministry. His hope for troubled boys is that they might be able to turn their lives over to Christ. Kenneth has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from John Brown University.
Jay Hall is originally from Shattuck, Oklahoma. A former marine, Jay has more than fifteen years of youth ministry experience and is a licensed minister in the Church of God, as well as a commissioned Stephen Minister. He has a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry, a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Human Services with specialized emphasis in nonprofit governance and management. Jay found a passion for working with troubled teenagers while serving congregations in rural Kansas and then Oklahoma. During this time, his wife, Charity, began her counseling practicum at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch (TCAR) and later joined the team full-time as a therapist in 2017. A few months later, Jay also joined the TCAR team as the Director of Development. Jay and his wife, Charity, have been married since 2006 and have two children: Jayden and Izzabelle.
Natasha was born and raised in Springdale, Arkansas. She dedicated her life to the Lord when she was 12 years old and was called to full-time ministry shortly after. She has spent much of her free time since serving in children and youth ministries. She has also traveled and led revivals and drama workshops. Natasha spends much of her work life in medical offices. It was there that she developed skills in medical billing and medical records management. Natasha believes every troubled boy that comes to this program has the potential to “become powerful world changers for Christ.”
Crystal Reynolds grew up in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. During her fourth birthday party, she decided to follow Jesus and has never looked back since, following him to Texas to attend Southwestern Assemblies of God University. While a university student, she began working with at-risk children during the school year and troubled youth in the summers, interning in the classroom at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. In 2015, she received an English B.A. and Bible A.A. Working either in the educational or administrative departments, Crystal has been part of the Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch team since May of 2013.
Lacy grew up in Lincoln, Arkansas. After graduating high school, she worked with Youth With a Mission (YWAM), a missionary training school, and helped establish a new base in Mexico. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from John Brown University, and a Master’s of Arts in Children’s Book Illustration from Cambridge University. She first heard about Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch (TCAR) through her former high school principal, Joy Thomas, who now heads TCAR’s Education Department. In 2016, Lacy went on to join the team as GED Tutor. Lacy believes coming to TCAR was an answer to prayer. She believes that every troubled boy that comes through Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch has the opportunity to begin a new life.
Joshua grew up in a Christian home in Northwest Arkansas. His father was a pastor; his mother, a teacher. He did well in school but began experiencing depression and self-harm. God intervened in his life and gave Joshua hope for the future. Later, Joshua felt God calling him to work with teenagers. After a period of ministering in youth groups and Christian camps, God led him to Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. Joshua believes troubled boys have the potential to be world changers, and his hope is for them to be saved from the same darkness that tried to defeat his own life. Joshua and his wife, Hannah, have one son and another baby on the way.
Kristy grew up in Lincoln, Arkansas. At the age of seven, she gave her life to Christ. For several years, she was aware of Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch through staff members and students that attended her church. She has an Associate’s degree from Northeastern University and has spent several years working in alternative education in public schools. Kristy has also volunteered in youth ministry at her local church for more than a decade.
Caleb grew up in Northwest Arkansas. As a high school student, he worked part-time at Teen Challenge in the maintenance department. It gave him the opportunity to learn tech skills, home repair, and landscaping skills. After graduating high school, he began working full-time in the maintenance department. His hope for troubled boys is that they come to know Jesus and have a second chance at life.
Clint grew up in Morrow, AR. He always knew about Teen Challenge from growing up in the community, and his family has supported the ministry for many years. Clint is a licensed minister and spent more than a decade traveling in music ministry. He worked several years with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before feeling God speak to his heart, telling him to leave his former job and seek employment at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch. Clint’s hope for troubled boys is that they encounter the love of Jesus and understand how important they are to God.
Ed has a Bachelor’s degree in Music/Business from DePauw University, and Master’s degrees in Pastoral Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Community Counseling from John Brown University. Ed is from Dallas, Texas. While attending John Brown University, Ed found out about Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch as an option for receiving practicum hours. He jumped at the chance to work with teenagers in settings outside only sitting in an office. Having spent time as a youth pastor, Ed realized early on that teenagers were more likely to let their guard down during natural day to day interactions rather than just during structured time. Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch provided this type of therapeutic environment which was part of what drew Ed to work full-time with the organization. He has completed a leadership training course from Kanakuk Institute and is a licensed pastor from the Southern Baptist convention. Ed has been a full-time staff at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch since January 2016.
We value education and academic success, considering it key to long-term life success. Most of our staff have advanced degrees. Many of the students who come here lack sufficient high school credit to obtain their diplomas in a timely manner, but we help them get caught up and even to retake classes for a higher GPA. Every boy on campus is taught and tutored several hours each day. Our disciplined and structured approach to learning, with individualized academic goals and progress, helps the boys get back on track with their education and our courses are fully accredited and transferrable.
Our outdoor adventure program is second to none. Our students have regular opportunities to experience fun and challenging indoor and outdoor physical activities. Students enjoy camping, backpacking, rappelling, canoeing, and spelunking (cave exploration). They are challenged physically and learn the importance of goals and perseverance.
Former President
“Teen Challenge gives our kids something to live for – a relationship with God, a healthy self-esteem, and a direction in their lives that finally leads somewhere.”
Former Attorney General
“Teen Challenge changes the world one person at a time.”
Founder, Prison Fellowship
“The Teen Challenge program succeeds when all of the government programs have failed.”
Television Personality
“In my opinion, Teen Challenge is doing the best all-around job of providing the kids with something meaningful in their lives. And that’s what they all need.”
Former US Drug Czar
“Of all the programs reported to the Commission, the most successful is the program conducted by Teen Challenge.”
Past Director, AT&T Corporation
“Teen Challenge is one of the most successful programs in our country.”
Darren Reynolds, MA, is a tireless innovator and team-builder. He has worked with troubled youth for nearly 30 years. He became the Executive Director of Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch in 1996. He holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling.
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Therapuetic ranch and home for troubled teenage boys