We are dedicated to investing in the emotional and spiritual lives of girls who come from hard places and encourage them to live to their fullest potential.
G.I.R.L.S. Ranch is committed to providing a non-judgemental, safe, nurturing environment where girls can take part in a new life experiences in order to restructure their sense of self and make positive changes that will last a lifetime.
There is power in the words “me-too!” When someone hears these beautiful words the thoughts surrounding “I’m alone in this” diminishes quickly. Don’t we want to feel that we matter and belong in this world? Therefore, our hope is that every girl that is brave enough to walk through our doors will learn instantly that she is not alone in her hurt, she matters and belongs here, and there are other courageous girls that share similar stories as hers who can relate to her pain by sharing in the power of “me-too!”
Chad Love is originally from Hermitage, TN and currently works for US Bank as Assistant Vice President. Chad enjoys working with children and has been a youth baseball coach for many years. He also is a volunteer at Second Harvest and United Way. He supports the mission of G.I.R.L.S. Ranch because he has seen the impact it had had on our community and believes it provides teen girls a safe place to support each other while enriching their lives through God’s Word.
Michelle Shrader is originally from California and has lived in Murfreesboro, TN since 2005. Michelle is active in the community through her on going partnerships with local non-profit groups. Michelle is a phenomenal advocate for the need of G.I.R.L.S. Ranch in our community. She serves as a Mentor for G.I.R.L.S. Ranch and enjoys seeing individuals overcome the adversities that they encounter.
Scott Johnson is originally from Michigan and moved to Tennessee over 10 years ago. He received his BS from Bob Jones University and is happily married to Shannon. He loves being involved in the various maintenance projects at the G.I.R.L.S. Ranch house. He enjoys overseeing and managing all the “to-do” lists to up-keep the house.
Fran is originally from Savannah, Georgia but her love of people and adventure have led her to places as far off as Italy and she is now thankful to call Tennessee her home. Fran received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from The University of Mississippi and a Masters in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Trauma from Richmont Graduate University. She has a passion for helping teens and families develop strong, healthy relationships and helping them grow in confidence in who they are in Christ.
Shannon is from Nashville, Tennessee and received her undergraduate from MTSU and graduated from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA with a Masters of Arts in Counseling. In addition to working with inner-city and troubled youth since the late nineties; her experiences include working as an addictions counselor at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Hospital, Mental Health Liaison for Centerstone in Davidson County high schools and professional school counselor in Rutherford County, TN.
Tim Ritchie is originally from Cleveland, Ohio but moved to the Nashville area in 1977. Tim is passionate about serving on the board of G.I.RL.S. Ranch. He is consistently moved by the stories shared, both the depth of the pain these girls experience and their achievements once they became involved with the G.I.R.L.S. Ranch family. It is inspirational and reflects Gods grace that we all can see.
Leigh Bagwell is originally from Memphis, TN and has resided in Middle TN for the past 20 years. She has served in the public school system for almost 20 years and is currently the Director of School Counseling for the Tennessee Department of Education. Leigh is passionate about serving on the board for G.I.R.L.S. Ranch because she believes children, specifically young women, face more challenges and dangers than ever before.