Get to Know Us

With many years of experience in positive youth development, Garrett joins the Kansas 4-H Foundation team from the YMCA camping system, where he served as Camp Director at Camp Potawotami in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Garrett has developed a strong background in camp operations, fiscal management, and facilities oversight. His commitment to outdoor recreation and understanding of how programming drives the strategy for 4-H camp and retreats will be instrumental in enhancing the experience and ensuring that 4-H is delivered effectively through engaging and impactful programming at Rock Springs Ranch.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Garrett is a proud graduate of Texas State University, holding degrees in Recreation Administration and Criminal Justice.

We invite you to connect with Garrett and explore all that Rock Springs Ranch has to offer! You can reach him via email at gjohnson@rockspringsranch.org

Adam Fischer is the conference and retreats director at Rock Springs Ranch. He began his role in April 2023.

Adam was raised in the Manhattan, Kansas area and is a graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Park Management & Conservation. Adam grew up attending Camp Chippewa in Ottawa, Kansas where he also worked in a variety of positions for the past four years including waterfront coordinator and lead counselor.

Adam is passionate about helping people have a better understanding of the natural world, which lead him to pursue his degree and his career in the camping field. Having attended multiple events at Rock Springs Ranch he knew this was the place for him.

Adam looks forward to bringing his love of nature and the joy of camp to everyone who finds their way to RSR!

Interested in making a reservation at Rock Springs Ranch?
Call Adam today at 785-257-3221.

Jared was born and raised in Mahomet, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois with his Masters of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in the Spring of 2022. He Grew up attending 4-H Memorial Camp.

As an aspiring Camp Director, Jared has worked to gain an understanding of all aspects for youth programming, spending time in various camps across the Northeast, assuming the role of Aquatics & Activities Director for an indoor water park, and working as a Paraprofessional Aid in an Elementary School.

Coming from a 4-H program, Jared knew he could find a new home with Rock Springs Ranch. He looks forward to sharing his love for community development through outdoor recreation and youth development programs.

Want to strike up a conversation? Just ask him about the last card/board game he discovered or challenge him to a game related to Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings.

jgleason@rockspringsranch.org

Irving was born and raised in Puerto Rico where he found a passion for cooking from spending time with his grandmother. Irving joined the military where he served for many years. During his service, he rediscovered his passion for cooking. After leaving the military, Irving went on to get a degree in Culinary Arts with a specialty in International and Local Cuisine.

With his renewed passion for cooking Irving has worked in many different restaurants. Irving and his wife moved to Kansas in 2016 when he was offered the opportunity to work with one of the best Chefs in the area. Irving joined the Rock Springs Ranch team in 2023. Irving is thrilled to have his own kitchen where he can work with others to speak through his dishes. He can’t wait for you to come try his dishes!

Want to strike up a conversation? Ask him about his mystery box challenges, his childhood in Puerto Rico, or his favorite dish to make.

irving@rockspringsranch.org

Brandon is originally from Iowa, but spent his high school years in Abilene, Kansas. He is a proud graduate of Abilene High School. After graduating Brandon went on to work many years in Minnesota before moving back to Kansas to be closer to family.

Brandon found a joy for cooking in Minnesota when he got his first restaurant job. Brandon loves that in a kitchen there's always more to learn, which keeps him motivated and engaged. Before joining the Rock Springs Ranch, Brandon was the Executive Chef at the Salina Country Club. Brandon is extremely excited about working at Rock Springs Ranch and creating fantastic experiences for everyone who comes to visit.

Want to strike up a conversation? Ask him what his latest culinary focus is.

bstokesbary@rockspringsranch.org

kcalhoun@rockspringsranch.org

Amanda grew up as a military kid living in multiple states and countries until landing in Wichita, Kansas in 1993. She has always enjoyed the outdoors and raising and caring for all kinds of animals. After she graduated from high school, she met her husband Will and they had two children, Christopher and Savannah. They moved to Pittsburg, KS to go to college where she majored in Graphic Design - Technology. She has worked as a newspaper photographer, journalist and page designer before joining the tourism industry as a Marketing Specialist. She has taken her love of photography outdoors and enjoys sharing the beauty of the Flint Hills through the eye of her camera lens.

Being a member of the Rock Springs Ranch team, she is excited to share her love of the outdoors with others. She says she can’t wait to meet everyone that comes for a visit to RSR.

Want to strike up a conversation? Ask her about her cats and dogs or her favorite Disney movie.

aravenstein@rockspringsranch.org