Our Story
Founded by the Shank Family in 2017, Image of Hope Ranch is a place where growth, education, and transformation come to life for individuals facing physical, emotional, intellectual, and developmental challenges.
Guided by faith, we welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs, creating a supportive environment where youth and families can discover resilience, build relationships, and find hope.
Through our unique animal and nature-based programs, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening families—leaving a lasting impact on lives and communities.
Our Team
Alisha Shank
Alisha Shank, Founder and Executive Director of Image of Hope Ranch, brings a deep passion for healing, faith, and purposeful connection to every aspect of the ministry. Guided by her personal faith and a calling to serve those impacted by trauma, Alisha leads with compassion, vision, and intentionality. She is dedicated to creating spaces where individuals and families can experience safety, connection, and restoration through relationships with horses, nature, and Christ-centered mentoring.
Founder and Executive Director
Michelle Fox
Michelle began volunteering at the ranch in 2019, searching for something she couldn’t quite name, and quickly found the peace, joy, and connection she’d been missing. What started as simple volunteer work soon grew into deeper involvement, from mentoring to planning events and supporting daily operations. The ranch has become a family space for her too, with her husband and kids serving alongside her and sharing in the mission that has shaped her life in such meaningful ways.
Volunteer Coordinator
Mitch Figert
Mitch brings a heart for ministry, community, and Christ-centered generosity to the mission of Image of Hope Ranch. His experience in nonprofit leadership and his personal faith journey shape the way he encourages people to invest in hope, healing, and restoration. Mitch is passionate about helping others see how God uses their support to change lives in meaningful and lasting ways.
Stewardship Director
Jan Landrum
Jan finds joy in serving others, using her gifts of hospitality and planning to honor Christ in all she does. With a heart for the hurting, Jan has been deeply involved in community and ministry leadership and remains committed to this work today. She has trained with Creative Women of the World, helping equip women in Guatemala with sustainable business practices. Jan’s life reflects a commitment to faith, service, and empowering others to thrive.
Ministry Coordinator
Kelsie Perez
Kelsie first came to the ranch as part of our equine program, later joining the Journeys program where her love for horses and her confidence grew together. Over time she has stepped into the steady, compassionate role of primary caregiver, tending everything from hay bales to daily horse care and discovering life skills that continue to shape who she is becoming. When she’s not in the barn, she enjoys scrapbooking and creating new projects with her Cricut.
Equine Practitioner
Alex Shank
Alex Shank, Co-Founder and Board Member of Image of Hope Ranch, brings a strong faith, compassionate heart, and deep intuition with horses to the ministry. Her natural ability to sense both human and equine needs helps create an atmosphere of safety, connection, and trust. Alex is passionate about walking alongside others and supporting the mission of Image of Hope Ranch as a place where healing, hope, and Christ’s love are experienced through relationships.
Barn Manager
Randy Shank
Randy Shank, Founder and Facility Manager of Image of Hope Ranch, brings a servant’s heart, strong faith, and steady leadership to the ministry. Through his dedication to caring for the land, facilities, and animals, Randy helps create a safe and welcoming environment where healing and connection can take place. He is passionate about stewarding the ranch in a way that honors God and supports the mission of offering hope, restoration, and belonging to all who come to Image of Hope Ranch.
Facility Manager
Our Board
Our Board of Directors brings together diverse experience, shared faith, and a deep commitment to the mission of Image of Hope Ranch. They provide prayerful leadership, accountability, and strategic guidance to ensure the Ranch continues to serve with integrity and purpose.
McKenna Clifford, President
Pastor Ryan Koch, Vice-President
Teri Williams, Treasurer
Anthony (Tony) Tabler, Secretary
Gil Tallman
Alex Shank
Jan Landrum
The Animals
The animals at Image of Hope Ranch are more than part of the setting—they are essential partners in the healing journey. Through their presence, honesty, and calm responsiveness, horses and other animals help individuals build trust, regulate emotions, and experience connection in ways words alone cannot. Each animal plays a unique role in creating a safe, nurturing environment where growth, confidence, and hope can take root.