Founders
Ehren Plummer
Founder
Ehren has a passion for youth and has been working with teenagers for nearly 30 years. He is currently a middle school teacher in Vancouver, WA. He has worked with youth in Chicago and Portland through Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life. He is also a former youth pastor. Ehren has coached many sports both in high school and middle school. He and his wife are currently mentoring several groups of teenagers. He is looking forward to getting the ranch off the ground so more kids can find hope, peace and freedom.
Kia Plummer
Founder
Kia is currently a kindergarten teacher. She adores the many opportunities that she has to love and support kids and their families through education. Prior to teaching, Kia was a social worker for at-risk youth exposed to or experiencing trauma, both in Chicago and Portland. “I love working with kids, and praying on their behalf. I believe that it takes the effort and commitment of “a village” to meet the needs of today’s kids. My heart’s desire is for our youth to find belonging, hope and freedom through connection, community and Christ. This is the exciting focus of Rising Above Daily Youth Ranch!” Kia is looking forward to opening the ranch, and expanding her ability to support kids and families in the Southwest Washington community. Kia is known for her welcoming heart and making others feel valued.
Our Staff Team
Lexie Helt
Trainer & Session Leader
Lexie currently works at her family’s business in the funeral industry, learning each day about compassion and empathy during emotional phases of life. She is an avid lover of horses and has been riding in various disciplines as well as teaching youth in basic riding skills for many years. Lexie is passionate about Christ, specifically in kids ministry. She has served as a Sunday school teacher at Grace Foursquare Church in Camas for five years with kindergarten to third grade aged kids. Lexie has an energetic and youthful spirit with a heart to serve and grow a connection with the people around her. She cannot wait to begin this journey using horses to help youth grow trust, initiate healthy boundaries, and ultimately grow their love for Christ, each other, and the horses around them.
Tracey Ritchie
Content & Development
Tracey has a heart after Jesus. She believes every child deserves a voice and her passion is advocating for them. As a mom of kiddos with trauma who have emotional, mental, and physical disabilities, she is led to helping children get the care they need. She loves to share her story with other parents who are experiencing the anxiety of navigating the healthcare system.
Tracey also comes to us with extensive experience in events and fundraising. Along with coordinating our events she will also help manage our online presence.
Matthew Young
Director of Basketball Operations
Have you ever wished to have your father and mother around during the most important moments in your life, such as a simple a basketball game? Have you ever had to experience coming home and your mother is not there because she is too busy or works very long hours. Have you ever thought about how many kids in America are alone and what they go through every day? Majority of our youth in the United States have parents that are addicted to drugs, alcohol, and surrounded by nothing but negative things. Kid’s definitions of a good life are gangs, drugs and jail. What can we do to help our future ambassadors?
