MEET THE TEAM
STAFF
BRENDA LONG
Founder & Executive Director
Brenda is a dedicated wife and caregiver. She is the mother of three, step-mother of three, second mom of an adult foster daughter, grandmother of 28, and great-grandmother of four. Brenda is a native rural Iowa girl who has also lived in Texas, Kansas, and California before returning home to her roots. She was raised on a farm in central Iowa, sharing a house with her parents and seven other siblings. Brenda now enjoys living in the wide-open spaces of rural Iowa with her husband Steve and their family pets —two Yorkie’s, and three horses. Brenda is an active member of Heartland Church and a former local real estate agent, with over 17 years of service. In her spare time, Brenda enjoys reading and learning new things. Brenda’s history includes working with CASA for at-risk children, volunteer services with a safe home for young women at risk, and 13 years of foster parenting alongside her husband. She is a graduate of JSMI School of World Evangelism in Fort Worth, TX and has her ministry credentials with Heartland Alliance in Ankeny, IA.
"The belief that everyone is born on purpose for a purpose was the driving force behind my prayerful pursuit of the purpose of my own life. In late January 2015, I found my answer and started the journey of walking in my God-given, God-ordained destiny. Garden Gate Ranch was birthed out of that pursuit, combining an endless passion for God with a deep compassion for His people."
AUBREY
Communications Coordinator
Aubrey is a creative from the suburbs of Des Moines. She grew up in a Christ-following family of 5 and now lives with her husband and son. After graduating from Dordt University with a degree in graphic design, Aubrey spent 8 months abroad in 4 different countries, immersed in Christian discipleship and anti-human trafficking training. Through her work with Garden Gate Ranch, she exercises her passions for art, justice, and restoration as the team’s Communications Coordinator. Aubrey desires to see all people awaken to their God-given identity, knowing that freedom and joy are found in the wholeness of His love. She longs to see the Lord complete the work ascribed to Him in Isaiah 61—that all would be set free.
SHAWNEEN
House Coordinator
Shawneen is a loving wife, mother of three, and grandmother of eight. She received an associate degree in Criminal Justice at Kaplan University, and did an internship at ICIW, where she fell in love with serving the incarcerated. As a result, Shawneen accepted a position as a Correctional Officer with the Department of Corrections. She was born again and began sharing the gospel and love of Christ with the women and staff there. She retired after fifteen and a half years, and felt led by God to pursue ministry. She followed his leading to GGR and continues to share the gospel and love of Christ with those she serves. Shawneen firmly believes that with God all things are possible and that the love of God heals all. Psalm 147:3 & Matthew 19:26
JENI
Property Overseer & Direct Care Coach
Jeni is Garden Gate Ranch’s property overseers and also serves as a Direct Care Coach. Jeni has 3 daughters and a son-in-law. Jeni's "education" has come through life experiences. She has a background of working with children and adults with disabilities, including serving as an interpreter for the hearing impaired. She enjoys training Fuzzy and working with the horses at the Ranch. Proverbs 3:5-6 are her life verses.
ANGELA
Direct Care Coach
Angela is a life-long Iowan. She has two adult daughters, a set of young twins, seven foster children and four grandchildren. She served 20 years as a cosmetologist and has always had a heart for helping others. In the last 15 years, she’s worked in assisted living and memory care homes, residential homes for the mentally challenged, and homes for women with mental illness. She is currently in nursing school to fulfill a life-long desire of becoming an RN. In keeping with the words of John 13:35, Angela strives to show God’s love for others through the care that she gives in every sphere.
MEGANN
Direct Care Coach
Megann has a passion and a desire to help women out of any life-controlling situation through the power and love of Jesus Christ. The Lord called Megann to change her lifestyle and humbly live for Him in 2019. She entered a long-term program where she found freedom, purpose and grace through Christ. She knew then that she was called to help others find the same gifts she received. It is Megann’s life mission to help as many people as the Lord places in her path. She is excited to work at Garden Gate Ranch—bringing hope, life and love to those in need. When she’s not at work you can find her spending time with her teenage son, studying the word, or writing devotionals.
ANNETTE
Child Care Worker
Annette is a devoted mother of four adult children and a lover of Jesus. Along with her work at Garden Gate Ranch, she serves in church ministry, companion care and hospice care. Annette grew up in a large Iowa family, where she always felt loved and secure. She is enthusiastic to share that sense of family and security with the Garden Gate Ranch community. Her desire is to bring stability and love to the children of GGR.
FUZZY
Emotional Support Dog
Fuzz the sheepadoodle was born on March 1, 2024. He’s a friendly boy who loves playing fetch and meeting new people. His role at Garden Gate Ranch is to bring comfort and smiles to all—a job at which he excels every day!
COCOA & BREEZE
Emotional Support Horses
Breezy and Cocoa are Rocky Mountain mares who joined the GGR staff in the summer of 2024. The relationship between our residents and the horses is quite unique. A horse’s sensitivity to human emotions gives them a distinct ability to connect on a different level and provide immediate feedback to an individual, creating a strong bond between the two. This bond can help promote trust, communication, emotional regulation, and much more, making it an effective treatment option for individuals with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, physical health conditions, and those who have experienced trauma. Breezy and Cocoa love their home here at Garden Gate Ranch.