Meet the Founder

Zanild's vision for Thunderbolt Ranch started in 1993. Since then the vision has expanded from a simple self-sustaining youth ranch to include a multi-faceted, multi-generational faith-based community. "It's not just a ranch," Zanild states, "but a 'home' where one is surrounded by loving family, where one is always welcomed with the embrace of open arms.

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Spending her younger years on her grandparent's ranch in Sonoma County, California, Her roots grew deep in her "country" heritage. From Montana to Northern California, Mississippi to Alabama, Her family was comprised of cattle ranchers on all sides. "Raising cattle and ranch life is in my blood." she says.

 

"Honesty and integrity runs deep in cowboys." she will tell you. Caring for your family, your neighbors and community is just what you do. It's the love of God that pours through you without a hitch. There is no thinking twice when it comes to helping others. What you give, is what you receive. This is "The Cowboy Way". These are the standards America was built upon.

 

Zanild's teen years were catastrophically different. Her mother began drinking when she was 10 and the safe, nurturing home she once knew, became a den of horror filled with demons. Violence and hatred became the norm. Thoughts of suicide came daily wishing for a different life.

 

Growing up in a violent, abusive home surrounded by alcohol abuse, Zanild understands what it means to fight to be a survivor.  

 

​While growing up, Zanild's dream of a future life was that of being a mother and wife.

Known as a "Mother to Many"...Zanild has six grown children, six grandchildren, and over fifty years of experience caring for youth and children of all ages. Her extensive experience includes Administration, Business Management, Teaching, Counseling, and Pastoral Care. As a former missionary to Africa, Zanild spent ten years ministering to Africa's leaders and became the Founder & Director of Simba's Pride Children's Organization (a children and widows program) in Tanzania.

 

Zanild has a background in Music and Fine Arts, is a former School Teacher, Certified Health Professional, School Bus Driver, and a passionate Nutritional Science Researcher. For over 45 years her spare time is usually spent doing extensive research on Preventative & Functional Medicine (finding the root cause of dis-ease) and teaching how to prevent and heal the body through wisdom and adequate nutrition. 

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Of all the education and professionalism that Pastor Z has gained, she will tell you her heart's passion is consumed with her love for God first and then being a mother to as many as she can hold in her heart...which would be the whole world if she could.