Nancy Saamer: The Horse Enthusiast 🐎
Nancy is the heart of the ranch's equestrian operations. With an impressive 30+ years of experience as a horse trainer and riding instructor, her life has been dedicated to equine excellence. Nancy's philosophy is that horses are the greatest teachers because they read the energy around them, offering honest, non-judgmental feedback. She has over six years of experience incorporating this belief into her work with youth and adults facing mental health challenges through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), a program she helps facilitate at the ranch.
Val Saamer: The Wine Connoisseur 🍷
Val is the driving force behind the Monkey Island Winery, bringing over 45 years of rich experience in the food and wine industry. His fascinating career includes:
- Managing the "Wine Room" at the iconic 95th Restaurant on the top Chicago's John Hancock Building.
- Teaching Dining Room Service for the prestigious Johnson and Wales Culinary School.
- Hosting a pre-auction dinner for Christie's Auction House where he handled rare wines dating back to the 1800s.
His journey into winemaking began at the ranch in 2004, planting the first vines for what would become a beloved local winery. Together, Val and Nancy have cultivated a unique haven where the joy of horses and the pleasure of fine wine meet.