Image of Hope Ranch

Image of Hope Ranch Founders

Randy and Alisha Shank along with their daughter Alexandra are the founders of Image of Hope Ranch, Inc.  They are a family of 6 including Logan who helps out on the ranch and Kristyn and Josh who are both married and live in Louisiana and Ohio.  Although originally from Ohio, when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 they felt called by God to help with recovery in Gulfport, Mississippi.  In 2011 Randy and Alisha along with 2 of their children Logan and Alex moved to Indiana.  Alisha and Alex take care of the daily needs of the horses while helping Randy and Logan maintain the ranch by building stalls, paddocks, fences and anything else that needs fixed.
Because their own family went through some difficult times and yet received many blessings from others, they decided to give back by providing a ministry that would help heal emotionally struggling children and adults.  Their prayer is that anyone who comes to Image of Hope Ranch can feel the relaxing atmosphere it provides and will call this place their sanctuary.

Image of Hope Ranch Board of Directors

Sandi Deardorf, President 
Sandi is a local business owner who works with non-profit organizations and businesses in our community.  Marketing knowledge is one of many things she brings to Image of Hope Ranch. Sandi is also the grant writer for Image of Hope.

Becky Maldeney, Vice President 

Becky and her family live in Auburn.  As the owner of Northeast Indiana Realty she brings to Image of Hope years of business experience and a passion for helping others.  

Gil Tallman, Treasurer  

Gil is from Fort Wayne Indiana and has spent the last 50 years in the financial industry.  He  brings to Image of Hope Ranch years of business experience and a strong faith in God.

Sarah Lapadot, Secretary

Sarah is the owner of Auburn Massage Centre and has been a massage therapist for over 20 years.  With her knowledge of massage and MFR training on horses she volunteers her time at Image of Hope Ranch helping the horses stay physically healthy.

​Larry Seiler, Board Member 

Larry is a resident and business owner in Auburn.  He not only has years of business experience, but at one time rode his own horse at the same location of Image of Hope Ranch.

McKenna Clifford, Board Member

​McKenna is a local agriculturalist with a passion for giving back to the community, especially the next generation. Her years on the farm and around livestock have shown her first hand the positive impact agriculture can have on an individual's mental and physical wellbeing.

Amber Gaskill, Board Member

Amber has a heart to serve and having a horse of her own, understands the mental health benefits that equine provide.  She is a local business woman and brings her creativity and art for planning fundraisers to Image of Hope Ranch.

Alex Shank, Board Member

​Alex has years of experience with horses and working with teens through equine lessons. She is also the Family Focus Program Coordinator for Image of Hope Ranch. 

Allie Cochran, Board Member

Allie is the Resource Coordinator for United Way of DeKalb County and works very hard to help our community. She has a heart for others and has experience with nonprofit organizations.

Patricia Walter, Board Member

Patricia has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to horses.  She is a Vet Tech for a veterinarian, is a PATH Certified Riding Instructor and a strong Christian woman who believes in the power of healing that horses provide.​

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Kent Jacquay, Board Member

Kent has spent over 19 years teaching children about God and 9 years as a leader of JBQ.  He is the owner of Index Resource Center, a company that provides technical analysis for the financial services industry and also has a talent for marketing.