The Ranch Community

Cheryl Rosen, RN, started at The Ranch as a massage therapist, esthetician, and colon hydrotherapist, but quickly expanded her knowledge, leadership skills, and passion for the guest experience in her current role as Wellness Operations Supervisor. She has previously worked across a wide range of luxury hospitality and wellness settings, including prestigious five-star properties from Manhattan to the Adirondacks, as well as founding and operating her own day spa. At The Ranch, Cheryl seeks to inspire team members to bring their best each day, all while connecting with and supporting our guests as they work towards their individual goals. In her free time, you can find her cooking something healthy, kayaking on a lake, or breathing new life into a good fixer-upper.

Christopher Acevedo is the Director of Housekeeping at The Ranch Hudson Valley. Prior to The Ranch, Chris spent 15 years in various hospitality roles, including prior experience at Relais & Châteaux properties. When he's not at The Ranch, Chris spends most of his time with his wife Ayse, traveling and enjoying their life together.

Edwin Ignacio is the Sous Chef at The Ranch Malibu, where he helps create thoughtful, wellness-focused dining experiences for our guests. He is passionate about crafting flavorful, seasonal dishes that showcase fresh ingredients while supporting a healthy lifestyle. When he's not at The Ranch, he enjoys playing sports and spending quality time with family and friends.

Gerardo Gonzalez is the Executive Chef at The Ranch Malibu, where he translates The Ranch's food philosophy into nutritious, plant-forward meals for our guests, working closely with the Malibu garden team to procure fresh produce daily. Prior to The Ranch, he was the Director of Food & Culture at Palm Heights in Grand Cayman, helping define its distinctive culinary identity through immersive programming and community-driven experiences. His work has also included culinary direction for land-based projects such as Salmon Creek Farm in Mendocino, California, a residency at The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, service on the advisory board of Active Cultures LA, and freelance collaborations across hospitality, wellness, art, fashion, and lifestyle.

Gina McAlpin is the Director of Programming & Partnerships at The Ranch, where she brings the brand's wellness philosophy to life through innovative programming and purpose-driven partnerships. Since joining during the Hudson Valley property's pre-opening phase, Gina has played an integral role in the brand's expansion to the East Coast, helping launch and shape the property's operations, guest experience, and programming. Prior to The Ranch, she held leadership roles in operations and marketing at Barry's, which deepened her passion for experiential wellness and hospitality. Gina holds a Master's degree in Integrative Nutrition and values a whole-body approach to health that includes food, movement, time in nature, and meaningful human connection. When she's not at The Ranch, Gina enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Rainier, exploring local spots across New York and New Jersey, and trying new recipes inspired by seasonal ingredients.

Henry Etchison is the Garden Manager at The Ranch Malibu, a horticulturist and regenerative agriculture expert with a passion for cultivating productive, ecologically resilient landscapes. At The Ranch Malibu, he oversees the daily operations of a six-acre, CCOF-certified regenerative organic garden, leading a team that manages vegetable production, orchards, greenhouse operations, livestock care, compost systems, irrigation, and habitat restoration, all while working closely with the culinary team to supply fresh seasonal produce. His work reflects a deep commitment to soil health, biodiversity, sustainable food production, and creating landscapes that support both environmental stewardship and meaningful guest experiences. He combines formal training in sustainable horticulture and permaculture with years of hands-on experience in organic food production and regenerative land stewardship. Henry completed a Sustainable Horticulture residency at Schumacher College and earned a Permaculture Design Certificate.

Jordan Novander is the on-site Property Manager and Facilities Maintenance Manager at The Ranch Malibu. With an in-depth knowledge of plants and their needs, Jordan serves as the resident "plant doctor" for The Ranch Malibu; as a master woodworker, he builds custom-designed projects that enhance the property's flow and décor. Jordan brings over two decades of carpentry, construction, and organic farming experience to the role. His certifications include Permaculture Design, Cabinetry & Millwork, and Heavy Machinery, and he specializes in developing farms and ranches for maximum quality and sustainable production. When he's not at The Ranch, Jordan is a passionate surfer and snowboarder, always in search of big waves anywhere in the world.

Josh Brillhart is the General Manager at The Ranch Hudson Valley, where he leads all operations and serves as the driving force behind seamless guest journeys, financial success, and high employee satisfaction. Josh brings a broad range of leadership experience that blends a lifetime passion for nature with over a decade of luxury and experiential hospitality from notable hospitality organizations, including Atlantic Hospitality, Terramor Outdoor Resort, AutoCamp, Aimbridge Hospitality, and Omni Hotels and Resorts. When he's not at The Ranch, Josh spends most of his time making memories with his wife, Hailey, and their two dogs, O'Connell and Roux.

Julius Crisan is the Executive Chef at The Ranch Hudson Valley, where he translates The Ranch's food philosophy into nutritious, plant-forward meals for our guests. His "food as medicine" approach is informed by experience across many environments—catering, the movie industry, investment firms, professional sports, and high-profile private homes. Growing up in rural Transylvania, Julius developed a deep relationship with high-quality foods, where the farm-to-table concept was embedded into cooking from an early age. He expanded his expertise with a degree in Culinary Arts and Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University.

Lisa Boolootian is Senior Vice President of Operations at The Ranch, where she oversees the guest experience and daily operations across The Ranch Malibu and The Ranch Hudson Valley. Since joining in 2013, Lisa has been central to the company's evolution from a single iconic destination into a globally recognized wellness brand, guiding its expansion into Hudson Valley, domestic and international pop-ups, and the ongoing refinement of the guest experience—all while preserving the personalized service and authentic hospitality that define The Ranch. Before joining, she spent more than a decade at Rushes, a premier post-production company, as Director of Operations and Executive Producer, where she led business operations, strategic planning, and client relationships for a high-profile clientele. Lisa embraces The Ranch's philosophy that wellness extends beyond fitness and nutrition to meaningful human connection, nature, and purpose, and she is passionate about building strong teams and mentoring future leaders. When she's not at The Ranch, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and finding inspiration in nature—values that reflect both her personal life and her passion for wellness.

Mario Fuentes is the Office Manager for The Ranch Malibu, where he manages and curates guest schedules and experiences while coordinating the behind-the-scenes details that keep the property and the program running seamlessly. When he's not at The Ranch, you'll usually find Mario behind a camera, putting his B.A. in Commercial Photography to good use, or on a mat in a heated yoga class. He is also a proud dog dad to Oso, who keeps life entertaining and reminds him every day not to take himself too seriously.

Raul De Los Santos is the Housekeeping Manager at The Ranch Malibu. Prior to The Ranch, Raul held various hospitality supervising roles, managing housekeeping operations for the Mandarin Hotel, West Hollywood and PRG Hospitality Group. When he's not at The Ranch, you can find Raul playing soccer, going to the beach, hiking, camping, and experiencing new places.

Savannah Milazzo is the Program Coordinator at The Ranch Hudson Valley, where she coordinates program scheduling. Prior to this, she was at The Ranch Malibu as an Administrative Assistant. When she’s not at the Ranch, you can find her in a heated workout class, exploring new restaurants, or hopping on a plane to somewhere fun.

Sheena Perrone is the Director of Guest Relations at The Ranch, where she leads the team dedicated to creating a warm, thoughtful, and personalized experience for each and every guest. When she's not at The Ranch, Sheena enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and spending weekends cheering on her kiddos from the soccer sidelines—usually with her camera in hand as the family’s unofficial team photographer.

Victoria Nickle is President of The Ranch, where she leads the strategic vision and operations of the award-winning wellness hospitality brand across its Malibu and Hudson Valley properties. With nearly three decades of experience in luxury hospitality and wellness, Victoria has held executive leadership roles with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Soho House, and other globally recognized brands, driving growth, elevating guest experiences, and developing innovative wellness concepts. Passionate about creating meaningful experiences, Victoria believes that exceptional hospitality is rooted in genuine human connection, thoughtful leadership, and an unwavering commitment to wellbeing. She enjoys building high-performing teams, fostering strong partnerships, and helping guests reconnect with themselves through nature, movement, and healthy living. When she's not at The Ranch, you'll likely find Victoria hiking a mountain trail, trying a new healthy recipe in the kitchen, or finishing a book at lightning speed—she's an avid speed reader who always has her next title lined up.

Zion Christensen is the Director of Programming at The Ranch Malibu, where he leads program staff and oversees the guest experience across daily activities. Since joining, he has helped open The Ranch Italy, worked the seasonal pop-up in Vail, Colorado, and supported the opening of The Ranch Hudson Valley. A Ventura County native, Zion grew up hiking these same hills long before he started working on them. When he's not at The Ranch, Zion spends his free time hiking and sailing along the California coast, taking full advantage of the clear California weather.