Grizzly Creek Ranch staff members are carefully selected through applications and personal interviews, and undergo a thorough background check.

Our staff members perform such functions as lifeguard, challenge course supervisor, kitchen workers, camp maintenance, and program managers. Camp counselors, the folks who work directly with the campers, are volunteers and staff members of the nonprofit organizations that bring their campers to Grizzly Creek Ranch.

Ann Perez, Executive Director

Previous to accepting the position of Executive Director, Ann Perez spent nineteen years in the field of special education. In the classroom as a teacher, Ann cultivated a hands-on understanding of the many kinds of needs children with physical, mental and developmental disabilities have. In the office, her role as a county special education program administrator insured that a county-wide program would succeed in providing the best possible curriculum for a group of young individuals who require many different sets of learning tools.

As a part-time faculty member and guest lecturer in the Department of Special Education at California State University, Sacramento, Ms. Perez was in the position to train others how to build the capacities of those with special needs. In addition to Ann’s experience, knowledge and expertise, her passion for assisting challenged youth with their individual growth and development goals will greatly enhance the organizations that partner with Grizzly Creek Ranch in their ability to improve the health, independence and life skills of the children they serve.

Ann has a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education, a K-12 Teaching Credential, a Masters Degree in Special Education and a Specialist/Severe Handicapped Credential, all from California State University, Sacramento.

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Marsha Barnett, Camp Manager

Camp Manager, Marsha Barnett brings 35 years experience in recreation, facility and hospitality management to Grizzly Creek Ranch. She began building her knowledge of working with children, teens and adult groups as a teenager.

Marsha has a strong activity programming background ranging from aquatics, nature trails, crafts, sports leagues, fishing, boating, and archery, It was her love of the outdoors and working with people that inspired her to graduate from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Administration.

She has extensive experience in food service, programming, personnel management and facility maintenance. Marsha enjoys helping groups plan and organize their camp program and she is on hand to make certain that every aspect of their Grizzly Creek Ranch experience meets or exceeds their expectations.

Her "hands on" management style enables her to easily communicate with camp staff, visiting staff and campers. Her strengths include making guests feel comfortable, close follow-up of details and creative problem solving.

Marsha has been married for 30 years to her husband Bob and they are very proud of three grown sons who live in the San Francisco Bay area.

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John Chiatovich, Facilities Maintenance Manager

Facilities Maintenance Manager John Chiatovich has lived in the Portola area for 25 years. He has a wide variety of maintenance experience and construction knowledge. As a licensed California contractor he has in depth understanding of building codes and planning requirements in Plumas County.

John was the Maintenance Manager of the Graeagle Meadows Homeowners Association where he gained a special appreciation for all aspects, large and small of facility needs.

He has worked with special needs students as an aid for the Plumas Unified School District, as well as working custodial duties for Portola High School, Middle School, and Elementary School.

He also brings an extensive background in maintenance and fabrication from his eight years experience as Lead Maintenance Mill Wright for Sierra Pacific Industries, Loyalton California Division. John’s love of the outdoors, and special appreciation and knowledge of our unique area lends to his eagerness to share those experiences with others. His outgoing optimistic attitude is right in line with everyone at Grizzly Creek Ranch, who are determine to provide the best camp experience to all who visit.