Our Team

Dennis and Nancy Blake

President Emeritus | Founders of Freedom Gates Boys Ranch

We are the founders of Freedom Gates Boys Ranch and have served since it began in 2017. Our journey started with nearly 30 years of foster care, and God called us to provide a safe place for boys from hard places. We stay involved in every aspect of the ranch, from caring for the boys and leading devotions to supporting the office and serving on the board.

Our motivation comes from seeing boys grow spiritually, learn to love the Lord, and develop strong character. Dennis has a degree in Psychology and a master’s in Education Administration, with experience teaching, serving as a principal, leading Bible studies, coaching, and fostering children. Nancy has a degree in Elementary Education and experience in daycare, foster care, teaching, and mentoring youth.

We have four children—three boys and a girl—plus a foster son we raised who calls us mom and dad, and 12 grandchildren. As a family, we enjoy traveling, camping, boating, skiing, sports, and church activities. Our family life and ministry have always been closely connected, and we continue to pour our hearts into the boys at Freedom Gates.

Michael Simpson

President | Outreach Director | House Parent

When I was 19, I met a man named Dennis Blake. He told me of a dream he had to start a boys ranch for young men with no hope — a place where they could experience safety, love, and a relationship with Christ. I was convinced that, in some way, I was called to be part of this ministry. I began mentoring and working with his foster sons. I never would have believed that nine years later I would have the privilege of serving as the full-time President and House Parent of this ministry.

A lot has changed since then. We are now an established organization with an amazing program. We work long-term with young men and their families. We have a beautiful campus that continues to expand. What hasn’t changed is our passion to show young men that life can be amazing, that they can heal from the hurts they have experienced, and that they have a God in heaven who loves them more than can be expressed.

Since March of 2020, I have served as full-time President. This change has been both a great challenge and a tremendous blessing. With the continued favor of God, we will grow Freedom Gates Boys Ranch and continue helping young men heal and grow into men of uncompromising character.

Ariel Simpson

House Parent

I have served at Freedom Gates Boys Ranch since 2011, starting as a respite house parent and moving into a full-time house parenting role in 2019. I care for the boys each day by cooking, cleaning, and making sure they have what they need. I also help around the ranch by caring for animals, cooking for staff and students, maintaining guest housing, and working in the garden.

I came to Freedom Gates by helping my husband provide respite care during a time of need. That experience quickly turned into a calling. I am motivated by the opportunity to invest in the boys and watch them grow in character and in Christ.

I hold a degree in psychology with a minor in social work. I have spent many years working with youth through foster care and mentoring programs.

My husband, Michael, and I have two sons who have grown up in this ministry. As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors, including hiking, swimming, horseback riding, and relaxing together.

Mary G. Freitag

Chief Fiscal Officer

I serve as the Chief Fiscal Officer at Freedom Gates Boys Ranch, where I manage financials, regulatory compliance, legal matters, and administrative tasks. I began working part-time in January 2014.

I was first asked to help the ranch obtain its 501c3 status, and through that process I became more involved with the board and staff. What started as a desire to help boys through their struggles grew into a deeper calling as my faith strengthened. I have seen how a relationship with Christ can truly change lives.

I bring over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, with a strong background in regulations and auditing. This has prepared me to develop procedures, manage bookkeeping, and support the ranch’s operations.

I have two sisters and a son who lives in Oklahoma and works as a regional truck driver. My family has always enjoyed playing board and card games, and that is something we still love to do together.

Kody Haas

Farm and Ranch Foreman | Lead Respite Parent

I serve as the Farm and Ranch Foreman and Lead Respite Parent at Freedom Gates Boys Ranch, and I have been part of the team for six years.

I came to Freedom Gates while finishing my Ag degree at Northwest Missouri State University. I was exploring different career paths when I saw the opening for house parents, reached out, and haven’t looked back. What motivates me is knowing I get to help the boys, their families, and the community while serving in a ministry I believe in.

I bring experience in ministry, agriculture, and working with horses, all of which I use daily. My passions, working with youth, animals, and cooking, fit perfectly with the work we do here.

I am originally from Illinois, so I don’t see my family as often as I’d like. When I am home, I enjoy visiting relatives, catching up with old friends, and reminiscing over meals at the restaurants we grew up going to.

Matthew Thomas

Teacher

I am a teacher at Freedom Gates Boys Ranch and have served in this role for three years. I became a Mathematics Education major in 2014 to align my talents with my calling to be engaged in the world rather than hidden behind a desk. After graduating from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2017, I wanted to serve as an ambassador for Christ within education.

At Freedom Gates, I am able to guide students academically while pointing them toward Christ in both word and deed. My motivation comes from answering a calling and serving others. I hold advanced math certification in both Kansas and Oklahoma and have three years of experience teaching grades 7-12.

I have two brothers, and my mom homeschooled the three of us while my dad worked as a Master Mariner. We enjoy playing board games together whenever we gather for the holidays.

Ashley Unger

Family Support

I serve in Family Support at Freedom Gates Boys Ranch, though in reality I help wherever I’m needed. In my first year here, I’ve cooked meals, assisted with office tasks, supported trainings, and stepped in to care for the boys whenever needed. I look forward to many more years serving alongside this team.

I was drawn to Freedom Gates when Michael asked me to review a job description. As I read it, I realized it matched exactly what I do, and I felt God leading me to join a slower-paced, meaningful environment where my work truly makes a difference. Hearing the boys worship each morning reminds me why I’m here and motivates me to help bring hope to them and their families.

Before FGBR, I worked as a family support worker and foster care recruiter across Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. I also spent time as a 911 dispatcher, which taught me to stay calm in chaotic situations.

I am the second of four siblings and married to my husband, Abram. We have one son, Grady John, and together we love traveling, hosting friends and family, and enjoying life at home with good food and laughter.

Jay Adams

Trades Instructor

I serve at Freedom Gates Boys Ranch as a Trades Instructor, though “Farm Hand” might be a more accurate title. I joined the team in September 2025 and enjoy helping with the day-to-day operations while teaching the boys practical farm and ranch skills through hands-on experience.

My wife Marci and I have had a connection to the ranch for several years. I felt God calling me to use the skills I’ve gained over 45 years in farming, ranching, heavy equipment, and customer service to serve the boys. I hope to give them real-world experience they can apply with their hands, beyond a phone or classroom.

Marci and I have been married 24 years and have two children, Ada, 18, a freshman in college studying veterinary nursing, and Hank, 16, a sophomore in high school. Our family enjoys raising pigs for 4-H projects, working on farm equipment, and spending time together traveling to Branson for shows, museums, and go-carting. Farming and family are at the heart of what we do, and I love sharing that with the boys at Freedom Gates.

Our Board of Directors:

All are committed to the cause of Christ and FGBR and dedicated to bringing the peace of Jesus Christ to boys in need.

Will Schmucker - Chairman of the Board

Ron Phipps - Member of the Board

James Littlefield - Member of the Board

Chantae Simpson - Member of the Board

Maria Gates - Member of the Board

Krista Pollock - Member of the Board