Profile in Commerce - Summit Ranch
Meet our Profile in Commerce: Summit Ranch. Located at 18555 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS 66217, Summit Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering nature-based mental health support for kids and teens in Shawnee, Kansas. They help youth ages 8-18 build confidence, executive functioning skills, and emotional regulation through hands-on activities, animal interactions, and movement—in a space that feels safe, fun, and gives kids a sense of choice and possibility.
Summit Ranch invites you to the 1st Annual Champions for Summit Ranch on April 16th. Champions for Summit Ranch will raise funds to expand access to youth mental health care at Summit Ranch and sustain the care children and families rely on. The night will feature guest appearances from individuals in the Kansas City sports community, along with live music from Max Cooper (2025 contestant on The Voice). Tickets and sponsorships are available now: https://givebutter.com/c/summitranch
Jordanne Ehrhart, Executive Director of Summit Ranch:
I serve as the Executive Director of Summit Ranch and also continue to practice as a therapist on our team. In this role, I provide one-to-one therapy for children at the ranch while also overseeing our staff and leading the day-to-day operations of the organization.
I was originally hired as the Clinical Director and stepped into the Executive Director role about a year later. Since then, I’ve grown alongside the organization—learning the business and operational side of leadership while working closely with our small team to strengthen systems, support our staff, and expand access to high-quality therapeutic programming.
My background is in mental health and nonprofit work, and I’m deeply committed to ensuring Summit Ranch remains a place where children and families in our community feel supported, understood, and empowered.
Tell us about your organization.
Summit Ranch is an outpatient mental health organization serving adolescents ages 8–18. The property was purchased just before COVID, which delayed our opening, and we officially began serving clients in 2023. Since then, we’ve continued to grow—expanding our team, increasing the number of families we serve, and adding new services, groups, and classes.
Located on nearly 100 acres with three buildings and a variety of animals on the property, we provide therapeutic and executive functioning services in a setting that intentionally looks different from traditional therapy. Instead of confining therapy to four walls, we integrate movement, play, nature, and animals into the process—giving children choice and space while delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care in a way that feels engaging, relational, and developmentally appropriate.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of running your organization in Shawnee? Are there any highlights or milestones that stand out?
One of the most rewarding aspects of running Summit Ranch in Shawnee has been the way the community has embraced us. When we first opened, we were new to the area and didn’t have many connections. Many people already knew the property from its history as a private home, and it’s been special to reintroduce it as a therapeutic space for children and families.
The Shawnee Chamber was one of the first groups to truly welcome us—opening doors, making introductions, and helping us build relationships with some of our first families and partners.
A milestone that stands out was being named a recipient of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund by Mayor Sandifer before many people even fully knew what Summit Ranch was. That early vote of confidence meant so much and affirmed that we were exactly where we were meant to be.
How do you see the future of your organization within Shawnee, and are there any local trends or changes that excite you?
I believe there will always be a need for accessible, helpful mental health resources, especially for children and adolescents. They are the future leaders of our community, and it’s meaningful to play even a small role in shaping the well-being and resilience of Shawnee’s youth.
As Shawnee continues to grow, I’m excited about the opportunity to serve more families and deepen our partnerships within the community. I’m especially hopeful about building stronger connections with local schools so we can collaborate in supporting students both in and outside of the classroom. The growth of the city creates more opportunities to expand access and ensure children have the support they need to thrive.
How has being part of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce influenced or supported your organization? Could you share any specific examples?
The Shawnee Chamber was the first group to welcome us into the community and take the time to genuinely get to know our team and Summit Ranch. It really started with AM Connects. Those early mornings created space for authentic conversations, and people were curious about who we are and the work we’re doing.
Our ribbon cutting was another pivotal moment. The turnout and support meant so much to us. Having that kind of visible community backing so early on gave us credibility, confidence, and momentum. What began as introductions through AM Connects turned into meaningful relationships, partnerships, and ongoing support.
That early impact has continued to shape our growth. The Chamber didn’t just welcome us, it helped lay the foundation for us to expand, deepen our roots in Shawnee, and continue growing Summit Ranch in a sustainable way.
If you could share one piece of advice with a new Chamber member or a new organization in Shawnee, what would it be?
It can be scary to put yourself out there, especially when what you’re offering is new and deeply personal. In the beginning, you may not have much to show beyond your passion and belief in the value of what you’re building.
My advice: put yourself out there anyway.
Trust that the right people will see your heart and want to support you. Let them. You don’t have to build it alone, and the Chamber community truly can walk alongside you as you grow.
Do you have a favorite story about the Chamber?
What stands out is how many different ways there are to get involved. If one event isn’t your thing, there’s always another option, which makes it feel accessible.
And honestly, the Chamber's Director of Investor Services, Kaleigh Calkins, made that part easier for us. From the start, she was genuinely warm and easy to connect with. At events where we didn’t know many people, she would come up to us like we’d known each other for years. Having that familiar, friendly face made us feel comfortable and gave us the confidence to keep showing up.
To learn more about Summit Ranch, visit summitranch.org.
