About Us
Sometimes the greatest battles our Veterans face begin after they come home.
After her husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mike Albertson, a 22-year military veteran, endured severe trauma and received care that fell short of what he deserved. One tough day, he shared a sobering truth: he had lost more friends to suicide than he had in combat, and he felt he too was losing the never-ending battle in his mind! That moment, one thing became painfully clear—our Veterans deserved a better path to healing.
With more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership, Cyndee Albertson committed herself to creating that path. Together, they began envisioning The Wellness Ranch—a peaceful sanctuary in Baldwin Lake in California’s Big Bear Valley where Veterans could rediscover peace, purpose, and connection.
Today, The Wellness Ranch remains a bold vision—one that will take land, leadership, and a community of supporters to bring to life. We are building the foundation by seeking the right property, assembling a dedicated board, and inviting partners who believe our Veterans deserve a place designed for true healing. #end22aday
Born from lived experience, The Wellness Ranch is more than an idea—it’s an invitation for a community to come together and build a place where Veterans will never have to fight their hardest battles alone.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Values
Community
No one heals alone. Healing happens when we are seen, heard, and valued.
Camaraderie
Shared experiences build unbreakable bonds.
Compassion
Every Veteran deserves dignity and care without judgment.
Commitment
We have your six—always.
Founders / Leadership / Team
Cyndee Albertson
CEO & Co-Founder
Mike Albertson
Position or title
Chef Tim Venard
Position or title
Machelle Venard
Position or title