About Us

We are Pat and Susan Mooney. We live in Colorado and have been blessed with three amazing children: Saryn, Ross and Max. The inspiration and vision for Tall Tales Ranch is our son, Ross, a 20 something cowboy at heart, who is living in Colorado with an acquired brain injury. He is affectionate, outgoing and always cheerful. He has a healthy obsession with tall people and has been known to stretch the truth a bit; thus our name: Tall Tales Ranch.
Ross was not born with a disability. He was a typical little guy who had lots of friends, loved to play sports and dreamed of being a police officer when he grew up. At the age of 14, after years of witnessing his personality morph into one that we didn’t recognize, he was diagnosed with x-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. This is an aggressive genetic disease that deteriorates the white matter in the brain and eventually leads to death. Ross was fortunate to be able to receive a bone marrow transplant in 2008, which was successful in halting the progression of the disease. Our son entered into a new life and was now living with an acquired brain injury, on a new path needing a higher level of support.
As Ross’s parents, we want for him what all parents want: a safe, supportive, and wonderful place to live. A place where he is able to experience community, responsibility, challenge, fulfillment, and acceptance for the unique man that he is. We want him to learn from his community, and we want the community to learn from him!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Ross and Tall Tales Ranch.
The Head Honchos - Our Team

Susan Mooney
Co-Founder/Fairy Godmother

Pat Mooney-Founder
Finance Committee
Laura McKenna
Executive Director
Emma Benner
Trusty Sidekick

Sally McCance
Director of Programs
Board of Directors

Tim Batz
President

Cam Philpott
Finance Committee

Sue Wertz
Treasurer/Finance and Development Committees

Tobin Kern
Governance Committee

Wendy Wanger
Building Committee

Wes King
Finance and Building Committees

Tony Saponaro
Young Professional Board Liaison

Chris Stolzer
Finance and Building Committees

Peggy Clarke Bernardis
Development Committee