Denise Ellis

As you meet Denise Ellis, Founding Board Member/Secretary at Quite Pastures at Green Oak, you will experience her compassionate and comforting demeanor, which is coupled with her no nonsense, lets-get-to-the-task-at-hand mode of operation.  Denise was born and raised in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She attended University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts.  “This was a comprehensive degree—my main area of study being graphic design and including print making, drawing, and photography.  I thought I would end up working at a large advertising agency someday.”  Denise utilized her degree working for 10 years in the Art Department for Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac. 

In 2008, Denise and her husband decided to relocate their family to Pataskala, Ohio, due to her husband accepting a position as a flight instructor.  Denise became a full-time Homeschooling Parent.  Her cousin was homeschooled by her aunt and Denise saw the value this provided.  She always felt strongly about homeschooling, and with the relocation to Ohio, this was the opportunity to do so.  “I discovered a curriculum from Classical Conversations and it provides not only the lessons, but a connection to the homeschooling community.”

Due to her daughter’s passion for horses, in 2014 they both attended an Open House at Quiet Pastures at Green Oak, where they met Amanda Stout, Executive Director.  As a result of the Open House, Denise began volunteering and subsequently Amanda asked Denise to serve on the Board when she launched the nonprofit in 2017.  Denise was drawn to Amanda’s heart for sharing The Gospel and her ability to integrate ministry with horsemanship and leadership training.  The environment at Quiet Pastures offers supportive, respectful, transparent, and authentic relationships.  Because of Denise’s horsemanship and leadership training, she is comfortable doing what is asked of her through serving others unselfishly. 

“I love how I have grown as a leader, and I am able to minister to guests through our 2-hour sessions.  We spend over half the time directly with the horses and 30-minutes related to The Gospel and ministry.  Quiet Pastures welcome everyone—Men, Women, Boys and Girls.  If someone is interested in horsemanship and open to hearing The Gospel, then we are the perfect place for them.”   Parents love that our sessions reinforce what is being taught via Christian Homeschools.  For at-risk youth, Quiet Pastures provides an ideal setting for an introduction to The Gospel and to the love of Jesus Christ. “As our guests progress through the multiple sessions, their transformations in confidence and demeanor are amazing.  We are planting seeds and nurturing those seeds.”

Denise is an active member of New Song Community Church in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Her church belongs to a network of churches who participate in and become a collection site for Operation Christmas Child, aka OCC.  Shoe boxes are packed with toys, books, hygiene items and a scripture book and sent to North Carolina.  From there, the shoeboxes are distributed to children throughout the world.  Denise has been volunteering with OCC since 1998.

As Denise’s children move into their next chapter of life, she will be winding down her Homeschooling responsibilities next year.  “I am thankful that homeschooling has formed a strong foundation in my girls.”  Denise Ellis is grateful for her opportunity to invest in the lives of others through homeschooling, volunteering, and serving on the Board of Quiet Pastures.  “Serving at Quiet Pastures is like a dream come true, as I have always wanted to own a horse and be around horses.  Here I get to do both!”