Our Story
Nestled in the outskirts of Sedona, Arizona sits 131 acres of enchanted land. But it wasn’t until 2021 that the true potential of the area was uncovered from the overgrowth and wreckage of failed attempts of exploitation. When Katherine Massey—a highly-driven single mother with a knack for nurturing, was introduced to the property she immediately understood that this was not a place for condos and strip malls. The land was yearning to be rediscovered and revived, cared for, honored and appreciated. She curated a team of trailblazers and experts to explore not what the land could give them, but what they might be able to do for it instead. The idea of returning to a more simple, more connected way of living became their guiding light, and thus Rancho Almasomos began to manifest.
The magical land that Rancho Almasomos rests on sits at the base of an extinct volcano in the lush greenbelt of a cottonwood lined perennial creek. There’s a soothing busyness now as ranch workers, visitors and animals, both wild and domestic, interact and mingle as they play their part in the holistic ecosystem that is being created in this place where everything has a purpose and a part to play. The transformation happening here is nothing short of creation in its purest and most natural form. Rancho Almasomos is growing life and saving the world while they’re at it.
From the plants they’re putting into the newly restored soil to the impact on the local community, Rancho Almasomos is intentional with every aspect of its design and functionality. It is mindful of not only preserving the entire ecosystem that surrounds it, but strengthening and nurturing it to its fullest natural potential. To that end, they are working hard to be Arizona’s first certified biodynamic farm—an approach to farming that looks at the farm as a living-organism, and focuses on creating a self-sustaining ecosystem with holistic practices free of chemicals and outside unnatural interventions. The foundation of biodynamics is building nutrient-rich healthy soil to create nutrient-dense healthy food far beyond what even organic certification can offer. The benefits of this type of farming are endless and far reaching at both a local and global scale.
Rancho Almasomos stands for bringing renewal into everything they do; from the soil to the souls who come to experience the ranch. Rancho Almasomos is a place where one can come to reconnect with the land and focus on well-being in every sense of the word.
Rancho Almasomos serves the families and businesses within Verde Valley. They play host to many lively, community events, harvest festivals with hayrides, pumpkin patches and apple picking; they are a place for workshops on everything from canning vegetables to making compost; and offer farm-to-table events that are as magical as they are nutritious. It is a place to get your hands dirty. A place to let the hubbub of our busy lives go. At Rancho Almasomos, you can ground and restore yourself.
As well as admiring the rich native wildlife, visitors can interact with the friendly, four-legged members of the ranch crew who are an integral part of creating the healthy soil that underlays everything: Punkin’, the burro, Pie, the mini-horse, and Patches and her calf.
Rancho Almasomos is bringing transformation to the Verde Valley and the planet at large from the ground up. There are many memories to be made on the ranch for individuals of all ages. Just as the warmth of a campfire in the winter, or the sunshine in the summer, their gratitude for the land is planted in each and every soul that visits. This is a place of balance and transformation, where everyone can find themselves by reconnecting to its sacred soil.
Meet The Hands That Make It Happen.
Kat Massey
Founder
Kat Massey, was the youngest female member to become a floor trader in the history of the Chicago Board of Trade. Working for almost a decade as an independent commodities broker, she learned the economics of commercial farming production. After transitioning to investing in real estate and flipping houses, health concerns lead her to seek a more sustainable and fulfilling life. She brought her children and her expertise to Arizona where she sought out an opportunity to create something amazing as a legacy for her children – something in alignment with her visions of creating a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to business. When she first stepped on the property that would become Rancho Almasomos, she felt like the land had been waiting for her.
“When I first saw this property with this beautiful spring fed creek running through the middle of it, and felt into all the life it has supported it was overwhelming… to think about how many plants, animals and humans this little creek has supported in its existence and how those beings lived harmoniously together – this became one of the inspirations that contributed to our name.” (Alma meaning “souls” and somos meaning “we are.” )
When she was introduced to the Biodynamic farming process, her vision for Rancho Almasomos suddenly sprouted and began to grow. Now with the help of her dedicated team of trailblazers and experts in the field of Biodynamics and holistic sustainable practices, she’s created a premier agritourism destination connecting visitors to their food and the land from which it came.
Kevin Wheeler
Chief Operations Officer, Public Relations & Outreach
Kevin Wheeler brings over 25 years of hands-on leadership experience across hospitality, restaurant management, and the dental service industries. His journey has been driven by a deep passion for people, whether it’s guiding teams to success or crafting meaningful partnerships. As a Chief Operations Officer, Senior Operations Advisor, and Director of Strategic Partnerships, Kevin has built a reputation as a trusted leader, mentor, and innovator, respected by those who’ve had the opportunity to work alongside him.
What sets Kevin apart is his ability to connect on a personal level, coaching individuals and teams through challenges to achieve remarkable results. His well-honed coaching techniques bring about lasting, positive change, driving financial success while empowering people to reach their full potential. Whether it's helping businesses of all sizes break through stagnation or guiding teams toward stronger communication, Kevin has a natural ability to see what’s holding them back and how to push forward.
Through his own company, Simplified COO LLC, Kevin has extended his expertise into the hospitality and restaurant spaces. Wherever there's a need for creating memorable customer experiences and building strong, resilient teams, Kevin steps in with a fresh perspective and a commitment to sustainable success. As an international best-selling author and a dynamic speaker, Kevin shares his knowledge with warmth and authenticity, inspiring others to find their own path to growth.
Beyond the rewarding work at Rancho Almasomos, Kevin is deeply involved in giving back. He serves as a dedicated volunteer with the American Red Cross Disaster Team, the California Firefighters Association, and the National Fire Council. A graduate of Cal Poly State University, SLO, with a degree in Natural Resource Management, Kevin’s heart for service is evident in everything he does. At his core, Kevin believes in the power of people—helping them grow, thrive, and create lasting impact.
Rod Moser
CEO
Trace Evans
Ranch Supervisor
Hayden Weakley
Ranch Team
Daniel Mora
Ranch Team
Henry Vargas
Lead Farmer
Jacob Barmakian
Farm Team
Luke Barmakian
Ranch Team