RVR Staff

Camp couldn't run without our Residents! They are here for one full year and they get hands on experience in just about everything camp related, from facilitating retreats and activities to planning and implementing summer programs. This year's Residency class includes Meadow, Dawson, Jared, Elizabeth, Kourtney, Carly, and Abbie. Tap to learn more about our Residency program!

Jon has RVR in his DNA.  Given that his grandfather, John, founded RVR, Jon spent much of his childhood camping and working at RVR.  After earning degrees from both Towson University and Wheaton College, Jon was ready to take the reins of RVR in 1999.  His door is always open to reminisce about RVR’s rich past or to discuss the God-led vision of RVR’s future.  He and his wife Courtney have two children, Anna and Aidan.

FUN FACT: Jon serves on the board of the Curim House Mission in Nogales, MX.

Brad has a long history with RVR. He was a counselor before coming on full time... the first time. Yes, Brad left for an 8-year stint to work with Booster Enterprises, where he saw a 300% growth in the company and managed a small army.  Now he’s brought his knowledge back to RVR! He met his wife Megan at RVR in 2004; they are raising 2 boys – Cohen and Josiah.

FUN FACT:  Brad is a multi-engine private pilot.

Mike’s heart is for the Gospel. Originally from Stockbridge, MA, he came to work at RVR 1996.  He is very intentional with his responsibilities at RVR, but more so with his role as a godly father and husband.  He and his family serve as worship leaders in their local church and have traveled to Nogales, Mexico on numerous occasions to minister.  He and his wife, Jewel, met at RVR and have 5 children: Jedrek, Slade, Elena, Blane, and Liv.

FUN FACT: Mike and Sylvester Stallone share the same birth day… not the same year.

When it comes to HR and Admin, she’s the calm in the storm—and with over 25 years of experience, she’s pretty much seen it all. Hailing from Hawaii (her name means “heavenly flower”), she joined RVR in 2015 and now serves as our HR Director and Director of Admin, keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Married with one son, a dog, and an enduring love for frogs (she used to bring them home as a kid), she somehow balances family, work, and adventure.

FUN FACT: Two of her three brothers have broken her collarbone, and she once managed to finish a half marathon with two sprained ankles.

Everywhere she goes, adventure follows! After studying Painting and Psychology at Truman State University, she moved to RVR in 2011 to be part of our Residency Program. She’s aced several jobs over the years at RVR and is now our Director of Programs, ensuring an awesome experience for our guests. After practicing the banjo for 3 years, she still knows only 1 song. And yes, Aubrey and Aaron's shared last name is not a coincidence 🥰.

FUN FACT: Aubrey has visited all 50 states in the USA, but don't ask her to choose a favorite - she doesn't do favorites.

Hailing from the sprawling metropolis of Marion, IN, Aaron first stepped foot on RVR the summer of 2010. In 2014 he joined the full time staff. He graduated from Liberty University with a major in Worship and a specialty in youth ministry. Because of his vocal training he’s had to perform classical songs in four different languages. He enjoys rock climbing and creative arts like dance and spoken word. And yes, Aaron is married to Aubrey 🥰

FUN FACT: Aaron can quote virtually every Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Grow up in Gaithersburg MD.  Go to college.  Move to Missouri.  Join RVR’s GPS Internship Program.  This is the script Jennifer followed that has her now serving at RVR full time.  Jen’s uplifting, encouraging attitude is contagious, and her desire to serve others fits RVR’s culture like a glove.  She takes every opportunity to not wear shoes and to drink tea while talking deeply… not in vocal tone, but in conversation content. 

FUN FACT: Jen has an extra rib 😮

Every staff needs a Phineas and Ferb expert.  Zach is ours, get your own. He has served with YWAM and came to RVR in 2021 as an intern. He’s passionate about anti-trafficking and baseball (in that order), and has dreams of one day visiting every MLB stadium in the US. He loves to travel – whether horizontally or vertically as he’s plummeted 10K feet while skydiving. 

FUN FACT: Zach has visited 38 of 50 states. 

When you ask someone what they’re passionate about and they answer, “Cornbread and Christmas”, you typically walk away briskly. Not so with Joiya.  We stayed.  We chatted.  We realized her cornbread lovin’ ways were just what we needed at RVR. This Georgia native joined the RVR team in the summer of 2022 and hasn’t left... this is not a squatter situation; we asked her to stay.

FUN FACT: Joiya was born on an Airforce base.

It's good to have people who know how to camp working here at camp :) Scott is one of those guys! This North Carolina Eagle Scout brings his penchant for adventure, building things, food, family, and fun to RVR, along with his years of experience in Christian camping. Frontier Town campers, get ready for a good time...don't say we didn't warn you.

FUN FACT: Scott has backpacked 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

With the nickname of "Java," we'll bet you can easily guess what Joy is passionate about... that's right— how pineapple belongs on pizza! Controversy aside, she's also just as passionate about giving our Day Campers the very best week of their summer. We're blessed to have Joy, and her joyful heart, on the RVR team as our Day Camp Director.

FUN FACT: Joy has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!

RVR is happy to have this former VA state champion soil and sheep judger on our team. (We actually don’t even know what that is, but…). As RVR's Residency Director, Zach has lived out his passion of reminding people they are loved and treasured by God.  In his spare time, you’ll find him fishing, hunting, lumberjacking, practicing archery, and other hobbies that are generally mentioned in country songs.

FUN FACT: While in college, Zach did a group project with John Luke Robertson from Duck Dynasty.

Seth, or "Monk" as he's now known, migrated from Charleston, South Carolina to Maryland in 2025 to pursue his childhood dream of becoming an Olympic weightlifter. Stumbling upon RVR along the way, though, he decided that working at camp might be an even greater and more fulfilling challenge ;) Instead of weights, you'll likely see him hoisting heavy books these days as he works toward his PhD in Historical Theology.

FUN FACT: Seth has been to not one, not two, not three...but FOUR Super Bowls.

Raised in South Carolina by two homesteaders, Dan still has a love for the outdoors and simple living. (but now enjoys the comforts of indoor plumbing)  While studying Communications at Liberty University he learned about RVR.  After serving several summers, he joined the full time staff in 2003.  He enjoys creativity, music, animals and family. He and his wife, Hope, are the proud parents of three.

FUN FACT: Dan was shot in the eye with an arrow when he was 8 years old.

Sammy's life has been full of action since day one! As the youngest of 10 kids, we'll just let you imagine all he's endured :) but the warrior that emerged first joined the RVR team in 2021 and has been here since, proudly earning the nickname "Cookie" along the way (you can ask him about it). He's passionate about seeing kids grow toward their full, God-given potential, which makes him a perfect fit here.

FUN FACT :: Rumor has it Sammy had to fight a bear one night in the woods. He will neither confirm nor deny.

Caleb, or Subi (pronounced Sübē) as we like to call him, hails from up north in the great state of Rivendell er, um...Vermont (sorry, Subi, we tried). When he's not managing RVR's adventure elements and keeping them in tip-top zippy/swingy/ropey shape for you all, you'll find him peacefully enjoying a PB&J somewhere, staying fueled for his next adventures.

FUN FACT :: Subi has started a water bottle graveyard.

When looking for a TNT Director, we look for 3 things: someone who loves Jesus, someone who relates to teenagers, and someone who has moved 20 times by the time they were 20 years old – in walks Liza.  We hope she doesn’t move again for a while 😊 Hailing from North Carolina, Liza met the RVR team at a Liberty University camp recruiting event. She enjoys hammocking, sewing and hanging with her best friend – her mom, Kim. 

FUN FACT: Liza drove across the country in 48 hours flat!

Grace, or Swiss as we like to call her, heard the RVR call from all the way up in Massachusetts! She made her way south and has since been a camper, TNTer, summer staffer, intern, and now serves full-time as our Store Manager where she's mastering the art of merch and RVR's famous chocolate chip cookies. She's a swiss-army knife on staff, bringing her creativity and care to bear on all she does. Just don't challenge her to a field-hockey match. 14 years in the sport breeds a little competition ;)

FUN FACT: Need a travel buddy? Grace holds dual citizenship in Ireland!

If you can pull Josh away from his guitar, his goldendoodle named Daisy, or his latest creative endeavor, you'll be in for the treat. This thoughtful fellow from Jefferson, Maryland throws himself sincerely and wholeheartedly into all he does, making the RVR staff and guest experience all the better for it! As our AV Coordinator, he keeps our sound gear in order and tuned to tip-top shape, ready to go for every guest group.

FUN FACT: Josh builds his own guitars 👌

Our horsemanship queen first worked at RVR in the summer of 2006. Her dedication to the program and her passion for ministry through horses led her to leave her home in Richmond, VA to become full-time staff in 2008. When she is not working with horses, teaching lessons, or riding into the sunset, Morgan enjoys spending time in the great outdoors and playing volleyball.

FUN FACT: *insert clever line about Morgan’s bobsledding experience here*

Don't be thrown off by this Carolina girl's calm demeanor. She doesn't miss a beat and is rarin' to go when it comes to adventuring or all things horses! After serving several summers at RVR, we're excited to have her on full-time at the Horse Center (and so are all the horses 😊)!

FUN FACT :: One of her favorite adventures was a night under the stars in Africa with hippos nearby 👀

Even the best clown can’t juggle the amount of things Laura does.  She joined the RVR family in 2006 and has kept us all straight ever since...no joke! She desires to grow closer to the Lord and whenever given the chance can be found sincerely encouraging others to do the same.  Laura married a great man and has raised two daughters. She's a lifelong local, born and raised in Greenmount (just over the hill from RVR).

FUN FACT: Laura + volleyball = Game on.

Before working at RVR full time, Matt worked at RVR not full time- and lots of other things in between.  If you enjoy watching people collect too much stuff, you may have seen him on 2 episodes of “Hoarders”, helping folks get their homes back in order.  He enjoys running, being outdoors, hanging with his Weimaraner, and if you need a rubix cube solved – he's your guy.

FUN FACT: Matt is a classically trained chef!

You're in for some yummy treats when you eat at RVR; treats most likely prepared in the kitchen by Samuel— or "Muka," as we like to call him. Muka came swinging into the RVR scene in 2023 all the way from Brazil, where his family had been living and serving for many years. Yes, that Brazil. 🇧🇷😎 When he's not baking, hiking, or reading, you'll likely find him spending genuine, down to earth time in conversation with someone around a campfire or over a good cup of coffee.

FUN FACT: Samuel is a published author! When he was 19, he wrote and published a biography about his grandmother titled "Recollections of a Grandchild."

Top 3 reasons you know Stephanie belongs at RVR? 1) She’s worked RVR summers for over half her life as store crew gal, craft shop coordinator, summer secretary, and yes, even a paintball ref. 2) She’s camped out on the Great Wall of China during a meteor shower.  3) Even when its 24 degrees she wears a short sleeved shirt… the list goes on.  Where’s Stephanie? RVR Office, being the first RVR voice most people hear, or hanging with her cat, reading a book, enjoying flowers.

FUN FACT: Stephanie taught English in China for 10 years.

We were the lucky ones when Bristal joined the RVR team on St. Patrick’s Day 2022! When she’s not booking guest groups like a pro, she’s probably crafting – crocheting, sewing – you name it.  Speaking of names, go ahead, tell her yours – she'll remember it – forever... it’s a gift. Bristal lives local with her husband David and daughter Louisa. 

FUN FACT: Bristal may or may not answer to the name “Sunshine.”  

With his Chuck Norris- like beard, Josh attacks every project with gusto.  His fingerprints are all over RVR – which some day may prove incriminating.  Can’t find Josh? He’s probably fishing or working on something with wheels.  Since 2005, Josh has brought a more than modest dose of humor to RVR along with his strong work ethic.  He and his wife Rosey have two boys.

FUN FACT:  Josh has a pet rabbit named Harvey.

If you have a tech problem, chances are Brent has already fixed it. If not, the joke around camp is those problems magically fix themselves the moment Brent enters the room :) This Liberty University grad is passionate about serving and honoring the Lord in everything he does. Since 2013, he’s used his expansive tech skills at RVR and our parent organization, Peter & John Ministries.

FUN FACT: Brent is from Richmond, VA and yes, that’s his real last name.

Matt (affectionately known as "Double T"...can you guess why??) has been involved at RVR in some capacity since he was 9 years old — from camper to TNT to counselor, and now full-time staff. He may be going for the record! Originally from Bel Air, Matt is passionate about evangelism and cybersecurity and his two cats Violet and Meredith.  When Matt sits at his computer protecting RVR's cyber world, we picture him with his cats, and that makes us think of Dr. Claw (knick name change forthcoming).

FUN FACT :: Matt has met Cliffe Knechtle.

When most kids were playing video games, Jedrek already knew how to drive a skidloader 💪. Jed was born and raised right here at RVR to a hard working and loving family. He's been mowing and helping out with site development projects even since childhood. He and his wife Abby met and had their wedding at RVR too! Jed loves playing guitar and piano and regularly uses those gifts to bless others here at RVR and at their local chuch.

FUN FACT: While in seminary, Jed got to visit both Israel and Greece!

Young is the maestro behind the scenes.  He directs or designs almost every print and digital media piece that portrays RVR to the public.  After studying Graphic Design at Liberty University, Young joined the RVR family in 2009.  Young has also been a singer/songwriter with 3 albums released to date.  He and his wife, Juliann, met at RVR and have three young kids that keep them busy.

FUN FACT: Just a look from Young can make you wiser.