RVR Staff

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.

John “Zig” has spent much of his life at RVR. As a child, his parents served on staff, and 16 years ago Zig and his family moved from Baltimore, MD to serve full time at RVR.  He’s been a public school teacher, a triathlete, and a bull rider – his passion now: his family. John is married to Jolene and has 5 children: Garrett, Abbey, Logan, Austin & Wyatt.

FUN FACT: Zig’s favorite tv show is PTI.

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.

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, raise three children: Cody, Riley and Shea.

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

When Jennifer is not keeping everything at RVR organized, she can be found coaching soccer for her two daughters, Payton and Lindsey, or rooting for the Packers and Ravens on a Sunday afternoon.  Originally from Cedarburg, Wisconsin, she’s worked at RVR since 2010.  She and her husband Gordon call Reisterstown, MD home.

FUN FACT: “Taco is the son I never had”

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 3 boys – Austin, Cohen, and Josiah.

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

Everywhere she goes, adventure follows! After studying Painting and Psychology at Truman State University, she moved to RVR in 2011 to be part of the GPS Intern Program. She oversees the Adventure Program during the summer and the Outdoor Education Program for school groups during the year. After practicing the banjo for 3 years, she still knows only 1 song.

FUN FACT: A few years ago Aubrey decided to change her last name, so she threw a big party at RVR with a guy she met here named Aaron ;) #putaringonit

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. Aaron is married to Aubrey.

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

Music creator and performer.  Pizza lover and amateur adventurer.  Likes small babies.  We were able to summarize Elijah in three short sentence fragments.  He is from Sebring, FL and came to RVR for the first time in 2005. He has 20 siblings.  He’s repelled rock faces, whitewater rafted, and shared his testimony, all while wearing jorts.  Also, Elijah is happily married to his best friend, Zoe.

FUN FACT: He has six tattoos, and his sixth tattoo was the number six!

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: I have an extra rib.

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 an RVR intern, and now full-time staff, 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.

“Hey Rachel, tell us about your family?”
“I have a mom, a dad, and a brother.”
“Any pets?”
“Awwww, Pete the Cat whom I love with my whole heart.”
Maybe one day she’ll tell us her family’s names. Since joining our team in 2018, we’ve witnessed her skill in eating breakfast sammies, drinking milk, and being generally cozy – oh, and making people feel loved and cared for.

FUN FACT: For her entire childhood Rachel wanted to be a pastry chef on a cruise ship.

Since 2010, Ben has bolstered the RVR full time staff with his love for people and his pursuit of excellence.  He is originally from Sebring, FL; probably where he honed his ping pong and shuffleboard skills.  He met his wife, Christina, at RVR during the summer of 2001. They have 3 children, Adriel, Judah, & Isaiah.

FUN FACT: Ben won every superlative his senior year (he was home schooled)

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*

We’re assuming the news of Kiersten’s work ethic has already reached you, but if not – this gal can work.  From 45 hours straight plowing snow in NY to starting her own landscaping company, when she puts her mind to something, nobody’s stopping KiKi.  We’re blessed to have her – maybe she’ll recruit all 6 of her siblings to work at RVR summer camp – we’ll take em!

FUN FACT:  KiKi won a dance competition dressed as a Yeti.

You'll be hard pressed to find a more positive and upbeat person than CJ! He started on staff as an intern, contributing to all of our programs year round, and has since joined our full-time team bringing a smile and high energy to literally everything he does. What a guy :)

FUN FACT: CJ is an avid runner and hammocking extraordinaire!

No one knows exactly where Greenmount, MD is, but that’s where Laura is from. 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. She desires to grow closer to the Lord and disciple others to do the same.  Laura married a great man and has raised two daughters.

FUN FACT: Laura + volleyball = Game on.

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: She taught English in China for 10 years.

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 an element of humor to RVR as well as 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 problem, chances are, Brent has already fixed it. 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. He’s from Richmond, VA and yes, that’s his real last name.

FUN FACT: Brent builds robots because he wants to.

“Sher-bear” has a cat named “Mouse”. That fact alone can help in getting to know this fun-loving nerd (her words). Not convinced of her adorable nerdiness? She’s passionate about beating every Zelda game ever made.  Still don’t believe us? She once convinced 150 5^th graders she was Velma from the Scooby-Doo Movie.  These plus her love for Jesus are just some of the reasons we love our Sherry!

FUN FACT:  Sherry made her friends drive 3 hours so she could see a sloth up close for 20 minutes. She cried the whole time.

There’s not been one thing out of place at RVR since May 26, 2015 – the date Leilani joined the RVR staff. She brings her passion for organization, and her years of experience to the RVR HR table. She came to MD from Atlanta, GA, where she once completed a half marathon with 2 sprained ankles. If she’s not efficiently organizing something, she’s probably watching football. Her name means heavenly flower, and her husband, Jeff, and son, Nicholas would agree.

FUN FACT: "2 of my 3 brothers have broken my left collarbone."

The July Tina was born, her parents worked at RVR, living in a parked trailer. They are still recovering. She spent virtually every summer at RVR from grade school through college. She met her husband, Alan, in music school, and began working again at RVR in 2005 after the birth of their daughter, Evelyn. In 2006 Amelia was born. Tina longs to see people encouraged, comforted, and empowered by the love and kindness of Jesus.

FUN FACT: She played ukulele long before it was cool.

Connie owns Sugar Gliders.  Ok, now that the #1 piece of info has been conveyed (and you’ve Googled “sugar gliders”)…  Connie joined the RVR family in 2017 and works out of the Peter and John Ministries office.  She is married to Chip – who proposed to her while they climbed Mount Rainier!  They have two kids, Luke and Madison, and live in Nottingham, MD.

FUN FACT: She and Chip came face to face with a Mama Grizzly Bear and her cubs while on Rainer.

In 2015, this art lover joined the RVR family. Originally from Washington D.C., Kellye decided to hit the west coast in 2009 when she attended the Grammys in LA – just getting nosed out by Adele for Best New Artist… or she was just an audience member; we can’t get a straight answer.  She works out of the Peter and John Ministries office. 

FUN FACT: Kellye designed a tattoo that includes the first letter of her children’s names.

Jan first joined PJM as an RVR summer staff member in 2012. She would go on to marry Daniel, a former RVR intern and staff member, and accept a full time role with PJM in 2013.  She’s a master at juggling many tasks… like moving to France for 3 months to nanny, and still maintaining her job in the states – how’s that for working remotely? She also enjoys reading, playing piano, and jigsaw puzzles – all at the same time.

FUN FACT: Jan can wiggle her ears – independently or simultaneously.

This mom of two, wife to Mike, and New Jersey native joined our team in 2018. Day off happenings: gardening, getting together with friends, and cheering on her daughters’ cross country and track teams. “I’m passionate about my family – my #1 job is still being mom!” #supermom

FUN FACT: Dawn likes swimming with stingrays!

Ode to Kaycee:
She’s married to Mark, they have 4 kids
Seth, Blake, Lillian, Madeleine,
She keeps our partners connected to us
And us, connected to them.
She and her husband are planting a church,
And she enjoys graphic design,
Her kids wish they had a dog
But so far, nothing canine.

FUN FACT:  I love Rocky movies. Next to Proverbs 31, “Adrian” was my model for the kind of wife I wanted to be.

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 is also a singer/songwriter and has released 3 albums to date.  He and his wife, Juliann, met at RVR and have one toddler with another on the way!

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

Camp couldn't run without our interns! They are here for one full year and they get hands on experience in just about everything camp related, from retreats to running activities and summer programs. This year's class includes Jack, Barb, Kat, Brad, and Nik.