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.

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.

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."

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)

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’s aced several jobs over the years at RVR, but currently assists our Director of Programs to insure an awesome adventure for our guests. After practicing the banjo for 3 years, she still knows only 1 song.

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 😮

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.

Emily thought that after she was an audience member on Jeopardy, her life had reached its pinnacle; then along came RVR! After spending a year in the GPS internship program, she joined our team full-time.  When not at work, she enjoys being outside, singing, and a no holds barred game of UNO. This Texas native has visited 13 countries and 28 states, and we’re glad she’s settled in at RVR.   

FUN FACT: Emily collects fun socks.

After serving at RVR for 3 years in summer camp roles, we knew Skippy was the perfect fit to join the RVR team.  He is from Pennsylvania and is an outdoorsman; enjoying fishing, hunting, farming and tanning... okay we added that last one... but seriously, nice tan.  His travels have taken him whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, where he got yet another amazing tan.  

FUN FACT: Darin was suspended from preschool for pulling the fire alarm. 

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: He 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.

Paige came from LU to RVR in 2022. She calls Pittsburgh home, but feels most at home when in the great outdoors.  She likes camping, hiking, lacrosse, whitewater rafting (she’s even guided) and juggling... only outdoors though.  If you’re ever at RVR, she’ll be the one with the unicycle. 

FUN FACT: Paige almost went to circus school.

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.

Since joining our team in 2018, we’ve witnessed Rachel's incredible skill in eating breakfast sammies, being generally cozy, and making people feel loved and cared for ❤️. We've also seen her change her last name (😉 looking at you, Mr. King) and take on the leadership of RVR's food services with a Pittsburgh flair! 

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

When looking for a food service specialist, we look for 3 things: someone who loves Jesus, someone who enjoys cooking, someone who has moved 20 times at 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: She drove across the country in 48 hours flat!

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.

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. 

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 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.

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!

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.

Titus has served as an intern as well as program director for RVR’s TNT program.  In 2022, he joined the full-time staff, somehow juggling work and seminary! He enjoys life giving conversations with his Christian brothers and sisters, board games and making music.  We’re pretty sure he’s got an infectious laugh, but no one has ever been able to make him laugh, so try to when you see him.  

FUN FACT: Titus is 1 of 10 kids in his family.

She’s run a marathon, but doesn’t rub it in to us regular humans.  However, since 2019 she has motivated many to experience the River Valley Run.  Hailing from California and Arizona, Sara is married to Tyler, has one son, Tucker, and a dog, Kona.  When she’s not doing something fitness related, Sara enjoys… never mind, she’s always doing something fitness related.

FUN FACT: Sara was born in Panama.

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 three young kids that keep them busy.

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