Leadership & Staff

Kristin grew up in Southern California near the coast. In her teenage years, she was in the National Charity League and earned the 100+ hours of community service award each year during her six years of membership. In 2008, Kristin moved to Southern Illinois and immediately fell in love with the beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. In 2019, she joined the Camp Ondessonk team as Assistant Registrar, and was later promoted to Registrar in 2023. Her role includes managing over 3,000 summer camper registrations each year, ensuring current and accurate camper information, managing the Refer-a-Friend Program, tracking and reporting registration stats, and much more. Kristin also processes year-round open camping and specialty weekend registrations, as well as assists the Data Coordinator with special projects. In her free time, Kristin enjoys spending time with family and friends, photography, tie dye, cooking, and spending time in nature.

Lisa grew up locally in Vienna, Illinois, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Lisa came to Camp Ondessonk after working at Banterra Bank as a Deposit Support Representative in 2015. Lisa’s role includes taking care of business paperwork, payroll/location human resources, finances, audits, supply orders, and Trading Post management. When she isn’t at Camp, she loves cooking, canning, and spending time with her family.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Park & Recreation Administration from SIU Carbondale specializing in Outdoor Recreation. Her long-term association with Camp Ondessonk includes time as a camper; Counselor-in-Training; staff member; volunteer; and a member of the Campfire Circle. She also is a Lodge of Ondessonk & Tekakwitha member and was awarded the Spirit of Lodge Award and the St. John de Brebeuf Award. After serving Camp for 16 years, Michelle had a career for 30 years as a Veterinary Hospital Administrator. Ondessonk is a family affair for the Bretschers. Michelle’s husband, Dave, was the Camp Ranger, son, Christopher, currently serves as Program Director, and daughters Ellie and Katy worked on the Stable Crew. Now, Michelle’s work has come full-circle, as she takes on her new position at Ondessonk as Guest Relations Manager with responsibility for Saturday Sleepover Program, Open Camping, Rental Events, hospitality audits, guest communications and calendar management, and more.

Sue grew up on the East coast and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Sue was first introduced to Camp Ondessonk in 2003 by her husband and former Equestrian Director, Danny Clancy, and has continued to be a devoted volunteer ever since.  Sue joined the full-time Ondessonk staff in August 2017. In her current role, she oversees the Camp Registrar and assists with summer camp duties, manages the scholarship and Title XX programs, processes guest reservations, donations, and acknowledgments. In addition, Sue serves as the IT point of contact for equipment, network, telephone, and database management. When Sue is not at Camp, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Growing up in Oregon and Southern Illinois, Evan found his way to Camp Ondessonk in 1995 as boating staff. Since joining the Ondessonk community, Evan has served in many roles: summer staff, outdoor educator, Program Director, Camping Services Director, volunteer, and donor. Most recently, he served as the Adventure and Group Services Director. Now serving as the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, Evan is focusing on partnerships, revenue growth, and long-term sustainability through projects like Johnson County School Programs, Forest Management Plans, and OWL & Adventure curriculum. During his time away from Camp, Evan obtained advanced degrees in Forest Recreation and Outdoor Recreation Resource Administration. Before returning to Camp in 2022, Evan was full-time faculty at Northland College, bringing many classes to Ondessonk. When not working, Evan enjoys long-distance trail runs, mountain biking, home repair projects, and spending time with his partner, Gabi.

Paula Foley, Camp Ondessonk’s Food Services Director, brings a passion for cooking and a welcoming spirit to the Dining Hall. Originally from Riverdale, Illinois, Paula began her food service career in school cafeterias while raising her children, and later gained valuable experience at a Christian camp in California. Paula’s goal is to create a fun, collaborative kitchen environment that inspires seasonal staff to return each year. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, writing, photography, and perfecting her bread-baking skills!

Gabi was born and raised in College Station, Texas, but her relationship with Camp Ondessonk began in her infancy as her parents were summer volunteers. As the youngest of three sisters, Gabi spent summers traveling from Texas to Southern Illinois, eventually becoming a camper (1991-1994), Counselor-in-Training (1995), summer staff member (1995-2011, 2013-2016), and Seasonal Outdoor Educator (2003-2005). As such, she developed a strong connection to the outdoors at an early age, which led her to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University. Now living in Ozark, Illinois, with her husband, Evan, and their two cats, Sully and Jasper, Gabi serves in a caretaker role as Ondessonk’s Hospitality Technician, maintaining guest facilities in St. Noel and The Fournie Lodge. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the canyons and bluffs of Southern Illinois and staying connected to the rhythms of the natural world.

Lucia has been a member of the Ondessonk community since 1960, her first summer as a camper. Lucia has held many positions during her tenure with Camp, such as Handicrafts Director, C.I.T. Director, and Head Counselor, among others. Her first year on staff, 1964, Lucia found herself as a 17-year-old Unit Leader in Lalemant – an accomplishment she is very proud of. In her current role, Lucia works with summer volunteers, is in charge of lost and found, and late-arrival/early-departure campers in the summer, and helps all staff maintain their active Child Protection Training and other paperwork. In her free time, Lucia enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her wonderful husband, Larry.

Jess (Sanders) Horvath’s journey at Camp Ondessonk began in 2009 as a first-year camper, and over the next nine years she grew into roles from Wrangler to Head Counselor, leaving an indelible mark on countless campers and staff. After seven years directing programs at other camps, she knew her work at Ondessonk wasn’t finished, so she’s returned as Program & Hospitality Director, bringing enhanced skills and a heart still firmly rooted in this place she calls home. Whether leading a nervous camper on horseback through an entire trail ride on foot or overseeing Camp-wide initiatives, Jess embodies what makes Ondessonk special: meeting people where they are and helping them discover what’s possible. She lives on-site with her husband William and service dog Seamus, ready to write the next chapter of her Ondessonk story.

Nolan grew up outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, spending many weekends camping with his family and friends. He attended Ithaca College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Adventure Leadership with a minor in Religious Studies. Nolan came to Camp Ondessonk in February 2017, starting his journey as seasonal program staff. After a brief time away, he returned to accept a full-time position. In his current role, Nolan oversees the day-to-day operations of summer camp as well as the program department that operates year-round. When not focusing on work, Nolan enjoys rock climbing, running, hiking, and spending time with close friends and family. He can also be found drinking a good cup of coffee with a crossword puzzle or book somewhere outside.

Kav grew up very close to Camp Ondessonk and joined the maintenance crew full-time in January 2019. Kav helps the Ranger maintain the safety and beauty of our Camp in his daily work, which could involve any number of tasks from baling hay to fixing the Shawnee Screamer. When Kav is not working, you can find him riding horses, mules, or four-wheelers, listening to music, and spending time with his friends and family.

Dan’s history with Camp Ondessonk began in 1981, his first year as a camper. Dan spent the summers of 1987-1994 on the summer staff, which included co-leading the first ever Camp Ondessonk Horse Adventure trip. Following college, Dan gained program planning and administrative experience at several other camps as a wrangler, outdoor educator, Program Director, and Summer Camp Director. He returned to Ondessonk in 2006 and became Executive Director in 2008. Loved by campers and staff alike, Dan inspires with a smile and has a talent for bringing meaning to the Camp experience with his unique humor and devoted love of Ondessonk. Dan lives on site with his wife Suzy, and they feel lucky to be raising their four children in the Camp Ondessonk community. In his free time, you can find Dan hiking, trial-running, wood-working, or canoeing on Ozark streams.

Isabelle has been a part of Camp Ondessonk since 2011, growing from camper to Program Coordinator. A longtime Lodge member, she helped create the Wolf Lounge Hammock Village in memory of a friend. Beyond summer, she leads Outdoor Education programming and supports Camp operations year-round. A Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate, she brings additional experience from Touch of Nature and the Beau Grant Foundation. Isabelle is excited to continue fostering connections within the Ondessonk community.

Scott grew up near Chicago, Illinois, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Scott first discovered Camp Ondessonk through friends, officially joined the full-time maintenance crew in May 2021, then was promoted to Ranger in April 2024. His day-to-day involves keeping Camp maintained, and no day ever quite looks the same. In his free time, Scott loves to tinker with anything that has an engine and spend time with his family and friends.

Catherine grew up in Northern Kentucky, working in a show barn and owning several horses. After college, she spent time working year-round as the Head Wrangler for a large horse camp in Washington state. She then served as the Equestrian Coordinator at HoneyRock Camp, the Outdoor Center of Wheaton College, where she received her master’s degree in Christian Formation and Ministry: Outdoor Adventure Leadership. She joined Camp Ondessonk full time in October 2017 as the Equestrian Director. Her current duties include overseeing all equestrian activities, programs, and maintaining the health and well-being of the herd. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys spending time with her two girls Mary and Noelle, as well as hiking, kayaking, and family walks around Camp.

Tanner brings a lifelong passion for horses and a heart for campers to the barn. With experience ranging from competitive Hunter/Jumper training to trail guiding and camp counseling, Tanner leads with compassion, high standards, and a vision rooted in empathy, safety, and joy. She’s excited to introduce new opportunities like English riding and jumping, while nurturing a barn culture where campers, wranglers, and horses can thrive together. For Tanner, Camp Ondessonk is a place of healing, growth, and tradition – and she’s honored to be part of its next chapter.

Kole brings over three years of construction and residential maintenance experience to his new role as Assistant Camp Ranger at Ondessonk. Originally from Marion and now living just down the road in Ozark with his wife and their baby son Merle, Kole is thrilled to trade his long commute for the chance to care for Camp’s facilities and property while building meaningful relationships with staff and volunteers. Though he wasn’t a camper himself, his wife’s Ondessonk experience and his own love of the outdoors: from hiking and mushroom hunting to four-wheeling, make him a natural fit for preserving the place where so many find adventure and community. When he’s not maintaining Camp, you’ll find him working on his home remodel or exploring the woods with his family.

Whitney grew up in Clifton, Illinois, and attended McKendree University, where she earned a Bachelors of Speech Communication. She joined the full-time Camp Ondessonk team in December 2021. Whitney did not have the chance to attend Camp Ondessonk, but attended a similar camp near her hometown and loved the experience. In her current role, Whitney works with individuals who give of their time, talent or treasure to support the programs and administrative needs of Camp, and create scholarships for children whose lives are changed by a week in the woods. In her free time, you can find Whitney cooking, watching the St. Louis Cardinals or Chicago Bears, and spending time with her husband, Kent and their three sons!