Our Year-Round Team

  • DIRECTOR OF THE LEELANAU OUTDOOR CENTER

    katie.d@locprograms.org

    I knew that I wanted to work at the Leelanau Outdoor Center (LOC) ever since I first heard about it during the summer before my freshman year of college. “Playing outside with kids all day in the most beautiful place on earth? Yes, please!!” But, LOC is much more than having fun and being outside. It’s about learning what we’re capable of and growing into our true selves.

    Outdoor education is immeasurably valuable for today’s youth. Kids who attend a LOC session are able to push themselves beyond their comfort zone, ultimately reaping the benefits of realizing their true potential. Whether they are learning about pond ecology, scaling the climbing tower, or running down the sand dunes, they are growing and learning about themselves in a loving and judgement-free environment. In short, LOC Rocks!

    I have worked at LOC almost every season since graduating from Principia College in 2010. When I wasn’t here on Pyramid Point, I was either traveling abroad or coaching collegiate volleyball.

  • CROSS COUNTRY SKIING DIRECTOR, SENIOR BUS DRIVER, BONFIRE MAESTRO

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    weldon@leelanau-kohahna.org

    Well-Done has the privilege of living at LOC Year-Round and raising his family on the shores of Pyramid Point. While other duties have been assigned over the years his true passions are teaching Cross Country Skiing classes in the Winter, leading songs around the Bonfire, facilitating large Group Games on the Lawn, and performing a bit of Magic on the deck.

    He is also our most tenured and accomplished Dune School Professor, having received his Dune School Doctorate (a.k.a. Bus License) in 2010. Wildlife Bio, Pioneer Tools, Team Building, Ropes Course, and Aerospace Engineering are areas of expertise as well.

  • DIRECTOR OF CAMP KOHAHNA

    pippi@leelanau-kohahna.org

    2005 brought together a beautiful fall and my first time in Northern Michigan. I arrived here to work my first season at The Leelanau Outdoor Center, and I was immediately hooked. All I could think about was, “How can I figure out a way to live up here all year long?” Well, after working many seasons as a LOC staff member, summers as counselor at Kohahna, and five years as the LOC program coordinator, I’m still here and couldn’t be more thrilled to have the opportunity to continue serving camp as the Kohahna Director.

    I took to Kohahna immediately and recognized the value in what Kohahna brings to campers and counselors. I’ve grown a lot in my many years here at Pyramid Point and I’m so very grateful (and excited) to continue in my own personal growth, but to continue to give that opportunity to others as I support Camp in all that it provides for those who come here.

  • OFFICE MANAGER

    office@leelanau-kohahna.org

    I am honored to be serving as the Office Manager. I look forward to working with all of the families and getting to know everyone. I have had so many wonderful experiences from my few years at Camps Leelanau and Kohahna, and I look forward to witnessing many more examples of strength and grace as campers overcome obstacles and find new ways to grow. I am so grateful to be serving at Camp and to be a part of the Camp family!

  • DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

    alexis@leelanau-kohahna.org

    As a native Northern Michigander who tromped through the woods in the early morning with my dad – as deer poked their heads up and birds called from tree to tree – I was young when I first knew the beauty and sweetness around us! The waters of Lake Michigan always call, too; I still enjoy staying in a swimsuit all day long and swimming like a fish!

    I return to the Leelanau Outdoor Center as Development Director to work with donors, donations, and grants. This role is also a big “thank you,” as my sons loved their time at Camp!

    It is important to live with gratitude!

  • MAINTENANCE MANAGER

    erik@leelanau-kohahna.org

    My wife and I grew up and still live in Petoskey and love northern Michigan as a place to raise our family. I enjoy golf, mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and all things outdoors. Having been extensively involved in both building trades and the residential youth camp industry for 30 + years, I consider myself blessed and highly favored to be a part of the physical care and upkeep of this amazingly beautiful facility! Words of advice: Never, ever, never set anything on the bumper of a vehicle!

  • KITCHEN MANAGER

    martha@leelanau-kohahna.org

    Living in Glen Arbor for close to 30 years, Martha has been fortunate enough to work in a few fine dining establishments for the past 23 years.

    The goodness of food, both in its nutritional value and sheer taste possibilities, has always excited her. She equates spreading happiness to sharing a home-cooked meal with loved ones and feels blessed to do that at Camp.

    Martha has two children, Gray (20) and Ava (17), who have been involved in sports which inspired her meal planning and cooking to focus on fueling their bodies and minds while still appealing to their palates.

  • MAINTENANCE STAFF

    joe@leelanau-kohahna.org

    Express joy every day! Enjoy every day. Work hard! Play hard! Be ready to lend a hand!

    I’ve lived in Michigan most of my life and traveled far and wide to witness its beauty and leisure. But, living here year-round has taught me: if you want to experience the beauty and peace of hiking, biking, star-gazing, bird/Bigfoot-watching, or cross-country skiing, step off the porch and turn left.

    As much as any other place at camp, the maintenance is a place of personal growth. With each passing year, I continue to look forward to taking care of our facilities.