Posted on April 18, 2022 by Laurel Hostetter -
Julie is our incredible Executive Director. She has a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and has worked in a variety of settings in her 20-year career including most recently at New Vista as the Regional Director of Substance Use Services. Before that, she worked right here at LAC in a variety of roles supporting our programs and our commitment to provide a trauma informed experience for our participants.
On the more personal side, Julie moved to Kentucky from Pennsylvania 8 years ago with her husband and 3 daughters. She loves being a supportive sideline mama at her daughter’s cross country, band, debate, and theatrical pursuits. Julie is happiest outdoors with her family, training for a race with her husband, and learning or exploring.
Most importantly, Julie is passionate about our mission and the potential of what we can do through our powerful programs. She is excited to grow our current offerings and to better serve our participants!
Posted on November 4, 2020 by Joan Heier -
Laurel is a Woodford County native who has the incredible privilege of sharing the impact of the work we do here at Life Adventure Center with donors, friends of LAC, and communities across Central Kentucky. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and of the J. David Rosenberg College of Law at the University of Kentucky, and while she is a licensed attorney, you can tell her all the lawyer jokes you want. Laurel previously worked in philanthropy for the University of Kentucky and for the University of Georgia Foundation. She lives in Midway (her hometown!) with her husband, three kids, and numerous pets, and you can usually find her reading, cooking, and trying to convince her family they need just one more dog.
Posted on January 10, 2023 by Laurel Hostetter -
Aaron is our Financial Controller. He has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Kentucky. Prior to joining the team here at The Life Adventure Center, Aaron was the Director of Accounting at Market Management Services in Lexington, KY, where he had worked and supported the business for 20 plus years in various roles.
Aaron was born and raised in Central Kentucky and has spent all his life here. He currently lives in his hometown with his wife and daughter, plus his pets a dog and a cat. He stays busy taking his daughter to and from dance practices and performances. Aaron is an avid sports fan. His favorite teams are UK (Football and Basketball) and the 49ers. Aaron likes to spend time with his family and looks forward to their travels and vacations together. He also enjoys camping, tailgating at UK Football games, hiking, and mowing.
Posted on October 17, 2022 by Laurel Hostetter -
Megan Patrick is our incredible Program Director here at Life Adventure Center!
Megan graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation. She also recently completed her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Megan has worked in the Fayette County Public School system as a para/behavior coach, and most recently at a 28-day substance use treatment facility as the Program Supervisor. These roles have provided her with an increased passion for people and shown her the power of resilience-building work.
Megan is a familiar face to most people around here though as she was previously a member of our program team! Megan originally found her way to Life Adventure Center as a summer intern, returning later as a Program Coordinator, Operations Manager, and eventually Assistant Program Director. We are thrilled to have her back in this capacity and Megan shares that she is excited to be back with this amazing organization!
When Megan is not working, she loves to travel and explore with her partner Henry. She loves any chance to spend time in nature especially via paddling and hiking all across Kentucky as well as internationally.
Posted on January 10, 2023 by Laurel Hostetter -
TJ grew up as an army brat and was able to move around growing up. He landed in Lexington, Kentucky in 2008 and considers it home. He graduated with a Recreation and Parks Management degree from Eastern Kentucky University and has been working to make a difference in the lives he has touched since. TJ worked as a Program Coordinator for us 2017-2019 then moved to Louisville. He is now back as the Operations Director and is excited to continue to make a difference. When TJ is not at work, he loves anything to do with soccer, hiking/camping and spending time with his wife and his two boys who he plans to bring to camp at LAC in the future.
Posted on November 4, 2020 by Joan Heier -
Rain or shine, any time of the year, you can find Lauren making sure the horses are fully taken care of. Lauren is an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist and CHA Instructor with a gift for making people from any background comfortable around horses. She is also from North Carolina, but we try not to hold that against her.
Posted on January 31, 2022 by Laurel Hostetter -
Juli hails originally from California but came out to Kentucky to complete her Master’s in Recreational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She developed a love for the mental health field while working at Eastern State Hospital. When not working, she loves to explore new hiking trails with her dog. One of her life’s great ambitions is to visit all US National Parks.
