Shannon Stuart-Smith, J.D.
President
Nonprofit Consultant & Attorney - Free Agent for Change, LLC
Shannon is an attorney, nonprofit management consultant, avid rock climber, former racehorse trainer, and ex-jockey. A childhood passion for horses lead to twenty years of employment in the thoroughbred racehorse industry before she obtained a law degree and began working in the nonprofit sector. Shannon started her own consulting company, Free Agent for Change, LLC with special emphasis on organizational development, strategic planning, board development and capacity building for social justice and civil rights nonprofit organizations. Currently, Shannon serves on the Board of Trustees for Life Adventure Center and the board of Lexington Community Radio.
Shannon is an attorney, nonprofit management consultant, avid rock climber, former racehorse trainer, and ex-jockey. A childhood passion for horses lead to twenty years of employment in the thoroughbred racehorse industry before she obtained a law degree and began working in the nonprofit sector. Shannon started her own consulting company, Free Agent for Change, LLC with special emphasis on organizational development, strategic planning, board development and capacity building for social justice and civil rights nonprofit organizations. Currently, Shannon serves on the Board of Trustees for Life Adventure Center and the board of Lexington Community Radio.
Roger Brown, Ph.D.
Board Member
Agricultural Economics Professor - University of Kentucky
Roger is past president of LAC and current chair of the LAC governance committee. As a student at the University of Kentucky, Roger worked during his summer breaks as a counselor at Life Adventure Camp which later merged with the Cleveland Home to become Life Adventure Center. Roger says, "I've seen lots of changes over the years, but LAC just keeps getting better!" Roger's regular day job is as a professor at the University of Kentucky.
Roger is past president of LAC and current chair of the LAC governance committee. As a student at the University of Kentucky, Roger worked during his summer breaks as a counselor at Life Adventure Camp which later merged with the Cleveland Home to become Life Adventure Center. Roger says, "I've seen lots of changes over the years, but LAC just keeps getting better!" Roger's regular day job is as a professor at the University of Kentucky.
Rev. L. Rodney Bennet
Board Member
Resource Manager - Kentucky Department of Education
L. Rodney Bennett has spent approximately 20 years serving the community and youth of Kentucky in his professional and personal life. He is a Resource Manager with the Kentucky Department of Education and a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor as well as Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Mayslick KY. Rodney has also worked collaboratively within the community as the Chairman of the Board for 4-H Youth Development and Board member of Life Adventure Center and NAPSA. Rodney’s pastime pleasures involve family time, the Pittsburg Steelers, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, reading and sharing wisdom.
L. Rodney Bennett has spent approximately 20 years serving the community and youth of Kentucky in his professional and personal life. He is a Resource Manager with the Kentucky Department of Education and a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor as well as Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Mayslick KY. Rodney has also worked collaboratively within the community as the Chairman of the Board for 4-H Youth Development and Board member of Life Adventure Center and NAPSA. Rodney’s pastime pleasures involve family time, the Pittsburg Steelers, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, reading and sharing wisdom.
Lee Ann Jung, PhD
Board Member
Lee Ann Jung, PhD, is founder and CEO of Lead Inclusion, a consulting company aimed at building greater inclusion in schools. She is a Clinical Professor at San Diego State University, and a former full professor and director of International Partnerships at University of Kentucky. Lee Ann is the author of 7 books and many journal articles on inclusive practices. In her free time, Lee Ann enjoys tennis.
Lee Ann Jung, PhD, is founder and CEO of Lead Inclusion, a consulting company aimed at building greater inclusion in schools. She is a Clinical Professor at San Diego State University, and a former full professor and director of International Partnerships at University of Kentucky. Lee Ann is the author of 7 books and many journal articles on inclusive practices. In her free time, Lee Ann enjoys tennis.
Joseph Johnson
Board Member
Joe Johnson brings over thirty years of extensive expertise in financial management and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to the Life Adventure Center Board.
He currently serves as the U.S. Systems and Project Administrator at the Interstate Commission for Juveniles, where he plays a crucial role in overseeing national projects that impact child welfare and public safety. Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and a Master of Science in Genetics, complemented by seven professional certifications. His educational background and professional acumen make him a valuable asset to the Life Adventure Center, contributing to our strategic direction and mission to empower individuals through transformative outdoor experiences.
Beyond his professional life, Joe is deeply committed to community improvement through his work with local, regional, and global non-profits. His efforts span religious, secular, and social initiatives aimed at fostering a better world.
Joe Johnson brings over thirty years of extensive expertise in financial management and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to the Life Adventure Center Board.
He currently serves as the U.S. Systems and Project Administrator at the Interstate Commission for Juveniles, where he plays a crucial role in overseeing national projects that impact child welfare and public safety. Joe holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and a Master of Science in Genetics, complemented by seven professional certifications. His educational background and professional acumen make him a valuable asset to the Life Adventure Center, contributing to our strategic direction and mission to empower individuals through transformative outdoor experiences.
Beyond his professional life, Joe is deeply committed to community improvement through his work with local, regional, and global non-profits. His efforts span religious, secular, and social initiatives aimed at fostering a better world.
Ann Miller
Board Member
Ann graduated from the University of Kentucky and currently serves as an elected city council member for the City of Versailles. Ann also works for a management company in the USDA and HUD financially subsidized housing industry and brings 30 years of property management experience to the Life Adventure Center Board.
Ann has been involved with youth camps for the majority of her life and continues to volunteer as a board member for The Cathedral Domain Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center. Her interest in horses, hiking and hosting workshops at LAC has led her to begin serving in a new capacity as a LAC Board member. Ann shares that she is passionate about connecting people and places and hopes to bring those passions and life experiences to partner with all those who work to make a difference for others at LAC.
Ann graduated from the University of Kentucky and currently serves as an elected city council member for the City of Versailles. Ann also works for a management company in the USDA and HUD financially subsidized housing industry and brings 30 years of property management experience to the Life Adventure Center Board.
Ann has been involved with youth camps for the majority of her life and continues to volunteer as a board member for The Cathedral Domain Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center. Her interest in horses, hiking and hosting workshops at LAC has led her to begin serving in a new capacity as a LAC Board member. Ann shares that she is passionate about connecting people and places and hopes to bring those passions and life experiences to partner with all those who work to make a difference for others at LAC.
Ron Wallace
Board Member
President and Founder, Equine Farm Management, Inc.
Ron is the President and Founder of Equine Farm Management, Inc., a company setup to help small horse farms with design, development, setup, and management. Born and raised in Colorado with a Master's in Equine Reproductive Physiology from Colorado State University, Ron has over 45 years of experience in the horse industry. Besides the LAC Board, Ron serves on the board of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, is a member of Roundup Riders of the Rockies and a past board member of the Gluck Equine Research Center. He and his wife of 44 years, Elise, moved to Kentucky in 1980 and raised two wonderful children, Alaina and Tristan. Elise operates “The Ruin” Bed and Breakfast in Versailles where they currently reside.
Ron is the President and Founder of Equine Farm Management, Inc., a company setup to help small horse farms with design, development, setup, and management. Born and raised in Colorado with a Master's in Equine Reproductive Physiology from Colorado State University, Ron has over 45 years of experience in the horse industry. Besides the LAC Board, Ron serves on the board of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, is a member of Roundup Riders of the Rockies and a past board member of the Gluck Equine Research Center. He and his wife of 44 years, Elise, moved to Kentucky in 1980 and raised two wonderful children, Alaina and Tristan. Elise operates “The Ruin” Bed and Breakfast in Versailles where they currently reside.
Martha Wetter, Ph.D.
Board Member
Clinical Psychologist - Commonwealth Therapy Group
Martha W. Wetter, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to treat trauma-based disorders. In 2011 she served as President of the Kentucky Psychological Association (KPA). In 2016 Dr. Wetter received the Distinguished Career in Psychology award from KPA. In 2019 Dr. Wetter received the Theres N. Walton Lifetime Achievement award from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). And, in 2020 she became a Certified Clinician™ from the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification.
Martha W. Wetter, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to treat trauma-based disorders. In 2011 she served as President of the Kentucky Psychological Association (KPA). In 2016 Dr. Wetter received the Distinguished Career in Psychology award from KPA. In 2019 Dr. Wetter received the Theres N. Walton Lifetime Achievement award from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). And, in 2020 she became a Certified Clinician™ from the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification.
Amanda Dishon Brown, Ph.D.
Board Member
Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director - University of Kentucky
Dr. Amanda Dishon Brown, is an Assistant Clinical Professor and the current Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. As a certified trauma specialist, and a dually licensed social worker and marriage/family therapist, she has over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families who have experienced trauma and are on their post-traumatic growth and healing journey. Additionally, she provides trauma-responsive consultations with local, professional helping agencies. Her teaching and research focus on interventions that are resiliency based and integrative of both traditional/body-based healing techniques. In her free time, she enjoys being in nature, going for hikes, peddling/thrifting, camping with her family, and gardening.
Dr. Amanda Dishon Brown, is an Assistant Clinical Professor and the current Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. As a certified trauma specialist, and a dually licensed social worker and marriage/family therapist, she has over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families who have experienced trauma and are on their post-traumatic growth and healing journey. Additionally, she provides trauma-responsive consultations with local, professional helping agencies. Her teaching and research focus on interventions that are resiliency based and integrative of both traditional/body-based healing techniques. In her free time, she enjoys being in nature, going for hikes, peddling/thrifting, camping with her family, and gardening.
Andrew Shayde
Board Member
Account Executive, Correspondent - Live From Chevy Chase WDKY Fox 56
Andrew Shayde is a dynamic television personality and dedicated nonprofit professional with a career spanning over two decades. He is a 6-time reality TV veteran, with a love for the outdoors. Off-camera, he has devoted 22 years to nonprofit work, championing causes close to his heart and making a meaningful impact in communities. Currently serving as a correspondent on FOX 56, Andrew combines his media savvy and philanthropic spirit to deliver compelling stories that inform and inspire.
Andrew Shayde is a dynamic television personality and dedicated nonprofit professional with a career spanning over two decades. He is a 6-time reality TV veteran, with a love for the outdoors. Off-camera, he has devoted 22 years to nonprofit work, championing causes close to his heart and making a meaningful impact in communities. Currently serving as a correspondent on FOX 56, Andrew combines his media savvy and philanthropic spirit to deliver compelling stories that inform and inspire.