Julie Breitigan
Executive Director
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!
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!
Laurel Hostetter, J.D., CFRE
Director of Philanthropy and Engagement
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.
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.
Sean Diamond, C.T.P.
Operations Director
Sean is our operations director, where he is thrilled to have the opportunity to develop relationships with the community, learn alongside his coworkers and implement new and exciting activities!
Originally from northern Illinois, Sean has a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University and ten years of experience in a variety of day camps, after-school programs, and residential camps. Over the past three years he has been an Outdoor Education and Waterfront Director, certified in high ropes courses, team building strategies and a lifeguard instructor. He is passionate about creating an unforgettable camp experience for everyone and all things outdoors!
Sean and his wife, Courtney, were married at Little Galilee Christian Camp in 2015, where Courtney grew up and worked. They rescued their loving, labrador-mix “Mowgli” in 2017 and welcomed their sweet baby girl, Norah, to the family in November 2020! When he is not working or exploring the outdoors with his family, you can find Sean watching The Office or Parks and Rec for the seventh, tenth or 200th time!
Sean is our operations director, where he is thrilled to have the opportunity to develop relationships with the community, learn alongside his coworkers and implement new and exciting activities!
Originally from northern Illinois, Sean has a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University and ten years of experience in a variety of day camps, after-school programs, and residential camps. Over the past three years he has been an Outdoor Education and Waterfront Director, certified in high ropes courses, team building strategies and a lifeguard instructor. He is passionate about creating an unforgettable camp experience for everyone and all things outdoors!
Sean and his wife, Courtney, were married at Little Galilee Christian Camp in 2015, where Courtney grew up and worked. They rescued their loving, labrador-mix “Mowgli” in 2017 and welcomed their sweet baby girl, Norah, to the family in November 2020! When he is not working or exploring the outdoors with his family, you can find Sean watching The Office or Parks and Rec for the seventh, tenth or 200th time!
Benjamin Heil
Financial Controller
A native Virginian, Ben moved to Central Kentucky over 20 years ago. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Eastern Kentucky University. Since then, he has worked for Fortune 500 corporations and some of Lexington’s most well-known private companies. In 2022, he chose to chart a new path forward with a focus on helping others. This led him to Life Adventure Center where his professional finance experience and his passion to help others find solace in nature could be combined. A happily married father of two, Ben spends his free time supporting his family in all their endeavors and joining in their adventures.
A native Virginian, Ben moved to Central Kentucky over 20 years ago. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Eastern Kentucky University. Since then, he has worked for Fortune 500 corporations and some of Lexington’s most well-known private companies. In 2022, he chose to chart a new path forward with a focus on helping others. This led him to Life Adventure Center where his professional finance experience and his passion to help others find solace in nature could be combined. A happily married father of two, Ben spends his free time supporting his family in all their endeavors and joining in their adventures.
Juli Liebengood, CTRS
Therapeutic Recreation Director
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.
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.
Lauren Burke
Equine Director
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.
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.
Jeff Greenwell
Farm & Facilities Manager
Keeping nearly 1000 acres over two properties operational and beautiful is no small task, thankfully we have Jeff Greenwell on the job. Equally comfortable operating a 5-ton tractor as he is perfectly stacking hay, he’ll also grace you with endless witty remarks and wisdom free of charge.
Keeping nearly 1000 acres over two properties operational and beautiful is no small task, thankfully we have Jeff Greenwell on the job. Equally comfortable operating a 5-ton tractor as he is perfectly stacking hay, he’ll also grace you with endless witty remarks and wisdom free of charge.
Bethany Ore
Registrar and Office Manager
Bethany is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Education program in Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University. Bethany previously worked primarily with Interational Students and lived overseas in Lima Peru for 9.5 years where she Chaired the Overseas Committee and Management Team for USA Girl Scouts Overseas and served on the Board of the American Womens Literary Club. She is originally from Lexington Kentucky and is enjoying being back in the Bluegrass.
Bethany is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Education program in Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University. Bethany previously worked primarily with Interational Students and lived overseas in Lima Peru for 9.5 years where she Chaired the Overseas Committee and Management Team for USA Girl Scouts Overseas and served on the Board of the American Womens Literary Club. She is originally from Lexington Kentucky and is enjoying being back in the Bluegrass.
Nicola Dragonetti
Program Specialist
Originally from New Jersey, Nicola first came to Kentucky when she attended Murray State University. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Leisure Services/Adventure Leadership, she moved to Baltimore, MD to work for the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School. During her time at CBOBS, she instructed students on multi-day backpacking, canoeing and kayaking courses as well as adventure challenge course day programs. Nicola is excited to be back in Kentucky to continue sharing her passion of experiential education with the individuals at LAC.
Originally from New Jersey, Nicola first came to Kentucky when she attended Murray State University. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Leisure Services/Adventure Leadership, she moved to Baltimore, MD to work for the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School. During her time at CBOBS, she instructed students on multi-day backpacking, canoeing and kayaking courses as well as adventure challenge course day programs. Nicola is excited to be back in Kentucky to continue sharing her passion of experiential education with the individuals at LAC.
Kallie Kibler
Program Coordinator
Kallie is from Atlanta, Georgia and came to Kentucky for school at the University of Kentucky. Kallie was previously our equine assistant but has recently been promoted to Program Coordinator! When not at LAC, Kallie spends any free time going hiking.
Kallie is from Atlanta, Georgia and came to Kentucky for school at the University of Kentucky. Kallie was previously our equine assistant but has recently been promoted to Program Coordinator! When not at LAC, Kallie spends any free time going hiking.
Jessi Miller
Program Coordinator
Jessi grew up in Virginia, but went to school in Boone, North Carolina, where she majored in Recreation Management at Appalachian State University. She loves hiking, reading, and most outdoor adventures. We are so excited she decided to stay on after the summer and join our team full time!
Jessi grew up in Virginia, but went to school in Boone, North Carolina, where she majored in Recreation Management at Appalachian State University. She loves hiking, reading, and most outdoor adventures. We are so excited she decided to stay on after the summer and join our team full time!