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 daughters' 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 for USA Girl Scouts Overseas and served on the Board of the American Womens Literary Club. She is originally from Lexington Kentucky and spends her time volunteering as Scoutmaster for a linked BSA Troop for girls - Troop 43G and Assistant Cubmaster to Cub Scout Pack 32 in Versailles Kentucky.

Terry is a Kentucky native, born and raised in Adair Co, describing his childhood as living wherever his father was working.  With time spent working maintenance on a thousand-acre horse farm and construction, Terry is ideal for the demands of the LAC facilities and grounds. When not working with LAC, Terry is fond of hunting, fishing and repairing automobiles.  While LAC has been a new experience, Terry has enjoyed getting to know the staff and property, while also learning more about the mission of the organization. Terry lives along the river in Clifton with his significant other, Michele, and a large family consisting of three sons, two stepsons, and one stepdaughter.

Born into a military family, Emma has lived and worked in a variety of places. She has worked as a wrangler in the mountains of Colorado and a draft horse carriage driver on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Emma has spent the most time in our commonwealth though, earning her degree from Asbury University, double majoring in Psychology and Equine Studies.

Emma’s passion for and experience in equine facilitated counseling and therapeutic riding provides her with an ideal background for LAC. When you run into Emma, be sure to ask about her love of the outdoors, her past as a collegiate volleyball player, and if you want to see some real enthusiasm, her Norwegian ancestry.