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.
Aaron Wainscott
Financial Controller
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.
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
Program Director
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.
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.
T.J. Phillips
Operations Director
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.
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.
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.
Juli Liebengood, CTRS
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
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.
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.
Jordan Amis
Program Coordinator
Jordan is a Program Coordinator here at Life Adventure Center!
Originally from Nashville - Jordan went to school at Western Kentucky University for Recreation and Nonprofit Administration, Tops on Top!
He loves sports, bikes, the outdoors, and all things food. In his off time, he loves hanging out with his fiancé Katie, playing disc golf, cooking, and seeing family.
Jordan loves and believes in the power of healing and growth through recreation and the outdoors, and LAC makes that passion come alive!
Jordan is a Program Coordinator here at Life Adventure Center!
Originally from Nashville - Jordan went to school at Western Kentucky University for Recreation and Nonprofit Administration, Tops on Top!
He loves sports, bikes, the outdoors, and all things food. In his off time, he loves hanging out with his fiancé Katie, playing disc golf, cooking, and seeing family.
Jordan loves and believes in the power of healing and growth through recreation and the outdoors, and LAC makes that passion come alive!
Kyle Yarrow
Program Coordinator
Kyle is a Lexington native with a degree in Recreation and Parks Administration from EKU. His background includes living overseas in East Asia while working with a faith-based non/profit and he’s currently working on his master’s degree in Environmental Studies.
While not at LAC he loves spending time with his wife and stepson, and hiking, canoeing, rock-climbing, and cross-country biking.
Kyle is a Lexington native with a degree in Recreation and Parks Administration from EKU. His background includes living overseas in East Asia while working with a faith-based non/profit and he’s currently working on his master’s degree in Environmental Studies.
While not at LAC he loves spending time with his wife and stepson, and hiking, canoeing, rock-climbing, and cross-country biking.