Carolyn Bean
Executive Director
Carolyn brings a wealth of experience to our team, including a background in fundraising, strategic planning, and community relations. Most recently she served as the Vice President of Resource Development for Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne.
Education: Carolyn is a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington with degrees in Sociology and Art History. She received her Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy in August 2018, and a certificate in Organizational Leadership from Purdue Fort Wayne in August 2023
Off the Clock: In her free time, Carolyn likes to read, garden, stay active, and spend time with her husband and 17 year-old stepson, who is a senior at North Side High School. In recent years, she has volunteered with the local chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, and is an active member of Fort Wayne Art League (a group benefitting the Fort Wayne Museum of Art).
Personal Theme Song: (What's so Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding - Elvis Costello
SHELLY DETCHER
Program Director
Shelly began her career working with students in a special education setting while finishing her undergraduate degree. She joined Camp Red Cedar’s team in 2007 as a Field Supervisor, and quickly rose from seasonal to full-time status as the Human Resource Recruiter and later, Assistant Director. Detcher prides herself on leading staff by example and is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She values and believes in the the mission of Camp Red Cedar and is deeply rooted in maintaining our motto of Explore, Play, Grow in an integrated outdoor setting.
Education: Detcher attended and completed her undergrad at Purdue University of Fort Wayne, and is a certified Red Cross lifeguard and USA archery Level two instructor.
Off the Clock: Shelly likes to stay active by referring, coaching, and playing volleyball. She also enjoys watching her kids play sports and spending time with her family and friends.
Personal Theme Song: “Cowboy, Take Me Away” – The Dixie Chicks
THERESA PRENTICE
Barn and Facilities Manager
Theresa has been the barn manager and now facility manager at Camp Red Cedar since 2009. She has owned horses for 25 years and has worked with horses in many different capacities including; trail guide, barn manager of a breeding facility, showing, and now therapy and conventional riding lessons at Camp Red Cedar. She also brings a wide range of knowledge of horse care and products from working for many years in supply sales.
Education: Studied in commercial art, Indiana University – Purdue University, Fort Wayne
Off the Clock: Prentice enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and art.
Personal Theme Song: “Free Falling” – Tom Petty
CYNDI NIEZER
Riding and Volunteer Program Coordinator
Cyndi is originally from Overland Park, KS and has been in the Fort Wayne area for almost 3 years. Most recently, Cyndi was the Events Manager for a local non-profit. Prior to moving to Fort Wayne, Niezer’s experience ranged from working with children with special needs to event management. She has 3 human children, 2 of the canine variety and also enjoys keeping bees, working in her yard, and watching her kids play sports.
Education: Attended Baker University in Baldwin, KS
Off the Clock: I enjoy working on projects around our house, playing with our newest family member, Ice, going to the lake with my husband and our 3 kids, keeping bees, cooking new recipes, hanging out the friends around the fire pit and cheering for my kids’ as they participate in various activities.
Personal Theme Song: “Three Little Birds” - Bob Marley
HANNAH MOUREY
Camp and Respite Program Coordinator
As a Fort Wayne area native, Hannah returned to her roots in 2023 after spending the majority of her childhood and early adulthood in the Midwest. Hannah grew up in Wausau, WI and completed her undergraduate degree in Madison, WI. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant before starting her career in Case Management. Across Wisconsin and Minnesota, Hannah worked directly with adults and children of all abilities to access person-centered services and supports that promote independence and quality of life at home and in their community. At Camp Red Cedar, Hannah began as a Camp Counselor and was quickly inspired by the organization’s purpose and community of campers, families and staff that champion the mission as she does.
Education: Hannah graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies.
Off the Clock: Hannah likes to decompress by cuddling up with her two cats and a good book. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, visiting friends, being with family and hanging out with her cousins. Her favorite hobbies include arts and crafts, LEGOs, movies and video games, live music, and sporting events. Hannah follows the Indiana Swim and Dive team, Chicago Cubs, US Women’s Soccer, the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers.
Personal Theme Song: “Unwritten” - Natasha Bedingfield
Janelle Hicks
Lodge Coordinator
Janelle is originally from Fort Wayne, but she and her husband also enjoyed a few years living in (and exploring) remote areas of Northern Minnesota and Northern California. Janelle has four incredible children and four remarkable grandchildren.
Education: Janelle's background is from Taylor University in Human Services. She has work experience at other community-related organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department (Salomon Farm Park), Pokagon State Park, and the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. I consider it an honor to now support Camp Red Cedar's mission.
Off the Clock: She enjoys being outdoors in all seasons, whether hiking in the woods, growing dahlia flowers, visiting flower farms, or anything related to the Great Lakes!
Personal Theme Song: Goodness of God - CeeCee Winans
Belle
Chief Morale Officer
Belle keeps an eye on everything we do at Camp Red Cedar.