Meet the Staff
Shelly Detcher
Director
Shelly began her career working with students in 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 studied 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 coaching and playing volleyball. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Personal Theme Song: “Cowboy, Take Me Away” – The Dixie Chicks
Michael Kuhn
Development Director
Michael’s involvement with Camp Red Cedar began in 2019 when he joined the camp committee while working at WANE 15 as a reporter. In 2020, Michael left the news business and entered the non-profit world full time at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne. During his time there, Michael wore many hats and served in several roles related to development and homeowner services. Most recently, Michael was the Homeowner Services Manager where he oversaw the homeownership program and helped ensure a meaningful and transformational experience for all Habitat Partner Families. Michael is excited to turn his passion for Camp Red Cedar and its mission into a full-time effort as the Development Director.
Education: Michael graduated from Ball State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Telecommunications (News Concentration).
Off the Clock: In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and 2-year-old son. They love visiting Fort Wayne’s many parks and trail systems, going to TinCaps games, and heading over to Lake Tippecanoe to boat with Michael’s family during the summer. Michael also leans into his excessive love for church league slow pitch softball each summer.
Personal Theme Song: “From the Ground Up” by Dan and Shay.
David Prokop
Assistant Director/Human Resource Recruiter
David spent 5 summers at CRC as a camp counselor, activities coordinator, and facilitator. He loved working hands on with all the campers and counselors during his time. After his 6th year, he accepted a position as a full time special education teacher at Valpo High School where he also coached boys basketball and helped create one of the top Unified programs in the Nation. Since creating the program in 2016 they have won 5 state championships amongst Track, Bowling, and Bocce Ball and also have been recognized on ESPN for our program.
Education: David has a bachelors degree in Sport Management from Manchester University, Masters in Sports Media from Valpo University, Masters in Education from Purdue Northwest.
Off the Clock: David loves spending time with his wife, who he met and got married too at Camp Red Cedar and their newest addition, as well as our two dogs Red and Cedar.
Personal Theme Song: Riser by Dierks Bentley
Theresa Prentice
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
Nathan Smith
Camp Program Coordinator/Office Manager
Nathan is very excited to be back at Camp Red Cedar serving as the Camp Program Coordinator and Office Manager. He is happily married and is a proud father of two
Education: Nathan studied and completed his communications degree at the University of Saint Francis. He has experience in management, leadership, and communication.
Off the Clock: He likes to spend time with his family and participate in outdoor activities. He also likes to partake in activities at his Church.
Personal Theme Song: “Lead Me” -Sanctus Real
© 2023 Camp Red Cedar (260) 637-3608
Camp Red Cedar’s programs are CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited, the only PATH, Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) Premier Accredited Center in Northeastern Indiana, is a member of the Certified Horsemanship Association and the Indiana Horse Council.
