Meet the Staff

Carrie Perry

Director

Carrie began her career with Benchmark in 2004 as a program coordinator in the Day Services program.  She was quickly promoted to Assistant Director of Camp Red Cedar and then to Director in 2008.

Education: Perry holds a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan.  She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), International and Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) certified horseback riding instructor.

Off the Clock: Perry enjoys time with family, horseback riding, sports and anything outdoorsy.

Personal Theme Song: “The Hope In Everything” – Attaboy

Shelly Detcher

Assistant Director/Human Resource Recruiter

Shelly began her career working with students in special education setting while finishing her undergraduate degree. She joined Camp Red Cedar in 2007 as a Field Supervisor, and quickly rose from seasonal to full-time employment in the Assistant Director role. Detcher prides herself on leading staff by example and is not afraid to get her hands dirty.  She values maintaining employee and camper safety all while having fun in an 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 hiking and riding bikes, riding horses, and playing volleyball. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Personal Theme Song: “Cowboy, Take Me Away” – The Dixie Chicks

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 has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from 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