MEET THE SOAR TEAM

EDUCATION

• Texas State University, B.S. Sociology
• University of Colorado @ Boulder, Experiential Education, and Outdoor Leadership
• Aurora University, M.S. Outdoor Therapeutic Recreation Administration

EXPERIENCE

John has spent over 25 years working with youth diagnosed with Learning and Attention challenges. He joined SOAR in the summer of 1991, returned as a semester course instructor in 1993, and became Director of LD and AD/HD Services in 1994. He has led hundreds of adventure courses across the country and Latin America and continues to enjoy field time with campers on a variety of programs.

John is a Past President of the Learning Disabilities Association of North Carolina and a former national board member of CH.A.D.D. He actively presents to teachers, parents, and professionals at local, state and national conferences. In addition, he has been an adjunct professor at Western Carolina University and Mars Hill College teaching Outdoor Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, and Leadership courses. His certifications include Wilderness First Responder, Lifeguard, PADI Rescue Diver, State licensed Recreation Therapist, and Nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Finally, and most importantly, he is a proud parent of two magnificent children living with ADHD.

Education:

• United States Military Academy, West Point, B.S. in International Relations
• Colorado State University, Masters in Business Administration

Experience

J. D. has a long history with SOAR and has watched the program grow into what it is today. Frequently joining his father on multiple programs since 1993, J. D. joined the SOAR team while in High School as a Wrangler for summer programs in WY and Sea-Doo activity specialist and Rescue Diver in FL. Participating in all of these adventures enabled J. D. to experience and fall in love with almost all of the outdoor activities SOAR has to offer.After receiving his bachelor’s degree from West Point, J. D. served in the U.S. Army for 8 years. After service, he began getting his MBA at Colorado State University while simultaneously acting as a consultant for SOAR. J. D. joined the SOAR Board of Directors Investments Committee soon after.Upon graduation from CSU, J. D. joined the SOAR Team as a full-time member at its NC Base where he started June 2021. J. D. and his beautiful wife Lucee have a 3-year-old son and are excited about this next great adventure!

EDUCATION

Green Mountain College, B.S. Adventure Education

EXPERIENCE

Karina’s love for the outdoors stems from her childhood as a young home schooler in Connecticut when an hour outside every day, no matter the season, was the rule! In high school, she had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with the Student Conservation Association and the National Park Service in New Jersey, Michigan, and Montana. It was during those three summers when she realized the intense healing power of nature. In college, Karina studied Adventure Education and Sociology/Anthropology. The experiential, varied nature of her education led her to have a wide variety of interests and always be open to new challenges! She has worked as a therapeutic field instructor, climbing and kayaking instructor, administrator, tutor, supervisor, farmhand, and much more.

Karina first joined SOAR in 2015 as an NC Expedition Instructor and then as the FL Activity Specialist in 2016. She returned to SOAR in 2021 and now works as the Registrar and Director of Admin.

Karina holds or has held many certifications including Wilderness First Responder, ARC Adult, and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, ARC Emergency Oxygen Administration, ARC Life Guard, ARC Small Craft Safety Instructor – Canoe, ACA River Kayak II Instructor, and Whitewater Raft Guide.

EDUCATION

• Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant License, Avanza Training in Colorado Springs
• Certified Early Childhood Teacher, Front Range Community College

EXPERIENCE

Lucy is a born and raised Texan. She recently moved to North Carolina with her husband Jonathan and son Ryder. She grew up living in a border city, frequently walking across the border to Juarez to visit family and relish in Mexican culture and all the Al Pastor tacos her heart desired. As a first-generation American Lucy’s first language was Spanish and she learned English in grade school. She played soccer from the age of 5 until her senior year in high school and is thrilled to now share the sport with her son Ryder.  She loves hiking, fishing, “creeking” with her son, and is starting her first garden this summer.  She is a licensed CNA and former preschool teacher, where she discovered a passion for working with children and believes children are the key to creating a better future.  No matter her role at SOAR she believes that this is a great place where lives can be changed and where success starts.

EDUCATION

University of South Carolina, B.A. in Media Arts, minor in Education

EXPERIENCE

Holland grew up in Hemingway, SC, spending every free moment roaming the woods of the low country. He developed a love of the Blue Ridge Mountains while attending YMCA Camp Greenville as a child. Holland later returned to the camp to work as a counselor.

He attended the University of South Carolina, graduating with a degree in Media Arts and a minor in Education. While at the college gym, Holland found promotional material for SOAR and decided to work there as a field staff for the summer. As a member of the LD community himself, the experience was transformative. Holland had always enjoyed working with young people, but SOAR’s student population was especially rewarding for him. He spent the next few summers working as a Course Director for the organization.

Years later, he returned to SOAR during a staff shortage, spending the next 3 years working as a Summer Director and filling in at the Academy, the GAP program, and anywhere else help was needed.

In January 2024, he accepted a full-time position as Assistant Director of the GAP Program. Holland is excited to contribute to the future success of an organization that has meant so much to him.

EDUCATION

• Brigham Young University Hawaii, A.S. in Sociology
• Brigham Young University Idaho, B.S. in Recreation Management

EXPERIENCE

Hannah comes from the sunny town of Hemet, California, where her love for nature flourished with easy access to the beach, desert, and mountains. Her adventures across the western U.S. have deepened her appreciation for wide open spaces, stunning sunsets, and unique wildlife.

Hannah’s career journey has been diverse. She started as a tour guide in national parks, sharing her passion for the outdoors. While studying at BYU Idaho, she worked as an event manager and later became a recreation specialist for Army Outdoor Recreation, leading exciting trips for servicemen and women that included everything from backpacking to white water rafting.

Before joining SOAR, she also worked as an activity director in senior living and as an outdoor experience manager at resorts. Since coming on board as the Assistant Director of Wyoming Programs, she’s been involved in recruiting at university job fairs. In September 2024, Hannah transitioned to her current role as Recruitment and Marketing Specialist.

Outside of work, Hannah loves getting outside and spending time with friends and family. 

About

Growing up in a rather nomadic family as an Air Force and Commercial pilot’s son, Ryan likes to say:  “I was born in Denver, lived all over the US, but was raised in North Carolina”.  Though he lived in Texas, Washington State, Colorado, Michigan, and Virginia- summers were spent in North Carolina, either at the beach or in the mountains.  Both sides of his family have deep roots in NC, his mom from Wilmington and his Dad from Clyde.

He currently resides in Waynesville, NC with his wife, Kathryn, and two daughters, Elsie and Carolina.

His passion for the outdoors and experiential education was fostered at YMCA Camp Cheerio, where he was a lifelong camper turned counselor.  He loved teaching students how to roll kayaks and encouraging students to reach for that last hold on the climbing wall.

He attended the Virginia Military Institute and then Emory and Henry College, graduating with degrees in Economics and Business Administration. Though much of his early career development was centered around the corporate world, first managing rental properties and then climbing the ladder to become an Operations Manager for FedEx Ground, his heart and soul longed to be outside- guiding, teaching, and experiencing as much of the natural world as possible.

Ryan is a passionate white water canoeist, instructor, and sometimes- captain of the swim team!  Ever since taking a course from Fritz Orr and learning how to peel out of an eddy in a tandem canoe, the rest is history…..  He says: “ I had no idea a canoe could do that!”  If he is not hanging out with his family, you can bet you’ll find him on one of the many creeks and rivers in the South East, especially if it has been raining.  His other professed “fountain of youth” is riding boards of any kind- specifically surf, skate, and snow.  He is very proud to be a rad dad!

Ryan began working for SOAR in 2020, as a Whitewater and River Safety Specialist for the NC canoe and rafting adventure programs. Prior to that first SOAR experience, he was managing logistics and staffing for Landmark Learning and NOLS Wilderness Medicine in the South East. He currently teaches ACA L4 Swift Water Rescue and ACA Solo/Tandem Canoeing coursework and was a graduate of the Landmark Outdoor Educator Semester program in 2015.  He also is a Leave No Trace Master Educator.

Education

• Ohio University, B.S. in Outdoor Recreation and Education

About

Kevin grew up in Dayton, Ohio, but has been very fortunate to have traveled throughout the world in pursuit of his love of all things outdoors. He began rock climbing at a young age and soon after developed passions for backpacking, camping, paddling, fly fishing, sailing, and much more. He attended Ohio University, serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant in, and graduating from the Outdoor Recreation and Education program.

Throughout his career, Kevin has worked as a wilderness field instructor for at-risk and adjudicated youth, freshman orientation programs, as well as various other populations; As a rock climbing gym general manager, a summer camp director, an after-school program coordinator, a retail store manager within the outdoor industry, as well as a program and special events manager within multiple municipal and county level parks and recreation organizations. Kevin is a Leave No Trace Master Educator, a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, a SOLO Wilderness First Responder, a NASP Basic Archery Instructor, and is ACA Swiftwater Rescue Trained.

At SOAR, Kevin is beyond excited to contribute to the culture of excellence, and to help guide young people with learning challenges towards successful and meaningful lives in any and every way that he can.

EDUCATION

Elementary & Special Education, Western Georgia University

EXPERIENCE

Anka first joined SOAR in 2017 from Charlotte, NC and since then has worked in many different capacities at SOAR. Currently, she is the Academy at SOAR Math Teacher and also works during the summer months as the Florida Keys Adventure Course Director. She loves every minute of working with our ADHD and LD kids and making sure that they have a fun, educational time doing all the different adventure activities they can!  She enjoys fishing and swimming, especially in the sunny Florida Keys.

Education:
University of Montevallo, AL – A.S. in Education
Western Carolina University, NC – B.S. in Education

Experience:
Rose is from the beautiful coastal town of Fairhope, AL. She grew up the youngest of 6 children with her loving parents. She moved to North Carolina 8 years ago when her mother took over her family owned radio station in Haywood County. She now calls herself a local to North Carolina and loves where she lives.

Before joining SOAR, Rose taught as an elementary school teacher for 3 years. She left the classroom with a mission to better serve students in a close knit community. It was fate that she found SOAR! She was quickly taken in and has been a part of the SOAR family since 2022. She is proud of her work at SOAR and truly appreciates genuine connection with our families!

Rose has a long history of long distance running, white water rafting, crafting, card/board games, and leading with kindness. She also loves and adores her sweet family and two shepherds.

About

SOAR grew out of a graduate project Jonathan completed for Dr. Vincent Cyphers at the University of Northern Colorado, reflecting his personal experience with learning disabilities and a passion for the outdoors as a place for personal growth and development.

A current Board member of LDA, he is a past President of LDA NC and chaired the LDA Adult Issues committee for many years. Jonathan has been involved in education since 1980 as a teacher, Upper School principal, and program administrator. His diverse background includes military service, convening of international conferences, advocate work for abused and neglected children and rodeo bullfighter. He is an adult with learning disabilities and has an adult son with his own unique mix of LD and ADD issues. He is a frequent presenter at state, national, and international conferences which focus on LD and ADHD issues. His decades of experience working with youth allow him to convey a unique perspective regarding their strengths and abilities.

Jonathan holds a B.S. in Chemistry and Psychology and a Secondary Education Teaching Certificate, with master’s level work in Education. He is also a licensed R.N. and participates in two to three medical mission trips on an annual basis.

About

Wandajean began working with students with learning disabilities in 1976 at the Interdisiplinary Learning Center in Houston, Texas. She would help with after school tutoring and she and her husband, Jonathan, would facilitate group activities. Once a month they would take students rock climbing, backpacking and camping. All of this was in preparation for a week-long trip in the summer to Estes Park, Colorado.

Over the years it has been her privilege to be a part of SOAR’s growth and development. Wandajean has taken on many roles: Trip Leader, Program Director, tutor, Office Manager, Finance Director and Board Member. Her goal is to be a part of a team which helps provide quality programs for LD and AD/HD youth and their families.

About

Danny is a Pediatrician; he and his wife Donna have four children. Their oldest son was initially enrolled in SOAR’s summer camp program in NC and was then a student at the Academy at SOAR for 3 years.

Danny obtained his medical degree and completed a pediatric residency at the University of Virginia. He then completed a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at Duke University and a Masters in Public Health and PhD in Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research group pioneered much of the methods in completing pharmacokinetic (dosing) and safety trials of medicines in premature infants. This led to bipartisan legislation in 2012 that required the study of all new medicines in premature neonates. His group has since expanded to the study of medicines in children of all ages and most therapeutic areas as evidenced by >300 publications in peer-reviewed journals. Danny continues to lead multi-center studies and is the Principal Investigator of multiple NIH and FDA-sponsored grants and contracts of $250,000,000 in current federal funding including the Pediatric Trials Network; the Trial Innovation Network; the Environmental Impact on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program; and Global Pediatric Clinical Trials Network Sponsored. Danny has won 7 awards for teaching and mentorship at Duke University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and University of Virginia; and he is recognized nationally for mentorship through his work as PI and/or mentor for Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology programs including a T32, a K24, and an R25 to train the next generation of pediatric clinical trials researchers.

About

After sending his son to SOAR for three years and seeing his son’s own self-discovery, Corky was committed to SOAR. As a parent of a child with ADHD, Corky sees the value in programs specifically designed to provide understanding, acceptance, and guidance for young people who sometimes face challenging situations in life. Professionally, Corky is software engineer and has helped SOAR stay up to date and advance forward through the forever changing world of technology in business. Corky designed and developed the Student Evaluation program SOAR uses today to help streamline and archive parent feedback for future reference. Corky also provides “on-demand” technological support to the SOAR management team as needed.

About

Dale has dedicated her life to education since graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 1980 with a B.A. in Exceptional Student Education and receiving additional certifications in Behavioral / Emotionally Handicapped, as well as Learning Disabilities from Western Carolina University. Over the past 35 years, Dale has taught students with learning challenges and now teaches in The Learning Resource Program at Christ School in Asheville, NC. The daughter of a long-time camp director, Dale made her way through the “ranks” of camper, from Kitchen Staff to Senior counselor. She dedicated her work ethic, sense of responsibility, and love for the outdoors to her family and her experiences at camp. Dale began working with SOAR as an Assistant Staff on various Alumni Specialty courses including trips to Belize, Costa Rica, the Canadian Rockies, the Florida Keys, and Peru. Dale has also spent summers teaching English and Math in the NC Academic Discovery Program. Dale is also a member of LDA NC and its Board. Her respect and admiration for Jonathan, John, and all the SOAR staff make her very proud to be a member of the SOAR Board of Directors.  It is an honor to support and represent the SOAR organization and what it provides for LD / ADHD youth and their families.

About

Korey Ramsey received his degree in Recreational Therapy in 1997 from Western Carolina University.  He has been working with SOAR since 1995, beginning with the weekend programs, then he worked as a course director from 97 to 2001. He became the full-time director of the Appalachian semester course in the fall of 97 and Desert southwest semester in the spring of 98.  He then completed 3 additional semesters running the program. Additionally, he was instrumental in developing the NC Expedition course.o

While in college he also worked construction, then worked with a local contractor building homes in between course programs at SOAR.  During that time frame, Korey built 4 of the SOAR Adirondack style shelters from scratch and converted 3 of the single shelters to double shelters. He also built the bathhouse/conference room.

In 2001 Korey obtained his EMT certification, and in 2002 received his EMT/ Intermediate.  In 2006 he completed his RN degree from Southwestern and began working in the emergency department at Mission Hospital.

In 2017 he was hired as a flight nurse with the air medical program known as MAMA (Mountain Area Medical Airlift).  In 2020 Korey began a specialty position with trauma services at Mission as a Trauma nurse lead, while still working part-time as a flight nurse. His certifications include:

CEN – Certified Emergency Nurse

TCRN – Trauma certified RN

TNCC – Trauma Nurse Core Course

ENPC – Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course

NRP – NeoNatal Resuscitation program\

BLS / ACLS / PALS

Swift Water Rescue level 3.

In addition, both his children have attended SOAR.  His son Brandon completed his 5th summer in 2019. His wife continues to work at SOAR helping facilitate specialty courses, and Korey routinely volunteers his time to help with physical plant projects.

Ramsey quote: “I believe strongly in the mission of SOAR and would consider it an honor to bring my medical and construction skills to support the organization.”

About

Jim developed his love for the outdoors as a child, spending his summers at camp backpacking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. This love for the outdoors led him to leadership positions in the Mountaineering and Whitewater Clubs during his time at the University of South Carolina. While at USC, Jim also spent time working with children in after school and tutoring programs. These two passions collided when Jim was introduced to SOAR. Considering that he and his two brothers are all diagnosed with ADHD, SOAR seemed like a perfect fit. Jim began his work with SOAR in 2004 as a Wilderness Instructor and participated in multiple summers, adventure weekends, and specialty courses over the next few years. After completing his undergraduate degree, Jim attending law school at USC and practiced family law in Haywood and Jackson Counties, surrounding SOAR’s Balsam Base. He served as an Advisory Board Member to Mountain Mediation Services and a Council Member on the Haywood and Jackson County Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils. Jim now works as the Director of Sales Engagement at Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc., where he enjoys the opportunity to help others learn and reach their goals on a daily basis through leading training and development initiatives.

About

Annette Kesgen has worked with children and adolescents in educational, clinical, and recreational settings for over 30 years and has supported SOAR through staff training and providing internship opportunities for more than 15 years. Annette has also been an instructor in therapeutic recreation and massage therapy programs at the university and community college level. As the Director of Upward Bound at Southwestern Community College, a program designed to support local high school students in preparing for college, Annette knows the value of encouraging and fostering relationships with students on their path to academic success. Annette is understanding advocate for students across the spectrum of learning disabilities.