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.
Cole Grannis
Philanthropy and Stewardship Coordinator
A new convert to non-profit work, Cole has spent the last fifteen years working in higher education. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, with a most prized degree in the highly reputable field of Philosophy. Having been raised on a farm in Eastern Kentucky, each day at LAC feels a bit like coming home for Cole. (Though it would, admittedly, be a home which had quintupled in size.)
Cole enjoys learning new skills, listening to audiobooks (when reading from a book isn’t feasible), and hanging with his dog, Popeye.
A new convert to non-profit work, Cole has spent the last fifteen years working in higher education. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, with a most prized degree in the highly reputable field of Philosophy. Having been raised on a farm in Eastern Kentucky, each day at LAC feels a bit like coming home for Cole. (Though it would, admittedly, be a home which had quintupled in size.)
Cole enjoys learning new skills, listening to audiobooks (when reading from a book isn’t feasible), and hanging with his dog, Popeye.
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.
Kyle Yarrow
Environmental Educator
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.
Jennilyn Fore
Program Coordinator
Jennilyn is a Texan by birth but spent a few years in Brazil during her childhood. She moved to Kentucky to earn her degree in Equine Management at Asbury University. After graduation, she completed internships in Europe where she assisted in the operations of sport camps for youth. She then returned to Kentucky to accept the Marketing and Development Coordinator with AdventureServe Ministries, before transitioning to an Assistant Program Director with Refuge for Women.
Guided by her passion for supporting individuals through their unique journeys of healing, Jennilyn meets each day at LAC with a positive outlook and welcoming personality. When not working, she enjoys being outdoors, particularly on long hikes with her dog, Zelda. She also finds time for horseback riding, creative projects, and convincing her friends to go on trips together.
Jennilyn is a Texan by birth but spent a few years in Brazil during her childhood. She moved to Kentucky to earn her degree in Equine Management at Asbury University. After graduation, she completed internships in Europe where she assisted in the operations of sport camps for youth. She then returned to Kentucky to accept the Marketing and Development Coordinator with AdventureServe Ministries, before transitioning to an Assistant Program Director with Refuge for Women.
Guided by her passion for supporting individuals through their unique journeys of healing, Jennilyn meets each day at LAC with a positive outlook and welcoming personality. When not working, she enjoys being outdoors, particularly on long hikes with her dog, Zelda. She also finds time for horseback riding, creative projects, and convincing her friends to go on trips together.
Emma Ingalls
Program Facilitator
Born into a military family, Emma has lived and worked in a variety of places. She has worked as a wrangler in the mountains of Colorado and a draft horse carriage driver on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Emma has spent the most time in our commonwealth though, earning her degree from Asbury University, double majoring in Psychology and Equine Studies.
Emma’s passion for and experience in equine facilitated counseling and therapeutic riding provides her with an ideal background for LAC. When you run into Emma, be sure to ask about her love of the outdoors, her past as a collegiate volleyball player, and if you want to see some real enthusiasm, her Norwegian ancestry.
Born into a military family, Emma has lived and worked in a variety of places. She has worked as a wrangler in the mountains of Colorado and a draft horse carriage driver on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Emma has spent the most time in our commonwealth though, earning her degree from Asbury University, double majoring in Psychology and Equine Studies.
Emma’s passion for and experience in equine facilitated counseling and therapeutic riding provides her with an ideal background for LAC. When you run into Emma, be sure to ask about her love of the outdoors, her past as a collegiate volleyball player, and if you want to see some real enthusiasm, her Norwegian ancestry.
Freeman Pinkney
Program Facilitator
With a BS in Physical Education and an MBA from Tennessee’s Bethel University, Freeman brings a wealth of knowledge to the LAC team. Freeman has been a head coach, a camp counselor, an interventionist, and a program director, with every role focused on helping young people grow into healthy and resilient individuals, making him an ideal fit for LAC. Always ready to talk basketball or offer an update on his growing family, Freeman’s warm personality is always welcome in the office and on the LAC grounds.
With a BS in Physical Education and an MBA from Tennessee’s Bethel University, Freeman brings a wealth of knowledge to the LAC team. Freeman has been a head coach, a camp counselor, an interventionist, and a program director, with every role focused on helping young people grow into healthy and resilient individuals, making him an ideal fit for LAC. Always ready to talk basketball or offer an update on his growing family, Freeman’s warm personality is always welcome in the office and on the LAC grounds.
Kaden Wiik
Program Facilitator
Kaden comes to us from Colorado, where he filled roles ranging from rafting and climbing to bicycle repair. Acting as a mountaineering guide in the Sangre de Christos, the southern most range of the Rocky Mountains, Kaden is well acquainted with adventure and the outdoors.
Kaden will spend his gap year with LAC, before pursuing his mechanical engineering degree in the Fall of 2024.
Kaden comes to us from Colorado, where he filled roles ranging from rafting and climbing to bicycle repair. Acting as a mountaineering guide in the Sangre de Christos, the southern most range of the Rocky Mountains, Kaden is well acquainted with adventure and the outdoors.
Kaden will spend his gap year with LAC, before pursuing his mechanical engineering degree in the Fall of 2024.
Terry Cosby
Farm and Facilities Technician
Terry is a Kentucky native, born and raised in Adair Co, describing his childhood as living wherever his father was working. With time spent working maintenance on a thousand-acre horse farm and construction, Terry is ideal for the demands of the LAC facilities and grounds. When not working with LAC, Terry is fond of hunting, fishing and repairing automobiles. While LAC has been a new experience, Terry has enjoyed getting to know the staff and property, while also learning more about the mission of the organization. Terry lives along the river in Clifton with his significant other, Michele, and a large family consisting of three sons, two stepsons, and one stepdaughter.
Terry is a Kentucky native, born and raised in Adair Co, describing his childhood as living wherever his father was working. With time spent working maintenance on a thousand-acre horse farm and construction, Terry is ideal for the demands of the LAC facilities and grounds. When not working with LAC, Terry is fond of hunting, fishing and repairing automobiles. While LAC has been a new experience, Terry has enjoyed getting to know the staff and property, while also learning more about the mission of the organization. Terry lives along the river in Clifton with his significant other, Michele, and a large family consisting of three sons, two stepsons, and one stepdaughter.