Executive Director of Laity Lodge Camping Programs
cary@llyc.org 830-315-9209DISTANCE RUNNER
FIRST TO CRACK A JOKE
COOLEST KIND OF SCHOLAR THERE IS
Cary is the Executive Director of Laity Lodge Camping Programs, serving campers and families in the same Canyon where his own family began.
Beginning in 1985, Cary spent the 13 summers in the Canyon as a camper, then a program crew member, and finally a counselor at Echo Valley where he met his wife, Jenny (Allenbaugh) Hendricks. They even worked some of the early Family Camp camp sessions at Echo Valley in the 1990s.
Due in large part to these experiences, Cary pursued a career in relational ministry, spending eight years on Young Life staff as an associate area director and area director in both Texas and Illinois. During his time in Illinois, Cary also served more than four years at a Presbyterian church as the youth and college ministry director. In 2017, he completed a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently working toward a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership Development at the same institution.
Cary has been with the Foundation since 2013, first as a Director of Echo Valley, and from 2015 to 2021 as the Senior Director of Laity Lodge Family Camp. Cary and Jenny have been married since July 1999, and their three kids—Seth, Stella, and Sloane—have been fixtures in the Canyon and in Kerrville for many years.
Director of Echo Valley
TOM@LLYC.ORG 830-315-9262ADVENTURE LOVER
CAMP KID AT HEART
GIANT OF A MAN
Tom grew up spending his summers at Deerfoot Lodge, a Christian boys camp in upstate New York. For him, it was always worth the 19-hour drive from his home in Clemson, South Carolina. His experiences there led him to get his degree in Recreation and Youth Ministry at Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina.
After a few years living in Munich, Germany, teaching ESL and doing youth ministry, Tom chased a woman to Texas, married her, and went into full-time Christian camping. He was a director at Camp Cho-Yeh in east Texas for four years and then spent two years in residential construction before the opportunity to work at LLYC surfaced, which he couldn’t refuse.
He loves fly-fishing, playing basketball (he’s a six foot six), reading to his kids, watching Clemson football, and building things with his hands. He and his wife, Brynn, have three children: a daughter, Piper, and two sons, Finley and Rowan. During the year they live in Fredericksburg, where Brynn works full-time in the home and part-time as a teacher. Tom loves camp ministry because of how formative and rewarding it can be for campers and for his college age staff.
Director of Singing Hills
dayton@llyc.org 830-315-9263SECOND GENERATION LLYC LIFER
HARDWORKING PROBLEM SOLVER
LOVER OF GAMES AND GOOD TIMES
Dayton’s history with LLYC goes way back. In fact, his history began here. His parents met at camp and were on staff in the 1980’s. Dayton grew up hearing stories about camp and was eventually a camper for three years at Echo Valley. He went on to spend many summers on staff. He was on Program Crew. He was a Singing Hills Counselor for two summers. He was on leadership staff as a PC Boss, and he was a Guy’s Director for two summers. After he graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, he became an LLYC intern for a year in 2013. The next summer he followed in his parent’s footsteps by marrying his camp sweetheart, Rachel, and they both took jobs in San Antonio. It didn’t take long, though, for them to find their way back to Kerrville to work for the organization that has meant so much to them and has been such a part of their story.
From 2016 to 2019, Dayton worked at Laity Lodge Family Camp managing operations and program staff. Since 2020, Dayton also worked in the Foundation’s Risk Management Department creating trainings and working with programs. He’s excited to pour what he’s learned from those experiences back into Singing Hills. Dayton’s deep knowledge of camp serves him well as he works to lead and serve those call Singing Hills their second home.
Dayton enjoys all things outdoors, loves to play games of any kind, works constantly on his 1907 fixer-upper home, and kills time with his friends, his dog, Mack, or by enjoying a good story. He and Rachel are also over-the-moon excited to welcome their first child, a boy, in January of 2022!
LLYC Assistant Director, Singing Hills
arickabaugh@llyc.org
PASSIONATE OUTDOORSWOMAN
DRY-WITTED SKIT-MASTER
READER, THINKER, ADVENTURER
Amy Rickabaugh was born in Austin, Texas but spent most of her formative years in San Antonio, where her parents call home. She has one brother who lives in Fort Worth. She graduated from Baylor University, where she studied communications and photojournalism.
Being outside is one of Amy’s very favorite pastimes, as she loves trail running and riding her bike, followed by any water activity under the sun. She also enjoys reading, and two of her favorite books are Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard and American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
Amy previously served as an LLYC counselor, a media director for two summers, and a programmer, all at Echo Valley. She loves LLYC because it has fostered so much growth in her life over the years. She is looking forward to further growth for herself and for everyone who joins us at camp in summers to come!
LLYC Assistant Director, Echo Valley
bdeger@llyc.org 830-315-9425DR. PEPPER LOVING, CLASSICALLY TRAINED VOCALIST
CREATIVE QUEEN OF SILLINESS
LIFETIME LEARNER AND LOVER OF OTHERS
Brynn, a.k.a. “Breezy,” is originally from Granbury, Texas, Brynn comes to the Foundation straight from Baylor University where she spent the last six years earning her undergraduate music degree and master’s degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs, while serving as a staff member for fine arts student development.
Brynn loves Dr. Pepper, most silly things that make her laugh, and of course, her mini goldendoodle, Kipper. She thrives in the work of education, learning and teaching about every facet of creation and our Creator. With credit to her upbringing and more recent experiences, Brynn finds joy in being creative and learning how to love others better each day. She is beyond excited to exercise those passions in her work with LLYC.
Director of Food Service for Laity Lodge Camping Programs
KCyprian@hebfdn.org 830-315-9343MOTORCYCLE-RIDING EXECUTIVE CHEF
HARD-WORKING CULINARY MASTERMIND
HERO TO ALL HUNGRY CANYON GUESTS IN THE SUMMER
Kris Cyprian grew up in Sacramento, California, and is the oldest of two siblings. He received his B.S. in Culinary Management from The Arts Institute of Houston and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Ashford University in San Diego, California.
Kris started his career at the Houston Country Club and later transitioned to professional sports, working with Chef Rey Darthord, cooking for the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, and Houston Dynamo. He also spent a year cooking abroad in Germany.
Kris also worked in Sports & Entertainment at Texas State University and as Chef de Cuisine at LSU Club at Union Square. His role gave him the opportunity to cook for famous alumni that went to LSU, such as Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal, Governor Jon Bel Edwards, and Don Lemon.
Kris is a part of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), where he has served on the National Internal Audit Committee, is a Certified Executive Chef (CEC), and is in the process of studying and practicing toward becoming a Certified Master Chef (CMC).
In his free time, Kris enjoys riding his 2018 Harley Davidson Road Glide Special. He’s also a part of the San Antonio chapter of National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club, a nonprofit organization that does local outreach, community work, and provides scholarships.
He is excited to get to know camp kitchen staff and work with them. He looks forward to talking with campers and families as he sees them around our Ranch Houses. And we all look forward to benefiting from his culinary expertise as he helps provide top quality food service to LLYC and LLFC campers and staff.
Administrative Assistant
kcollis@llyc.org (830) 315-9215LOVER OF THE ARTS
PROUD KERRVILLE NATIVE
LLYC TEAM REFEREE
Keonna was born in Houston but grew up here in Kerrville with her older brother. She considers herself a true Kerrville Native, having graduated from Tivy High School in 2009 and Schreiner University, completing their LVN program in 2013. While Koenna was employed as a nurse, she realized her passion for youth and young adults, which led her to work for a small local charter school as a Special Education Coordinator.
Keonna and her husband, Trey, have a daughter, Karsyn, and a pug puppy named Chloe. Keonna and her family are members of the Hunt Baptist Church, where her father-in-law is the pastor.
Keonna considers herself a creative person and a true lover of the arts. To her, there’s nothing better than attending a play, visiting an art gallery, or listening to live music on a patio in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. She is also a talented photographer and has a small portrait business.
Registrar
LLYCINFO@LLYC.ORG 830-315-9222JOYFUL SOUL
FRIEND TO ALL
SWORD FIGHTING MAMA
Emily loves our LLYC parents and campers. She orchestrates the registration process, blesses campers with the news of scholarships and fills camp with as many campers as possible. Emily, her husband, Chastan, and their twin boys, Paxton and Brody, live in Kerrville and enjoy everything “boy.” Most evenings and weekends, they can be found sword fighting anywhere the boys have free rein. The boys love organized sports—soccer, karate, basketball, and baseball.
Emily, her mom, and two sisters also own a children’s clothing boutique in downtown Kerrville, LulaBelle’s Pirates & Pretties. The girls love the extra time to get to be together, not to mention shop for the store (and their combined eight kiddos).
Emily graduated from Tivy High School and Schreiner University with a B.A. in Psychology. She has a deep desire for relationships. She understands parents’ needs and wants to serve them as well as possible. Emily loves our campers and their parents well. Her joy and love for life are contagious.
LLYC Associate
ablair@llyc.orgHUGE PSYCHOLOGY NERD
STRAY CAT LADY
FARMERS MARKET AFICIONADO
Audrey was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She has been going to summer camps since she was eight years old and has developed a deep love for youth ministry. She attended Texas A&M University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and she hopes to one day become a licensed professional counselor and work with youth.
In 2021, Audrey worked as a counselor at Echo Valley, and in 2022, she returned as the girls side boss.
She loves swimming in natural bodies of water, eating her weight in ethnic foods of all sorts, listening to classical music and Chris Stapleton (not at the same time), going on nature walks around the neighborhood, and petting stray cats. She spends a lot of time reading, and recently got a Kindle. It’s her new love. On weekends you might find her at the local farmers market fully embracing her elderly woman era.
LLYC Associate
asitzes@llyc.org 830-315-9243QUEEN OF GIGGLES
STUDENT OF HISTORY AND NUTRITION
PROUD MEMBER OF CLAN SITZES
Anna Grew up in Denton, Texas, with three sisters who she loves VERY much. She has been coming to LLYC every summer since she was 7 years old. Throughout her summers on staff she has been a counselor at Singing Hills, a cook at Echo Valley, a Work Crew Boss, a Canyon Club Boss, Roundup Coordinator, and a Girls Side Boss. Because she has seen so many sides of camp she brings lots of great knowledge and experience to our team. She lived in Oklahoma City for four years after graduating high-school and got a degree in History from Oklahoma City Community College. She is currently working toward a B.A. in History from the University of Central Oklahoma. Roll ‘Chos!
Anna joined our team after spending a year doing administrative work at a nutritionist’s office in Austin where she enjoyed getting to learn more about that field of work. She loves LLYC because, for her, it has been a place where she has been able to grow, shift, and mold her faith while being wholly accepted no matter the stage she is in. She looks forward to getting to love, serve, and facilitate a safe space for kids to experience their Creator during their time out in the canyon.
Anna often finds herself reading, spending time outside, and watching women’s college volleyball. Her favorite team is definitely the 2022 national champions, the University of Texas! If you are lucky enough to hang out with with Anna anytime soon, she’s always looking for more book recommendations and excuses to get outside!
LLYC Associate
alarkam@llyc.org 830-315-9358PROUD AUSTIN NATIVE
ENGINEER OF FUN
LOVER OF ALL THE SPORTS
Andrew is a proud native of Austin, Texas, and the youngest of three brothers. He spent five years in College Station working toward his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and just being a general boss. During this time he worked as an aquatic supervisor and lifeguard instructor for the Department of Recreational Sports – Aquatics. He was also involved with Declaration Church and led a Bible Study with about 10 young men.
Andrew spent four summers working out at LLYC. He was a Echo Valley Counselor for a two years, an Activities Team Boss, and a Guys Side Boss. Because of his time on staff at camp, and in leadership elsewhere, Andrew brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our full-time team. He looks forward to investing in people and helping create the fun, formative environment we all know and love at LLYC.
It’s always easy to talk with Andrew and you’ll often find your conversation wandering to ALL of the sports. He loves being outside, going camping, and convincing literally anyone to take him out on a ranch. He has been known to seriously ball out on the basketball court, jump really high, and throw a mean frisbee.
LLYC Associate
mreeves@llyc.org (830) 315-9229CONNECTION SEEKER
HOBBY COLLECTOR
SOURDOUGH BREAD MAKER
Miranda grew up in Plano, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Allied Health and a Psychology minor. In college, she spent a lot of her time volunteering in an after-school program for elementary aged students that focuses on spiritual and community transformation in Bryan. She spent two summers as a counselor at Singing Hills and absolutely fell in love with Laity Lodge Youth Camp. Her favorite part of camp is the relational ministry and meaningful conversations that occur so naturally within the walls of the canyon.
She’ll tell you that getting to spend the day outside doing various activities alongside campers and counselors is a dream come true, and that she learns more about faith, life, and God’s character from the way campers and friends view the world than anything else!
Learning new things is something that makes Miranda really excited, so she tends to pick up hobbies pretty regularly. Some of her hobbies include painting, photography, and lately sourdough bread baking, although she says she hasn’t quite mastered that one just yet. She has a dog named Willa who she does just about everything with, and she has horses at home in Plano.
She is excited to work at her favorite place, getting to know potential LLYC summer staff through the recruiting and interview process, and working closely with them in the summers.
