Our Team

Gretchen grew up in the Raleigh area and graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development. Her professional background spans education, communications, and children’s ministry, and she finds great joy in seeing the Lord use those experiences to build His Kingdom through the ministry of New Life Camp. Gretchen is happily married to her college sweetheart, and together they treasure life with their three mostly grown children. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, travel, interior design, and slow mornings on the back porch with coffee, good conversation, or a great book.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-24

We are happy to have Jeff as our Executive Director here at New Life Camp. He has led faith-based non-profits for 31 years prior to coming to NLC. First getting a degree in Political Science and History from Texas A&M, Commerce, he went on to get a Masters of Divinity and Doctorate in Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to being a two-time church planter in Texas and a long-time pastor in Apex, NC, he has taught economics and history, as well as coaching basketball, football, and baseball. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, most outdoor sports, and traveling with his wife, Kathy, kids, Audrey, Allison, Amy, and Lucas, and grandkid, Owen. While he does not have pets, he enjoys the squirrels, deer, and raccoons around the Director’s House at camp.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

Kaycee accepted Christ as Savior when she was 14 years old, which sparked a passion for helping children and students become confident disciples of Jesus. She graduated from NC State with degrees in English and Anthropology, then worked at The Summit Church in student ministry for three years via The Summit Institute, a leadership development program. After the program ended, Kaycee followed the next steps God paved for her which led to New Life Camp! In her free time, Kaycee loves to travel overseas, read classics, write fiction, and explore museums and coffee shops.

“God – his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is a rock? Only our God.” – Psalm 18:30-31 (CSB)

Micah came to know Christ at age 11 after attending Vacation Bible School at his home church in Memphis, Tennessee. His middle and high school years were spent living among U.S. military communities overseas, where he called South Korea, Japan, and Italy home.

During this time, Micah’s faith deepened from passive church attendance to active involvement in outreach and missions. While living in Sicily, he served with ministries that supported refugees arriving from across Africa and the Middle East. It was there that he also discovered his heart for youth and children’s ministry, regularly leading VBS, AWANA, and youth group programs for the children of military families.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in History, Micah became the Chapel Youth Director at the NAS Sigonella Chapel, continuing to pour into the lives of young people and families.

Micah now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife Elaina. In June 2024, they welcomed their first son, Andrew, into their family.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

Bio coming soon!

Katlyn first came to New Life Camp in 2019 as an intern with Children’s Bible Ministries. After the internship program was over, she felt God calling her into full-time ministry. Before joining the NLC full-time staff in 2021, Katlyn worked with CBM as a registrar for Camp Gilead in Florida, and as a Project Leader for Project Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since her days in the internship, she has loved New Life Camp and is excited she gets to work with the ministry to see children come to know and accept Christ as their Savior. When she is not coaching one of our Storm Volleyball teams, she can be found horseback riding or spending time with a friend.

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.” – Jeremiah 1:7

Wesley started his journey at New Life Camp after working one week of summer camp 14 years ago. After that one week, he went on to work seven more years of summer camp. Wesley was born and raised here in the heart of Raleigh. He grew up with his mom, Angela, her six sisters, and his older sister, Nzinga. Wesley loves mentoring and pouring into the generations coming behind him. Any chance he gets to encourage and motivate young people to be the best they can be in Christ is time well spent. He loves playing and coaching basketball, singing, and watching all the UNC Basketball games.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11

Zach’s first experience with New Life Camp came while serving as an Internship Leader with CBM (Children Bible Ministries) Headquarters. He brought the interns to camp where they experienced the SN@C program and how it is run. After serving at CBM’s Headquarters for four years, the Lord called Zach to join the New Life Camp staff. He is excited to serve and see children come to learn about the Lord. In his free time, Zach loves to play board games with his wife, Katlyn, and watch sports.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” -Galatians 6:2

Joel discovered his passion for camp ministry while working at Miracle Camp and Retreat Center in Michigan, where he worked for many years. He graduated with a degree in Camp and Recreation Administration with a minor in Business Administration, from Indiana Wesleyan University. Joel moved from Indiana in 2021 to join our NLC team full time. He and his wife Annie love good food, learning new things, and playing games, including sports, disc golf and board games.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” -Ephesians 3:20-21

Aaron grew up at New Life Camp. He was a camper, LIT, and summer staff member. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Elementary Education. We have been blessed to have him lead on our full-time staff for over 20 years. Prior to working at camp full time, Aaron also worked with the YMCA and coached basketball and soccer at Trinity Academy of Raleigh. He has developed many of our camp programs. The activities Aaron began have transformed New Life Camp into a wonderful place for children all year long. Aaron enjoys playing ping pong and watching sports but he loves spending time with his wife Laura and playing with his kids, Liam, Claira, and Grayson.

“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.'” – John 6:68

Trisha first fell in love with New Life Camp in 1999 during her very first summer as a counselor. Captivated by the ministry, she returned for many more summers on staff. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee Temple University, Trisha spent two years teaching in Ohio before sensing God’s call to return to NLC full-time. For the past 20 years, she has loved being a part of the New Life Camp team. Outside of camp life, Trisha enjoys creating art, spending time with her family and friends, and hanging out with her beloved dog, Raleigh.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Ed Russ comes to New Life Camp with 25 years of business management experience and over 20 years of pastoral experience in the Raleigh area. Ed is excited to use his experiences to help New Life Camp continue to impact many lives for Christ. His desire is to see everyone flourish as they grow into Christlikeness, using their gifts to help build the body of Christ. He loves to teach the Bible, helping people see the big picture of a passage or a book and how they can live out what they are learning. Ed, a UNC-Chapel Hill grad (who bleeds Carolina blue) has been married to Mary for 28 years and together they raised two daughters, both now married. They are anticipating the arrival of their first grandchild in May 2023!

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” – Ephesians 4:15-16

Heather fell in love with New Life Camp as a parent. After seeing her children love camp and the LEARN program so much she started working in the Main Office. Heather grew up in Raleigh and graduated from Greensboro College with a Bachelor’s in Religion before finishing her education at Duke University with her Master’s of Divinity. She has work experience in chaplaincy and youth and children’s ministry. She has homeschooled her two children since Kindergarten and has a passion for homeschooling. Heather is happily married to her husband of over 20 years. When she is not at NLC or on the sidelines of a New Life Storm game, she is probably serving with the youth at her church. She loves reading, listening to audiobooks, and hanging out with her family in her free time.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Luke Wallace first encountered New Life Camp as a high schooler, competing against the Storm basketball team. Not long after graduating, he found himself on the other side—coaching both JV and Varsity Boys for the very team he once faced. Today, Luke continues to pour into the ministry by serving on the Facilities Team, helping create and maintain the spaces where life-changing moments happen every day.

Originally from eastern North Carolina, Luke moved to Raleigh in 2018 when his father planted a church in Knightdale. His heart for service is evident in everything he does. Whether he’s fixing a sink, encouraging a camper, or simply being present, Luke finds deep joy in walking alongside young people in both their spiritual and physical journeys.

In his free time, Luke enjoys fishing, hunting, basketball, and photography.

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” — Isaiah 6:8

Battle has just come to New Life Camp from a 30 year career in teaching, coaching, and Athletic Directing in North Carolina. His kids and wife attended NLC! He grew up in Hendersonville and attended UNC Chapel Hill graduating with a bachelor’s in Secondary Education where he met his wife Shannon. His youth ministry background includes leading FCA huddles, youth groups, and sports camps. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling with his family (Shannon, Graham, Amy Grace, Noah, Lottie, Corrie) playing golf, and visiting historical places.

 “We are therefore Christ’s Ambassadors as though God were making his appeal through us.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20