Lexie “Aka” Lava

pROGRAM Director

Transplanted from the cornfields of Indiana, I’m excited to be making Camp Koinonia my new home. I began working here in 2023 but began my camping career in 2016. My background in the camp world has had me picking wild blueberries with campers in Maine, showing students how to dissect a squid in California, teaching kids about whales in Hawai’i, and coaching staff to make camp magical in western Washington and Michigan.

If I’m not at a campfire or on a trail, you can probably find me near the water playing. I’m on a mission to visit every national park (I’ve made it to 30 so far!) and I love a good road trip.

I am passionate about using camp experiences to help campers grow in character, discover new skills, and strengthen their faith. My goal is to build exceptional programs that will make these experiences accessible to as many people as possible.

E-mail: program@campkoinonia.org

Phone: 509.656.6342

Melissa “Aka” Honeybee

GUEST RELATIONS MANAGER

Growing up in the Seattle area, my family has always been involved in the ministry of camp Koinonia.  I worked at camp every summer through high school. Hospitality and service are my calling and I am honored to live out this calling. I love the variety and uniqueness of our user groups and the positive impact of fellowship and community built by being at camp.

Melissa will be serving in a new role this year in guest relations and teaching our hosts how to serve the thousands of our guests.

E-mail: melissa@campkoinonia.org

Megan “Aka” Cinderella

Hospitality & financial administration manager

Megan has spent a lot of time at Camp Koinonia serving in many roles. She has added a wonderful craft cabin to our yurt, cleaned up our facilities, and created a welcoming guest experience. Megan enjoys being near any water source be it oceans, lakes, rivers, or the camp pool and pond. She's an avid craft hobbyist and her spare time is always involving DIY crafts and projects, including dabbling in self-taught reupholstery. She is in and out of camp throughout the year ensuring cleanliness of the camp, although most campers won't see her as she is usually onsite in between camping retreats.

E-mail: megan@campkoinonia.org

Juliana “Aka” Tweety

Assistant camp director

I am originally from Sumner, Washington, and moved to Ellensburg at the age of 8. Growing up on a farm with five siblings, I learned the value of hard work, teamwork, and community. Although I had never been to a camp as a child, I stumbled upon a job posting for an assistant cook position while scrolling through Facebook. Intrigued, I applied and soon after, became one of the first employees hired when Kevin took on the role of director.

Over the past five years, I have been taking on nearly every role imaginable. From cooking to supporting camp activities, I have embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and dedication. Along the way, I have loved getting to know the diverse groups that come through the camp, creating lasting connections and memorable experiences. My journey from farm life to camp leadership is a testament to my adaptability, commitment, and passion for camp!

E-mail: juliana@campkoinonia.org

Morgan “Aka” Guava

Interim food service director

Morgan serves our community as a teacher and has found the time after finishing her masters to serve as the Interim Food Services Director at camp. Initially recruited for just last summer, she quickly jumped into the day-to-day operations and offered to help us while we look for our new long time leader in the lodge. She is organized and funny and we have found she is very easy to work with on the kitchen team. She is great with guest groups and loves to try new menu ideas!

E-mail: foodservice@campkoinonia.org

Ashley Felts

Midweek program COORDINATOR

Ashley runs our midweek program with a focus on creating meaningful opportunities for homeschool families in our community. As a homeschool parent herself, she understands the importance of hands-on, interactive learning and loves supporting a thriving homeschool network. With a deep appreciation for the homeschool community in Cle Elum and Roslyn, she is passionate about meeting this need with love and intention.

During the week, you’ll find Ashley organizing events, chasing kids around camp, and working alongside families to create a welcoming and enriching environment. She and her husband have lived in Cle Elum for five years, homeschooling their two daughters, ages 10 and 12, who also attend the Homeschool Collective. Whether she’s coordinating activities, connecting with families, or bringing new ideas to life, Ashley is dedicated to making homeschooling a fun and supportive experience for everyone.

E-mail: ashley@campkoinonia.org

Kristi Wright

Assistant camp director

Kristi will be working all over the camp in the coming year with a focus as program assistant. She will also help in housekeeping, facility projects, and hosting user groups. This new role is designed to support our directors and give them opportunity to mentor the next generation.

E-mail: kristi@campkoinonia.org

Seasonal Staff

We can’t do it without you

Our seasonal and year-round assistants make the camp go round! From kitchen staff, program staff, day camp staff, OE staff, facilities staff and housekeepers, we really are amazed by these hard working people!

camp board of directors

Executive Board Members

Kent Verbeck | President          

Brian Elbert | Vice President

Julia Elster | Treasurer

Michael Johnston | Secretary

Board Members

Merry Roy | Board

John Verbeck | Board

Tim Cochran | Board

Roger Edmark | Board

Steve Duke | Board

Frosty Wilkinson | Board

Chuck Wallick | Board