Carolyn Bean

Executive Director

Carolyn brings a wealth of experience to our team, including a background in fundraising, strategic planning, and community relations. Most recently she served as the Vice President of Resource Development for Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne.

Education: Carolyn is a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington with degrees in Sociology and Art History. She received her Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy in August 2018, and a certificate in Organizational Leadership from Purdue Fort Wayne in August 2023

Off the Clock: In her free time, Carolyn likes to read, garden, stay active, and spend time with her husband and 17 year-old stepson, who is a senior at North Side High School. In recent years, she has volunteered with the local chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, and is an active member of Fort Wayne Art League (a group benefitting the Fort Wayne Museum of Art).

Personal Theme Song: (What's so Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding - Elvis Costello

SHELLY DETCHER

Program Director

Shelly is the Program Director at Camp Red Cedar (CRC), where she has dedicated the past 18 years to enhancing the recreational experiences of both participants and staff. With her extensive experience at CRC, she has successfully led initiatives to help increase program revenue, recruit and manage staff, and develop and collaborate on new projects. Shelly is committed to transforming programming operations and promoting person-centered services that elevate the experience for all stakeholders.

As a strong advocate for the mission of Camp Red Cedar, Shelly embodies its motto—Explore, Play, Connect, and Grow—within an inclusive, unplugged, and supportive environment. Her unique perspective as a recreational professional and former athlete enables her to foster growth for all staff and participants year after year.

Education: Shelly earned her bachelor's degree from Purdue Fort Wayne and is a certified MANDT Instructor.

Off the Clock: Shelly likes to stay active by refereeing, coaching, and playing volleyball. She also enjoys watching her kids play sports and spending time with her family and friends.

Personal Theme Song: “Cowboy, Take Me Away” – The Dixie Chicks

THERESA PRENTICE

Barn and Facilities Manager

Theresa has been the barn manager and now facility manager at Camp Red Cedar since 2009. She has owned horses for 25 years and has worked with horses in many different capacities including; trail guide, barn manager of a breeding facility, showing, and now therapy and conventional riding lessons at Camp Red Cedar. She also brings a wide range of knowledge of horse care and products from working for many years in supply sales.

Education: Studied in commercial art, Indiana University – Purdue University, Fort Wayne

Off the Clock: Prentice enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and art.

Personal Theme Song: “Free Falling” – Tom Petty

CYNDI NIEZER

Riding and Volunteer Program Coordinator

Cyndi is originally from Overland Park, KS and has been in the Fort Wayne area for almost 3 years. Most recently, Cyndi was the Events Manager for a local non-profit. Prior to moving to Fort Wayne, Niezer’s experience ranged from working with children with special needs to event management. She has 3 human children, 2 of the canine variety and also enjoys keeping bees, working in her yard, and watching her kids play sports.

Education: Attended Baker University in Baldwin, KS

Off the Clock: I enjoy working on projects around our house, playing with our newest family member, Ice, going to the lake with my husband and our 3 kids, keeping bees, cooking new recipes, hanging out the friends around the fire pit and cheering for my kids’ as they participate in various activities.

Personal Theme Song: “Three Little Birds” - Bob Marley

Elaina Halferty

Camp and Respite Program Coordinator

Elaina is from the Columbia City area and has worked at Camp Red Cedar for the past three summers in various roles. Most recently, she served as the Field Supervisor for the past two summers before transitioning to the Program Coordinator position. She has a genuine love for Camp Red Cedar and is always willing to go above and beyond to support others in exploring, playing, and growing.

Education: Elaina graduated from Manchester University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies & Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in History. In the fall of 2025, she started at Indiana University to pursue her master's in recreational therapy and become a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist).

Off the Clock: Elaina enjoys coaching soccer, studying or learning, reading a non-fiction book here or there, building Legos, or watching soccer and diving. She likes to follow the United States Women's National Team, and traveling to watch them play.

Personal Theme Song: How Far I'll Go from Moana

Janelle Hicks

Lodge Coordinator

Janelle is originally from Fort Wayne, but she and her husband also enjoyed a few years living in (and exploring) remote areas of Northern Minnesota and Northern California. Janelle has four incredible children and four remarkable grandchildren.

Education: Janelle's background is from Taylor University in Human Services. She has work experience at other community-related organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department (Salomon Farm Park), Pokagon State Park, and the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. I consider it an honor to now support Camp Red Cedar's mission.

Off the Clock: She enjoys being outdoors in all seasons, whether hiking in the woods, growing dahlia flowers, visiting flower farms, or anything related to the Great Lakes!

Personal Theme Song: Goodness of God - CeeCee Winans