Rev. John Isley - Executive Director
John joined the Camp Tekoa staff in 2013. During his tenure as Assistant Director, John worked with other staff to expand camp capacity, create and build new adventure programs, increase missional impact, enhance spiritual development of staff and campers, and develop an annual camper offering that has given annually to neighboring ministries.
He spent over ten years in youth ministry at Bethlehem UMC in Waxhaw and First UMC in Hendersonville. He also ran a camp for Livada Orphan Care in Romania. He met his beautiful wife Carrie at Camp Tekoa (on the front steps to be exact). They have three children. John graduated from Campbell University with a BA in Graphic Design and Studio Art. He also has an MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is a Deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC.
When not at camp, John enjoys hiking with the family, backpacking, disc golf, mountain biking and pretty much anything else in the woods. Camp Tekoa involves his greatest passions of serving children, discipling staff and ministering in an outdoor environment.
Karen Rohrer - Business Manager
Karen joined the Camp Tekoa staff in May, 2001. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Duke University. She has also worked on her masters degree in business & accounting at Xavier University & WCU. Karen has been married to her husband Jim since 1978. She is also Mom to Joseph, an executive chef, and Becca, a marketing manager for a non-profit.
Karen is a member at the Skyland United Methodist Church where she is involved in new member ministry and volunteers in several other ministries. Karen's hobbies include hiking, walking, reading, and cheering Duke Men's & Women's basketball teams.
Melisa Coates - Fund Development Director
Melisa joined the camp staff in January 2007 Since her start, she has helped Tekoa transition to a fully "live" summer registration system and has implemented a proactive communication plan between Tekoa and its registrants, donors, board members and conference churches. She has taken on more responsibility in the fund development side of Tekoa and is involved in professional development classes to become better equipped to be a part of our fund building team.
Melisa has her Master's degree in Christian Counseling from Liberty University and works as needed in a local church. She enjoys helping people overcome challenges and sharing the Light of Christ.
Melisa is the founder of a non-profit ministry that she manages in her spare time. Melisa also enjoys hiking, running, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
Alicia McClain - Afterschool Director
Alicia joined the Camp Tekoa staff in 2015. She has been working in camps and afterschool programing for over 20 years. Alicia graduated from Stetson University with a BS in Psychology, and from Clemson University with an MS in Youth Development Leadership. She is originally from Jacksonville Florida (Go Jaguars!), but has been in WNC full time since 2012. Alicia enjoys serving her community, and helping to make the magic of camp accessible for more campers. She and her husband live in Zirconia with their 3 kids and their husky.
Holly Lane - Registrar & Retail Manager
Holly joined the staff of Camp Tekoa in 2020 as Office Assistant. She first became acquainted with Camp Tekoa when looking for an afterschool program for her son. She was excited by the camp setting for an afterschool program and quickly fell in love with the camp! Holly graduated with a BA in Business Administration from Furman University, and is originally from Franklin, North Carolina. She brings to camp a commitment of service to others and hopes to provide a seamless registration for the summer campers.Holly is married to Bob and they have two children. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, camping, and enjoying the creeks and rivers of Western North Carolina.
Greg Trollinger - Maintenance Director
Greg Trollinger has been Tekoa's Maintenance Director since 1995 and is responsible for keeping the buildings and grounds beautiful and efficient. Greg is always working on projects that continually upgrade the facilities and infrastructure. In the summertime, Greg is often seen transporting campers to their off-site activities in Tekoa's activity bus.
Much of Greg's free time is spent with his wife Eleanor, daughters Caroline and Julia, and son Charlie. As a family they enjoy activities such as camping and swimming. Greg also enjoys playing the banjo and riding his road bike.
Lucas Hannah - Maintenance Assistant
Eleanor Trollinger - Food Service Director & Alumni Coordinator
Eleanor Trollinger has worked and live here for many years and is an essential part of the staff. She is currently our Food Service Director and Alumni Coordinator. She cooks wonderful food and knows a LOT about the history of Tekoa.
Zach Eaker - Program Intern
A former Tekoa camper, Zach has also served as an FGL and as Waterfront Director. He is now a valued part of the year round team.
Luke Warfield - Program Intern
Luke has been a part of Tekoa summer staff for several years, serving as an FGL, Resource, and Adventure Director. He is now a valued part of the year round team.
Drew Morton - Program Director
A longtime summer staff member, Pastor of the Week, and volunteer, Drew brings a wealth of experience to his current role. A graduate of ASU, Drew has also served as a youth minister and loves outdoor ministry. He enjoys Star Wars, wrestling, and spending time with his wife, Morgan, and their two children. He is excited about helping to create a welcoming culture here at camp.
Bill Porter - Retreats and Hospitality Director
Bill's lifelong connection to Tekoa started as a camper and continued through CIT, to FGL, to Pastor of the Week, to board member, and now to this brand new role. A graduate of UT, Bill has also served as a music minister and loves creating worship experiences. He loves being outside with his wife, Emily, and their three beautiful girls and two dogs. They also enjoy amusement parks and both listening to and making music. He is looking forward to creating a welcoming and caring retreat experience for camp visitors.
