Camp Tekoa Staff
Phyllis Murray - Interim Executive Director
The Camp Tekoa Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Phyllis Murray as our Interim Executive Director. Phyllis comes to us with many years of experience as a camp director. She has served in director roles since 1994 in several settings, including Potosi Pines Camp, Las Vegas, NV; Blue Lake Assembly, Andalusia, AL; and Judson Collins Camp in Onsted, MI.
When asked about her thoughts on camping ministry, Phyllis said, "If the mission of the UMC is 'to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,' then our camps should be examples of that transformed world. We should exhibit love, growth, earth care, encouragement and offer opportunities for God to engage people of all ages. Camp is a place where lives are renewed, lasting relationships formed, and it is possible to be transformed."
Be sure to extend your warm welcome to Phyllis as she becomes a part of the Tekoa Family
John Isley - Assistant Director
John joined the Camp Tekoa staff in 2013. He has 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 served on summer camp staff in 1999 and 2000 where he worked as a resource for backpacking and rock-climbing. He met his beautiful wife Carrie at Camp Tekoa (on the front steps to be exact) and also proposed to her at camp. 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 - Administrative Assistant
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 is a full-time student, working toward her Master's degree in counseling.
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 - Let's Grow Outside Director
Alicia joined the Camp Tekoa staff in 2015. She has spent over ten years in camp and afterschool programs in Western North Carolina and Orange Park, Florida. She served with Bahamas Methodist Habitat on the island of Eleuthera, where she hosted volunteer teams, directed afterschool, and participated in special community events. She has a Siberian Husky puppy named Blaze, and a county fair goldfish named George. Alicia graduated from Stetson University with a BS in Psychology. She also has an MS in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University.Alicia loves encouraging campers and their families to PLAY as often as possible, preferably outside. She enjoys lifeguarding at the lake, hiking with her dog, and short backpacking trips through the woods. Some of her goals are to become an author, section hike the AT, and meet Kid President.
Holly Lane - Office Assistant
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 has been married to her husband, Bob, for 13 years. They have two children, Gavin and Sarah. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cheering on the “ two Carolinas” as they are called at her house (Carolina Gamecocks in football and Carolina Tar Heels in basketball), camping, hiking, 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, riding his road bike.
Leroy King - Maintenance
Leroy brings a wealth of experience to his role at Camp Tekoa. He has spent time in construction and concrete work over the years. He has a willing heart and kind personality that is a tremendous blessing to everyone at Camp Tekoa.