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.
John graduated from Campbell University with a BA in Graphic Design and Studio Art. He also has an MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and is a Deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC. 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) and they have three children. When not at camp, John enjoys hiking with his 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 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 lead 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, and also enjoys hiking, running, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
Alicia McClain Hawkins - 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 4 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, & Social Media Manager
Eleanor Trollinger has worked and lived here for many years and is an essential part of the staff. She is currently our Food Service Director, Alumni Ministry Coordinator, and Social Media Manager. She cooks wonderful food and knows a LOT about the history of Tekoa.
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 andloves 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.
Jake Beasley - Program Intern
Jake joined the Tekoa family in 2023 as an FGL. Since then, he has beenthe Water Adventure Resource for two summers. Jake graduatedfrom WCU with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management.He enjoys the Lord of the Rings, canoeing, and pretty much anything outside. His favorite things at camp are the Disc Golf course, Mongolian Battleball, and Candlelight. He is excited to work at camp as Program Intern.
Levi Sweat - Program Intern
Levi is the son of two former summer staff, and going on his fifth summer at Tekoa. He recently graduated from WCU with degrees in Math and Computer Science. He is passionate about the LIT program, continuing the Tekoa Way, the bamboo forest, and the many slides around camp. In his free time he enjoys ultralight backpacking, disc golf, and climbing. He is excited to serve Tekoa as the Program Intern!