ABOUT CAMP ENCOURAGE

MISSION

The mission of Camp Encourage is to provide youth on the autism spectrum meaningful experiences in which they build the knowledge, courage, and skills to be empowered participants in the community.

VALUES

WE BELIEVE

That every person on the autism spectrum:

  • is an individual
  • is capable of great things
  • is deserving of individualized, research-based supports and flourishes in a supportive and encouraging environment.

WE BELIEVE

  • in the power of positive peer models and the great impact sharing this experience with their autistic peers will have on them after they leave camp.
  • the experience of a quality, overnight camp is invaluable to all involved.
  • that quality supports and services should be available to all campers, regardless of financial need.

OUR STORY

Camp Encourage was founded by Kaye Otten, Ph.D. and Kelly Lee, M.S.Ed. in 2007 due to the community expressing a dire need for a quality overnight camp opportunity for autistic children and due to their leadership in a similar camp in the Kansas City area. The initial camp session was held in 2008 and provided a camp experience for 36 local children. Following the session, the organization received a flooding of positive feedback. Interest grew rapidly despite little marketing and recruitment. By 2011, nearly 100 youth from Missouri and Kansas were placed on a waiting list following a lottery for acceptance. In anticipation of the continued growth, the Camp Encourage Board of Directors developed a strategic plan and focused on the development of a second camp session. In 2012, services more than doubled—providing two sessions of camp and allowing space for 86 campers.

As interest continued to grow and as the autism rates continue to increase, growth at Camp Encourage again occurred in 2017. We welcomed campers and volunteers to weekend overnight camp sessions—allowing a) first time campers the chance to "sample" camp before jumping into a four-day summer session and b) returning campers a continuation of the goodness of Camp Encourage. Future growth continues and we are eager to see all that the future will bring. Growth challenges include recruiting quality volunteers to support the needs of additional campers while also providing increased scholarship funds to meet the needs of the high percentage of applicants that seek and deserve financial support.

STAFF

KELLY LEE

KELLY LEE

Co-Founder, Executive Director

Kelly received an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Special Education (K through 12) and a master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in autism from the University of Kansas. Past experiences include teaching, serving as an Autism Education Consultant, designing and facilitating social development groups, and serving as a summer camp counselor and director. After being in the nonprofit world since founding Camp Encourage in 2007, she has gained knowledge and experiences to strongly lead our organization with heart and expertise.

AIMEE GORROW

AIMEE GORROW

Program Director

Aimee began her career in education as a paraeducator for the Lee’s Summit R-7 school district, working under the direction of our Executive Director, Kelly Lee. It was there her passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum was ignited. Aimee earned undergraduate degree in Special Education from Graceland University and a masters degree in Assessment with an emphasis in Autism from Missouri Western State University. Prior to joining the Camp Encourage family, Aimee served as a special education teacher in classrooms for autistic individuals in the Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit school districts for 10 years.

KRISTI LOFTUS

KRISTI LOFTUS

Camper Support Specialist & Outreach Coordinator

Kristi received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from MidAmerica Nazarene University and a Master’s in Special Education (K-12) along with a Master’s Certification in Autism through Pittsburg State University. She worked for over 12 years in the Olathe Public Schools serving as a Program Coordinator, Resource Teacher and most recently, a Behavior Coach. Since joining the camp family as a volunteer in 2011, Kristi has loved growing and learning from the amazing people that make this place so special!

SANDY SMITH

SANDY SMITH

Materials and Activities Manager

Sandy earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Special Education in the area of Behavior Disorders (K-9). While working on her master’s degree at Kansas University, she worked as a graduate assistant in one of the University’s very early teacher training programs in the area of autism. Recently retired, she taught for 40 years in the field of special education.

JO ANN BLEVINS

JO ANN BLEVINS

Lead Nurse

Jo Ann has a BS in Nursing and a Master’s in Intercultural Studies. During her nursing career she has worked in almost every area of Nursing, including 4 years in Manzini, Eswatini as the director of a hospital emergency room and as a School Nurse since 1994. Jo Ann filled in at Camp Encourage at the last minute as Medical Staff for one of our very first weekend camps and she never wanted to leave. She loves the opportunity to work with campers in a setting that is created just for them!

Lacey Rozycki

Lacey Rozycki

Camper Support Specialist

Lacey received an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Cross Categorical Special Education (K-12) and went on to receive a master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in autism from the University of Kansas. Lacey has worked in the Lee’s Summit School District since 2007, serving as a Special Education teacher and building facilitator. In 2018, Lacey began volunteering at Camp Encourage and has filled many roles throughout her time, loving each role in which she has served. We are grateful to now have our expertise on staff.

Emma Coble

Emma Coble

Camper Support Specialist

Emma has an undergraduate degree in early childhood unified education as well as elementary education and a master’s degree in high and low incidence special education (K-12). Emma has worked in many educational settings throughout her career in education, and is currently a special education teacher with the Blue Valley School District. Emma wanted a way to become involved with individuals on the spectrum, and thanks to a google search in 2020, Emma found Camp Encourage! Camp is truly the place where she feels the happiest, and watching kids come out of their comfort zone makes her heart jump for joy!

Graison Harms

Graison Harms

Office Assistant
Graison has volunteered with Camp Encourage for years, bringing standout organizational skills, proactive problem-solving, and warm, clear communication to every role. In her new position as Office Assistant, she is excited to grow with the team and strengthen connections with families, volunteers, and partners—so our programs run smoothly and every child’s experience remains inclusive, joyful, and impactful.
GROUP LEADERS

GROUP LEADERS

8These seasonal employees–all of which have served as volunteers in past years–have various backgrounds, amazing talents, and all share a love for our campers and our mission. We’re so grateful for each of them!

Abby Blaine
Christine Campbell
Emma Coble
Rachel DeWitt
Natalie Goodhart
Jennifer Grenier
Josie Hayes
Abigail Heater
Katie Kain
Madison Larson
Michelle Sisk
Sara Vance

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ERIN COWAN

PRESIDENT

Registered Respiratory Therapist - NPS, Children's Mercy Hospital

DAN BOATRIGHT

TREASURER

Office Managing Shareholder, Littler Mendelson, P.C.

SARAH OTTO

SECRETARY

Managing Director, Targeted Case Management of Kansas

MICHAEL BUTKOVICH

Senior Advisor for Large Federal Agency
Autistic Adult

LESLIE CIMINO

Director of Sales, Fullsteam

JENNIE DAVIS

Special Educator

REBECCA FERNS, DDS

Pediatric Dentist, Honey Bee Pediatric Dental Co.

JOHNNY GORDON

Vocational Instructor and Art Therapy Lead, Sherwood Autism Center
Autistic Adult

PETER GRENIER

Vice President of Merchandising and Retail, ExplorUs

SCHYLON KUBIC

Public Involvement Project Manager, Wilson & Company

BRIAN LEITNER

Managing Director of Wealth Solutions, Mariner

T.J. PREUSS

Attorney & Founding Member, Preuss | Foster Law

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING OR JOINING OUR BOARD?

Each year, roughly 300 individuals join together and give more than 20,000 hours to make certain that Camp Encourage is a memorable experience for each camper.  Some serve on our Board of Directors; volunteer prior to, during, or following camp; raise funds; and/or prepare the numerous details of planning and providing this overnight opportunity. Without these volunteers and their generous gifts of time and talent, Camp Encourage would not be able to offer our campers the quality experience they deserve. Consider joining the volunteer efforts of Camp Encourage. Many roles are available year round as well as during the sessions of camp. We promise you that your effort will benefit both the campers and YOU! If interested or for further information, contact us at 816.830.7171 or info@campencourage.org.