Leadership Development Team
After graduating from Ohio State, Kelly spent several years facilitating groups with identified Middle and High School students throughout Franklin County. She moved to Cincinnati in 1996 and started working with the Alcohol and Chemical Abuse Council in Butler County, where she continued to work with young people in a variety of settings. In 2012, after spending some time at home with her 3 children, she found Camp Joy, where she could combine her love of experiential learning and the outdoors. She is currently enjoying working with the VO! team as a Program Coordinator and Adjunct Facilitator.
Lexi Baumgartner first came to Camp Joy as a summer camp counselor, not yet knowing that the work would shape the trajectory of her life. Over the past six years, she has served in multiple roles, including Summer Camp Counselor, Experiential Educator, and Challenge Course Specialist, each deepening her passion for experiential learning, community building, and helping people step boldly outside their comfort zones. Now stepping into the role of Venture Out! Program Manager, Lexi is excited to support Joy’s mission in a new way while continuing to champion transformative experiences for clients and staff alike.
Throughout her time at Camp Joy, Lexi has made a lasting impact across programs and age groups. She has empowered campers on the ropes course, guided students in discovering the natural world, and supported leadership groups in building trust and connection. These moments of growth, both for clients and for herself, stand among her proudest accomplishments. Lexi often says that the lessons she teaches at Joy are the same ones she has learned there: confidence, courage, advocacy, and the power of community.
Relationships have been central to Lexi’s journey. She has found exceptional mentors, trusted collaborators, and lifelong friends within the Joy community. Helping others build meaningful connections is a core part of her work, and she brings that same relationship-building spirit to every program she supports.
In her new role with Venture Out!, Lexi is committed to strengthening program delivery, reducing barriers for facilitators, and ensuring every client receives the high-quality, mission-aligned experience that defines the Camp Joy Way.
Lexi holds bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology from Xavier University. Outside of work, she can often be found hiking, climbing, or writing, pursuits that reflect her love of challenge, creativity, and the outdoors. Her dedication to personal growth, community impact, and experiential leadership makes her a natural fit to help guide Venture Out! into its next chapter.
Paul graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a communications degree that focused on interpersonal/small group communication, with an emphasis on organizational development. He first discovered Camp Joy in the summer of 1992 when he served as a summer camp counselor. In the years that followed, he worked for every program at Camp Joy.
In the winter of 1999, Paul left Camp Joy to gain different experiences and explore other professions. He worked in the corporate world and also worked for himself. However, in 2010, he decided to return to Joy and continue to foster his love of experiential learning.
Apart from his work at Camp Joy, Paul enjoys spending time with his family, the outdoors, and working with his hands. He and his family spend a lot of time working in their garden and creating a habitat that supports native plant and animal species at their suburban home.