Events

Ryan Mertz is an experienced professional in the camping services industry, having worked in various roles at YMCA camps in Michigan. With a background in Sport & Recreation Management and Business Management from Lake Superior State University, Ryan currently holds the position of Director of YMCA Camping Services at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, overseeing Camps Ohiyesa & Nissokone. Before this role, Ryan served as Executive Director and Camp Director at YMCA Camp Nissokone and held the position of Program Manager at YMCA of Saginaw- Camp Timbers. Ryan's expertise and dedication have significantly impacted the camping community. Ryan Mertz is the YMCA Camp's Executive Director 

Nicole Lawson is President and CEO of Orchards Children's Service. She is also a fellow Rotarian. 

Nicole has worked to improve behavioral health in Oakland County, where she served as Clinical Analyst and Director and later as the Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of the Oakland Community Health Network.

Most recently, Nicole served as the National Director of Behavioral Health for Valor Healthcare overseeing 50 primary care clinics in 16 states, serving over 150,000 veterans. At Valor Healthcare, she also served as Chair of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council. Nicole demonstrates strong leadership skills and excels at strategic planning and implementation, operational excellence, team leadership and development, and vision setting.

“Orchards’ mission is very personal to me. My husband and I were foster parents and are adoptive parents to two children. I am humbled to join such a dynamic agency,” Nicole says. “I’m excited to meet with staff and supporters and become part of such a dedicated and caring team.”

Co-founder Bradley Perkins is a retired educator passionate about leading and seeking ways to improve the communities he serves.  He is a devoted father, foster parent, and grandparent, and sees the face of good in all individuals.  He possesses an education degree and a master's in educational leadership.  He has served on the board of Orchards Children's Services and volunteers at his local church serving meals.  He has worked as a childcare professional, classroom teacher, coach, and building-level school administrator.  The mission of One Love One Family is shared by his wife of 33 years, who desires to love and serve one's neighbors by creating an interdependent community and family.

Learn more at https://oneloveonefamily.org/

MAKENZIE LARSON

Founder & CEO, Director of Movement & Functional Medicine
Makenzie, MS, LAT, ATC, FAAFM, is a certified and licensed athletic trainer in Michigan and Florida. She received her Master of Science in Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia. In addition, she has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Applied and Ethics-Based, and a Minor in Biomedical Sciences from Western Michigan University. She was also a Division 1 soccer goalkeeper, captain, and Bronco Award winner for selfless leadership.

While at UVA, Makenzie worked with the 7-time national championship Men’s Soccer Program and completed her thesis on wearable technology, specifically how to use internal and external load monitoring for injury prevention, return to activity, and performance. She also studied in the clinic and operating rooms for UVA Orthopedic Surgery.

Web Site: https://www.roremethod.com/

Come join us for a casual get together.

Annual Masters Raffle Party