Lone Star Leadership Academy Staff
Directors
Mike Benson
Marliese Bordman
Danielle Delgado
Timmothy Hypolite
Nicole Lindsey
Robert Merritt
Paul Montreuil
Clyde Parham
Karen Schroeder
Facilitators and Assistant Directors
Derek Astor
Emmanuel Ayala
Tracy Barlow
Shea Bloemhof
Wilhelmina Brantley
Tawana Camacho
Monica Charping
Lisa Chase
Emily Couger
Jonathan Craig
Joseph Ekutshu
Tara Geiger
Robert Harris
Mark Lederman
Kellie Martinez
Emily McBride
Suzi McDaniel
Tiffany Meinke
Cyndi Newton
Mitchell O'Briant
Denise Parham
Christopher Ryal
Idalia Santos
Patricia Stevens
Michell Tennison
Tammy Thompson
Antonio Ureste
Reginald Vincent
Danielle Welch
Youth Facilitator Advisors
Samantha Billings
Brianna Botyos
Ashlynn Bullard
Freya Dolman
Kristopher Hodgin
Charlize Lopez
Aubriana Ramirez
Natalee Scholl
Youth Facilitators
Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council members have the unique opportunity to return on camps as Youth Facilitators. As Youth Facilitators, these young leaders serve as mentors to the campers, assist the adult Facilitators, and assist camp Directors behind the scenes. Click here to learn more about the Alumni Council and Youth Facilitators.
Adam Adera
Adam just completed 7th grade at First Colony Middle School in Fort Bend ISD.
I am serving as a Youth Facilitator because it is a good opportunity to show my leadership skills that I have learned and use them to help the campers.
moreShruti Anand
Shruti just completed 9th grade at Independence High School in Frisco ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I have experienced firsthand how powerful this program can be. As a camper, my Youth Facilitators made me feel seen, supported, and confident enough to step outside my comfort zone. That experience stayed with me and shaped how I approached leadership.
After three years on the Alumni Council and as a 2025 Youth Mentor, I have had the opportunity to support campers and contribute to the program in meaningful ways. Now, I’m ready to take on a larger leadership role where I can actively guide a group, create a positive and inclusive environment, and help each camper feel like they belong. I’m excited to give back in a deeper way and create the same kind of impact that once inspired me.
moreRyan Assasi
Ryan just completed 8th grade at in Awty International School.
For the past three years, I have gone to the Lone Star Leadership Academy summer camps. I have had a lot of fun and have learned a lot about Texas history. but most importantly, I have learned leadership skills. Now I want to help kids who aren't as old and experienced as me to gain the same skills.
moreRishika Bansal
Rishika just completed 9th grade at Lowery Freshman Center in Allen ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator to work on my leadership skills. I would love to teach, make friends, and be part of new community. I'm passionate about making a safe and comfortable space for kids.
moreKate Bell
Kate just completed 11th grade at Wakeland High School in Frisco ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy working with younger students and helping them feel confident, supported, and included. Lone Star Leadership Academy had a positive impact on me, and I want to give back by being a role model and mentor to students who are having that same experience. As a Youth Facilitator, I hope to encourage younger students to step outside their comfort zones, work as a team, and believe in their leadership potential.
moreKennedy Bell
Kennedy just completed 11th grade at Wakeland High School in Frisco ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because Lone Star Leadership Academy was a really meaningful experience for me, and I want to help create that same experience for other students. I enjoy encouraging others, working as a team, and helping people feel comfortable and confident. Being a Youth Facilitator will allow me to give back to the program while continuing to grow as a leader.
moreStormi Bennett
Stormi just completed 9th grade at Splendora High School in Splendora ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because new places are scary for many of the younger leaders, but them knowing they have mentors their age to guide them through the week is very reassuring for all of them. I know my first year at camp was very scary, so I'm so excited to be able to help the first year campers who also feel that way.
moreEthan Benton
Ethan just completed 9th grade at Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin ISD.
Being a youth facilitator is a great opportunity to practice my leadership abilities while so many people are looking up to me and depending on me. Although it can sometimes be an intense experience, it's really fulfilling to be a role model and friend to the campers at Lone Star Leadership Academy. It's a great opportunity to help the program while exploring my independence as a mature person.
moreDrew Breidenthal
Drew just completed 9th grade at Stratford High School in Spring Branch ISD.
I want to be a youth facilitator because I want to be there for the new campers and show them how much fun it can be. I want to be somebody older they can look up to and know they can count on.
moreSebastian Carrillo
Sebastian just completed 9th grade at Americas High School in Socorro ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because of three main reasons. The first reason is that I am a good leader and can manage complicated situations. I always try and help my classmates in class and I am the captain of my soccer team. The second reason why is because I love meeting new people. Every camp I attend, whether its the last two I've attended as a youth facilitator, or the three I've attended as a camper, I love meeting new people, seeing where they're from, and making new friends. The last reason is because of what I learn while I'm there and where we visit. I love going to new places and learning more about what I can do to become a better person, so why not attend a camp where I can do both and teach the younger generation to do the same?
moreJayden Castaneda
Jayden just completed 10th grade at Clear Springs High School in Clear Creek ISD.
I am serving as a youth facilitator because I want to help others, make a difference in their lives, and help them learn in a fun and engaging environment. I find it is a great way to get a better understanding of things like communication and problem solving skills.
moreMackenzie Chaney
Mackenzie just completed 7th grade at Hunt Middle School in Frisco ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I have always naturally taken on a leadership and care giving role, often being “the mom” of my group. I am responsible, organized, and have experience leading multiple organizations, which has helped me develop strong leadership and communication skills. Having a brother with special needs has also shaped me into someone who takes pride in supporting and caring for others, especially younger generations.
I believe this opportunity will help me continue to grow as a leader while making a positive impact on others. I also admire the youth facilitators and leaders I met when I attended camp, and they inspired me to want to give back in the same way. I am excited about the chance to help others, learn from this experience, and be a positive role model.
moreNeel Chugh
Neel just completed 8th grade at Rice Middle School in Plano ISD.
I am serving as a Youth Facilitator to gain more confidence by trying something new and challenging. I also hope to learn how to work better with different people and adapt to new situations.
moreMackenzie Cory
Mackenzie just completed 9th grade at Lone Oak High School in Lone Oak ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I love being able to be a role model for others. Helping guide younger students will help our world to have more capable leaders, something we need. I also loved having the Youth Facilitators at the camps I was at as a participant, and how calm and comforting they always seemed to be. I loved being able to be this respectable figure last year, and I am excited to do it again this year. Another reason I want to be a Youth Facilitator is because I love helping, in any way I can, and as a Youth Facilitator, my job is to help throughout the camp. I loved being a Youth Facilitator last year, and I am excited to be a Youth Facilitator again.
moreBreAnn Craig
BreAnn just completed 9th grade at Harker Heights High School in Killeen ISD.
As a Youth Facilitator l look forward to serving as a mentor and leader to help lead and guide others in a positive direction and leave them feeling encouraged and uplifted.
moreFranciska Crkvenjakov
Franciska just completed 9th grade at Lamar High school in Houston ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because, when I was a camper, the Youth Facilitators always made camp fun and had such a positive impact on my experience. They encouraged me, made me feel welcome, and eventually felt like friends to all of the campers.
The Youth Facilitators played a huge role in making my experience so meaningful, and now I want to have that same impact on another camper. I want to help create a positive, memorable experience for other students and be part of the reason they make the same lifelong memories and friendships that I did.
moreAbigail Curtis
Abigail just completed 9th grade at Bridgeland High School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to be able to help teach campers the leadership skills I learned throughout camp.
moreBobby Deng
Bobby just completed 9th grade at Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to be able to help young leaders be successful in leading themselves and others. I also want to help others get out of their comfort zone to become a better version of themselves.
moreMason Elseth
Mason just completed 9th grade at Claudia Taylor Johnson High School in North East ISD.
I serve as a Youth Facilitator to grow my skills in leading others and to help make sure the campers have the best week ever.
moreAvery Fahey
Avery just completed 9th grade at in Saint Thomas Episcopal School.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I love to help kids do their best and be their motivation.
moreAnthony Foster
Anthony just completed 10th grade at North Forney High School in Forney ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because it will allow me to further develop my own leadership skills while also helping strengthen the leadership experience of the students participating in the Leadership Academy.
morePeyton Freude
Peyton just completed 8th grade at Hillwood Middle School in Keller ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I have gone to these camps in the past as a camper and I have always admired how much the Youth Facilitators do for the campers. I also feel like it will be a good opportunity for me.
moreAutumn Fuger
Autumn just completed 8th grade at Robert L. Vale Middle School in Northside ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator for several reasons. First, I love helping everyone, and being able to mentor others is a way that I get to do that. Second, I love giving others the chance to learn; it's why I aspire to become a teacher! Lastly, I want the campers to have a great time, and I think that with my help, that will happen.
moreMichal Fuks
Michal just completed 8th grade at Robinson Middle school in Plano ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because it is important to me to stay involved in my community and make a positive difference by leading, mentoring, and encouraging youth.
moreLauren Gaines
Lauren just completed 8th grade at School for the Highly Gifted in Grand Prairie ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to give back to a program that has given so much to me. Every time I attended the Lone Star Leadership Academy, I learned valuable lessons and had memorable experiences. I would love for the campers in my group to feel the same excitement and inspiration that I felt. The Youth Facilitators I had during my camps made a big impact on me. They were supportive, encouraging, and clearly enjoyed helping others. Their leadership inspired me, and now I want to help create that same experience for future campers.
moreLayla Garcia
Layla just completed 8th grade at Eldorado Middle School in Schleicher County ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I find joy in helping others and would like to lead others in journeys I’ve had.
moreLindsey Grimes
Lindsey just completed 11th grade at Boyd High School in Boyd ISD.
I love being a youth facilitator because I love to help people become better leaders, come out of their comfort zone, and do things they normally wouldn't do. I also like meeting new people. I can also learn new things from the campers and leaders.
moreAda Haidinger
Ada just completed 9th grade at Olfen School in Olfen ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy helping others learn and grow, while also gaining valuable experience that will benefit me in future college and career opportunities. I also appreciate the opportunity to travel, meet new people, and experience new places and activities while making a positive impact on others.
moreCaleb Hsieh
Caleb just completed 10th grade at Stephen F. Austin High School in Fort Bend ISD.
I remember my first time being in the Lone Star Leadership Academy I was a bit shy as I didn’t know anyone there and this was the first time I was going to stay overnight outside my house. I remember how the Youth Facilitators helped to introduce me into the group and become more connected. Once I was able to meet more people this helped me to be more outgoing. Now as a Youth Facilitator, I want to help other kids who may be shy or struggle with getting into the group to get into the group. I also just love helping others with running the camp, and being able to really utilize the leadership skills that I learned throughout my years at the Lone Star Leadership Academy.
moreEvan Hughes
Evan just completed 8th grade at Holliday Middle School in Holliday ISD.
Every time I attended camp, I looked up to the Youth Facilitators. I serve as a Youth Facilitator to be that same kind of role model for the next generation and help create meaningful experiences and memories for future campers.
moreNathalie Huynh
Nathalie just completed 10th grade at Pearland High School in Pearland ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy helping others feel heard, supported, and included. I like creating a positive space where young people can share ideas, build confidence, and work together. Being a Youth Facilitator also lets me develop leadership skills while making a real impact in my community.
moreLilly James
Lilly just completed 9th grade at Liberty Hill ISD in Liberty Hill ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator to get more experiences, meet new people, and to get new life skills.
moreLaney Kimbro
Laney just completed 8th grade at Olney Junior High in Olney ISD.
Over the past three summers as a camper at Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, and Houston/Galveston, I have been learning how to be the best leader I can possibly be. This summer, I am looking forward to using these skills to help lead a group of younger campers. At LSLA, I feel like I can apply what I have learned in order to teach others who are in the same position I was once in as a camper.
moreScott Lassen
Scott just completed 7th grade at Sunnyvale Middle School in Sunnyvale ISD.
Ever since my first camp, Youth Facilitators were always people I could go to. Now, I want to contribute and be that person who makes campers smile. Experiencing camp in a new light will not only be beneficial to me, but to the campers as well.
moreCassidy Lee
Cassidy just completed 9th grade at Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I am passionate about helping others and working with young people. As a scholar, I witnessed the positive connections and supportive community at Lone Star Leadership Academy. That is something I will always remember and I aim to give that same meaningful support and experience to incoming campers. Plus, this role will help me to expand my leadership skills.
moreEthan Lilja
Ethan just completed 9th grade at Jasper High School in Plano ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy helping other kids learn, grow, and develop their leadership skills. I enjoy leading others, encouraging them to do their best, and helping create a positive and supportive experience for everyone involved.
moreMatilda Lilja
Matilda just completed 10th grade at Jasper High School in Plano ISD.
I want to be a Yputh Facilitator because I want to help other kids to be good leaders and give them useful leadership skills that they can use in the future to be successful.
moreTyler Lopez
Tyler just completed 10th grade at Elkins High School in Fort Bend ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because Lone Star Leadership Academy has had a big impact on me, and I want to give back to a program that helped me grow. When I first attended, I learned how to step out of my comfort zone, work with others, and lead with confidence. I want to help younger students have that same experience. I hope to be someone they can look up to, learn from, and feel supported by throughout their journey.
moreJayde Manuel
Jayde just completed 10th grade at Tivy High School in Kerrville ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator to help people find their voices.
moreAmri Marquez
Amri just completed 8th grade at Slayter Creek Middle School in Anna ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy working with kids, taking on roles of responsibility, and continuing to expand my leadership skills. The years I have spent attending camp have been exciting and meaningful experiences that left a lasting impression on both my education and personal growth. I have visited many memorable places and learned valuable lessons along the way. The opportunity to now be part of other students’ experiences at the Lone Star Leadership Academy is incredibly meaningful to me.
moreJaelyn Moore
Jaelyn just completed 10th grade at The Woodlands High School in Conroe ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator to practice being in a leadership role. I feel it will help me prepare for future by helping me gain life experience and meet new people.
moreLeeland Morris
Leeland just completed 9th grade at Leakey High School in Leakey ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy helping others grow and feel included. I can do this by being a positive tole model and helping to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable communicating and sharing ideas. This role allows me to develop more leadership skills while also being able to help others.
moreAyanna Murjani
Ayanna just completed 8th grade at Sartartia Middle School in Fort Bend ISD.
I want to become a Youth Facilitator because I want to put the leadership skills that I have learned this past year to work and inspire other campers to become a better version of themselves everyday!
moreAyden Murrell
Ayden just completed 8th grade at Young Men’s Leadership Academy in Fort Worth ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy being a role model to those younger than me.
moreElisa Phan
Truc Mai (Elisa) just completed 9th grade at Lowery Freshman Center in Allen ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because when I attended previous summer camps as a camper, I saw how Youth Facilitators inspired others to be responsible, outgoing, confident, and fun at the same time. Their leadership and positive attitudes motivated me and showed me the kind of role model I would like to become. My enjoyment of helping others and working with kids encouraged me to apply for this position. I believe this experience will help me continue to grow as a leader while also allowing me to make a positive impact on future campers.
moreJameson Pounds
Jameson just completed 9th grade at Rockwall Heath Ninth Grade Center in Rockwall ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I have always been a role model to my parents' younger kids, Also, I have always wanted to get more experience in the real world for when I have a job that may require me to lead a group.
moreAaron Powell
Aaron just completed 10th grade at Huntsville High School in Huntsville ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator to promote the growth of leadership skills in students because I was once in their shoes.
moreNandini Pradhan
Nandini just completed 9th grade at Lawrence Elkins High School in Fort Bend ISD.
During my time as a camper in the Lone Star Leadership Academy I had amazing Youth Facilitators that inspired. I want to continue this by also inspiring other campers as a Youth Facilitator.
moreNolan Querin
Nolan just completed 10th grade at Bellaire High School in Houston ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitatoar so that I can learn more about myself and help to improve my social skills.
moreNiomi Sanchez
Niomi just completed 10th grade at Oak Ridge High School in Conroe ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy working with other kids and helping them build confidence in themselves. This program has shown me how much positive leadership and a supportive environment can impact others, and I want to help create that experience for future campers. I enjoy encouraging others to try new things, feel included, and step out of their comfort zones. I also believe this role will help me continue to grow as a leader while giving back to a program that has positively impacted me.
moreIan Santos
Ian just completed 9th grade at Wimberley High School in Wimberley ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator in order to learn how to lead efficiently while being able to maintain a good relationship with those I am leading.
moreNatalie Silerio
Natalie just completed 10th grade at Loop School in Loop ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator to help young students become great leaders. I also want to grow my strengths and weaknesses as a leader.
moreMilena Solano-Arango
Milena just completed 8th grade at the St. John's School .
I want to become a Youth Facilitator because I want to be able to gain experience helping others grow into the leaders that they are, as well as learn from the other Facilitators and Youth Facilitators to become the best version of myself as a leader.
moreSofia Solano-Arango
Sofia just completed 11th grade at Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions in Houston ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because the Lone Star Leadership Academy has had a lasting impact on my growth as a leader. It helped me build the confidence and communication skills that later led me to serve as sophomore and junior class president. Having previously served as a Youth Facilitator, I have already seen how rewarding it is to mentor younger students and help them discover their own leadership potential. I would love having the opportunity to continue giving back to a program that has played such an important role in my journey.
moreCameron Starnes
Cameron just completed 8th grade at Irons Junior High School in Conroe ISD.
As a Youth Facilitator I feel I can build strong relationships with the kids by being a supportive and friendly role model. I also know I can help keep them on track when it’s time to listen, while still maintaining a positive and encouraging environment.
moreRhea Steil
Rhea just completed 10th grade at in Concordia Lutheran High School.
I enjoy serving as a Youth Facilitator because I love working with kids and getting to know all their different personalities. I also think it's so fun and interesting to visit all the cool Texas landmarks and show them to the younger campers.
moreParker Stiers
Parker just completed 9th grade at Pearland High School in Pearland ISD.
I chose to be a Youth Facilitator because I want to continue being part of the program while also gaining and applying the valuable lessons it teaches.
moreNoah Strange
Noah just completed 8th grade at Wiggs Middle School in El Paso ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy attending the camps and experiencing all they have to offer. Since you can only attend as a camper for a limited time, I would enjoy the opportunity to continue returning to the camps as a Youth Facilitator. I also value how this role helps develop important leadership skills that I will use as I get older.
moreAvery Sutton
Avery just completed 11th grade at Richland High School in Birdville ISD.
I want to continue being a Youth Facilitator to help more kids feel safe, supported, and able to have fun while learning and growing.
moreNia Terrell
Nia just completed 8th grade at Young Women's Leadership Academy in San Antonio ISD.
I want to serve as a Youth Facilitator to expand my experience at Lone Star Leadership Academy form just being a camper to helping new young campers enjoy their experience at Lone Star Leadership Academy the way I have for the last three years. The Youth Facilitator program is the next step in understanding what it takes to be a leader.
moreKaleb Thayer
Kaleb just completed 10th grade at Sanderson High School in Terrell County ISD.
I serve as a Youth Facilitator because of the skills I gain and the impact I can make. My experience last year was amazing, as it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a leader while supporting the kids. I also had the opportunity to positively impact their experience and guide them through it, and I look forward to continue doing so.
moreLance Tobola
Lance just completed 11th grade at College Station High School in College Station ISD.
I enjoy serving as a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy helping others feel included, confident, and engaged. I like working with different people and helping groups stay focused while still having fun and learning together.
moreKirithik Venkatesh
Kirithik just completed 9th grade at Round Rock High School in Round Rock ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator so I can help give the kids the same amazing experience I got to have in my previous years.
moreKyler Virgin
Kyler just completed 10th grade at Stephenville High School in Stephenville ISD.
I have always thought of myself as someone who is a natural helper and provider. I want to be a Youth Facilitator because this is a guaranteed way that I can help young leaders, and work on my own leadership skills.
moreLainey Virgin
Lainey just completed 8th grade at Henderson Junior High in Stephenville ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because my experience as a camper was so positive, and I would love the opportunity to see the camp from a facilitator’s perspective while helping other campers have the same meaningful and positive experience.
moreAbigail Vogt
Abigail just completed 10th grade at Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because I enjoy helping others grow and creating a positive, supportive environment for learning. I also want to develop my leadership skills by guiding and inspiring younger students.
moreLucile Wilkes
Lucile just completed 8th grade at Alexander Hamilton Middle School in Houston ISD.
I serve as a Youth Facilitator bto inspire younger kids to follow their SHINE and continue to come to camp to experience new things. My first Youth Facilitators inspired me to go all the way through the Alumni Council so I could be a Youth Facilitator. I hope that I can help other kids feel as excited and determined as I did. I also want to have a good time helping kids experience the joy of Texas.
moreSara Williamson
Sara just completed 8th grade at Overton Junior High School in Overton ISD.
I want to be a Youth Facilitator because it will allow me to demonstrate my leadership skills while also engaging in my passion for making others feel happy, supported, and secure.
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