NovusWay Ministries
Staff
Dick Peterson, CCD
Intentional Interim CEO
Dick Peterson is a life-long Lutheran and experienced Camp Director/Non-Profit Administrator. He has served in camps and other youth-serving agencies in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Michigan. Prior to joining the NovusWay team, he served on the international staff of Kiwanis for 18 years, where he led a team to develop and produce servant leadership training retreats for thousands of high school students throughout the world. Throughout his career, he has been an active member and leader in the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been awarded the Lifetime Designation of Certified Camp Director (CCD). Dick and his wife, Sharon, have been married for 48 years and have an active family of three grown children, two sons-in law and four amazing grandchildren!
LaToya Ellis
Director of Human Resources
LaToya is a Dallas, TX native. She moved to Hendersonville, NC with her family in 2018 to follow God’s calling which eventually landed her at NovusWay after serving in a local hospital for 4 years. LaToya has over 15 years of service in Wellness and People Operations. She has a BS in Biology, a Master of Health Care Administration, and is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach. Servant Leadership is her passion, and she delights teaching and sharing concepts with people that can help them grow in their life journey! LaToya is married to a retired Army Medic who served in Afghanistan, and they have two children.
Kristen Williams
Executive Director of Financial Development
Kristen Williams is a former Lutheridge camper ('99), counselor ('04-'06) and NovusWay Board of Trustees member ('18-21'). She has a BA in English from Elon University and a Masters of Public Administration from Villanova University. Kristen has worked in the development/fundraising field for over 15 years for non-profit organizations throughout the Carolinas and credits camp for setting her on the path of service. She is excited to share the story – how camp builds a solid faith foundation, challenges your understanding of who and whose you are, transforms hearts, and builds bridges where they’re needed – to ensure the financial future of camp for generations to come. She has seen how God is at work through outdoor ministry and is excited to be a part of the NovusWay team. Kristen lives in Charleston, SC with her husband, Elliott (also a former camper and counselor), and their two rambunctious children.
Jessica Steele
Director Of Communications
Jessica is a native of Gilbert, SC. Her journey with NovusWay began in 2014 where she originally served in the role of Registrar before transitioning to her current position. Her education focused on Fine Art and Graphic Design and she has over 15 years of experience in the Graphic Design field and almost 20 years of experience working and volunteering in ministry. She has a passion serving others and furthering the work of the church; she says, "working here has truly been a call from the Lord for her."
The Rev. Dr. Jan Setzler
Senior Development Officer
Jan has served as Development Staff for NovusWay since 2010. He says, "God became real to me at Camp. I grew up in a town with no organized Lutheran Church, so I didn't have Sunday School, Bible School or youth group to form my faith. My Faith was formed at camp by a neighboring pastor who took me with his youth to camp for 4 consecutive years. I've spent my life as a pastor, college chaplain, professor and Dean, Army Chaplain and the last 12 year as Development Staff for NovusWay paying the debt I owe to that pastor for taking me to camp."
Allyson West
Program Registrar - Lutheridge & Lutheranch
Allyson grew up as a camper at Lutheridge, she loved spending her summers there. She became more involved with the ministry when she started working in the Camp store during college. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. She is loving her role as Program Registrar and looks forward to helping you and your family register for our programs.
Michelle Kallies
Program Registrar - Lutherock & Luther Springs
Michelle began her work with the ministry in 2022. As a native of Miami, FL, she has enjoyed the serene beauty of Western North Carolina since 2019, spending her free time visiting waterfalls throughout the area. Michelle currently lives in Arden, NC with her husband, their dog Dakota and their two cats, Nala and Archer. She is thrilled to be part of registering campers for year-round programs where they will create memories that last a lifetime!
Laura Shipman
Reservations & Hospitality Coordinator
Laura is a native of Western North Carolina and started her work with the ministry in 2022; she is excited to be a part of the NovusWay team and enjoys helping guest plan their next stay at one of our sites. She enjoys camping and spending time with her family and friends.
Amanda Wittchow
Communications Assistant
Amanda joins the NovusWay team remotely with over 10 years of experience in the graphic design, content creation, and communications space. In college she spent her summers working at a Bible camp in Wisconsin and has had a passion for camp ministry ever since. Her greatest joy is pointing others to Jesus and sharing the hope, strength, and joy found in Him. In her free time Amanda loves being a wife and mom. She also enjoys cooking, spending time with her dog, and exploring the great outdoors.
Barbara Arndt
Business Office Assistant
Barbara joined the NovusWay Team in 2022 in the Business Office assisting with administrative and accounts payable duties. Although she herself did not grow up going to summer camp she likes to provide every opportunity for her teenage son, who has attended Lutheridge before and plans to attend Lutherock this summer. She and her son love to take short day trips, go hiking, camping, shopping and attend church. She is looking forward to growing with the ministry and experiencing some of our programs for herself, especially ones that include horses.
Charles Bridgers (GA)
Dcn. Jerry Johnson (FL)
Rev. Lauren Carlson (NC)
Rev. Susan Crowell (SC)
Rev. Bruce Edwards (FL)
Keith Gehl (NC)
Karen Harris (SC)
Thomas O’Reilly (FL)
Ranate Patrick (GA)
Floyd Self (FL)
Kami Kinard (SC)
Tiffany Miller (NC)
Rev. Matt Henning (GA)
Rev. Bill Trexler (FL)
Bishops from our four Synods:
Bp. Rev. Ginny Aebishcer (SC), Bp. Rev. Tim Smith (NC),
Bp. Rev. Kevin Strickland (SE), Bp. Rev. Pedro Suarez (FB)
