BAREFOOT REPUBLIC STAFF
Meet The Staff
Matt Black
Kentucky Operations Director
I came to Barefoot in a full-time capacity over five years ago from Illinois where I served my community as a high school teacher. Prior to becoming full-time with Barefoot, I served each summer at our Overnight Camp. This summer will be my 15th summer serving at camp.
WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
The reason I love Barefoot is that I have grown to call this place home, and the people here have become family.
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
My favorite Barefoot memory would be watching movies on the wiffle ball field while eating popcorn.
Cynthia Covell
Community Center Membership Coordinator ​
I'm a Nashville native, and grew up attending Christ Church, where I have served in various ways. God blessed me with two amazing children, and I'm also a cat mom. Music and movies are two of my biggest interests. When not working, you can expect to find me enjoying nature, and spending quality time with my family and friends. Lover of all things art, but my main focus is on fashion, and home design, and I love letting my creative juices flow.
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I have only been with Barefoot for a short period of time, but feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing organization where kingdom work is being done and little ones are learning about Jesus and how God created them for a purpose!
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
Youth Production is a fun experience because you get to see all that the campers learned while attending camp, and it's their time to shine! I've also enjoyed witnessing such diverse children from all backgrounds come together to worship, play, and learn about how much God loves them.
Arielle Chambers
Program Coordinator ​​​
I am originally from Hickory, North Carolina and grew up with camp in my blood. I got saved on the front porch of Hickory Cove Bible Camp at the age of 10 and have worked my entire career in camp ministry. From 2020-2024 I worked for a non-profit organization where I developed over 300 pieces of curriculum and started 3 camp site locations. I’m thrilled to bring my passion for youth, and my experience in the camp world to Barefoot Republic as a program coordinator!
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I was a scholarship student at camp. IF not for the generosity of others I don’t know if I would have met Jesus. I don’t know if I would have been the woman I am today. I don’t know if my mother would have found the Lord in 2016. It seems only fitting that I give back and potentially impact more lives just like mine was impacted all those years ago.
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
While working at a camp in Greensboro, NC, I led my campers in a choreographed dance to “Cooler Than Me” by Mike Posner for Karaoke one night. We had matching nerd outfits complete with suspenders and fake glasses. It was incredible.
Fannia Foster
Camp Registrar
I am a Nashville native, born & raised in East Nashville. I am a mom to a former Barefoot camper of 9 years. I have a heart for people and creating safe spaces for vulnerability. I'm honored and privileged to work in a place that allows me to live my life out loud for Christ.
WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
It brings me so much joy to work for an organization dedicated to introducing Jesus to our children and helping them learn to strengthen their relationship with Him and others. Once you have an encounter with Christ, you are never the same. I love being a part of the mission of cultivating environments for those encounters to occur. My daughter's life was forever changed as a result of her experiences at Barefoot. I love being a part of offering that same opportunity to other children.
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
Every year, it's amazing to go to Youth Productions and see those campers who started out Day 1 very introverted having the time of their lives with their new found friends. There's just something about being exposed to the love and light of Jesus that boosts our confidence when we understand our identity is found in Him. To visibly see how He has touched the hearts of these kids in a matter of days is just incredible!
Tammi Gray
Marketing & Communications Director​​
I am a soccer mom who loves Jesus, my husband, my 2 kids, coffee and dogs!
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I’ve been sending my kids to Barefoot for years! I love that they get to have fun doing the activities they love while learning about Christ and experiencing community with kids from different backgrounds! There’s no other camp like it!
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
My favorite camp memory is from a Christian camp in California I went to in 6th grade. Everything from the devotionals to the worship and the mountains made me feel so incredibly close to God that I remember being so afraid when I got home that feeling would go away.
Austin Jansen
KY Operations & Facilities Coordinator​​
I'm from Illinois and went into camp ministry almost immediately after High School. Fell in love with it and the outdoors. I have worked at a few different camps across the country collecting knowledge and experience. After my time in camp ministry I worked as a Youth Pastor with the Salvation Army and helped lead their after school program and summer day camp. Needless to say I am passionate about the outdoors and teaching the youth. In my spare time I enjoy rock climbing, backpacking, pretty much anything outside.
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I love the family-like community that the staff have.
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WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
My favorite camp memory is when I was in Wisconsin and they took us outdoor rock climbing. It was my first time ever, and I fell in love with it.
Isaiah Kirk
Performance & Basketball Coordinator
I am a Nashville native, I'm the tallest of eight siblings. Love being outdoors; farming, fishing, basically anything outdoors. I used to play basketball for living, then the Lord lead me into being a school teacher for a few years where I discovered the grace for teaching the next generation.
WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I love the community aspect, Barefoot brings people from all walks of life together for a common goal.
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WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
My first YP (Youth Production) seeing the campers who started the week shy and timid, but by the end of camp those same campers standing up front dancing like no one else was in room.
Cathy LaFitte
Business Development Director
I am married to my husband of almost 29 years, John. I have two children, Sarah and Colby. I also have two grandbabies, both boys, Becks and Boone.
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I love Barefoot because it feels like home to me. I have never worked at a camp before, but I love the atmosphere, especially when I see how much fun the campers and retreat attendees are having.
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
My favorite camp memory is when I make new friends and learn songs about Jesus.
Tommy Rhodes
Founder & Executive Director
Barefoot Republic Camp and Retreat Center began as a vision in 1991 when Tommy Rhodes, the founder of Barefoot Republic, served as a 19-year-old camp counselor at Camp Mac outside of Birmingham, Alabama. Tommy witnessed for the first time how God could use his life to impact the lives of others. This powerful redemption led to a restoration of hope within a young man scarred by a life filled with bad choices. Tommy left that summer with a God-sized dream and burden on his heart to provide similar opportunities to youth like himself who could not afford such experiences.
Tommy felt led to leave his Ph.D. program and sell his baseball card collection in order to secure the land and initiate Barefoot Republic Camp and Retreat Center.
Tommy is married to Lane and they have two high schoolers who grew up coming to Barefoot.
Caroline Ritter
Community Relations Coordinator
My husband, Kevin, and I moved to Tennessee in 2013 with our two boys. We live on a quiet gravel road. I am creative at heart and love to grow flowers, sew anything, and create art any chance I get. I am a mom of 2 former Barefoot Campers. I am so thankful to work here and build relationships with our growing community.
WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I absolutely loved seeing our boys full of joy at the end of each day. Getting a glimpse of camp at the Youth Production each year and seeing the friendships they made was a highlight. Oh my, those chants are fun! I believe wholeheartedly in the message of Barefoot.
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WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
Camp has been an integral part of my life. It helped shape me into the person I am today. I grew up going to camp in North Carolina with my sisters and friends. I have too many wonderful camp memories to count! A very fond memory is deciding I was ready for camp when my sisters were crying because it was over and they didn't want it to end.
Thomas Rose
Worship Arts Director
My wife, Dita, and I have been married for 20 years, and we have three amazing children. I have been a worship leader for over 25 years, and have led in places all over the United States as well as internationally in our band The Rose Factor. I am blessed to have been a part of the Barefoot family for over 18 years now. My desire is to create a space for all people to worship God through music, song, arts and authentic life experiences.
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
Barefoot Republic is one of the only places on the planet that brings people together from every background, ethnicity, and social upbringing to celebrate unity and oneness in Christ.
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
MMy favorite memories of Barefoot have come from seeing kids arrive at the beginning of the week shy, stand-offish and very hesitant to interact and by the end of camp, they are hugging and standing side by side singing praise to our God together in worship like they’ve known each other forever!
Jason Scott
Residential Camp Director
Happily married for 26 years, I'm a proud husband, father of two, and dog owner. I've served the local church for 31 years in various roles, including Youth Pastor and Discipleship Director, and have a deep passion for camp ministry, having been involved in camps for 25 years. I'm also an Auburn grad, a vinyl collector, and enjoy hiking, camping, golf, and basketball. Above all, I'm dedicated to sharing my love for Jesus, believing that camp is an amazing way to do that!
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
Happily married for 26 years, I'm a proud husband, father of two, and dog owner. I've served the local church for 31 years in various roles, including Youth Pastor and Discipleship Director, and have a deep passion for camp ministry, having been involved in camps for 25 years. I'm also an Auburn grad, a vinyl collector, and enjoy hiking, camping, golf, and basketball. Above all, I'm dedicated to sharing my love for Jesus, believing that camp is an amazing way to do that!
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
Barefoot offers young people (and old people) an opportunity to retreat from whatever they are going through, if only for a week, to encounter Jesus Christ, refuel their souls, and respond with their lives. It's also a wonderful example of what heaven will be like- a multihued multitude of God's children in community and fellowship.
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Hannon Shannon
Housekeeping Coordinator
I am originally from Breckenridge County, Kentucky, where I graduated from Lindsey Wilson College with a B.A. in Christian Ministry and Communication. I have worked at Barefoot since the summer of 2019.
WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I love Barefoot because, to me, it is family.​
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WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
My favorite camp memory was being able to feed Buddy, our camp dog, and seeing him jumping up and down whenever I saw him. Buddy touched the life of many, including mine.
He made me feel protected and safe while I lived here at camp. He was the best hiking partner. He was a true best friend, and he will be missed.
Jake Stovall
Program Coordinator
I grew up 15 min away from Barefoot and started off as a volunteer back in 2020. Since then, I have worked on summer staff, the facilities team, and now as a program coordinator. I was called to ministry when I was 16 and have always known that God called me to work with youth from all kinds of different backgrounds. I hope to create experiences for campers that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
Barefoot is one of the rare places where you get to experience what Heaven would be like. Campers, staff, and volunteers come from all over and from different backgrounds. However, when they get here, those barriers come down and you get see relationships develop that normally wouldn’t. I love Barefoot because we get to see others embrace and celebrate their uniqueness.​​​​​​
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
One of the best camp memories that I have is when I worked my first week of camp as a counselor. I was able to see youth come into the cabin who were unsure of what to expect and very reluctant to go all out for camp. Suddenly, by day 3, nearly everyone in the cabin had embraced the camp week and participated in every activity with a ton of excitement. That was one of the first Barefoot experiences I had and still one of the best.
Caroline Vaccaro
Marketing Coordinator
I am a Southern California girl living in Nashville, TN! I moved to Nashville as a junior in high school and I graduated from Samford University with a degree in journalism. I am passionate about missions and I have a heart that burns for the vulnerable and least-reached people groups.
I love doing anything outdoors, but my favorite things are surfing and riding horses. My favorite drink is matcha!
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I fell in love with the mission of Barefoot. The Kingdom of God is diverse. Our goal here on earth as followers of Jesus is to make disciples of every nation. One day---every nation, tribe, and tongue will be standing before the throne and worshipping Jesus. I believe that Barefoot's mission is a taste of this---it's people from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and communities coming together as ONE body to exalt Jesus. It is beautiful.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
My favorite camp memory is going to Hume Lake in the Sequoia National Forest in high school. One night, I remember staring up at the stars and I was overcome by emotion as I reflected on Jesus' deep love for me.
It was a beautiful moment where I realized that the God who placed every single star in the sky, formed every mountain, and willingly died a brutal death on the cross on my behalf, loves me and desires a relationship with me. When you are removed from the craziness of everyday life and in a place where you can admire the Creator, it seems as if the veil between us and Jesus becomes even thinner.
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Kiaeem Walker
Program Coordinator
I'm a Louisiana native who grew up with a large family. I am a driven volleyball coach and special education job coach striving to set an example for the next generation of athletes and students! My strong faith and dedication to my three siblings drive me to lead by example, encouraging them to follow Christ and make a positive impact on others. Outside of work, I enjoy riding horses, playing volleyball and pickleball, and spending time with family and friends.
WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I love Barefoot for several reasons. One is because, it resembles home. The diversity and unconditional love that I experience within barefoot just sucks me in and makes me feel like you are surrounded by family. Another I can't go without saying is, Barefoot is a tangible avenue to live life in a vulnerable state of worship, devotion, and service not only for yourself but most importantly for others!
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WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
My favorite camp memory is all the time spent in worship with the campers! This time genuinely makes my heart happy. The intentional time we take to center Christ is like no other!
Alex Walling
Day Camp Director
I have a passion for students and the next generation. The calling on my life is to help the next generation know, love, and serve Christ with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength so that they can live out their faith.
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I love Barefoot because of its intentionality in bringing campers from all different walks of life to the same week of camp where they can bond with each other, become lifelong friends, and take the next step in their walk with Jesus together. And, because… CAMP LIFE IS THE BEST LIFE!
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
I worked at a camp for two summers, and Monday nights were my favorite night. On Monday night, the camp founder always shared the gospel and gave an invitation for students to respond, and we would see about 100 students every week on night one give their life to Jesus. It was such a blessing to see students raise their hands, stand up out of their seats, and commit their life to Jesus in front of all their peers, friends, and youth leaders.
Hallie Wilk
Executive Assistant
I am a Nashville native, and attended Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. I have a Master’s Degree in American History from Middle Tennessee State University, and love anything related to genealogy and research.
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WHY DO YOU LOVE BAREFOOT?
I love Barefoot because it is a place where everyone belongs. Everyone is included and made to feel a part of the camp, community, and Christ-centered environment.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CAMP MEMORY?
My favorite camp memories are just getting to spend quality time with friends and making new ones.