Kailina Mills, EdD.
Farm & Forest Preschool Director
Raised in South Portland, Kailina comes to Ketcha with over 15 years of experience in childcare and education. She started as a camp counselor and has since received a BA in Early Childhood Education, Outdoor Education, and Inclusive Teaching and an M.Ed in Early Childhood & Elementary Education. Kailina is a Reggio Emilia-trained educator and is passionate about providing high-quality learning opportunities for our youngest students. She recognizes the importance of early childhood education to set children up for long-term success both in and out of the classroom. Additionally, Kailina taught preschool, public pre-k, and kindergarten in several schools throughout southern and midcoast Maine.
Before joining Ketcha Outdoors, she worked as a Learning Specialist at Chewonki Elementary & Middle School and as a Communications Specialist for the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children. She is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Leadership for Change and is on track to complete her Doctorate of Education in 2024. In her spare time, Kailina can be found on hiking trails, making music, reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family and friends.
Trisha Hopper
Lead Preschool Teacher
Trisha also leads our Farmer Fridays’ a summer adventure for kids to learn about animals and gardening.
Zoe Johnson
Lead Preschool Teacher
Natalie Balter
Preschool Hiking/Exploration and Lead Aftercare Teacher
Natalie is very excited to join the Ketcha Outdoors team as the Preschool Hiking and Exploration Teacher and a Lead Aftercare Teacher. She grew up in Mount Kisco, New York, and graduated from Colby College in 2022 where she studied environmental science and education. During her time at Colby, Natalie had the opportunity to grow her passion for experiential and outdoor teaching. Since graduating, she has worked for a variety of different outdoor education companies across the US. In her free time, Natalie enjoys hiking, running, climbing, practicing yoga, cooking and baking, doing pottery, reading a good book, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Laragh Kavanaugh
Executive Director
Laragh brings over 20 years of leadership experience, both as an outdoor educator and director at an international non-profit to the role of Executive Director. From guiding youth wilderness expeditions for Outward Bound to leading international programs in India and Ghana to directing operations for CIEE, the leading international education non-profit, Laragh brings a diverse but focused perspective to the Ketcha team. Laragh passionately works to cultivate an atmosphere of integrity and understanding and is committed to building a positive work culture to empower and elevate those around her. After growing up in Maine and becoming a parent herself, Laragh understands the impact that the natural world has on youth and how important access to quality outdoor programs is to Maine families and communities. Laragh holds a B.A. in Human Development and Outdoor Leadership from Prescott College in Arizona and is a Maine Master Gardener. She lives in South Portland with her husband Joel, and two children, Clare and Wesley. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, yoga, and exploring beaches in the summer with her family.
Liz Tully
Director of Operations
A native of Scarborough, Liz has worked at Ketcha Outdoors since the summer of 2000, first as a counselor, then working her way up to Camp Director in the summer of 2004, and then moving in the Director of Operations. She is a member of the American Camping Association and formerly served on the American Camp Association New England Standards Committee and the Emerging Camp Professional Committee. Liz is passionately committed to youth development and public service. She has worked with children in various capacities throughout her career, including as a nanny, volunteer with the Special Olympics, and summer camp counselor.
Liz began her work with nonprofits leading the United Way’s Youth Engaged in Service group and participating in the Day of Caring as a Youth Site Supervisor. She holds undergraduate degrees in sociology and criminology from the University of Southern Maine in Portland. Liz continues her professional development through courses, training, and conferences. She lives in South Portland with her husband and three children, who all love Camp Ketcha summer and school vacation camps!