Kim became the sixth Center Director of Spring Canyon in December 2013. A 1986 graduate of USAFA, he retired with almost 28 years of service as an aviator in the T-37, EF-111, F-15E, and T-53. He commanded at the squadron and group levels. Kim first attended Spring Canyon in 1982 during a USAFA work party. He and his wife, Kari Ann, met at Spring Canyon and were married there in 1990. A Wheaton College graduate, Kari Ann first experienced Spring Canyon with her family in 1969. Kim served 15 years on the OCF Council, most recently as Council Vice President, and together he and Kari Ann served 25 years on the Spring Canyon Advisory Council. They’ve been blessed to pass this legacy on to their three children, Ki, Erin, and Amy Grace, third generation attendees who all served on Spring Canyon staff. The Hawthornes pray that Spring Canyon will be for you what it has been for their family all these years: a home away from home, where you can reconnect in the Rockies. When you come, may you taste of Christ’s Living Water and be refreshed on your journey, equipped with solid biblical teaching, and inspired to continue to serve where God has placed you.
Todd Plotner is the Spring Canyon Director of Operations; he and his family joined the Spring Canyon ministry team in December 2019. Todd and his wife Andrea have been married over 25 years and have three sons: Everett, Brian and Nate. Todd is a 1993 graduate of USMA, where OCF and Navigators were foundational in helping him take ownership of his faith and begin leading small groups. Todd served 21 years as an Army Corps of Engineers officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving as ROTC Professor of Military Science at Washington State University. Andrea also served and led Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC), including serving as the PWOC International President. The Plotners’ unique hobby (Todd calls it “the most unexpected mid-life crisis ever”) is owning pet rats (remember we are a family with three boys). Watch “Amazing Rat Tricks” on YouTube and you may understand.
Andy and Heidi met at the Air Force Academy where they attended Fellowship of Christian Athletes together. They served in the Air Force as a Finance Services Officer and Deputy Budget Officer, and a Services Officer, respectively. After separating from active duty, Andy excelled in numerous career fields: sales rep, skilled nursing facility director, financial planner, controller, and the national director for Classical Conversations overseeing all US communities. Heidi separated to become a stay-at-home mom and also worked for Classical Conversations overseeing all international and military communities. The Truitts homeschooled for 20 years and raised three fabulous young men. They’ve now added a sweet new daughter to their family (introduced to them all while on Spring Canyon summer staff), and see two more wonderful ladies joining in the near future (one is from the PEAK intern program). Spring Canyon sparks great relationships :). The Truitts love to spend time together, hiking, skiing, backpacking, traveling, playing games, and watching movies. Spring Canyon is a favorite place for the whole family – including their newest addition: a grandson!
Brian is the director of maintenance and facilities at Spring Canyon. He has been involved in retreat and conference center ministry since 1987 where he fulfilled various roles including maintenance, program director, director of operations, and camp director. Having been brought up in a pastor’s home and having attended camps as a youth, Brian has seen the vital way God has used these types of ministries in leading people of all ages closer to the Lord. Brian and Rebecca met at a camp where they both worked and they have been married for over 31 years. They have four adult children who have also grown up in camp ministry and have seen first-hand its valuable impact on Christian growth and encouragement. Rebecca has been a registered nurse for over 25 years and strives to show compassion and care for those who may be hurting in mind or body. Brian and Rebecca enjoy exploring the great outdoors whether by skiing, hiking, biking, or strolling by the river. Their prayer is that all those who come to Spring Canyon will see God through His majestic creation and hearing His word and they pray “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” and that all may “know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:17-19).
Caleb and Katherine met at Spring Canyon – Caleb had been on staff for about a year as a Maintenance Assistant and then Maintenance Manager, and Katherine was the Young Women’s Staff Leader in the summer of 2021. Growing up, Caleb spent most of his life in Harrisonburg, VA and wonderful West Virginia where he found his love for the outdoors being an avid hunter and fisherman. Caleb graduated from Regent University with a degree in Biblical Studies. His charisma and love for people meant he was the perfect person when Spring Canyon decided to create the position of Program Manager. Katherine grew up as an Air Force brat whose parents were involved with OCF and also served on Cornerstone staff for two summers in high school. She graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a degree in Accounting. Katherine was thrilled when her transition time at Spring Canyon between professional jobs turned into a job opportunity here. She and Caleb became good friends, started dating that winter and got married in November of 2022. They welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl in January 2024.
Byron is the manager of Guest Services, who joined our staff in 2024. He is a graduate of Florida State University, with a degree in hospitality administration. After graduation, he started working for Young Life in food service management at several properties. He later joined the staff of Focus on The Family in the Guest Relations department, where he managed the “Whit’s End” soda shop from their Adventures in Odyssey radio series. After leaving Focus on The Family, he was a custom installer of home theater/automation, sold cars and managed a Christian Dude Ranch, before coming to Spring Canyon. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married over 30 years and have raised 4 grown children and have their youngest at home finishing high school. Byron enjoys dirt biking, off roading the high country with his children and friends, hiking/walking with Lisa and visiting his grandkids in Kentucky!
Ian grew up coming to Spring Canyon as a Summer Celebration Guest through his family’s long time connection to OCF. He enjoyed coming to Spring Canyon so much that he participated in the PEAK Internship and PEAK Fellowship at Spring Canyon from 2022-2024 and is super excited about serving on Year-round Staff. He has worked in kitchens throughout high school and found a spiritual calling to serve in the Food Service Industry at Spring Canyon (for years to come!). Apart from working in the kitchen, he enjoys hiking, off-roading, music, and community. Ian strives to use his giftings for the Lord through cooking. His prayer is that you will come to Spring Canyon and gather around His table to nourish the body and soul. Acts 2:42-47
Bio coming soon!