Directors, Owners, & Founders

Director – Dan Emmons

Dan first set foot in Maine in 2005, his first year as a counselor. Over the years he was a Counselor, Campus Head, Program Director, Assistant Director, and now Director. He loves working with campers and staff, and enjoys seeing their growth not only throughout the summer but over multiple years. 2024 will be his 20th summer at camp.

Born and raised in Missouri, he has a degree in Strategic Communications, but was drawn instead to traveling, volunteering, and camp. After college, Dan joined Americorps NCCC, where he spent two terms working on team-based community service projects all across the country including disaster relief, construction, food service, and education. He enjoys hiking, Ultimate Frisbee and anything that involves spending time outside. He lives in Westbrook with his wife Meebz, their daughter Ellie and their dog Tenny.

Assistant Director – Laura Jo Cunningham

Laura Jo Cunningham has been with Kingsley Pines Camp since 2000. She strongly believes in the supportive power of camp for the growth and encouragement of campers and staff alike. She works in the office communicating with families, coordinating airport transportation for campers, taking care of the accounting responsibilities and providing guidance for the Media Team. Laura Jo loves when she has the opportunity to get out with the camera and has the privilege to capture some of the camp fun on film!

Laura Jo is from Maine. She loves to swim and was the Waterfront Director of the Girls Scout Camp Pondicherry during college. After college, she had the opportunity to work in the corporate world before returning to her love of camp. Laura Jo serves on the Education Committee for Maine Summer Camps.

Laura Jo has two daughters Sibyl and Izze who both loved attending KP and now enjoy giving back to camp as staff members in the off season and during the summer. When Laura Jo is not at camp, she can be found at home in her flower gardens in Raymond.

Camp Experience Director – Becky Alford

Becky has spent seven summers at Kingsley Pines since 2007 and has served in various roles, from Cabin Counselor, Ceramics and High Ropes Activity Head, Teen Leader Counselor, and Girls Campus Head. Over the last ten years, Becky has worked in residential and community-based programs in the Carolinas, supporting young people and their families affected by early trauma and interpersonal violence. Becky maintains a Master Social Worker – conditional clinical license for the state of Maine and is working toward her full clinical license.

She believes there is a special kind of magic at Kingsley Pines because camp is one of those rare places where campers, staff, and the whole community can grow and become the best versions of themselves – Becky is thrilled to be able to be a part of that magic once again!

When not at camp, you will find her exploring all of the outdoor adventures Maine has to offer. Becky, along with her husband Kelly and dog Nala are excited to call Maine home.

Program Director - Rene Cote

Rene (Rainy) first began working at Kingsley Pines in 2018 and has worked in several different positions from Cabin Counselor,  Dining Hall/Awards Coordinator, Assistant Program Director and Boys Campus Head. He has always enjoyed engaging with campers and staff to create a supportive community that truly changes lives.

When not working at camp, Rene achieved a degree in History from Western Carolina University in 2020 and further pursued educational avenues. He worked in a Children’s Mental Health Residential Unit in Northwestern Ohio for a year before returning to Western North Carolina to teach 7th grade social studies. After teaching for a year and a half, Rene returned to Kingsley Pines to begin the role of Program Director in 2024.

Kingsley Pines has remained a constant source of joy, excitement and meaningful work for Rene and he is beyond excited to return to camp and not have to leave after the summer. When not at camp Rene enjoys playing softball, fishing, camping, and anything outdoors.

Facilities Director – Kelly Alford

Kelly is new to Kingsley Pines, but summer camp has always been a part of his life. He was named after his grandfather’s Camp Director and spent time at camp in Ohio every summer. Kelly first worked at summer camp in 2006 while attending college and was hooked. He graduated from Ohio University with a B.S. in Recreation Studies and went on to work for camps, outdoor programs, and municipal governments throughout Ohio and the Southeast.

Kelly has held positions including Counselor, Aquatics Director, Wilderness Instructor, Assistant Director, Parks Director, and Property Superintendent at previous organizations. He enjoys fishing, being on the water, traveling, and spending time with family and friends in his free time. After spending more than a decade in the South, Kelly is learning to embrace the cold so he can enjoy the Maine  summers here at Kingsley Pines!

Owner – Drew Taylor

Kingsley Pines is in its second generation of family ownership, with sons Drew, Devon and Carter in charge of the operations of Camp.

Drew Taylor, Joyce’s son, has been a camper, counselor, campus head, and is currently the Director of Marketing. Drew’s wife Lisa is a trained florist. She uses her skills with plants and flowers to make camp beautiful all summer long. Their son Timmy and daughter Brooke have been campers for many years.

Owner – Devon Coughlan

Devon Coughlan has been involved with Kingsley Pines since its inception in 1984 and lives with his family on Camp property during the summer months. Devon’s wife Leslie is a nurse practitioner. In the winter, Devon and Leslie live in Ocean Ridge, Florida with their two children – Holly, who is a camper and Kelly, who is a counselor. When not occupied with Camp, Devon, an attorney, works as a mediator.

 

 

Owner – Carter Coughlan

Carter Coughlan was both a camper and counselor at Kingsley Pines. Today, in addition to his work at camp, he is a Captain for Delta Connection. Carter’s wife Beth is a registered nurse and is part of our healthcare team at camp. They have two children Sean and Ally. Both attended camp for many summers and Ally currently works as a counselor. Carter and Beth live in nearby Kennebunk, Maine.

 

 

Founders – Pat and Joyce Coughlan

Pat and Joyce Coughlan are the founders of Kingsley Pines Camp. Attending camp as a child was a life-changing experience for Pat, and had an even greater impact on his development than high school, college, or law school combined. He credits camp with giving him self-confidence, determination, and balance in his life. Pat feels that founding Kingsley Pines is his way of giving back.

Joyce has a Masters degree in education and has taught children and adults in the United States and abroad. Her philosophy is that all children who develop a positive self-image and gain self-confidence in their own unique abilities will succeed. This has been a cornerstone of the development of Kingsley Pines and its goal for each of our campers.

If you have any additional questions about our staff or if you would like to speak with someone at camp, please feel free to contact us.

Enroll Online    •    Rates & Dates    •    Family Camp