Our Team

Executive Director

Erin Marie Ulmer

To me, camp is not a place. The magic of camp is in the people that come together to create a space where everyone matters and everyone belongs.

Director of Development

Allison Carter

To me, Camp Rise Above is a “family” built by the memorable bonds between our campers, volunteers and network of supporters. A place where everyone is welcome without fear of judgment and where we celebrate each other’s differences.

Director of Programs

Jessica Early

To me, camp is an opportunity of connection between campers, families, and volunteers. It is a special way to create meaningful memories through experiences, and the relationships built through those experiences.

Medical Advisors

Camp Rise Above works with medical professionals from across the state to ensure the safety of all of our programs. The team members below represent just a portion of the expertise we rely on throughout the year.

MSN, RN, CRA Head NurseChief Nursing Officer, Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health

Alicia K. Jordan

Alicia Jordan works as a Chief Nursing Officer at Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health, which is a Hospitals & Physicians Clinics company with an estimated 173 employees; and founded in 2004. They are part of the Medical Administration team within the Medical & Health Department and their management level is C-Level. Alicia graduated from Western Governors University in 2018 and is currently based in Ladson, United States.

MS, MD Chief, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, MUSC

Ramin Eskandari

Child Life Departments of MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital - Midlands, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital - Upstate, Shriner’s Hospital, and McLeod Hospital.

MD Director, Pediatric Residency Program, MUSC

David Mills

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio David migrated to Charleston in 2005 and began his residency at MUSC. Since then, he helped their residency grow and excel and currently serves Program Director for the MUSC's Pediatrics Residency Program. The goal of our program is to develop diverse, well-rounded pediatricians who are capable of reaching their dreams.

Board Of Directors

CRA Founder & RN

Barbara DentonDate Joined: September 2008

Overnight camp where children are encouraged to try new things, to experience Camp, to laugh, to... be in an environment where they can experience childhood in a way that helps them put their worries away and just be a kid.

Esquire, retired

Don Denton Date Joined: January 2012

Camp is a special time when all CRA’s hopes and dreams come together with those of our kids for a lasting meaningful memory.

Bradford E. Love CPA, LLC Owner

Brad Love Date Joined: December 2018

CRA gives me the opportunity to help send people to experience going to camp!

Marketing & Development, Schirmer Insurance Group

Alysa Beutler Date Joined: October 2014

Camp Rise Above is joy, life and love! Each child has the chance to thrive in an environment that supports, believes and wants to see them “Rise Above.”

General Manager Nothing Bundt Cakes- Mt. Pleasant

Nick Giecek Date Joined: October 2022

Being involved with CRA holds a special place in my heart. As someone who has a sibling with special needs, I'm proud and honored to help create a culture where individuals are able to accepted for who they truly are.”

Regional Vice President, Southern First Bank

Kevin Lee Date Joined: May 2019

Camp is a place where everyone gets to be a kid. You check your problems at the door and immerse yourself in a community that embodies kindness and joy. Camp brings together people with different backgrounds and beliefs and fosters an inclusive environment built on love and respect. Camp brings out the best in all of us.

President, Unlimited Performance, Inc., Mount Pleasant, SC

John Carroll Date Joined: September 2008

I support Camp Rise Above because it puts joy on the faces of children who, for some, have been battling for their lives from birth. The challenges they’ve addressed early in life are proof of their courage, strength and resilience. They come to camp and apply those qualities to having fun in a safe environment where, for a moment in time, they can just be kids.

Co-Founder of March and Magnolia

Adele Cisco Date Joined: May 2018

Media & Client Services Director at In the Black Marketing & Consulting Camp Rise Above is much more than a place-it truly creates a sense of belonging that far reaches the time that our campers spend at camp... Our campers and their families face daily struggles- from health issues to financial strain to emotional and mental hardship from navigating being a child or having a child with special needs. Camp Rise Above gives them a respite from all of those things and allows our staff and volunteers to love and teach their children and help them to feel seen and valued regardless of disabilities or medical status.

Alex Jackson

Camp Rise Above provides excitement and hope to children with disabilities and their families. As a person with a spinal cord injury, I appreciate the dedication from the staff and volunteers to serve kids of all abilities.

Co-Owner HoneyBaked Ham Summerville

Adele Cisco Date Joined: May 2018

Media & Client Services Director at In the Black Marketing & Consulting Camp Rise Above is much more than a place-it truly creates a sense of belonging that far reaches the time that our campers spend at camp. Our campers and their families face daily struggles- from health issues to financial strain to emotional and mental hardship from navigating being a child or having a child with special needs. Camp Rise Above gives them a respite from all of those things and allows our staff and volunteers to love and teach their children and help them to feel seen and valued regardless of disabilities or medical status.