Meet the Camp Ability Staff
Our Founder
Diane Gayer
Diane Gayer started Camp Ability in 2007 alongside an Occupational Therapist Assistant. Their goal was to provide a summer program for children in the Haywood County School District, and their program took flight! She has worked with a variety of programs to incorporate children and youth within many counties in the WNC region over many years. Diane is still very active with Camp Ability on their Board of Directors, and when she is not working she can be found outside where she enjoys hiking, camping, and fishing with her family.
Our Camp Director
Jessalyn Rathbone
Jessalyn Rathbone began her journey with Camp Ability as a Buddy when she volunteered as a teenager many years ago. Fifteen years later, she rejoined the Camp Ability team as their Camp Director. Jessalyn has always found joy in working with individuals who have special needs, and is blessed to be an Intensive Intervention teacher in Haywood County. When Jessalyn is not spending time in the classroom or working with Camp Ability, you can find her volunteering at her church, spending time with her family, cheering on the New York Yankees, or enjoying S’mores beside a cozy campfire.