Meet Our Team
Founding Director
James Frank
Founder of Lure of the Wild and father of two adventurous boys, James Frank is a lifelong enthusiast of nature with more than two decades of professional experience developing award-winning nature education programs. He’s found lifelong delight in sharing profound experiences in the natural world with everyone and anyone he meets. Camp parents have described him as akin to “Mr. Ray” from Finding Nemo…
Madeline Bartley
Madeline, a lover of nature, art, and animals, joined Lure of the Wild after meeting Ranger James at a Wilderness First Aid training in 2021. Known for her compassionate leadership, she is pursuing a degree in environmental science and teaching science to middle schoolers. Affectionately nicknamed “Laser Eyes” for her keen insight into children’s emotions, she brings warmth and understanding to every interaction.
Joan Odiaka
Joan, a Towson University student, discovered Lure of the Wild at a career fair for psychology majors. Brave and adventurous, she has a passion for learning, facing fears, and connecting deeply with children. With a kind and loving nature, Joan excels at building meaningful relationships. Her favorite hobbies include hiking, DIY projects, arts and crafts, and cooking.
Alayna Fulton
Alayna, a music education student at Towson University, has long been passionate about teaching and caring for children. Growing up camping sparked her love for nature, which she nurtured as a camp counselor at a Pennsylvania nature preserve. She enjoys singing, playing volleyball, spending time with loved ones, and hanging out with her dog. Alayna is excited for another great summer!
Julia Silver
Julia, a Catonsville native and UMBC student, discovered her love for the outdoors exploring Patapsco State Park as a kid. Formerly a Counselor-in-Training and volunteer at Camp Heritage, Julia's years of experience at Lure of the Wild have helped her become a stellar counselor who's as skilled with children as she is observant, resourceful, and communicative. Julia enjoys trail running, playing guitar, and babysitting. She aspires to become a Wildlife Ecologist specializing in Ornithology.
Erica Ryan
Erica is a senior at Loyola University Maryland studying Sociology and Urban Education. Growing up in upstate New York, the nature trails around Schroon Lake became a second home over the summers of her youth. Erica has worked at an outdoor nature school in Baltimore City for the past three years, and is beyond excited to extend her knowledge from the school year into the summer months. When she’s not studying or spending time outdoors, she is an avid Nintendo fan and lover of movies.
Meet our Collaborators
Bethany Fry
Bethany Fry, a Nurse Practitioner at a local pediatric practice, is passionate about outdoor play and its benefits for child development. Originally from Western New York, she has lived in the area for 17 years. Bethany balances her time between work, her love for plants, and raising her three spirited children, who are also Lure of the Wild campers. She’s currently working on transforming her Catonsville yard with native plants.
Bryan Gomes
Bryan and James are long-time colleagues with a shared passion for inspiring a love of the outdoors. When they first met, Bryan was inspired by James' role in the field, and expressed a desire to pursue a career as an outdoor educator. Two decades later, Bryan was named the 2024 Outdoor Educator of the Year by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. Bryan works with the CoreShark H2O organization and UMD’s Horn Point Laboratory.
Elise Smithmyer
A Catonsville-based mom and private practice psychotherapist, Elise is deeply passionate about mental health. Her commitment extends beyond her work to her broader community, with a particular focus on reducing the negative effects of screen time and social media on children, adolescents, and adults alike. When she's not working, you will find her spending time with her family, tending to her chickens, gardening, and playing bluegrass music!
Former Staff
Molly Browning
Counselor, 2023
A Maryland native and Environmental Engineering student at the Colorado School of Mines, Molly spent her childhood exploring the outdoors in Maryland and Kentucky. She has a passion for kayaking, canoeing, and hiking, often sharing wild adventure stories from her time in Patapsco woods.
Nina Bautista
Counselor, 2021-2023
A bio-med student at Lehigh University, Nina brought five years of nature camp experience and her “child whisperer” talents to Lure of the Wild. Her leadership in behavior management training and deep connection with children were invaluable during her time on staff.
Natalie Moran
Counselor, 2022
Natalie is pursuing a clinical MSW degree at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, aiming to provide mental health services to women and children. With experience as a nanny and mentor for refugee children, she treasures the lessons and joy of summers spent with Lure of the Wild campers.
Jenna Holub
Counselor, 2021
A Wildlife Conservation graduate from Virginia Tech, Jenna combines outdoor expertise with a decade of ballet instruction experience. Her heartfelt patience and teaching background made her a perfect fit for Lure of the Wild. She hopes to return after her Peace Corps plans resume.
