WHO WE ARE

Board of Directors

Officers:

President: Raynetta Adams & Letitia Cheatham
Treasurer: Elizabeth Berger, CPA
Secretary: KC Wolfe

Board Members:

Elizabeth Bland
Mark Stewart, MSPH
Jack Welsh, RN

Youth Advisory Board

Quadir Bowman

Staff Members

Founder/Executive Director: Patty Hillkirk, Gestalt Psychotherapist
Health Center Director:  Patty Hewson, CRNP
Program Director: Sesilia Mushkudiani 

Leadership Team

Younger Program:
Kevin Nolan
Michelle Lozowski

Therapist:
Callie Fraser, LCSW

Teen Program:
Taj Brown
Derek Andress
Al Torres
Miss Tish Cheatham
Liz Berger
Jack Welsh

Friendship Bench:
Rae Rae Adams

Therapist:
Cameron Armstrong, LCSW
Cierra Walker, Recovery Coach
Valen Nori, MSW

Senior Art Project And Drumming Program:
Dan Fineberg

History

Patty Hillkirk had a dream in 1995 to start a camp for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. While there were other camps for disadvantaged kids, and those with serious illnesses, the camp was envisioned as more than just an outdoor, fun experience. As a psychotherapist, Patty felt it was also important for the kids to have a special place that was safe, supportive and nurturing, a place to express their feelings of fear, sadness and anger with adults who understand and with children who may share their burdens.

Patty Hewson & Patty Hillkirk

During one week in August, children ages 5 -17 attend Camp Dreamcatcher. The children coming to camp may be coping with the HIV/AIDS infection of a family member, the death of one or both parents, or their own HIV/AIDS infection. The purpose of Camp Dreamcatcher is to provide children whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS with a chance to get away from home for a week and have fun! The children enjoy swimming, basketball, campfires, hiking, boating, arts/crafts, a carnival, scavenger hunts, horseback riding, an adventure challenge course, go-kart racing, miniature golfing and the much anticipated dance and Talent Show!! The camp also offers the children a chance to express their feelings in a safe therapeutic environment. Professionals in the fields of psychotherapy, music/art therapy, yoga and massage facilitate individual and group experiences for the children. In all, over 260 counselors, medical staff and other professionals volunteer their expertise to make the camp an unforgettable experience for the children.

There is no charge for any of the services offered by Camp Dreamcatcher. All funds are raised from foundations, corporations, individuals and fundraising events.

In 1999, we expanded our programs to meet the growing needs of the children we serve and Camp Dreamcatcher now offers the following programs throughout the year:

Important links:

HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet 2026

Our DEI Statement and Action Plan is available as a PDF File.  Click here to view.

Our Gender Inclusion Policy is also available as a PDF File.  Click here to view.