Laura Pfeiffer Kelly is the CEO and Founder of DEAN Adventure Camps. Described as an innovator, Laura has devoted her career to enriching the lives of young learners through creative and engaging hands-on activities.

Before merging into DEAN Adventure Camps, Laura founded The Handwork Studio in 2001. What began at her kitchen table, alongside her children, blossomed into a nationwide brand celebrated for its unique approach to crafting and creativity. Her journey from a grassroots initiative to a leader in educational entrepreneurship showcases her dedication to quality in children's programming.

Laura's commitment to education extends beyond her entrepreneurial ventures. She is a lifelong learner currently pursuing a master's degree in Organization Development and Leadership and is a doctoral candidate in the school of education at Saint Joseph’s  University where she is a member of Alpha Sigma Nu. Laura also works as a SJU community partner with the Philadelphia School District at Gompers Elementary School running a K-8 children’s health and wellness recess program.

Throughout her career, Laura has actively participated in entrepreneurial and educational communities, contributing her expertise and insights to nurture the next generation of leaders and was selected as 2018 Women on the Move in Main Line Today. Her work has not only impacted countless children but has also set a benchmark for excellence in the summer camp and educational services industry.

Laura's influence has been recognized through numerous collaborations and media appearances, including projects with Comcast’s On-Demand/ActivityTV and licensing partnership with Simplicity Pattern Company as a content creator. Her initiatives have been featured on PBS Sprout, The 10! Show, All That and More, and Mom’s on the Move. Further cementing her legacy, Laura has received multiple accolades, such as Nickelodeon’s Best Big Kid’s Program, highlighting her significant contributions to children's education and entertainment.

Laura, deeply invested in her local community, chaired the 2004/2005 Lemon Ball, raising $1.6 million for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in memory of her friend Alex Scott.

Residing on the Main Line with her husband and partner, John Kelly, for over 30 years, Laura is a proud parent of two adult children, Ryan and Devon, and three chihuahuas. 

Her personal and professional life is a testament to her passion for education, creativity, and community service, making her a respected figure in both the entrepreneurial and educational spheres.

Career:

As DEAN’s CFO, John provides financial management to include budget planning, ongoing income and expense analysis, forecasting, and cashflow review. Additional responsibilities include oversight of risk management (insurance), legal compliance, HR (employee benefits) and strategizing with the CEO and President on policies and improvements. Prior to DEAN, John spent 30 years in commercial real estate overseeing a wide portfolio of urban and suburban properties in Philadelphia and the western suburbs. Additional experience included working at an internet startup where he oversaw the development and management of internet co-location facilities in PA, TX, NY, and CA.

Other:

John has previously participated in numerous triathlons while fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a member in their “Team in Training” program. He has also served on the executive committee of LLS’s annual “Red & White Ball”. John formerly served on the boards of the (Ben Franklin) “Parkway Council Foundation”, the “Jun 5 th Memorial Park”, CFEVA (Center for Emerging Visual Arts), and Drexel University’s Real Estate Management and Development Advisory Board. And he served his local community as the Democratic Committeeperson for ward 6–1 in Lower Merion, Montgomery County, PA. Additionally, John and his wife Laura earlier served as two-time Chairpersons of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s “Lemon Ball”; a black-tie fundraiser held annually in Philadelphia.

It all began with a conversation about making a quilt for Alex's Lemonade Stand way back in 2006. Julia just moved back to her hometown right outside of Philadelphia after graduating with her BFA from a small liberal Arts school in VT and was looking for her next venture. Through that one conversation, she began her 16-year journey to grow and evolve The Handwork Studio alongside CEO and Founder Laura Kelly, to what it is today.

Julia has dedicated her career to bringing the importance of learning by making to youth through running summer camps, workshops, trainings, artist-in-residence programs, developing curricula, writing patterns, filming tutorials, and leading talks on the importance of handwork programming.

One of Julia's fondest memories of working at The Handwork Studio was in the summers of 2011 and 2012. Julia traveled the country for The Handwork Studio in a Button Mobile with Miss Alisha and Sheepy. They drove, camped, and popped up in schools across the US to teach children the joys and importance of creating. Still, to this day, nothing brings Julia greater joy than watching kids have that "aha" moment when they discover what they are capable of.

Today, Julia has hunkered down in the suburbs of Philadelphia and on the road less, but the adventure is never far away. Julia still loads up the family for an impromptu road trip with her son Asher, rescue pup Onyx, and husband Dave.

Nicole, originally from Philadelphia, has called Northern Virginia/Washington DC home since 2020. A newly published children's book author (hematitehopseries.org), her extensive background in children's organizations inspired her to write her stories down for all to enjoy.

Nicole holds a B.S. in Sports, Art & Entertainment Management and has over a decade of experience in managing, recruiting, hiring, and developing training and programs for numerous businesses. With over 50 fitness certifications, she has worked in various fitness and movement-based organizations, including boutique, commercial, and corporate gyms, and has coached gymnastics, rock climbing, and many styles of dance. Nicole spent two summers working at a camp after college and loves the DEAN Adventure Camp mission and values.

When not optimizing HR operations or running day-today operations at our Sidwell partner location, Nicole coaches Girls on the Run, hosts events and readings to promote her children's book, lounges with her bunny, or is planning her next craft or travel adventure!

Joining DEAN in 2023, Dave took a pivotal role in developing Velocity Adventure Camp, showcasing his dedication to enriching outdoor experiences through education. Dave brings two decades of experience managing indoor rock climbing facilities, supported by a degree in Adventure Recreation from Green Mountain College. Growing up in Northeast PA, Dave built his love of outdoor adventures and education through family trips, and years of Scouting. He enjoys sharing mountain biking and hiking adventures with his wife and son.

Liz is based in Philadelphia, where she brings together her background in education, hospitality, and communications as the Administrative & Customer Service Manager at DEAN Adventure Camps. She holds a Master’s in Teaching and a Bachelor’s in Communications, and her experience spans classrooms, restaurants, and corporate settings.

Throughout her career, Liz has supported students, families, educators, and teams by keeping systems organized, communication clear, and operations running smoothly. She is passionate about expanding kids’ access to creative pursuits, arts, and hobbies. Liz believes that creativity builds confidence, connection, and joy, and she loves being part of a team that makes that possible for young people.

At DEAN, Liz works behind the scenes to ensure families, campers, and staff feel supported, informed, and safe. Whether she’s managing communication, coordinating logistics, or solving day-to-day challenges, she brings a calm, thoughtful approach and a commitment to community.

Outside of work, Liz can usually be found knitting, collaging, journaling, watching a movie, or searching for her next great meal. She loves exploring Philadelphia and beyond, and is always dreaming up her next creative project or travel adventure.

Mark brings twenty years of experience in curriculum design, teacher development, and school leadership to his role as Curriculum Manager at DEAN Adventure Camps. A Michigan native who has served in educational communities across Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Michigan, Mark has built his career around helping educators deliver meaningful, joyful learning experiences for young people.

Mark began his journey in the classroom as a social studies teacher, where he quickly discovered a passion for creating engaging curricula and supporting fellow educators. This led him to roles as a Master Educator in DC Public Schools, where he evaluated and coached hundreds of teachers, developed districtwide instructional tools, and helped design new curriculum frameworks and evaluation rubrics. He later served as a Principal in both Baltimore City and Michigan, leading schoolwide improvement efforts, strengthening Tier 1 instruction, and guiding staff through data-driven collaboration and professional learning. His work has resulted in measurable gains in literacy, math, and student engagement—rooted in his belief that great teaching grows from great support.

Across each role, Mark has focused on designing high-quality learning experiences, developing teachers as instructional leaders, and creating systems where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired. At DEAN, he brings this same commitment to excellence as he collaborates with staff to build dynamic, inquiry-based camp experiences where campers learn by exploring, making, and adventuring.