Event Director
What does the Event Director do?
They’re the ringleader of the whole miCHILIgan circus—keeping the big picture in focus while making sure the little things don’t slip through the cracks. From handling admin tasks and logistics to jumping in wherever needed, they support all the coordinators, smooth out any chaos, and make sure the hang runs like a well-oiled camp stove. If something gets done and no one knows how… it was probably the Event Director.
Stephanie
About Stephanie
I got into hammock camping to help with my mental health and ended up turning it into a passion for making camping more accessible for people with disabilities. I started as Marketing Coordinator for my first miCHILIgan hang in 2023, moved to Activities Coordinator in 2024, and now I proudly serve as the Event Director. When I’m not busy with schoolwork or relaxing in my hammock, you can find me hanging out with my husband, spoiling my dogs, or playing Mario Kart and D&D with friends.
Meals Coordinator
What does the Meal Coordinator do?
They’re the kitchen commander of miCHILIgan—planning meals, wrangling supplies, and making sure no one goes hungry (or gets raided by raccoons). From pre-hang prep to post-meal cleanup, they keep the food hot, the snacks flowing, and the chaos in check. They even help crown our Chili Cook-Off champs with glory. Basically, if it involves food, they’ve got it covered!
Joshua
About Joshua
Like a Hobbit he often travels with a backpack and a plan to eat 7 meals a day. Many of his adventures involve sailing, canoeing, biking, hiking, and road trips with his homemade micro camper “Hobo Rocket”. Home base is in Grand Rapids, MI where Joshua lives with his partner, Megan, and their 3 dogs: Tom Sawyer (Australian Shepard), Huck Finn (Australian Cattle Dog Mix), and Kona (German Shepard Mix). He is excited to bring his passion for food and hosting together for MiCHILIgan 2025!
Activities Coordinator
What does the Activities Coordinator do?
The Activities Coordinator is the mastermind behind the fun! From planning the hammock tour and vendor showcase to organizing classes, games, and the always-welcoming Newcomer’s Social, they make sure there’s something for everyone. They take feedback seriously—so if you loved it (or didn’t), they’re already planning to make it better next time!
Kelly
About Kelly
I grew up in Chicago but spent a lot of time tent camping in Michigan with family. I always believed sleepless nights were just part of the deal — until my friend Mitch invited me on a canoe trip and introduced me to the magic of hammock camping. Curious, I dove into the rabbit hole of hammock camping research including Shug’s videos. As a career arborist/tree climber, I found a lot of the knots I use can apply to hammocks. It just made sense to give it a try. I’m a strict side sleeper, so I was happy to find the Haven. Since then, I haven’t slept on the ground and have had the best sleep I’ve ever had while camping. I also love kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking and rock hounding. With a background in ecology and forestry, I’m endlessly fascinated by fungi, frogs, rocks, moss, and trees — basically, I’m a certified nature nerd, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Logistics Coordinator
What does the Logistics Coordinator do?
They’re the behind-the-scenes hero making sure the hang actually happens. Whether it’s organizing gear, coordinating firewood, or replacing (or repairing) broken equipment, they make the plan and make it work. They help set up, tear down, manage the faire, and make sure we know where every single item lives after the event. If it needs moved, managed, or it magically appears where it should be—thank the Logistics Coordinator.
Ted
About Ted
I Bought a hammock at an auction. Later camping with friends I saw they were sleeping the night in their hammock. Seems like a good idea, they helped me set up a tarp, a normal sleeping bag was just fine for a summer night. A few years later in preparation for a BWCA trip I built an inside stand out of 2x4s, soon after ordering a Warbonnet BlackBird XLC. While I do still sleep most nights in the squeaky wooden hammock stand, I am forced to sleep in a bed when traveling. But Keep my hammocks close at all times. It’s a ritual. Setup and double check suspension, set a timer, NOW you have permission to relax, and recharge you are free.
marketing Coordinator
What does the marketing Coordinator do?
Our Marketing Coordinator is the creative brain behind how miCHILIgan looks, feels, and communicates. They keep the website updated, design signs, flyers, and other visuals, and help make sure event info is easy to find and easy to understand. Basically, if it helps spread the word, guide attendees, or make things look awesome, they’re probably behind it. They help keep everything consistent, welcoming, and aligned with the spirit of our hammock-loving community.
Michiligan 