06/08/2026
The board, staff, and whole community of St Dorothy’s Rest is excited to announce that after a two-year interim period, and a nine-month search process, we have chosen our next Executive Director.
John Michael Spelman (pictured left) comes to us with sixteen years of experience, ten as executive director, at Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center in North Scituate, Rhode Island.
In his time at Aldersgate, John has overseen program, developed staff, expanded his board, raised money, created partnerships, repaired buildings, and implemented camp-wide policies and practices that support diversity, equity, and full inclusion for all the children of God.
When we asked John why he was looking to leave Aldersgate, he said he wasn’t — but that the mission and history of St Dorothy’s spoke to him, and the more we talked with each other, the more we all agreed that this was a divinely ordered fit (a little faith, hope, love, and luck goes a long way). 🍀
John and his wife Rikki (a public school music teacher, pictured right)) will complete the summer camp season at Aldersgate, and then head cross-country with their two dogs, to arrive at Camp Meeker some time in September (Their 19-year-old son Diego, pictured center, will stay in Rhode Island where he is entering his sophomore year of college.). Closer to home, Patty Olson-Lindsey will continue as Interim Executive Director to see this summer’s camp season through, and to continue her excellent leadership of our beloved St Dot’s in preparation for John’s arrival.
Pray for the staff, campers, and friends of both Aldersgate and St Dorothy’s as we all move through a summer of big changes, and see below for an opportunity to help build up St Dot’s even more in this crucial time of new beginnings.
Onward!
Rev Dr Stephen Hassett
President, Board of Directors
