Senior Director of Canyon Operations
Carlos Navarro started working in the Canyon as a summer employee when he was 16 years old. He started as a temporary grounds helper. In 2014, Navarro was hired as a full-time groundskeeper. He moved on from groundskeeping to maintenance and then the tech department, fixing appliances, diagnosing problems and making sure the things behind-the-scenes stayed behind-the-scenes.
Today, he serves as the senior director of Canyon operations, heading teams totaling about 30 people who together manage the property—from installing handwashing stations in the cabins to ensuring the water system runs properly. Navarro enjoys helping all of his employees do their part to ensure those guests have a great, fun experience and find space to grow closer to God.
He and his wife live in Leakey.
Director of Community Camping Programs
Kim grew up in the piney woods of East Texas, calling Crockett and surrounding areas home. She graduated from East Texas Baptist University with a degree in Speech Communication, married her husband Andrew, and moved to Anderson, Texas, in 2009.
Kim worked in outdoor education for Houston ISD until she and her husband welcomed their daughters, Audra (10) and Austen (8). During her time in Houston, Kim started the childcare center at her church while Andrew was the youth pastor and worked construction. Both Kim and her husband are passionate and dedicated to the discipleship of the next generations. They have enjoyed mentoring some of the most amazing teenagers over the years.
Kim and her family are an adventurous group, and they regularly explore the Texas Hill Country.
Community Camping Guest Care Specialist for Foundation Camps
Shawna started her career at the Foundation as a Housekeeper on the Canyon Ops-Laity Lodge team. She was promoted to administrative assistant to Carlos Navarro, Senior Director of Canyon Operations. In 2022, she was promoted to Community Camping Guest Care Specialist for Foundation Camp.
Shawna is the proud single mother of two beautiful girls, Brooke and Audrey. Shawna previously worked for the Real County Sheriff’s office. She is licensed through the Texas Commission in Law Enforcement as an intermediate telecommunicator and a basic correctional officer. Shawna is also active in the Nueces Canyon EMS where she achieved her CPR certification and is nationally licensed as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).
Shawna has worked very hard to achieve all of the goals she has set for herself. Shawna noted, “I thank God every day for all the blessings he has given me. I look forward to joining this team and growing in this Foundation.”
