Leadership with Heart
John & Elisabeth Hay
Owners & Directors
John and Elisabeth Hay became the owners of Heart O’ the Hills Camp for Girls in November 2025, inspired by a desire to give back to the Hill Country community they love and to continue the camp’s long tradition of positively shaping young women.
Elisabeth graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Finance and spent a decade in investment management before building a successful career in real estate.
John earned both his undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Texas at Austin and has been an entrepreneur throughout his career. He served for ten years as Chairman of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Lone Stars and Angels Gala, helping raise funds for pediatric cancer research. John is an avid UT sports fan and season ticket holder. John first fell in love with Hunt as a six-year-old camper at Camp Stewart, where he later became a Chief and counselor.
Today, John and Elisabeth are raising the next generation of campers with their nine-year-old twins, Cohen and Brooklyn, who attend Camp Stewart and Heart. Their household also includes Teezo, a French Bulldog, and Latte, the family cat, both of whom have become unofficial members of the camp community.
For the Hay family, Heart is more than a camp—it is a place where girls build confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories. John and Elisabeth feel deeply honored to help guide the next chapter of this remarkable tradition.
Monique Cikota
Administrative Director
With 17 years of Heart experience, Administrative Director Monique Cikota brings warmth, leadership, and a deep love for campers that have made her a cornerstone of the Heart family.
She oversees the administrative side of Heart O’ the Hills, including camper registrations, staff coordination, and camp logistics. With strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, Monique helps ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so the team can focus on creating a meaningful camp experience.
Bailey McEachern
Program Director
Bailey’s experience as Program Director, along with her deep love for the girls of Heart, make her an invaluable part of our team. A former Heart camper and counselor, Bailey also led Social & Emotional Learning classes at Austin High School before returning to HOH.
She oversees the development and implementation of camp programs, from adventure activities to creative arts. With a background in program design and a passion for meaningful experiences, Bailey ensures each program is engaging, enriching, and fun for every camper.