About Lakeside Retreats
Lakeside Retreats was created as a place for people to gather, reconnect, and spend meaningful time together in nature.
Located just outside of Raleigh, the property has deep family roots and has evolved over the years into a space designed for community events, retreats, outdoor experiences, nonprofit partnerships, and private gatherings. What began as family land has grown into a welcoming environment where people can slow down, step away from daily routines, and create lasting experiences together.
Since officially opening in 2019, Lakeside Retreats has hosted a wide range of events and experiences including family gatherings, wellness retreats, nonprofit fundraisers, recovery-centered events, workshops, outdoor celebrations, and community programming.
Today, Lakeside continues to grow with a focus on creating experiences that feel grounded, accessible, and genuinely connected to people and the outdoors.
Mission & Vision
Lakeside Retreats exists to create opportunities for people to come together through nature, community, events, and shared experiences.
Our mission is to provide a welcoming outdoor space where organizations, families, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals can host meaningful gatherings that encourage connection, recreation, collaboration, and time spent outdoors.
As we continue to grow, our vision is to build a space that serves both the local community and visiting groups through thoughtful programming, strong partnerships, and experiences that leave people feeling refreshed, appreciated, and connected.
We believe simple experiences, gathering outdoors, sharing meals, celebrating milestones, supporting one another, and spending time in nature, still matter deeply.
Our Nonprofit Commitment
Lakeside Retreats proudly operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
A core part of our mission is creating opportunities for community-focused programming, nonprofit partnerships, educational experiences, recovery and wellness initiatives, and accessible outdoor gatherings.
We are actively building relationships with local organizations and mission-aligned groups to create experiences that positively impact the greater Raleigh community and beyond.
Support through donations, partnerships, sponsorships, and community involvement helps us continue improving the property and expanding future opportunities for the people and organizations we serve.
Who Lakeside Is For
Lakeside is especially aligned with people and organizations looking to create experiences that feel grounded, welcoming, collaborative, creative, community-oriented, and connected to nature.
We regularly work with:
Retreat leaders and facilitators
Nonprofit organizations
Corporate groups and appreciation events
Wellness and recovery communities
Families and private groups
Community organizers and educators
Outdoor recreation and experiential groups
Whether you’re planning a workshop, fundraiser, leadership retreat, celebration, wellness experience, or community gathering, Lakeside offers a natural setting designed to support connection and memorable experiences.
We especially value partnerships with people and organizations that are respectful, collaborative, community-minded, and aligned with creating positive experiences for others.
meet the team
Soup serves as the Executive Director of Lakeside Retreats and plays a central role in the ongoing vision, development, and operations of the property. Passionate about creating welcoming spaces for people to gather and connect, Soup has helped guide Lakeside’s growth into a multifaceted destination for retreats, events, nonprofit partnerships, and outdoor experiences.
He is deeply involved in both the day-to-day operations and long-term direction of the organization, with a strong focus on building community, supporting meaningful experiences, and continuing to expand what Lakeside can offer in the years ahead.
Stephen "Soup" Williamson — Executive Director
Lisa serves as Treasurer for Lakeside Retreats and is an important part of the organization’s leadership and long-term growth. With a strong commitment to the property and its future, she helps oversee financial direction, organizational planning, and the continued development of Lakeside Retreats as both a business and nonprofit organization.
Lisa was also a docent and board member at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for over 20 years and has long been an advocate for experiential learning, environmental appreciation, and meaningful connection through nature and community experiences.
Her support and involvement have played a significant role in helping Lakeside evolve into a space focused on connection, accessibility, outdoor experiences, and community-centered programming.
Lisa Williamson — Treasurer
Paula serves as the Director of Community Outreach at Lakeside Retreats, where she brings deep local roots and a natural gift for connection.
A lifelong Raleigh resident, Paula has built strong relationships throughout the community and is passionate about creating meaningful connections both on and off the property. Her outgoing, welcoming energy makes her someone people instantly feel comfortable around, and she’s known for her ability to turn conversations into lasting relationships.
She is actively involved in local networking efforts, including the Chamber of Commerce, and plays a key role in expanding Lakeside’s presence and partnerships throughout the area.
Paula — Director of Community Outreach
Kasey Marshall Able serves as Secretary of the Lakeside Retreats Board. She is an experienced nonprofit and human resources professional with 12 years of expertise in volunteer program management and community engagement.
She holds a Master’s degree in Communication, a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, and is certified in Volunteer Engagement. Kasey has a strong connection to the Lakeside Retreats property, where she has served as Volunteer Coordinator for several Casual Campout Festivals, working alongside a skilled and committed volunteer
community.
Kasey is passionate about empowering volunteers and creating meaningful opportunities that connect people to purpose and strengthen community impact.
Kasey Marshall — Secretary
Brandon plays an important role in supporting onsite events, logistics, and day-to-day property operations at Lakeside Retreats. From helping coordinate large gatherings to assisting with property setup and event execution, he helps ensure experiences run smoothly for guests and organizers alike.
His hands-on involvement and practical approach are a key part of maintaining the functionality and flow of the property during events and rentals.
Brandon Besecker — Events & Operations
Joss serves as the lead coordinator for Family Fest, one of Lakeside Retreats’ largest annual community events. Passionate about creating welcoming, family-centered experiences, she plays a major role in bringing together vendors, activities, entertainment, local partnerships, and community engagement for the event each year.
With a strong focus on connection, inclusivity, and creating memorable experiences for all ages, Joss helps shape Family Fest into a gathering that reflects the heart of Lakeside Retreats and its commitment to community. Her creativity, organization, and ability to bring people together make her an essential part of the Lakeside team and the continued growth of Family Fest.
Joss Michael — Family Fest Coordinator
Liz supports Lakeside Retreats through social media management, brand direction, website development, and creative strategy. With experience across events, operations, wellness, marketing, and community building, she helps shape the public-facing presence and long-term communication strategy for Lakeside and its affiliated projects.
Her work focuses on helping Lakeside grow with clarity, consistency, and strong community connection while building systems and storytelling that reflect the heart of the property and the people behind it.