Meet the Camp Highland Staff

Spring 2007 staff (from left to right). Top row: Luke, Steve, Hershel, Kalila, Emily, Emily, Jess, Nick, Jeremy, Josie, Michelle, Jessie Bottom row: TJ, Puma, Brett, Lani, Casey

Our success depends largely upon the quality of our staff. Camp Highland searches for individuals with a passion for working with children and a deep concern for the Earth.

Our staff comes from many walks of life, and each individual brings his or her own unique knowledge to our program. Each staff member is trained in first aid and CPR, must be able to pass a complete background check, and participates in an intensive training program prior to working with students.

Brett

Program Director from Royersford, Pennsylvania (kinda near Philadelphia)
Been with Camp Highland since: April, 2002
Education: BA in Biology and Philosophy from the University of Delaware

I like working with kids because: They are the future. There is not much greater than seeing a kid excited about life. There is so much to do and see out there and it's awesome getting the opportunity to share a little piece with them. Plus they're fun!

I love being outdoors because: that's where some of the most amazing things to find and see are.

Favorite thing to do in free time: I love sports. Watching. Playing. Talking about them. Except for hockey. lol

An interesting thing about myself: I have 4 pets - all reptils. An albino gopher snake named Rajah, two leopard geckos names Mo and Larry, and an alligator lizard named Al.

If you were a superhero I'd be: Indiana Jones. He's my hero.

Josie

Site Director from Jeromesville, Ohio
Been with Camp Highland since: January, 2004
Education: BA in Business Administration and BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics at Baldwin-Wallace College

I like working with kids because: They bring joy to my life... and I love how they just tell it how it is. I wish I could be more like them in that respect.

I love being outdoors because: it is God's playground. It is beautiful and majestic.

My favorite childhood memory: is having sileage fights with my brothers on my family's farm.

Favorite thing to do in free time: I love to enjoy sports in all its forms... volleyball, running, peg the hombre, basketball, etc. I also love to travel around the world.

An interesting fact: I was once licked by a bear while sleeping by the pool.

If I were a superhero I'd be: Mighty Mouse!

Casey

Medic-Instructor from Lexington, Mass
Been with Camp Highland since: January, 2005
Education: BA in Environmental Studies from St Lawrence University

I like working with kids because: They're more fun than adults. Plus they dig my rapping! At least that's what they tell me.

My favorite childhood memory: Playing flashlight tag outside at night

I love being outdoors because: It's like nature's shower.

Favorite thing to do in free time: climbing stuff and taking pictures of stuff

An interesting fact: I'm a fantastic rapper, plus I eat food off of the floor.

If I were a superhero I'd be: able to teleport anywhere in the universe I wanted to for free! My first stop would be to go console Pluto since it was demoted. It got a bum wrap and needs a bit of cheering up! Then New Zealand.

Michelle

Medic/Instructor from Hayward, CA
Been with Camp Highland since: January, 2007
Education: BA in Psychology and Geography from UCLA

I like working with kids because: Everything they do makes me laugh!

I love being outdoors because: there is so much to see and do and so many beautiful things to see.

My favorite childhood memory: Exploring my neighborhood and the wild spaces around it with my friends.

Favorite thing to do in free time: river kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking

An interesting fact: I love making buttons!

If I were a superhero I'd be: Batgirl

T.J.

Instructor from Columbia, CA
Been with Camp Highland since: January, 2007
Education: BA in English from CSU Stanislaus

I like working with kids because:

My favorite childhood memory: Fishing with Dad

I love being outdoors because: of the sense of freedom.

Favorite thing to do in free time: Read terrible books in beautiful places

An interesting fact: I've hiked the whole Oregon coast.

If I were a superhero I'd be: Dr. Doom. But I'd use my powers for good rather than evil.

Puma

Instructor from Springfield, Massachusetts
Been with Camp Highland since: May, 2005
Education:

I like working with kids because:

I love being outdoors because: There are many things outdoors. Every time I see something new it teaches me that I have a lot to learn!

My favorite childhood memory: going to the beach with my brother Bebin and my friend Joseph

Favorite thing to do in free time: I love to read

An interesting fact: I am a MASTER in hemp jewelry

If I were a superhero I'd be: Superman. He is the best and has all the power you would want.

Nick

Instructor from Lake Forest, IL
Been with Camp Highland since: January, 2007
Education: BS in Recreation Resource and Ski Resort Management from Lyndon State College

I like working with kids because:

I love being outdoors because: It is always an adventure.

My favorite childhood memory: Building forts in the woods behind my house

Favorite thing to do in free time: To be active doing stuff

An interesting fact: I am a twin

If I were a superhero I'd be: Batman because he always stayed true to his goal

Emily

Instructor from North Hollywood, CA
Been with Camp Highland since: September, 2006
Education: BA in Integrative Biology with a minor in Classical Civilizations at UC Berkeley

I like working with kids because:

My favorite childhood memory: Makeing forts and hiding places around the house to read in.

I love being outdoors because: there is always something new to see and the air smells better

Favorite thing to do in free time: Go on really long walks in new places

An interesting thing about myself: I went to Camp Highland when I was in 5th grade and I had lots of fun!

If you were a superhero I'd be: Zorro

Hershel

Instructor from Brooklyn, NY
Been with Camp Highland since: September 2006
Education:

I like working with kids because:

My favorite childhood memory: Running around the bases after my game-winning home run in tee-ball.

I love being outdoors because: I have been living in major cities my entire life. At Camp Highland I feel like a different person!

Favorite thing to do in free time: play guitar

An interesting thing about myself: I am the East Coast Rock, Paper, Scissors Champion!

If you were a superhero I'd be: I am my own superhero.

Erika

Instructor from Newbury, NH
Been with Camp Highland since: September 2006
Education: BS in Outdoor Education from the University of New Hampshire

I like working with kids because:

My favorite childhood memory: Building snow forts in my backyard.

I love being outdoors because: It keeps my life in perspective.

Favorite thing to do in free time: surfing, skiing, listening to music, traveling and exploring

An interesting fact: I was a ballet and tap dancer for 10 years.

If I were a superhero I'd be: Mystique from the X-Men

Lani

Instructor from Vegas, baby!
Been with Camp Highland since: September 2006
Education: BA in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on Human Ecology from Scripps College, Claremont, CA

I like working with kids because:

Favorite childhood memory: My mom used to take me driving when it rained and leave the windows and sunroof open.

I love being outdoors because: It reminds me how strong I am and how weak I can feel.

Favorite thing to do in free time: read and travel

An interesting thing about myself: I like doings things that scare me!

If you were a superhero I'd be: The sleepless wonder - I would always have the energy needed to live my life.

Jessie

Instructor from Rutland, VT
Been with Camp Highland since: January, 2007
Education: BA in French from St Anselm College

I like working with kids because:

I love being outdoors because: it's where I feel the best. Anything can happen, there is so much life and energy. I feel like I am a part of something.

My favorite childhood memory: playing outside all day long, building forts in the woods with my friends. Massive games of neighborhood night time Hide and Seek Tag.

Favorite thing to do in free time: Read, Travel, Listen to music. Go for long walks/runs/hikes and be with my friends.

An interesting fact: I am the Basque Jai-Alai master.

If I were a superhero I'd be: I would have the ability to speak and understand all languages. The would call me .... Linguistico!!

Jeremy

Instructor from Elkton, OR
Been with Camp Highland since: October 2006
Education:

I like working with kids because: They play Xbox.

Favorite childhood memory: I got my first Nintendo when I was in 1st grade.

I love being outdoors because: It's like a giant real-life video game.

Favorite thing to do in free time: Drink Coke (never Pepsi) while playing my new Xbox 360

An interesting thing about myself: I drink a 12 pack of Coca Cola every day.

If you were a superhero I'd be: Coca Cola Man - warding off the evil of Pepsi all around the world.

Jess

Instructor from Pittsburgh, PA
Been with Camp Highland since: September 2006
Education:

I like working with kids because:

I love being outdoors because: I can alwasy find something interesting outside.

My favorite childhood memory: sailing on Lake Erie

Favorite thing to do in free time: play soccer (futbol), frisbee, etc

An interesting fact: I am an expert tree-climber.

If I were a superhero I'd be: The animal Wonder Twin

Steve

Instructor Rutland, VT
Been with Camp Highland since: September 2006
Education:

I like working with kids because:

Favorite childhood memory: Climbing trees, skiing, and summer camp

I love being outdoors because: It's more fun to be in the trees and rivers.

Favorite thing to do in free time: Hang out with friends and seeing live music.

An interesting thing about myself: I'm a rock star!

If you were a superhero I'd be: Batman

Kalila

Instructor from Doylestown, PA
Been with Camp Highland since: January 2007

I love being outdoors because: It is where I feel the most like me.

My favorite childhood memory: Going to Outdoor School with my fifth grade class!

Favorite thing to do in free time: practice yoga, read, write, go hiking, bake cookies and share them with my friends

An interesting fact: I have been to 22 countries besides the US

If I were a superhero I'd be: Wonder Woman