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Meet the Day Camp Leadership Staff
Neil Domer-Shank
Camp Director
2008 will be Neil’s third year as the director of Camp Chase and the Youth and Family Services Director at the FV YMCA. Neil’s experience with YMCA camps stretches back to the mid-nineties, when he worked as a summer camp counselor in his home state of Ohio. In the fall of 2000 he began working full time at YMCA Camp Jewell—and was there three years before accepting a director position at the FV YMCA. Currently, Neil lives in East Granby with his wife, Laura, and son, Cameron. They are expecting a daughter in July. Neil’s hobbies include watching and playing sports, coaching his son’s teams, and writing. He is an avid OSU Buckeyes fan—and will never wear the combination of blue and gold.
"At the end of a session, when I see campers AND counselors in tears as they say good-bye to each other—THAT is when I know that we are doing something profound…life-changing."
Daphne Shinder
Camp Registrar & Office Manager
This will be Daphne’s first summer at Camp Chase. Many of you have already spoken with her regarding registration questions. You can reach her year-round with questions or concerns. She lives with her husband David and daughter Deanne on a 30 acre farm in Granby. In her free time, Daphne enjoys singing, knitting, art & crafts, and volunteering for Girl Scouts, 4-H, and Granby Little League.
"A good laugh is sunshine in a house."
Amber Pike
Personnel Director
In her fourth summer at Camp Chase, Amber will be taking on a very important role. As the Personnel Director, she will manage all unit leaders, counselors and campers. “Bulls-Eye”, an Elmira College alum, recently received her masters degree for reading and language arts from St. Joseph’s College—and is currently applying for elementary school teaching positions in the area. Amber enjoys reading best-selling novels, knitting, and a variety of sports.
"I love being able to make the summer the most memorable experience for everyone, while incorporating core values to our activities!"
Dana Prifti
Leadership Development Director
Dana, a 16 year veteran of Camp Chase, is in her sixth year on staff, and third year working with the leadership team. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire last spring with a degree in Journalism, “DTrain” accepted a position with the Simsbury schools, working with autistic students. In her free time she enjoys poker, many sports and singing. Her position this summer allows her to work specifically with the LITS, CITS and Junior Counselors.
"I started working at Camp Chase when I was 17, and I’m still there because I want to be part of making it the kind of place you just can’t leave. And I think we have!"
Vanessa Reid
Program Director
Vanessa, known simply as “Storm” at camp, will spend her second summer at camp managing and executing all programmatic and thematic elements of the schedule. A recent graduate of Brigham Young University (UT), she is returning this fall to pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy. In her spare time, Storm loves biking, boating, wakeboarding, skiing, 4-wheeling, and camping.
"I love the energy and enthusiasm that the kids and staff bring with them each day. It is so much fun working here because every day is a new adventure!"
Cara Silverberg
Outdoor Development Director
This will be Cara’s fifth summer at Camp Chase, after many years at Camp Jewell YMCA. She is a senior at Prescott College (AZ), majoring in Bio-regional Studies and Education. She enjoys making music, nature and human psyche books, Capoeira (Brazilian) dancing, and cooking spicy food. She will utilize all her knowledge and experiences while managing the Trips and Nature programs. (For more on Cara, click here (LINK to trips camp).
"I love challenging others to expand the way they perceive and interact with their surroundings, and, therefore, the way they offer themselves to their community."
Drew Shamyer
Buck and Doe Unit Leader
After three years as an incredible Buck and Doe counselor, Drew is back as for his fourth summer, this time as their Unit Leader. He is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at RPI (RI). In his free time, Drew plays drums and guitar, snowboards, and spends time with friends and family.
"I love working at Camp Chase because it allows me to be a kid again. I love knowing that I’m making a difference in the kids’ lives."
Jessica Schaedel
Rascal Unit Leader
Camp Chase is excited to have Jessy back for her second summer at Camp Chase, after many summers on staff at Camp Jewell. Though she spends the school year teaching elementary school in Kent, Ohio, Jessy is excited to return to her home state in the summer to run the Rascal Unit. When not working with kids, she enjoys running, watching movies and reading great books.
"I love working at summer camp for many reasons; but the main ones are that I absolutely love working with children and I enjoy playing outside!"
Caroline Oks
Pioneer Unit Leader
Caroline currently attends the University of Connecticut, where she is majoring in Anthropology and Political Science, with a minor in Human Rights. In her third summer at Camp Chase, she will be leading the energetic and enthusiastic Pioneer Unit. Caroline enjoys reading, horseback riding, and camp games.
"The greatest part about being a camp is getting the opportunity to see the future as children—and having an impact on that future!"
Rachel Kirschner
Ranger Unit Leader
Rachel, in her third year at Camp Chase, is the dynamic new leader for the Ranger Unit. She recently received her degree in education and childhood studies from Plymouth State University (NH). A varsity college field hockey player, Rachel also enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with family and friends.
"I love working at Camp Chase because every day is packed with excitement and fun. Everyone at camp always plays like a champion!"
Brian Marzi
Arts and Crafts Leader
This will be Brian’s first summer at Chase after working at several residential camps in the past. He is in the process of getting his BFA in Sculpture at Kent State University (OH). Brian enjoys sports, being outside with nature, and all forms of art. His educational path and personal interests will help him lead campers in exploration of painting, drawing, printing, photography and sculpture.
"I love helping kids develop character values that will stay with them for the rest of their lives!"
Meagan Mazzali
Specialty Camp Leader
Meagan’s second year at Camp Chase (and seventh at the YMCA) will be spent providing curriculum and support for the Specialty Camps. She is a media studies major at Franklin Pierce University (RI)—and enjoys singing and going to the beach.
"The smiles and laughter you receive while working at camp make for one of the most rewarding jobs a person could ever have!"
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