2012 Camp Staff
Danielle Mulkern, Camp Director
Hometown: South Park, PA
School: California University of Pennsylvania
Major: Parks and Recreation Management & Spanish
Intended Occupation: Recreation Management & Rental Properties
Why The Woodlands: To further develop my management, leadership, and communication skills working at a recreational facility. I also chose to work here because I feel passionate about working towards fulfilling the lives of those with disabilities and helping them accomplish and achieve anything that they strive to do.
What do you hope to gain/learn: I hope to gain a stronger understanding of the lives of people with disabilities and learn how I can make their lives better. I also hope to develop a greater leadership and management style.
Favorite Food: Mexican food
Fun Fact: I spend most of my free time riding dirt bikes and motorcycles.
Laura Herbert, Activities Coordinator
Hometown: Cranberry Twp, PA
School: Slippery Rock University
Major: B.A. in Dance and M.S. in Adapted Physical Activity
Intended Occupation: Developing recreation, dance and physical activity programs for people with disabilities.
Why The Woodlands: This will be my third summer working here, and I really wanted to take advantage of the opportunity as Activities Coordinator to practice what I learned in graduate school and enhance the wonderful activities that are offered at the Woodlands Foundation.
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to learn more about creating fun and creative activities that are still meaningful to the participants and that meet a variety of goals.
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Fun Fact: I love slippers, I have so many pairs and I wear them constantly :-)
Mandy Annarelli
Hometown: Hampton, PA
School: Kaplan Career Institute
Major: Occupational Therapist Assistant
Intended Occupation: Work with special needs kids and adults
Why The Woodlands: I love camp! It is the one place I can always call home!
What you hope to learn/gain: To learn more about every individual camper and to make lifelong friendships with the other counselors
Favorite Food: Hershey’s with almonds or strawberry ice cream
Fun Fact: I have freckles on my arm that form a heart.
Nathan Beard, Spirituality Instructor
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
School: Finished college and graduate school
Major: Religion/Philosophy & Christian Education/Master of Divinity
Intended Occupation: Christian Ministry
Why The Woodlands: I got connected to the Woodlands through various friends and came to know Grafton who asked me to intern with him. I have always loved coming to the Woodlands because of the awesome campers and counselors who are here. I have lots of fun.
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to continue to grow my friendships with the campers I have met and to meet new campers. I hope to get to know and have fun with everyone here.
Favorite Food: I love spicy Mexican food--tacos, enchiladas, chips & salsa.
Fun Fact: I love music and play guitar in a band.
Murphy Bennett
Hometown: Tamaqua, PA
School: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Major: Deaf Education
Intended Occupation: Teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing
Why The Woodlands: I <3 CAMP!!!!!!!!!!!!
What you hope to learn/gain: More experience working with the community the Woodlands serves and make BFFS!
Favorite Food: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Fun Fact: I <3 signing, rugby and glitter.
Justin Burda
Hometown: Bridgeville, PA
School: Graduated from IUP
Major: Elementary/Special Education
Intended Occupation: Teaching upper elementary school students
Why The Woodlands: I worked at the Woodlands last summer and really enjoyed it. I loved building relationships with the campers and my fellow co-workers.
What you hope to learn/gain: Building old and new relationships with campers and co-workers. Also gaining a deeper understanding of providing for the needs of children and adults with disabilities.
Favorite Food: Pizza
Fun Fact: I had a vampire tooth when I was 8 years old.
Megan Carlton
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
School: Westminster College
Major: Early childhood/special education
Intended Occupation: Special Education Teacher
Why The Woodlands: I know a few people who had worked here in the past who absolutely loved it and thought it would be a great experience for myself.
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to gain new friendships and knowledge about different disabilities and how to help individuals that have those disabilities.
Favorite Food: Chocolate
Fun Fact: I play the drums.
Eric Clakeley, Maintenance Assistant
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
School: Butler County Community College
Major: Undecided
Intended Occupation: Big things
Why Woodlands: I have a strong family connection to the Woodlands which has made it close to my heart.
What you hope to learn/gain: How to work well with others, make connections with the campers
Favorite Food: Anything Peter cooks!
Fun Fact: I have skied the highest mountain in five different states.
Megan Condit
Hometown: Cranberry Twp, PA
School: Clarion University
Major: Intervention Specialist/Special Education
Intended Occupation:
Why The Woodlands: Volunteered last year and fell in love with the campers!
What you hope to learn/gain: an experience of a lifetime!
Favorite Food: Ice Cream :-)
Fun Fact: I play volleyball at Clarion U.
Derrick Guy Connor, Healthcare Associate
Hometown: Smithfield, PA
School: Waynesburg University
Major: Registered Nursing
Intended Occupation: Pediatrics Nurse
Why The Woodlands: The kids, the environment, the opportunities and the ability to learn more about disabilities and illnesses.
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to further my education on disabilities and illness and their affects on people and how I can best interact and assist those who need it.
Favorite Food: Pizza
Fun Fact: I’m an adventurer; I love to be outside, running, swimming, hiking, kayaking, cave spelunking, etc.
Jason Coulehan
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
School: Edinboro University of PA
Major: Criminal Justice
Intended Occupation: Not sure
Why The Woodlands: For life-long experiences and friendships
What you hope to learn/gain: How to better work with all kinds of people
Favorite Food: Peggy’s cooking
Fun Fact: I can ride a bike.
Nicole Dadey, Music Instructor
Hometown: Cranberry Township, PA
School: Seton Hill University
Major: Music therapy concentration in Voice
Intended Occupation: Music therapist
Why The Woodlands: I believe in the mission of the Woodlands and want to be a part of it! The field work is beneficial to my career path and I have a passion for working with this population.
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to gain experiences that will strengthen me as a person and learn everything I possibly can.
Favorite Food: Any pasta
Fun Fact: I’m a twin.
Lauren Deasy
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
School: College of Charleston
Major: Psychology
Intended Occupation: ABA Therapist
Why The Woodlands: It is a fun environment that allows me to help people and learn and grow as a person at the same time!
What you hope to learn/gain: Friendships, a feeling of accomplishment, comfort and experience working with those with special needs, pride, experience for my future career, fun!
Favorite Food: Ice cream :-)
Fun Fact: I love the show “How I Met Your Mother.”
Cody Hensley
Hometown: Bel Air, Maryland
School: York College of Pennsylvania
Major: Psychology
Intended Occupation: Neuroscience/Neuropsychology
Why The Woodlands: I wanted the chance to be able to work with kids and adults and help them have fun.
What you hope to learn/gain: Meaningful experiences, gain the ability to care for children and adults with disabilities
Favorite Food: Mashed potatoes
Fun Fact: I play guitar, paint miniatures and have a bizarre obsession with "The Lord of the Rings."
Shaina Hogan
Hometown: Waverly, NY
School: West Virginia University
Major: Elementary and Special Education
Intended Occupation: Currently a teacher
Why The Woodlands: It looked like a great place with lots of opportunity to grow and learn as a special educator.
What you hope to learn/gain: New friends and a great experience!
Favorite Food: Steak
Fun Fact: I broke my arm 7 times.
Helen L. Kemeny
Hometown: Grove City, PA
School: Wake Forrest in Fall
Major: Music/Theater/Education
Intended Occupation: Music/Theatre Education with individuals with disabilities
Why The Woodlands: I wanted to spend my summer helping people and building character.
What you hope to learn/gain: A better understanding of how to work with people who have disabilities as well as cooperate with a large number of people
Favorite Food: Anything organic
Fun Fact: I am a performer.
Ray Kluger, Sports Instructor
Hometown: Yorktown Heights, NY
School: University of Pittsburgh
Major: Communications Science Disorders
Intended Occupation: Ear Doctor
Why The Woodlands: I chose the Woodlands because of the great campers and staff. The Woodlands has great programs that make the campers happy, and I’m all about the happiness of the campers.
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to form some new friendships, learn new things and make the campers have the best summer ever!
Favorite Food: Pizza
Fun Fact: I'm really, really, really scared of flying.
Will Koontz, Maintenance Assistant
Hometown: Cranberry Twp, PA
School: Denison University
Major: Undecided
Intended Occupation: Law
Why Woodlands: I wanted to help the Woodlands be a safe and clean environment so the campers can enjoy it.
What you hope to learn/gain: A variety of experiences, team work
Favorite Food: Liver & Onions
Fun Fact: I bungee jumped once.
Natalie Magoc
Hometown: Natrona Heights, PA
School: Mercyhurst University
Major: Social Work
Intended Occupation: Hospital or medical field, social work
Why The Woodlands: It provides ample opportunities to gain experience and I really like the camp atmosphere and think it will be really great for the campers.
What you hope to learn/gain: More about working with those who have some sort of disability and the skills necessary to assist them.
Favorite Food: Chicken
Fun Fact: I play the flute.
Eryn McQuiston, Nature Instructor
Hometown: Wampum, PA
School: Graduated from Edinboro University of PA
Major: Elementary & Early Childhood Education
Intended Occupation: Teacher
Why The Woodlands: The opportunity to gain experiences that will help me as a teacher
What you hope to learn/gain: Knowledge about the needs of individuals with special needs
Favorite Food: Bread/Rolls
Fun Fact: I have 7 dogs.
Samar Mestiri
Hometown: Tunis, Tunisia
School: Montpelliere University, Montpelliere France
Major: Foreign Languages
Intended Occupation: Translator
Why The Woodlands: I love working with youngsters, and can’t wait to help the residents. I also value the opportunity to practice my English.
What you hope to learn/gain: Team work, skills with working with youngsters with disabilities, English language
Favorite Food: Fish, shrimp
Fun Fact: I love salsa dancing.
Emily A. Miller, Healthcare Associate
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
School: Penn State
Major: Nursing, Minor: Biology
Intended Occupation: Neonatal Nurse
Why The Woodlands: I LOVE the camp and all the campers. Last summer was an amazing experience and this is something you can’t go back and do later.
What you hope to learn/gain: More nursing (hands-on) experience, medication information, more friendships
Favorite Food: Pickles, apples with cottage cheese, steak
Fun Fact: I love jump roping.
Thomas P. Molyneaux III, Golf Instructor
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
School: Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Major: Business Administration & Industrial Relations
Intended Occupation: Undecided
Why The Woodlands: Seems to be a very enjoyable working environment. I enjoy this type of work. Great opportunity for new experiences.
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to learn more about my co-workers and campers. I also hope to gain and improve on personal skills and abilities.
Favorite Food: Anything Peggy makes
Fun Fact: I enjoy the outdoors, fishing, canoeing, hiking, etc.
Emily Montarti, Food & Nutrition Instructor
Hometown: Elizabeth, PA
School: Slippery Rock University
Major: Therapeutic Recreation
Intended Occupation: To work with children with Autism
Why The Woodlands: So that I could get experience with helping children and adults with all different kinds of disabilities
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to gain many friendships and learn more about children and adults with disabilities.
Favorite Food: Hot dogs
Fun Fact: I want to live in North Carolina and attend East Carolina University after graduating from Slippery Rock University.
Ryan Moore
Hometown: Wexford, PA
School: University of Pittsburgh
Major: Economics and Sociology
Intended Occupation: Teaching
Why The Woodlands: It was an opportunity for a life-changing experience that would boost my background for teaching.
What you hope to learn/gain: A new and better understanding of people with disabilities and a better understanding of myself.
Favorite Food: Dark chocolate
Fun Fact: I play Ultimate Frisbee for Pitt.
Kaitlin Oliver, Healthcare Associate
Hometown: Cranberry Twp, PA
School: Waynesburg University
Major: Nursing
Intended Occupation: Registered Nurse
Why The Woodlands: It seemed like a really fun place to work with a lot of learning opportunities. I have a passion for helping others, and this seemed like the perfect place to do so.
What you hope to learn/gain: I want to gain as much knowledge as possible, including information on the campers’ disabilities and the best way to take care of them. I hope to use this knowledge for the rest of my nursing career.
Favorite Food: Pizza
Fun Fact: I love being outside and doing outdoor activities (running, biking, hiking, swimming).
Veronika Panagiotou
Hometown: Wexford, PA
School: University of Pittsburgh
Major: Applied Developmental Psychology
Intended Occupation: Child Life Specialist
Why The Woodlands: I picked the Woodlands because I want to gain experience working with adults and children with disabilities.
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to gain communication and leadership skills. I hope to gain friendships that last a lifetime.
Favorite Food: Chinese food
Fun Fact: I have seen the pandas at my favorite zoo, The National Zoo in Washington, DC. I have been there twice.
Tiffanie Passerello, Fitness Challenge Instructor
Hometown: Allison Park, PA
School: Slippery Rock University
Major: Therapeutic Recreation, Minor: Adapted Physical Activity
Intended Occupation: CTRS
Why The Woodlands: I chose the Woodlands because it is a great facility with many great programs. I am also doing my practicum here!
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to learn how to work with a large team. Also, I want to gain new experiences because I have never been a camp counselor before.
Favorite Food: Pizza/anything Italian
Fun Fact: I am the godmother of my two nieces and nephew.
Megan Rindfuss
Hometown: Harrison City, PA
School: Duquesne University
Major: Occupational Therapy
Intended Occupation: Occupational Therapist
Why Woodlands: Best place in the world!!
What you hope to learn/gain: Great relationships with a new Woodlands family!
Favorite Food: Tomatoes
Fun Fact: I love the beach!
Casey Ryan, Art Instructor
Hometown: Gibsonia, PA
School: Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Major: Rehab Sciences (developmental disabilities)
Intended Occupation: Rehab Services
Why The Woodlands: The campers, fun, rewarding experience
What you hope to learn/gain: good friendships, lasting impressions
Favorite Food: Cheese
Fun Fact: I have celebrated a birthday in Aruba.
Becky Searight
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
School: Slippery Rock University
Major: Therapeutic Recreation, Minor: Adapted Physical Activity & Psychology
Intended Occupation: Not sure yet
Why The Woodlands: I have heard amazing things about the Woodlands and wanted a new and exciting experience! The Woodlands is also in a great location and has a beautiful facility! I love their mission and purpose.
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to learn a lot about a variety of disabilities and adaptations for specific disabilities. I also hope to make lots of new friends and have an unforgettable summer!
Favorite Food: Chocolate chip cookies and ice cream
Fun Fact: I love to run and have completed two full marathons and two half marathons!
Jeffrey Michael Stebbins, Healthcare Associate
Hometown: Eldred, PA
School: Slippery Rock University
Major: Exercise Science
Intended Occupation: Physician Assistant
Why The Woodlands: Because my friends said it is the best place on earth!
What you hope to learn/gain: I hope to gain lifelong relationships and valuable experience
Favorite Food: Gnocchi
Fun Fact: I love to travel.
Marissa Weaver
Hometown: Anderson, IN
School: Chatham University
Major: Music/Cultural Studies
Intended Occupation: Museum work
Why Woodlands: I want to make a difference in peoples’ lives. I want my summer to be for someone else and to mean something.
What you hope to learn/gain: I would like to gain more leadership skills.
Favorite Food: Corn on the cob
Fun Fact: I showed llamas in the 4-H fair in high school.