Summer Leadership 2025

ELLIE PENNELL first came to Hive in 1998, never having been a camp counselor or set foot in Vermont before! Little did she know that summer would change her life forever. Today, Ellie and her husband, Andrew, and their three children call Vermont home and this summer marks her 6th as Hive’s Director. Ellie has dedicated her professional life to supporting children and their families in finding a deep sense of belonging and community first as a Montessori teacher in Massachusetts and Vermont and now at Hive. In addition to her Montessori certifications, she holds a degree in psychology from Miami University and a master’s in education from Loyola University Maryland.

ALLISON WOOD is our Assistant Director, is no stranger to Hive. Having been a former Hive and Aloha camper and a Hive counselor for seven summers, she brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Allison holds a bachelor’s from George Mason University and a master’s in policy and leadership from American University. Currently residing in Annapolis, Maryland, with her husband Stephen, she is a proud mother of two daughters, aged six and three.

CAITLIN HANEY is thrilled for her first summer at Hive as the Program Director! Caitlin grew up spending her summers at camp in Virginia and was a counselor and later held several roles on the admin team for many summers. Caitlin holds bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and special education from High Point University, and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Trinity University. Caitlin has been an educator for 16 years in Washington, DC. She has enjoyed every grade she has taught but is currently in her favorite role yet as an elementary art teacher. Caitlin is so excited about spending the summer in Vermont and can’t wait to be part of the Hive community!

BRYCE BENNETT is thrilled to be returning for her 12th summer in Fairlee as the Anti-Q Unit Head! She spent the last three summers as a counselor in swimming and is excited to challenge her skills in the Sailing department in 2025. Outside of camp, Bryce is a rising junior at Colgate University where she studies philosophy and global, public, and environmental health. She is also a  volunteer firefighter and EMT, peer support resource, and a Rubik’s Cube lover. This summer she is looking forward to jumping in the lake and seeing how many different ways she can style a trash bag into a costume!

ANNIE DAWSON-PITTS is thrilled to be back at Hive this summer after a 20-year hiatus since she was a Hiver. She first came to Hive as a Lolander in 1999 and spent four magical summers on Lake Fairlee. Those summers gave her some of the best memories she has. Annie will be Head of Swimming this year. She has always been passionate about child development and working with children, and has worked in early childhood education and childcare as long as she has been working. She has a long history of volunteering and work with mutual aid community organizations, including teaching elementary school in Kenya as well as being a lead member of a food distribution mutual aid group in Brooklyn. In her free time, she loves to read, bike, make art (especially out of found materials) and spend time with her cat, Beaudelaire.

HANNAH HASKEL is returning to Hive this summer as our Office Manager and Head of New Counselors. She has previously worked in the Arts and Crafts and Exploring departments. When she’s not at Hive, she’s in England, where she studies history and politics at the University of Cambridge. Hannah can’t wait to be back at her favorite place across the pond! This will be her fifth summer as a counselor at Hive and her ninth with the Aloha Foundation.

RACHEL ARNESEN is returning to Hive for the first time since 2018! She was Head of the Canoeing Department for three summers, and while she will miss the boathouse, she is excited to take on a new role as Head of the Midis. This will be her 17th summer with the Foundation and her eighth as a Hive counselor. Rachel is a recent NY-transplant to the central Tennessee area where she is an 8th grade English teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English creative writing from Elon University and a master’s degree in adolescent education from Long Island University. Rachel cannot wait for another fantastic summer in Fairlee!

GRACEY MANN is beyond excited for her 11th summer at camp and her first as Dolphin Unit Head! Being a longtime camper and counselor, Hive is positively her favorite place to be! She will also be back in the Swimming department for another summer working on her butterfly stroke and diving for the coolest rocks. During the year, she is a student at the University of Vermont studying Public Health and Political Science. In her free time, she loves cooking and running, and she just completed her first half marathon! She is itching to be back on the shores of Lake Fairlee and can’t wait for another awesome summer!

ANNA MCINTOSH will be our Head of Canoeing this summer. With 11 summers of experience at the Aloha Foundation and five summers as a counselor, she’s ready to bring her enthusiasm and expertise to camp once again! Anna’s currently immersing herself in the world of drama as she pursues her bachelor’s at NYU Tisch. She can’t wait to be back on the verdant shores of Lake Fairlee and see what other shores Hive will get to explore this summer!

ELSIE PAXTON is returning as Lolander Unit Head, is thrilled to come home to Fairlee for her fourth summer as a counselor and 14th overall. She’ll be back in the Swimming department. As a sophomore at Union College, studying mechanical engineering and English literature, Elsie teaches English to refugee children aged 4-12. She’s an active member of the Society of Women Engineers, Yoga club, and the President of the Society of Automotive Engineers Baja club. Elsie is counting down the minutes until opening day!

ALIX RADKE is excited to be Dolphin Unit Head for her third summer at camp. She is a rising senior at Northwestern University majoring in Psychology and hopes to get her master’s in psychology in the near future and start a career as a therapist. This will also be Alix’s first year in the Tennis department, after working in performing arts for two years and directing the camp play last year. In her free time, Alix enjoys swimming, playing tennis and flute, and reading, and cannot wait to be doing all of this in Fairlee again! She is absolutely thrilled by these upcoming new opportunities and experiences and cannot wait to have another amazing summer at Hive, which she is considering a second home more and more each summer!

KATE TASKER is the Head of Tripping at Hive. This summer marks her 10th year at the camps and her third year leading the department. Originally from Boston, she has spent the past few years soaking up the beauty of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. When she’s not at camp, Kate works as a nurse’s assistant and dreams of becoming a nurse. This summer at Hive, you’ll find her leading exciting trips and lending a hand at the Mary Knapp. She is looking forward to another amazing summer in Fairlee.

SHAK WRIGHT will be our Canoeing Coordinator this summer. With two summers of experience at the Aloha Foundation in Tripping, she is excited to tackle this new challenge and infuse her excitement into the community. She’s currently immersing herself in the cold climates of a ski resort in British Columbia, Canada and is excited to head back to the warmer weather in Vermont this summer and enjoy the sun on the shores of Lake Fairlee.

BRYAN PARTRIDGE is the Director of Lanakila. He received his bachelor’s from the College of Wooster, his master’s in creative writing from Dartmouth, and his doctorate in humanities from Union. He has spent 21 years teaching creative writing at New England College in Henniker, NH, and has worked as a consultant promoting positive school climates and engaging teaching. With 36 years at Lanakila, Bryan’s impact at camp is undeniable, having worked in Athletics for many years, as a unit head in Lakeside and the Bridge, and as assistant director for 11 years.

JEREMY CUTLER is the Assistant Director at Lanakila and brings 40 years of camp experience. He’s been the Head of Athletics, Woodside, Lakeside, and the Bridge. He holds a bachelor’s from Middlebury College, a master’s in urban education from Harvard, and a doctorate in teaching, learning, and leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Jeremy was a middle school teacher and administrator in Boston and Washington, D.C., then taught for a decade at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. He also works as a school consultant, helps lead Success Counseling trainings, and makes time for his other loves: funk music, drums, and wiffleball.

JIMMY GERRITY is our Co-Program Director at Lanakila, brings over two decades of experience to the camp. Previously, he has been the Lakeside Unit Head and Campcraft Department Head. Jimmy is also a veteran in the Tripping department and has mentored many new trip leaders. Outside of camp, Jimmy teaches middle school math at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, VA. He also serves as the varsity squash coach. Jimmy graduated from the University of Michigan in 2013 with a bachelor’s in environmental economics and policy. In his free time, Jimmy loves skiing, soccer, and traveling the country and world to visit friends.

SAM DANFORD is our Co-Program Director, is back for his 14th summer at Lanakila! He has spent many of his summers on the shores of Lake Morey in the Boating department, leading trips throughout New England, and now helps create and implement the Lanakila daily program. Sam graduated with a master’s in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2024. This year, Sam served as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University where he helped teach courses on adaptive leadership, communication, and school/family/community partnerships. In his free time, Sam loves catching waves while surfing, doing yoga, and shooting hoops on the basketball court.

DAVIS CARY is our Head of Bridge, returns to Lanakila for his eighth summer on Lake Morey. A former Head of Sailing, Davis is passionate about all things water and is especially excited to continue developing the Lanakila Crew program. Going into his senior year of college, he studies chemistry and biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also serves as President of the UNC Men’s Rowing Team. Outside his studies, Davis loves trying new recipes, road trips, and following his Carolina sports teams.

STUART DICKISON is our Head of Waterfront, and he’s gearing up for his 21st summer at Lanakila! He’s been an integral part of our Swimming department for 20 years and is dedicated to training and certifying our lifeguards with the Aloha spirit every summer. When he’s not at camp, Stuart teaches high school Physical Education at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in New York City, where he also coaches swimming and baseball. Stuart earned his bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2012. When he is not working, Stuart is enjoying time with his newborn son Elliot.

LIZZIE FINLAY is our Office Manager, Community Coordinator, and Head of Non-Tent Cabin Staff this summer, a role she is excited to continue developing. This is her sixth summer at Lanakila. Lizzie is from Yorkshire, England, and graduated with degrees in education studies and primary teaching from York St. John University. At home, she works as a primary school teacher and runs an after-school dance club. Lizzie loves to travel and explore new places, and she can’t wait to return to the beautiful green mountains of Vermont.

THEO GRAYER is our Head of Brookside, returns to Lanakila for his 11th summer—his seventh as a Brooksider. He has spent all but one of his summers in the Exploring department and is excited for yet another opportunity to wander around Lanakila’s forests, meadows, and swamps. Theo has worked as an outdoor educator at our Hulbert Outdoor Center, leading team-building programs and outdoor adventures. A graduate of Swarthmore College, he’ll be starting a PhD in environmental economics at the University of Chicago this fall. When he’s not teaching or studying, Theo enjoys playing tennis, the saxophone, and is always up for a board game.

HENRY HUANG is the Head of Woodside, returning for his 15th summer at Lanakila. Henry is no stranger to adventure — he’s spent years in the Archery department and is now gearing up for another summer in Tripping. With a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from Plymouth State University, his expertise lies in wilderness therapeutic adventure, blending psychology, adventure education, and educational pedagogy. Henry has spent the year working as a substitute teacher in Burlington, VT. He loves the excitement and challenge each day brings as he revolves between schools and students, K-12. In his free time, Henry loves to play board games, throw a disc, read, and go for hikes.

MAGDA KARPIUK will be our Head of Tripping this summer. Magda holds a master’s in tourism and recreation from Warsaw University of Life Sciences. She resides in Warsaw, Poland, where she works for an organization that plans skiing and snowboarding camps in the Alps and yacht trips all over the world. Magda’s passion for the outdoors began at an early age, and she has been a staple of the Lanakila tripping program for the past 11 years. She is known for her amazing organizational skills and her ability to stay incredibly calm while preparing and sending out over 55 wilderness trips a summer. Magda also returns as a Program Coordinator for her 16th season at Hulbert Outdoor Center.

TIM PETERSON is our head of Lakeside, returns to Lanakila for his 13th summer! This summer will be his first in the Boating department and he is stoked to spend more time in canoes. At Lanakila, Tim has previously worked in Exploring and has served as Head of the Campcraft and Lanalog departments. Over the past year, he lived in rural Andalusia, Spain, working with high schoolers to improve their English communication skills while also finding time to walk around mountains and cities. Tim studied English at Princeton University. In his free time, he reads, writes, sings, and follows Philadelphia sports teams.

MATT SMITH is our Head of Hillside, returning for his 16th summer at Lanakila. At camp, he has been our Head of Swimming, a particularly enthusiastic leader of assembly songs, and a Hillside counselor every summer. Matt has also spent several seasons leading teambuilding and wilderness activities with our Hulbert Outdoor Center. Matt is hoping to attend law school this fall, where he wants to pursue a career in education advocacy and litigation. Beyond his professional work, Matt is an avid runner, reader, and New York Times Crossword solver.

RYAN “SMITTY” SMITH is our Head of the Second Year Bridge, returning for his 12th summer at Lanakila. Smitty has experienced the wide variety of activities Lanakila has to offer, working in the Athletics department for the last four summers after starting in the Tennis and Arts department. A recent psychology graduate from the University of Vermont, he spent the past few years mentoring youth through the Dream Program in Burlington, where he led enrichment sessions and provided one-on-one support for kids in the community. After working with kids most of his life, Smitty has gained an appreciation for helping others and hopes to get his master’s in clinical mental health counseling. In his free time, he can be found on the rugby pitch, basketball court, or snowboarding down a mountain.

DAVID WESTCOTT is Lanakila’s Head of Staff Development, is excited to spend his 19th summer on the shores of Lake Morey. David has worked as a therapist at Confluence Behavioral Health, a residential/wilderness treatment center that focuses on young adults ages 18-28 struggling to transition into adulthood. Currently pursuing his doctorate in clinical psychology at William James College, David’s research focuses on effectively engaging boys and men in therapy. Beyond his professional endeavors, David is a familiar face in Lanakila’s Athletics department and enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and long-distance running.

KAT HEHIR is the Director of Ohana. She grew up in the Midwest and the Netherlands, attended college in Paris, and has traveled extensively, leading diverse teams, organizing large-scale events, and collaborating with university partners across the globe. Kat’s Aloha journey began in 2005 when she joined the staff as a Unit Head, later serving as Head of Club in 2012. She is passionate about experiential education and helping people appreciate the beauty of diversity. Kat and her husband, Will, are excited to be back in Vermont with their daughters, Emilia and Audrey, and are looking forward to teaching them how to ski in the Green Mountains.

MIKAELA LOPRIORE is the Program and Events Coordinator at Ohana. Originally from Niantic, CT, Mik began working at camps at 16 and has since held roles from Junior Counselor to Assistant Director at Parks & Rec and YMCA camps across the country. They bring over a decade of experience in youth development, community building, and event planning to Ohana, where they lead with empathy, creativity, and a commitment to making camp an inclusive, affirming space for all. When not at camp, Mik enjoys walking local trails, crafting, strumming their guitar, and relaxing in their hammock.

KEN CHAMPAGNE is the Maintenance Technician at Ohana. He joined the team in April 2021, primarily working with the Utilities crew and supporting day-to-day operations at Ohana Family Camp. Ken became a full-time member of the staff in January 2022 and plays a key role in keeping camp running smoothly, from facilities maintenance to assisting with camp logistics. Originally from Fairlee, Ken lives nearby with his family and enjoys being part of the Ohana community.

CHRIS DEBREE is returning to Vermont for his ninth summer, and is thrilled to be working as Waterfront Director at Ohana this summer! He is a former Lanakila camper/counselor, outdoor enthusiast and educator at heart. Chris hails from Colorado where he enjoys spending free time with his family, reading as much as possible and swimming whenever he gets the chance! Chris is looking forward to having a beautiful summer on Lake Fairlee!

SUSAN MCLUCKIE has been part of Ohana for 12 summers. Working for the foundation supporting the residential health houses for the last five years, Susan is moving to her home away from home this year – the Art Barn! When not teaching seventh grade social studies she loves to crochet, embroider, cross stitch, nalbinding, making baskets, and jewelry. What started as a family vacation has led to her two sons becoming counselors at Lanakila and her husband helping at Ohana as well. She is excited to spend the summer in the Art Barn, sharing all the joy and creativity that Ohana offers.

STEVE TRAGE is the Aloha Foundation Executive Chef and Head Chef at Ohana. After initially pursuing a degree in archaeology, Steve realized his true passion was cooking for others. He trained at the New England Culinary Institute and has worked in Chicago, Las Vegas, and the Upper Valley. Steve has a love for all kinds of foods, especially ethnic cuisines, which offer him a deeper connection to diverse cultures. He lives in East Thetford with his wife, three kids, two dogs, two cats, and one rabbit. Having vacationed at family lodges and camps in his youth, Steve feels right at home at Ohana.