Summer Leadership 2026

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 7th 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 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, our Assistant Director, is no stranger to Hive. Having been a former Hive and Aloha camper and a Hive counselor for 11 summers, she brings a wealth of experience to her 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 seven and four.

CAITLIN HANEY is thrilled for her second summer 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 17 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 for another wonderful summer on the lake!

ANNA MCINTOSH will be our Head of Canoeing and Waterfront this summer. With 13 summers of experience at the Aloha Foundation and seven summers as a counselor, she’s ready to bring her enthusiasm and expertise to camp once again! Anna just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in drama from 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!

ARCHIE LAWS has been a counselor in the swimming department, and he can’t wait to dive into his third summer at Hive as the Department Head. Across the pond, Archie is a student at Cardiff University studying economics. In his free time, Archie enjoys swimming, traveling and cooking. Archie is passionate about creating memorable, positive experiences for both campers and counselors. He is looking forward to creating a positive and encouraging swimming community at Hive where every camper – new and returning – feels supported, confident, and excited to be in the water.

EMMA BEANE is so excited to be back for her 12th summer at the camps (4th as a counselor), this year as Hilander Unit Head! She has previously been the head of the Tennis department, tested her baking skills in Campers Kitchen, and this summer will be having a blast in Performing Arts. Outside of camp, Emma is a rising fourth-year at the University of Chicago pursuing a double major in physics and English. She spends most of her free time acting in her University’s theater productions. This summer Emma is most looking forward to singing camp songs.

GRACEY MANN is beyond excited for her 12th summer at camp and her second 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 Psychology and Childhood Behavioral Development. In her free time, she loves cooking, running, and playing with her dog Morey, named after Lake Morey. She is itching to be back on the shores of Lake Fairlee and can’t wait for another awesome summer!

HAYDEN STEPHENSON cannot wait to be back on Lake Fairlee for his 10th summer within the Foundation and his second as Department Head of Landsports. He is currently based in New York, pursuing a degree in psychology on a nursing track. In between studying for tests and going to the local bagel shop, he is counting down the days until he is back on the Playfield with the Hivers. Whether it’s kicking a soccer ball, going on a run, or reffing a competitive round of gaga ball, it always is a blast finding new ways to build community through activity. Even if you don’t get a chance to see Landsports, you’ll definitely be able to hear the laughter and team communication all across the hillside!

LEAH MCLAREN is overjoyed to be back at Hive for her 16th summer, this time as Lolander Unit Head! This is her sixth counselor summer and first as a Unit Head, having previously been Head of Tennis. Leah is a recent graduate of Vassar College, with a degree in history, and she is currently volunteering as an administrative assistant at a local food bank while applying to graduate school. She can’t wait for another beautiful summer filled with swamp tromps, pickleball, and Lolander hijinks!

MAGGIE LATZ is gearing up for her eighth summer at Hive, where she’ll be the Head of Midis. When she’s not at Hive, Maggie spends her days as an eighth-grade science teacher in the suburbs of Chicago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s in middle-grades education from National Louis University. Maggie enjoys reading, thrifting, and watching reality tv in her free time. One of the things she’s looking forward to the most is taking her dog, Penny, for walks with Allison and her dog along the trails at Hive!

MIMI BRICK is overjoyed to be returning for her eighth summer in Fairlee as the Anti-Q Co-Unit Head! Eagerly awaiting her third summer as a Hive counselor, she will be returning to her favorite spot in the Canoeing department. Outside of camp, Mimi is a rising junior at Colby College, where she studies elementary education with a concentration in professional certification and environmental studies. She is also a substitute teacher, an a cappella singer, and an avid crafter in her spare time. This summer, she is excited for lake swims, singing, and all of the wonderful adventures the summer holds!

NIC ROBINSON is delighted to be returning to Hive for her third summer as a counselor! She’s very excited to be stepping into the roles of Anti-Q Co-Unit Head and Head of New Counselors. She will be spending another summer on the playfield with Landsports, bringing lots of energy and fun! Away from camp, Nic is from England, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lancaster University. She is a keen runner and loves soccer. Nic can’t wait to be back on the shores of Lake Fairlee – singing camp songs in the Comb, spending sunny days in the lake, and making more unforgettable memories with campers and counselors!

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 22 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 37 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 42 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 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 our Co-Program Director, is back for his 15th 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. He has extensive experience in both traditional and non-traditional learning environments. 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, returning to Lanakila for his ninth 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. In the spring he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he studied chemistry and biology and served 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.

SEABASS COLE is our head of Hillside this summer, excited to be returning for his 12th year at Lanakila! He is returning for his 6th year in the tennis department and can’t wait to get back out on the courts this summer. He recently graduated from Colgate University with a degree in computer science, and hopes to explore a career in game design or software development in the future. From campfires to moments on court, he loves to bring the energy and is hoping to continue after the summer for his first year as part of our Hulbert program. When he’s not playing tennis or programming, Seabass is an avid freestyle ice skater and was a member of the Colgate Figure Skating Club for four years.

STUART DICKISON is the Head of Waterfront, returning for his 22nd summer at Lanakila. A former Head of Bridge, he has been an integral part of the Swimming department for over 20 years and is dedicated to training and certifying our lifeguards with the Aloha spirit every summer. Outside of camp, Stuart teaches middle and high school Physical Education at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in New York City, where he also coaches swimming and baseball. Stuart graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2012 with a bachelor’s in journalism. In his free time, Stuart enjoys golfing, running, and traveling with his family.

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 seventh summer at Lanakila. Lizzie is from Yorkshire, England, and graduated with degrees in Education Studies and Primary Teaching from York St. John University. She has been living in Australia for the first part of the year where she has been teaching and travelling. Lizzie can’t wait to return to the beautiful green mountains of Vermont and welcome all the new and returning campers and counselors.

MAGDA KARPIUK will be our Head of Tripping this summer. Magda holds a master’s degree 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. 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 12 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 19th season at Hulbert Outdoor Center.

TIM PETERSON, our head of Lakeside, returns to Lanakila for his 14th summer! This summer will be his second in the Boating department and he is stoked to get back into a canoe. At Lanakila, Tim has previously worked in Exploring and has served as Head of the Campcraft departments. Over the past year, he lived in Cantabria, 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, plays tennis, and follows Philadelphia sports teams.

ADIN PETRICOFF is our Head of Brookside and is super excited to return for his 11th summer at Lanakila! He has spent all his summers in the Exploring department and is looking forward to roaming Lanakila’s forests, brooks, and meadows once again. Adin is going into his senior year of college studying psychology at Clark University. Alongside his undergraduate studies, he will be starting graduate classes this fall as part of an accelerated master’s in teaching program at Clark. When he’s not studying, Adin enjoys reading, playing board games, and admiring the local flora.

RYAN “SMITTY” SMITH is our Head of Woodside, returning for his 13th summer at Lanakila. Smitty has experienced the wide variety of activities Lanakila has to offer, working in the Athletics department for the last five 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.

DANIEL STOLOW is our Head of the Second Year Bridge, returning for his 8th summer at Lanakila. Daniel has experience in the Archery and Tennis departments. He is looking forward to ping pong matches, singing at assemblies, and early morning swims this summer. Daniel is finishing up his studies at UMass Amherst, where he focused on Communication, Philosophy, and Education. He is hoping to apply these skills to educational administration or as a teacher. Outside the classroom, Daniel loves watching basketball, riding his bike, and competing at trivia.

DAVID WESTCOTT, Lanakila’s Head of Staff Development, is excited to spend his 20th 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 and has worked as a child therapist for the last 4 years. David graduated from Temple University in 2021 with a master’s in counseling psychology. 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 playing the Saxophone.

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 (MIK) LOPRIORE (they/them) is the Assistant Director 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.

JESSICA (JESS) BUCKLEY is the Program Coordinator at Ohana.

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.

SUSAN MCLUCKIE has been part of Ohana for 12 summers, beginning in 2014. 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.