Camp Live Oak 2010
At the annual photo exhibit, Susanna Coleman, Ken Evans, and Janice Brown (l to r) Camp Live Oak prides itself on having dynamic staff that are well trained and passionate leaders. As you will see below, each of our staff members brings unique skills and attributes to camp to ensure that your campers have a well-rounded summer experience. All of our staff members are First Aid and CPR certified and complete extensive American Camp Association training each year.
Lance Cutrer is the Associate Director of Camp Live Oak this year. As an environmental educator here in South Florida, Lance is a great new addition to the camp team! During the school year he works as the Field Logistics Coordinator for Build-A-Fieldtrip, a company that's been dedicated to teaching environmental education for over 18 years. With a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Lincoln Memorial University in eastern Tennessee, his background also includes teaching at The Science Eye. Lance is excited about being at Camp this summer and will bring lots of smiles to the campers with his expert environmental knowledge and funny southern expressions!
Monica McNerney is the Associate Director for Camp Live Oak. Monica is a former camper and counselor and is excited to be part of the Camp Live Oak team again this summer. After receiving her Bachelor�s of Business Management, specializing in Nonprofit Leadership, from the University of Florida, Monica has worked in numerous nonprofit organizations across Florida. As a passionate environmentalist, she is thrilled to be helping the campers learn how to be good Eco-citizens through enriching camp activities. When she is not in the camp office booking guest speakers and organizing field trips, Monica likes to enjoy Ft. Lauderdale�s beaches, watch great movies, spend time with her family and travel with friends.
Megan Seese is our Natural Science Counselor. Originally from Ohio, sh earned her undergraduate degree in Zoology from Miami University. She then moved to sunny South Florida and earned a dual master�s degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management from Nova Southeastern University. She has four years of experience as an educator for Build-A-Field Trip, leading students on environmental education field trips throughout Florida. Megan has spent time in Abaco, The Bahamas, Belize and Australia conducting marine research on ecosystems. She also worked closely with a local nonprofit, Friends of the Environment, to educate the local community about the marine environment. She spent two years working for the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program and volunteered at Anne Kolb Nature Center giving sea turtle presentations and conducting hatchling releases. She is a certified Lifeguard and PADI scuba diver. Megan is looking forward to spending another summer teaching at Camp Live Oak and hopes the campers are ready for lots of adventuring throughout the park!
Ladybug Lori is back again for her third summer as our Science Counselor. She is originally from Arizona and has a degree from ASU in Outdoor Recreation & Environmental Interpretation. She is also a former zoo keeper and has worked and volunteered in many Florida & Arizona zoos and wildlife centers. Lori has also been employed with High Touch-High-Tech Science and has designed several exclusive programs for their company nationwide. During the schoolyear, Ladybug Lori currently works with Mindlabs, an educational games company. As many past campers know, Lori loves her bugs and brings in her favorite creepy-crawly friends to meet the campers. She is also a fitness enthusiast, PADI certified in scuba diving trained in martial arts and is currently adding ballet to her repertoire. We�re thrilled to have Lori�s enthusiasm back at camp this year!
BIRCH STATE PARK 2010 STAFF
We are pleased to have Janice Brown return to Camp Live Oak for her 6th year as our On-Site Director for Birch State Park. During the school year, she is a second grade teacher and After School Program Supervisor at Nova Eisenhower Elementary. Janice won the 2004-2005 Teacher of the Year Award and has been on the School Board EEO for 18 years. Along with teaching, she is also the Choir President and Youth Coordinator at her church. As many campers know, one of Janice�s favorite mottos is, "We must work together as a TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More!" Janice firmly believes that the staff and campers of Camp Live Oak are one big family and keeps everything organized so that if you ask, you�ll hear that everything is �Just Peachy!" Janice is certified in CPR and First Aid.
Thomas Nolan is joining Camp Live Oak as our Arts & Crafts Counselor for his first year. As an accomplished artist, Tommy brings not only passion for creating interesting pieces, but also the imagination to use many found objects and recycled materials to create fun artwork. Tommy studied art at South Florida magnet schools early on and went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Art in 2004 from Florida International University. He is also one of three Broward County mixed-media artists to receive a $15,000 Visual and Media Arts Fellowship Award from the South Florida Cultural Consortium for 2005. Tommy�s art has been shown extensively in the Miami art scene, as well as The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami, The Miami Art Museum, and The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art. Welcome to the Camp Live Oak team, Tommy!
Toni Campbell is back again this year as our Head Lifeguard. She has been attending Camp Live Oak since she was in fourth grade, and loves coming back to the camp each summer. While she lives in Texas, she has always been a fan of swimming and other water-related activities. Toni will be going to Webster University for Theatre Design in the fall after finishing a great high school career that included national mock trial competitions and winning the best music & dance videos. Toni is Lifeguard, CPR and First Aid Certified and the campers and staff are excited to have her on the beach again this year!
Adam Davis is our Assistant Lifeguard and Surfing Instructor. When he�s not on the beach, he is attending the Emergency Services Management program at Broward College as he hopes one day to join his brother as a fire fighter. Throughout High School Adam was a competitive swimmer and water polo player for Coral Springs High, while also working as a swim instructor for kids ages 2-14. As an experienced lifeguard, Adam is Red Cross Certified and has hands-on training with saving lives and maintaining water safety. Adam has also worked at summer camps as an Adventure Specialist leading hikes, canoe trips, fishing expeditions and wilderness safety exercises. As a surfer for many years, he�s excited to get the campers jumping up on the surfboards all summer!
This will be Jasmine Arroyo�s third summer at Camp, and her first as the Canoeing/Archery/Fishing Specialist. Jasmine will be a graduate of the Class of 2011 next year and will major in Fashion Public Relations as freshmen in college. She is currently part of the DECA club for South Plantation High School and a member of the Girls' lacrosse team. Jasmine always brings a positive attitude to camp and is a wonderful example for the campers. She�s looking forward to teaching them a few tips on canoeing, archery, and fishing this summer!
Beverly Johnson is our Aftercare Coordinator and does a wonderful job of planning activities for all the campers that stay at the park in the afternoons. During the school year Beverly works as a Certified Teacher Assistant and After School Care Front Desk Associate at Nova Eisenhower Elementary. She is a happily married woman with two children and is working on completing her Bachelor's degree in Education at the University of Phoenix. We�re happy Beverly is back again for another summer at Camp!Head Counselors:
Kristina Caro will be returning for her third year at Camp Live Oak this summer as the Head Counselor for the Squirrels. During the school year, Kristina teaches Art at Nova Eisenhower Elementary and leads an active life style including racquetball, swimming, volleyball, and marathons. She also loves horse back riding, and hopes to have her own soon! She plans to grow mango and avocado trees in her garden this summer, and loves strawberry-banana smoothies. Kristina was a counselor at our Oleta River location last summer, but we�re excited to have her passion and dedication at Birch State Park this year.
Lisa Reyes is back again for her third year as a Head Counselor, this year for the Raccoons. During the school year she is a fifth grade teacher at Nova Eisenhower. Lisa is originally from New York and has worked at a JCC as a unit leader. She is an avid reader and also enjoys working out. Lisa�s 14 year old daughter will also be working at the camp as an LIT this year. Lisa is looking forward to working with the younger children this summer as she always brings smiles and enthusiasm to her group. We�re thrilled to have her back!
Michelle Skinner is joining the Camp team again as the Head Counselor for the Dolphins. Michelle is an experienced teacher and loves working with the children during the summer. Thanks for all your hard work Michelle!
Virginia Hunter is also back again as a Head Counselor for the Sharks. She is a Certified Teacher working as a Teacher Assistant with 4th and 5th grade gifted students at Virginia Shuman Young Elementary. In addition to education, she also studied photography at the Art Institute. We�ve been lucky enough to have Virginia as a counselor for many years, not only as a Summer Counselor, but also working during our Spring and Winter Camps. When she�s not at camp, Virginia likes to travel, listen to great music and appreciate art. Welcome back, Virginia!
Jr. Counselors:
Celestine Gregory is back again for another summer as a super staff member and will be the Junior Counselor for the Squirrels. She is a student at Piper High School and is a former camper, so she is a great leader for the campers. Celestineis an experienced Girl Scout and enjoys camp-outs, cheerleading and tumbling. She loves working with kids and is very excited for another summer at Camp Live Oak!
Luke Pascale is very excited to be the Raccoons� Junior Counselor this summer at Camp Live Oak. Luke lives in New York and spends his summers here in Florida where he has been a camper and staff member for the past five years. Luke is a scholar athlete and Varsity track and Field player at Roslyn High School on Long Island, New York. Luke is also a brown belt in Shotokan. Luke has been involved in the mentoring program to mentor disabled students and this summer is also going to volunteer for the Humane Society. Good to have you back Luke!
Emily Lazowick has been at Camp Live Oak for 10 years and she is excited for the summer to begin and to start her position as the Raccoons� Junior Counselor. As a senior at Pine Crest High School, she was a captain of the school's varsity Track and Field team and a member of the National Beta Club, the Hessed Forum, and the school newspaper. She was also head of investments for the school's Business Club, which researches and invests in stocks on a virtual stock exchange. She loves working with children, running on the beach, and spending time with friends and family. She will be attending Washington University in St. Louis in the fall, but we are happy to have her back before she moves west!
Colleen McCarthy attended Camp Live Oak as a camper and is a Junior Counselor this year for the Dolphins this summer. She will be entering her Junior year at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and is active in the marching band drumline. Colleen loves to read, draw, and play piano. She also enjoys the outdoors and runs, rollerblades, and bikes often. Welcome to the team Colleen!
Harrison Reback has been at Camp Live Oak for the past 13 years as a camper, CIT and counselor. This year he will be the Sharks� Junior Counselor. He is a proud student of University of Florida and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Golden Key and the UF Honors Program. Harrison is an Environmental Science major who enjoys nature, electronics and watching UF football. Welcome back, Mr. Reback!
Leaders In Training:
Harrison "Harry" Lazowick will be returning to camp this summer as one of our new LIT's for the Squirrels. He is quite the camp expert as has been a camper at Camp Live Oak since he was five years old! Harry will be starting High School at North Broward Prep this fall, but when he�s not in school he plays guitar for his school Rock Band and performs at Beach Place on occasions. As a typical Fort Lauderdale resident, Harry enjoys going to the beach and surfing whenever he can. Since he started at Camp Live Harry has also developed an interest in wild life and now has a collection of various pet reptiles!
Zoe Howell will be an LIT working with the Squirrels this summer. During the school year, she loves to play basketball, participate in outdoor activities and go shopping with her friends. Currently she plays basketball for the South Florida Lady Jaguars, a travel team based in Ft. Lauderdale. Additionally, Zoe is a member of National Junior Honor Society, a Red Cross Certified Babysitter and an experienced pet sitter. Zoe enjoys working with kids and aspires to be an elementary school teacher one day.
Alyssa Tencza will be the Raccoons LIT this summer. She has just completed her freshman year at Nova High and is on the swim team in Plantation and at school. Alyssa enjoys hanging out with friends, going to the gym, and chilling at the beach. She is super excited to work this summer and pumped for the fun time she knows we will be having.
Stephen Tordella has been attending Camp Live Oak since he was nine years old and will be an LIT for the Raccoons. This fall, Stephen will be attending Cardinal Gibbons and enjoys playing many sports, such as basketball and football. He has also played the piano for eleven years. He is very good with children and knows how to make them happy and enjoy their time at camp. Welcome back to camp Stephen!
Leah Berman-Gestring is excited to finally have the opportunity to be an LIT for the Raccoons, as she has been a camper at Camp Live Oak since she was six years old! She is a freshman in the Communication Broadcasting Arts Magnet Program at Deerfield Beach High School and enjoys camping, nature, music, and photography. She also participates in many extracurricular activities including the art and photography club, and Florida Scholastic Press Association. We�re happy to have you as part of the Camp team Leah!
Tristen Vaughn is the Dolphins LIT and brings a broad range of interests, skills and passions to Camp. He is currently finishing up 8th grade at Pine Crest School where he enjoys anything science-related, participates in the middle school television station, the Science Club, and fundraising initiatives impacting the environment. He also competes on the school�s soccer, cross-country, and track and field teams. Outside of school, he is an avid environmentalist, enjoys everything outdoors, including surfing, mountain biking, rollerblading, camping, and scuba diving (certified). He has also been playing the piano for eight years. He is currently a first-class Boy Scout pursuing his Eagle Scout rank, serves as an Assistant Patrol Leader and has participated in numerous camp outings, including orienteering and tracking events. Tristen has also competed in three junior triathlons, and in 2009, he launched his first inaugural Vaughan Bike Ride for Charity, which benefited WildAid, an organization helping to prevent illegal wildlife trade. Tristen is an excellent example for the campers and we�re excited to welcome him to the team!
Bryce Reback is back at camp this year as an LIT for the Dolphins. Next fall he will be entering his sophomore year in the South Plantation High School Magnet program. He also enjoys animals, bugs, music, and nature and has channeled some of these interests as a member of the Paladin Society and the school band. Bryce always seizes the opportunity to have fun and really engages campers in the activities. He�s a true Camp Live Oak expert since he�s been with us for 11 years! Welcome back, Bryce!
Marissa Martinez is also a returning LIT for the Dolphins, excited to be back for another fun summer at camp! As a student at Park Vista, she is on the honor roll and enjoys sports, surfing and dancing. Also a former camper, Marissa is excited to be spending her summer with the campers at Camp Live Oak!
OLETA RIVER STATE PARK 2010 STAFF
Renee Bell is the on-site Director at Oleta againthis summer as she is returning for her sixth year. During the school year, Renee is a Teacher's Assistant at Virginia Shuman Young Montessori. Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Renee graduated from Dillard High School's Magnet Computer Program and received the Sales Award of Academic Achievement. Renee began her career in early childhood education at the Weston YMCA where she worked for three years as a counselor and aftercare group leader. She also attended Nova Southeastern University and received a certification in childcare. Renee is a very busy mother of four children ages nine, eight, and twins who just turned five. She is a super outgoing person who loves music, shopping, movies, fine dining and family outings. Welcome back, Renee!
Kathy Heath is returning again to Camp Live Oak this summer as our Mountain Biking Specialist! Kathy attended James Madison University where she earned her Bachelors degree in Art and Psychology. She has also studied marine science, geology, and education and is currently a sixth grade science teacher at North Broward Preparatory School. She enjoys scuba diving, kayaking, camping, and any outdoor activities. She is also an avid mountain biker. We are so happy and excited to have Kathy back with us for her fifth year!
Brian Concepcion is our Head Lifeguard again this summer. He is a devoted member of the Boy Scouts of America, and is a JROTC recruit. The campers love the energy that Brian brings to the beach and we�re excited to have him back again! Brian is Lifeguard, First Aid and CPR certified.
Rian Fike is the Arts & Crafts Counselor. He has been an Art teacher in the Miami-Dade Public School System for 27 years and has taught all grade levels and mediums. He has been selected Teacher of the Year at three different schools, most recently in 2009 at Greynolds Park Elementary. Mr. Fike's students have been chosen for top awards at the local, national, and international level. His projects are exciting, expressive, and lots of fun! Welcome to the team Rian!
Joshuah Donath is thrilled to be back at camp for his 11th year! This year Josh will be the Canoeing, Archery & Fishing Coordinator. During the school year, he is a sophomore at Dr. Michael Krop Senior High School and enjoys playing varsity football. He is also currently on a traveling basketball team. Josh loves playing sports and the outdoors and he�s excited to be able to lead the campers on canoeing and kayaking adventures, teach them skilled archery and even catch and release a fish or two! Josh is Canoeing and Archery Certified and will surely have a great time with the campers during the summer!
Counselors:
Yvette Payne will be returning as the Squirrels Head Counselor for her 4th summer. She is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University Masters program in Guidance and Counseling and also has a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Memorial College. She is currently the 9th Grade /TRUST counselor at Miami Norland Senior High School. She has experience working with exceptional students, emotionally handicapped students, and students with specific learning disabilities. Yvette feels it is her professional responsibility to help children "to not only meet, but also exceed their educational goals." Yvette has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally and is an active participant in her church. Originally from Chicago, IL she is the proud mother of two and has a simple, but powerful philosophy: "We give children two gifts, dreams and wings. Dreams help you see the vision, and wings help you get to the top and land safely and successfully".
Christopher Falzone is back for his second year as a Camp Live Oak counselor, this year as the Head Counselor for the Iguanas. He has been working in Broward Schools for 9 years and is currently a certified Substitute Teacher at Sheridan Hills Elementary, while also pursuing his Elementary Education degree at Broward College. Christopher is also a well-known musician and recording artist in the South Florida area. He has recorded with many great artists on albums that are sold all over the world. He is a former American Idol contestant and has placed several times in Disney's American Idol Experience. He is also well-known in churches and temples around South Florida for being a versatile musician. He plans on becoming a full-time classroom teacher while also continuing to pursue his dreams in music. Christopher is really excited about having another adventurous summer at Camp!
Mark Davis is Head Counselor of the Sharks this summer. Although this is his first year with Camp Live Oak, Mark has a wealth of experience with summer campers, students, and education. Mark has most recently worked with the Miami Dolphins Jr. Training Camp, and is the Owner and Master Black Belt Instructor at the American Tiger School of Self-Defense on Miami Beach. A former Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, Mark is also experienced in the classroom, with 12 years as a Mathematics and Science instructor with Miami-Dade Public Schools. He has worked in both the Gifted and Montessori programs, and was the FCAT Mathematics Specialist at Biscayne Elementary School. Mark is also a graduate of the Miami Beach Police Department�s Citizens Police Academy and is involved in community policing and security. Mark lectures to schools, youth programs, and community centers on topics such as Bully-Proofing, Stranger Danger and personal safety. Mark is a certified personal trainer, and is a disciplined student of the martial arts, with Black Belts in Tae Kwon Do and Mixed Martial Arts. In his spare time, Mark spends time outdoors, drives his two race cars, and takes his Retriever / Boxer puppy camping and fishing. Mark is also currently performing in the Florida Grand Opera production of Carmen.
Alicia Hernandez is excited to be back for her 4th summer at Camp Live Oak as an Assistant Counselor! Alicia is from Spain and attends the University of Madrid where she is studying to become an interpreter and we love having her bilingual skills available for our camper families. She enjoys playing paddle tennis, reading, and working with little kids! Her brother Manuel will also be working at Camp this summer as an LIT. Welcome back Alicia!
Junior Counselors:
Iris Hasantaraj is back again this summer for her third year! She loves coming back every summer because Camp is always full of new adventures. Iris will be the Junior Counselor for the Squirrels. When she�s not at camp or at school at Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High, Jasmine plays soccer and badminton, goes to the beach and spends a lot of times outdoors. Its great to have Jasmine�s enthusiasm back at camp!
Brooke Dale is a former camper and knows the park as if it were her own backyard. This is Brooke�s first year as a Junior Counselor and she will be working with the Iguanas. Brooke currently attends Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School and she enjoys photography and working with the Yearbook staff. She also regularly volunteers at Oleta, enjoys working with children, and loves being outdoors.Welcome to the team Brooke!
Shane Ward is back for his third year as a staff member and will be the Junior Counselor for the Sharks. An active member of the Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary, Shane currently attends the University School in Davie and is a member of the school's Crew Team and the National Honor Society. Shane holds a SCUBA diving license and loves fishing, reading medieval literature, and competing in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fairs. He believes that camp can offer children a safe haven from the stresses of everyday life and is looking forward to using his leadership skills to help the campers have a great summer!
Leaders In Training:
Chandler Honaman is a student at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory. He plays the trumpet and enjoys canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. As a former camper, he has much to offer as a leader this summer and is excited to be an LIT for the Squirrels. Glad to have you with us!
Manuel Hernandez is a former camper and is returning as an LIT this year for the Squirrels. Born in the Canary Islands of Spain, Manuel will attend his sophomore year of high school this fall. He is an avid soccer player and also loves to swim and listen to music. Manuel also speaks English, Spanish, and a bit of French! Welcome back Manuel!
Massiel Leiva is also returning as an LIT this year for the Squirrels. Also a former camper, Massiel loves spending her summer with the campers, showing them all the wonders that Oleta River State Park offers. During the school year, Massiel attends Michael Krop High School�s gifted program and works hard to keep her 4.0 GPA. She also enjoys competing on the swimming team.
Amanda McCausland is going to be a sophomore at the University School in Davie this fall. She has been a camper at Oleta River every year since the program started in 2000 and will be an LIT for the Iguanas this year. This is her second year as an LIT and always looks forward to camp and working with the amazing staff. She believes that since she was once a camper that she is able to make sure summer is always the best time for a child. She enjoys participating in her school�s chorus and TV production class and also tutors middle school students. She is extremely excited to work with our campers and have fun at Camp Live Oak.
Juliette Weiniger is thrilled to back again this year as an LIT for the Iguanas. She has been at Camp Live Oak since 2000, so she brings lots of camp knowledge for the campers. Juliette is a student at Nautalis Middle and enjoys karate during the school year. Welcome back Amanda!
Cameron Eghtessadi is a former camper and is excited to be an LIT this year. Cameron just completed his freshman year at Dr. Michael Krop High School, and spends his spare time enjoying Oleta River State Park biking the trails and kayaking through the mangroves. Welcome to the team Cameron!