BALLIBAY 2023 STAFF

Director Emeritus

JOHN J.A. JANNONE

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Returning, Camper, Parent
Attended Camp: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023

John grew up at the camp, which was founded by his parents, Jerry and Dottie, in 1964. From an early age, he understood the value of cooperation rather than competition, held a deep respect for individual choice, and fostered a love for the arts. His children, Cairo and Marcel Jannone, have been campers at Camp Ballibay for many summers.

Professional Bio:
John studied philosophy and music at Colgate University and received his MFA in Electronic Arts from Rensselaer. In addition to his continuous involvement with the camp, he has worked in the arts all of his life, variously as a musician and composer, lighting and projection designer, and interaction designer/programmer. He is an Associate Professor at Brooklyn College, where he has taught since 2000. There he created directed the MF.A. program in Performance and Interactive Media Arts (PIMA). He has taught at Osaka University in Japan, Pratt Institute, Hunter College, and Rensselaer. He has been a visiting composer at Oberlin College and a visiting artist at Grinnell College. His artistic and research work has been supported through numerous grants, including NSF Major Research Instrumentation and CreativeIT grants. See and hear his work at http://jann.one

Camp Director

KRISTIN ALEXANDER

Camp Director

SARAH GALANTE

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Returning, Camper
Attended Camp: 2003, 2004, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023

Sarah first joined the Ballibay community in 2003 as a two-week theater workshop camper. The following year the only thing she asked for for Christmas was another summer at camp! She was thrilled to join the Ballibay staff in 2013 as the Stage Manager and Up-the-Hill Division Head, and has been a part of the administrative team ever since. In 2020 she took on the role of Associate Camp Director, and summer 2023 she was officially promoted to Camp Director, alongside Kristin Alexander and John Jannone. This will be her twelfth summer at Camp Ballibay, and she feels immensely fortunate to spend her summers surrounded by such remarkable artists.

Professional Bio:
A playwright and librettist, Sarah has worked with The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Lincoln Center, 54 Below, The Tank, The Playwrights Center, The Women’s Playwriting Cooperative, and more. She was the script-writer for the 2020-2021 National Philharmonic’s virtual season, and the 2021 PBS Holiday Concert Series, being fortunate enough to write scripts for Norm Lewis, Garth Brooks, and Michelle Obama. She has taught playwriting at PS 151, PS 75, and Pace High School in New York City. She currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband Alex and dog Hoagie.

Assistant Camp Director and Head of Technical Theater

DUSTIN DRUCKMAN

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Bowling Green, OH
Returning
Attended Camp: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023

Dustin is excited to return to camp for his 5th summer! He started at camp in 2014 as the lighting designer and has since moved up to head of technical theatre. He is excited to get back to the creative environment that camp is and start making theatre again.

Professional Bio:
Dustin is currently the Technical Coordinator at The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts in Findlay, Ohio. In this capacity he oversees and runs the lights for about 100 shows a year. When not doing shows at the center he works as a freelance lighting designer and technical director at various theatres and universities in the Ohio area.

Dean of Campers

ANNIE YAMAMOTO

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Camper, Returning
Attended Camp: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023

Annie is thrilled to be returning to Ballibay this summer! She has been a part of the Ballibay family for 11 years, starting as a camper and working her way up to a leadership role. As the Dean of Campers, she is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all campers feel valued and supported. Annie is excited to build on her experience from last summer and work collaboratively with other staff members to create an unforgettable summer camp experience! She can’t wait to stargaze underneath the Ballibay sky and sing “Day by Day” with her favorite people.

Professional Bio:
Annie Yamamoto is a Brooklyn-based singer and actress. Last fall, she moved to New York City to pursue musical theater and other performance opportunities. She recently made her New York debut at the Queens Theatre where she was able to join the Actors Equity Association. Annie began her journey in theater by attending Camp Ballibay for the Fine and Performing Arts when she was just 9 years old. She has since worked on a variety of productions, both on stage and behind the scenes. Her favorite credits include Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act and the “Learn Your Lessons Well” Soloist in Godspell. Annie also graduated from St. Norbert College in 2022 where she earned a degree in Secondary Education and English. Throughout her time at St. Norbert, she was the recipient of multiple honors such as the Sigma Tau Delta Regency Award, St. Norbert College Exemplary Leadership Award, Magna Cum Laude honors, and was also the President of the St. Norbert College Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. Annie’s passion for education is reflected in her experience as a student teacher, where she worked closely with Afghan refugees. Annie strives to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.

Head of Art

SARA GALKIN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Parent, Returning
Attended Camp: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023

Professional Bio:
Sara Galkin, aka gUrsLa is an exhibiting artist, teacher and explorer based in Brooklyn, NY. Sara has a BFA from Washington University in St Louis, where she majored in glass blowing. Sara encourages all of her students to make mistakes and to believe in their right to individual and unique experiences without labels.

Head of Rock

ZACHARY BREWER

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Parent, Returning
Attended Camp: 2021, 2022, 2023

Every year that I get to come to Ballibay and work with the young people there is an absolute gift. My first year at camp I was a part of the rock staff, coaching bands and giving guitar and bass meetups. Last year I returned for part of the session as head of rock. I loved working with the other coaches and division heads. I consider it to be a tremendous responsibility guiding young people in their process of creative collaboration. Being in a band and, generally, working with other people is a wonderful and challenging opportunity for so much growth in so many ways. The campers are not just joining a band, they are navigating a complex and intricate art form that uniquely combines this ephemeral creation of music, and brash, dramatic performance which culminates in a rock show. I sincerely look forward to returning this year as Head of Rock, working with and learning from all the campers and staff.

Professional Bio:
Zachary Brewer is a music producer, engineer, musical director, and performing musician based in Brooklyn, NY. Zach’s approach to music combines a disciplined practice with an acceptance and embrace of limitations, and happy accidents. Zach has deep, fundamental music skills and experience, gathered over 25 years of writing and recording songs and traveling the world performing music. Zach has toured extensively, sharing the stage with a diverse list of artists such as Caveman, Heaven, Caroline Kingsbury, The Fresh and Onlys, Crocodiles, Wymond Miles, Rykarda Parasol and the Tower Ravens, and Caves. He has toured in support of many artists, opening for The Killers, Ratatat, Muse, Kevin Morby, Cass McCombs, St Lucia, and Supergrass.

Head of Theater and Music

DANESSA HELLUS

Pronouns: she/her 
Hometown: Saginaw, MI
Returning
Attended Camp: 2021, 2022, 2023

This is Danessa’s third summer at Camp Ballibay! She started as a Theatre Director in 2021, and last summer she had the awesome experience of being an Up-The-Hill Division Head and Head of Theatre. This year she is excited to return as Head of Theatre and Head of Music! It has been an honor to have spent the last two summers producing fun and challenging theatre and truly finding a home away from home. Danessa is thrilled to spend another summer growing as an artist, friend, and human in the collaborative and nurturing environment that Camp Ballibay creates.

Professional Bio:
Danessa Hellus is a multi-hyphenated artist from Saginaw, MI. She is proud to come from a long line of creators ranging from musicians to costume designers to poets. She has been singing her entire life and honed her passion for performance through community theatre. After six years as an actress in Brooklyn, Danessa is back in her home state working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Some theatrical projects especially close to her heart include playing Natalie in Next to Normal, teaching adolescent health through theatre in NYC with S.T.A.R. Theatre for Social Change, and directing the first ever Playwriting Festival at The Clinton School in Union Square. In her spare time, Danessa enjoys crafting, thrifting, and gabbing over coffee.

Head of Dance

TAYLOR BENNETT

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Aiken, SC
Returning
Attended Camp: 2021, 2022, 2023

Taylor is from Aiken, South Carolina, an Alum of the College of Charleston. She is a dual major in dance and early childhood education. This is Taylor’s third summer at Ballibay. She was a Dance Counselor in 2021 and the Associate Dean of Campers in 2022. This summer, she will be the Head of Dance. She is excited to return to Ballibay to dance with everyone!

Professional Bio:
Taylor is an Alum of the College of Charleston, double majoring in Dance (BA) and Early Childhood Education (BS). Taylor was the President of Dance Alliance, a student-led dance organization at the College of Charleston, for the past two years. She received the Robert Ivey Dance Scholarship in 2021, Clarence Award Recipient in 2021 and 2022, and the Eliza Ingle Dance Honor in 2022. She is currently the recipient of the Dance Impact Award. She has been performing in the main stage show at the College since she arrived in 2019. She has choreographed twice in the spring concerts at the College. She recently served as the Assistant Choreographer for the College production of Cabaret. In Spring 2021 and 2022, Taylor had the opportunity to choreograph for the student dance concerts Finding Place and Wanderlust. Her choreography will be presented and adjudicated at American Collegiate Dance Association at Brenau University. For the past two summers, Taylor taught at Camp Ballibay, where she choreographed a dance-intensive production piece, other dance concerts, and two musicals. This summer, she will be taking on the role of Head of Dance. Taylor stays involved with the dance students of the low country through her instruction with Dance Moves of Charleston. In 2020, Taylor became an apprentice with Annex Dance Company. She has been performing with the Company for the past three seasons. In the fall of 2023, Taylor will be a company member for the Company.

Head of Film and Media

AVA MAKAYLA

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Returning
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

This will be my second summer at Ballibay and I couldn’t be more excited to be heading the Film & Media department this year! I’m psyched to have the opportunity to share my professional knowledge with campers again this summer and to work with campers and other departments to capture the amazing performances put on at camp!

Professional bio:
My name is Ava and I am a trans woman living in Brooklyn with almost 7 years of experience in Film and TV as an IATSE Camera Assistant! I’ve worked in the camera department on films and television shows like POSE, Billions, and countless others for networks including Disney, Apple TV, Showtime, NBC, HBO, Hulu, ABC, and more! I’ve also worked professionally as a grip, set electrician, photographer, and video editor, giving me well-rounded experience in many aspects of filmmaking and media and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share that knowledge at camp!

Operations Coordinator

KYLE NEWMAN

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Schertz, TX
Returning
Attended Camp: 2021, 2022, 2023

This will be Kyle’s 3rd year at camp, and a returning member to the Admin and Technical Theatre staff. He has enjoyed creating art with the other staff members and the campers alike. Last year he was a Division Head and is excited for the new summer and what it’s going to bring.

Professional Bio:
Kyle graduated Angelo State University with a BFA in Technical Production, and has designed for numerous productions for school and for the local theaters in San Angelo. He is also a writer, and has written numerous plays that have been produced by Angelo State.

Theater Director

ALEX BERNUI

Pronouns: he/him, they/them
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Returning
Attended Camp: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023

Alex started working at Camp Ballibay in 2017. Since then, he’s been a theater director, Down-the-Hill division head, Assistant Dean of Campers, and CIT coordinator. Favorite past camp productions include Newsies, Antigone (riot grrrl style), Matilda, Cinderella, and Shakespeare Abridged.

Professional Bio:
Alex Bernui is the theater teacher for grades K-8 in Flatbush, Brooklyn. He’s currently getting his M.S. Ed in Educational Theater from the City College of New York. Previously, Alex was the Director of Education for the Off-Broadway theater The Director’s Company, where he directed and managed S.T.A.R. Theater for Social Change. S.T.A.R. Theater is an award-winning education program that addresses behaviors related to adolescent emotional and physical health, whose education model has been taught internationally by the United Nations. When not teaching, his work has been produced at the Director’s Company, Dixon Place, the Tank, Columbia University, Intiman Theater, and Oberlin College. He currently lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife Sarah and his dog Hoagie.

Assistant Technical Director

NOAH HENDRICKSON

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Arlington, VA
Cabin, Returning, Camper
Attended Camp: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023

Noah is thrilled to be spending his eighth year at Ballibay – his third as a counselor! He has spent his years doing a combination of technical theatre, rock, and even finding his way onto the stage. Noah is looking forward to working alongside a stellar technical theatre team this summer, as well as collaborating with campers and his colleagues to bring one coherent vision to the stage.

Professional Bio:
Noah is a double major in computer science and technical theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has gained valuable experience as a stagehand through his involvement with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), working on high-profile productions such as Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Wicked, Les Misérables, Hadestown, Hamilton, as well as concerts for Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. When he’s not working in the theatre industry, Noah enjoys tinkering with computers and working on various projects, such as creating a private blockchain and developing applications that interface with APIs. Noah is excited to bring his diverse skill set and passion for both computer science and technical theatre to camp this summer.

Office Manager

MARNIE WILSON

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Wyalusing, PA
Returning
Attended Camp: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Professional Bio:
Office Manager, Pilates instructor, Irish Ceili Instructor

Camper Care Specialist

CHRISTINA DILLEY

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Attended Camp:2023

This is Christina’s first year at Ballibay and she’s so excited to be a part of such an art-loving community. She can’t wait to see creative expression take place all day, every day!

Professional Bio:
Christina is a Licensed Professional Art Therapist in the state of Kentucky and a nationally Board Certified Art Therapist. She has been working in community mental health for the past four years, providing outpatient therapy services to kids, teens, and young adults in the Northern Kentucky area. Christina graduated from Wittenberg University in 2017 with a BA in Studio Art with an oil painting concentration. She graduated from the University of Louisville in 2019 with an MEd in Counseling and Personnel Services with a concentration in Art Therapy. In her time working in the community, Christina has gained experience treating depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma, suicidal ideation, and social/peer issues. Christina has also worked extensively with clients with ASD and learning disabilities. Art therapy consists of using creative expression to foster mental health well-being, and she’s so excited to be able to provide camper mental health support and do all that she can to make sure each camper has a great summer!

Technical Theater Counselor

EMILY NIGER

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Ellington, CT
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This year will be Emily’s first year at Camp Ballibay, and she could not be more excited! Emily has had a long history working with both children and the arts and she truly believes that this opportunity is once in a lifetime! Emily is greatly looking forward to working with both the campers and her fellow staff members to create and collaborate.

Professional bio:
Emily is currently earning her BA in Theatre Studies at the University of Connecticut. In her time at UConn, Emily has been a part of the wardrobe crew for the Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s production of Rent and has assisted in the construction of costume pieces for their production of Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses. She has also assisted in wardrobe on UConn’s student written show, Folly, Adieu! Outside of her work with UConn, Emily has also served as a counselor at the Broadway Beginners theatre camp in Westbrook, CT where she not only created costumes but also stage managed and choreographed. In her free time, Emily can typically be found crocheting, sewing, and making jewelry, among other things. As she first got her start in theatre at the age of ten and technical theatre at the age of thirteen, Emily cannot wait to collaborate with the campers of Ballibay!

Kitchen Staff

PAOLA HUERTA SOLANO

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown: Puebla, Mexico

Returning
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

I am very happy and excited to return to Ballibay. It is a camp with a lot of good energy and creativity.

Professional Bio:
I’m 22 years old and I’m studying two university degrees, one is in marketing and the other is in engineering in business management. I like to have new experiences, learn and work in a team!

Up-the-Hill Division Head, Creative Writing, and Hiking Counselor

ANDREA STEDMAN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Attended Camp: 2023

This will be Andrea’s first year at Camp Ballibay! She’s very excited to accompany young artists on their journeys toward self-expression and being present with their thoughts and each other.

Professional Bio:
Creator of anything that tickles her fancy (poetry, cross-stitch, dress-making, music videos, vlogs, scrapbooking, line dances, mud face paint, silly songs etc.). Former camp counselor both domestically and abroad, social-emotional counselor, and forever student.

Kitchen Staff

JOSE ALEJANDRO ESCOBAR VERGARA

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Popayan, Columbia
Returning
Attended Camp: 2021, 2023

I am so glad to return to the camp this year!

Professional Bio:
I’m a Business administration student at Universidad del Cauca.

Dance Counselor

BECCA LOURIE

Pronouns: she/they
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Becca is from Charlottesville, VA but currently lives in New York City and is a student at Ithaca College. This is her very first year at Camp Ballibay and they are ecstatic to be dancing with the staff and kids this summer!

Professional Bio:
Becca is a rising Junior at Ithaca College, double majoring in Education Studies and Fandom Studies. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old and is extremely active in two on-campus dance groups, IC Defy and IC Unbound. Her specialties are Jazz, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, and Tap, and has choreographed multiple dances for their companies and for club theater across the Ithaca campus. Becca has also been in the cast of Rocky Horror Picture Show every year and is actually directing it this upcoming Fall.

Technical Theater and Art Counselor

HELENA BAIRD

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: St. Albans
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This is Helena’s first year at camp. She has always had a passion for everything in the visual arts, including drawing, painting, sewing and model making. She is excited to share her experience with campers.

Professional bio:
Helena is currently studying 3D Animation, Art and Design at Bournemouth University. When she is not studying, Helena does freelance illustration work and makes costumes and props.

Down-the-Hill Division Head and Artist in Residence

RICKY GIBSON

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Artist in Residence
Attended Camp: 2023

This is my first year at Camp Ballibay but not my first year teaching at an arts stay over summer camp! Working with children has always been a passion of mine as I started early, when I was 13!! I can’t wait to show other individuals how fun it is to create jewelry all on their own. I also very much look forward to being someone the kids and other counselors look up to for guidance and reassurance. I aim to spread confidence and love amongst everyone at camp this summer!

Professional bio:
I own and operate a small stainless steel chainmail business! Within this I create beautiful, durable, life long custom jewelry to adorn my community with gender affirmation, confidence, and style!

Art Counselor

KYA PARRIS

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Cabin, Camper, Returning
Attended Camp: 2015 -2019, 2021, 2022, 2023

Kya has been going to Ballibay since 2015. She has spent a lot of her time bouncing around from area to area, participating in dance concerts, creating in the art barn, learning every instrument in the music building, and being in as many bands as she could fit into her schedule. This is her second year on staff and she is so excited to be back! Kya will be in the printmaking area working on projects that explore all the different processes that go along with the art form.

Professional Bio:
Kya is going into her Junior year at Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. She is Jewelry and Metals major but is exploring different mediums in her work. Along with teaching at Ballibay this summer, Kya will be working with her mother, Janine, a Ballibay visiting artist, in her ceramics studio for the last part of the summer.

Art Counselor

MEI SHUN (MAISY) CHIU

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Hong Kong
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

As a hiking and art enthusiast, I think Ballibay is a perfect place for me to stay this summer! I am especially excited to build a bond and create art together with everyone!

Professional bio:
I am studying architecture at the University of the West of England. Recently I am doing a lot of sketching and I especially love portrait sketching.

Rock Counselor

CARLY D’ANTONIO

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: New York, NY
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

My name is Carly D’Antonio and I am so excited to be a part of Camp Ballibay this summer! I have recently graduated from Vassar college where I was a part of multiple students bands and studied voice and drums. I have always loved being around and teaching music and I eager to help the campers hone their skills this summer!

Professional bio:
Carly D’Antonio is a recent graduate of Vassar college. She is a lead guitarist of “Alouette Batteau” and has been in many other student bands while at Vassar. She has studied Voice and Drums during her time at Vassar and resides in New York City.

Theater Director

JONATHAN JACOBS

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Parent, Returning, Artist in Residence
Attended Camp: 2021, 2022, 2023

I am so excited to return to Ballibay this summer! I look forward to creating an enthralling theater event with a group of young artists again this year. I will also once be offering my picture book creative writing workshop and can’t wait to see what stories the campers will conjure!

Professional Bio:
First and foremost, Jonathan is a storyteller. Whether writing children’s books, making theater, or creating music-inspired spectacles, he’s always telling stories. Jonathan is the author of the American Library Association-starred picture book The Secret Rhino Society published by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books. Jonathan was a Founding Director of the OBIE Award-winning theater company, “The National Theater of the United States of America,” and worked as a deviser and performer with the company for over ten years. He is also a passionate collector of vintage records and is sought after to spin original vinyl as his alter ego, The Vintage DJ. Jonathan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater from Skidmore College and a Masters Degree in Media Studies from Queens College, NY, with a focus on children’s fantasy writing and the power of imagining other worlds through media, as a means of navigating and repairing our own.

Theater Director

CAITLIN ROSE

Pronouns: she/they
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This is Caitlin’s first summer with Ballibay, and they’re looking forward to being present, creating art, and making memories with all the thespians, artists, and campers this summer! At camp, Caitlin will be a cabin counselor and Theatre Director. After a year of graduate training focused on the cohesiveness of mind, body, and voice, Caitlin is excited to share what they’ve learned from grad school and professional experiences with other thespians. They’re also just as thrilled to learn from thespian campers and cooperatively create engaging theatre! Caitlin’s training and experience have culminated in an actor-centered approach to the theatre that recognizes the actors and their relationship to the audience as the most essential, organic element of the theatre. Caitlin plans to give campers agency for their actor-creator decisions, confidence and opportunities to develop and trust their actor instincts, and wisdom passed down from actors and teachers throughout her career.

Professional bio:
Caitlin Rose starts their second year in graduate school at FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training this fall. Past credits include: U/S Milday in Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers at Asolo Repertory Theatre, Hermia in Knoxville Shakespeare’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a summer residency as a Barter Player at Barter Theatre, Ophelia in The Clayton Center for the Arts production of Hamlet, Kate in The Taming of the Shrew and Lynn Redgrave in the one-woman show Shakespeare for my Father at Maryville College. Caitlin has a passion for Shakespeare and developing new plays, has TV/film experience, and enjoys the creative/emotive worlds of modeling and runway.

Theater Director

RUPERT SHEARD

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Guildford, UK
Returning, Artist in Residence
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

I’m delighted to be returning to Ballibay for a second year working in theatre. After last year’s successful one – act murder mystery production ‘Lady Don’t Fall Backwards’, I’m coming back with load more ideas for fun, semi-devised drama. I’ll be around for a couple of weeks helping out with drama matters, dramaturgy, accents, lines or anything else people need help with. Can’t wait!

Professional Bio:
Born into a theatrical and artistic family, Rupert has been steeped in all things acting from a young age. A professional educator, Rupert has worked in schools and colleges in the UK and Europe. Additionally, he has worked for the government, and in politics. He is currently teaching History and Sociology in a small college in the south of England. He is a passionate advocate for teenage mental health and neuro-diversity. His connection to Ballibay rests from the fact that his Philadelphian wife Paige was at Ballibay as a camper with John Janone in the 1970s. Additionally, Rupert is a fan of lost causes, hence his support for Southampton Football Club.

Technical Theater Counselor

CAT CHAMPLIN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Greenville, SC
Cabin, Returning
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

Hello everyone! This will be my second year at Camp Ballibay and I couldn’t be more excited! Last year I served as a stage management counselor and cabin counselor for U10. I am looking forward to returning to these roles and assisting the next generation of artists in any way I can as well as further exploring my own artistic passions with all of the incredible resources Ballibay offers. I had such a life-changing experience last summer and I can’t wait to get back to the unplugged experience in nature while continuing to encourage and instruct others.

Professional Bio:
A recent alumnus of the College of Charleston, Cat has been stage managing for five years. In those five years, she has worked on four main stage dance concerts, one main stage radio play, two student-led plays, one dance concert with Annex Dance, and one multi-stage experience with a local professional theater. Not only is she a stage manager, but she also graduated with two Bachelors of Fine Arts degrees in Arts Management and Theatre Performance with a minor in Italian Studies. She most recently performed in the College of Charleston’s production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon as Anne De Bourgh and in Everybody by Branden Jacobs Jenkins as Everybody. Along with working on stage, off stage, and in the booth, she worked as the Spring 2023 intern at the George Street Box Office inside the historic Sottile Theatre in downtown Charleston. Outside of the world of live theatre, she has been playing the guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, and singing since she was eight years old and was trained in ballet and modern dance for nine years.

Theater Director

SONNY HOADLEY

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Dartford/Kent
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2o23

I am really excited to be joining the Ballibay Team for my first Summer this year, theatre has been my passion since I was young and being given the opportunity to work at such an accepting and expressive camp really excites me as it allows young people to stretch out creatively and try all new things that they might never done before. The team have been incredibly kind and welcoming to me in my first year and has made this nothing but an exciting experience for me to learn more and work alongside more incredibly talented individuals as we work and have fun at Ballibay this Summer!!

Professional bio:
Sonny has been performing since age 10, mainly specializing in Acting and Singing, and has had years of training from stage schools like Stagecoach and Pauline Quirke’s Academy. He has been in an array of different Musical Shows such as, Oliver!, The Wiz, Hairspray, Fame and Legally Blonde. He has also had training at the Miskin Theatre at which he studied Theatre and Production Arts for 4 years and graduated last year, during this time he performed in musicals and plays such as London Road, The Wizard of Oz, The Laramie Project and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, as-well as multiple self written and devised pieces that were then put on stage. In this time he also began directing both film and theatre productions and began exploring more of the technical side of performance, he was also part of a small-scale tour to local primary schools to help inspire children to be more creative with his company’s self-devised Christmas Show. Other than this, Sonny has also begun exploring his interest in Mental Health First Aid and has taken courses to help him understand how to help young people and how he can use his love for performance to do just that.

Artist in Residence

BAILEY ROPER

Pronouns: they/them
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Returning, Artist in Residence
Attended Camp: 2022, 2o23

Bailey is stoked to be returning as a visiting artist for their second year. They love creating fibers works, especially rugs with the Ballibay campers and are so grateful to be in this special place!

Professional bio:
Bailey (they/them) is a Texan fibers artist living in Philadelphia for the past decade. They have a background in clowning which surfaces in their fibers practice. Bailey’s work consists of soft things such as rugs for floors and tables, wall hangings, coasters, throw pillows, and more. They believe in vulnerability through silliness and center this concept in their work. Other themes include self resilience, pop culture, queer history, cowboys, transition, color, and community. The goal of their rugs is to bring comfort and play into an environment through a bright form reminding the room to stay soft.

Food Education Counselor

AVA DRYSDALE

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: West Wickham, UK
Cabin, Returning
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

After an amazing first summer last year, Ava is thrilled to be returning to Ballibay! She can’t wait to see all the lovely campers again, and is looking forward to meeting lots of new ones too. As one of the Food Education counselors, Ava is particularly excited to do lots of baking and snack-making this summer. She can’t wait to be back in the Pennsylvania mountains, enjoying band nights and ice cream socials – her favorite nights at camp!

Professional bio:
Ava is in her final year of study at Durham University in the UK and will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. Throughout her studies, she has been a member of her university’s charity committee, giving her the opportunity to work on a number of fundraising campaigns, which she has enjoyed immensely. Ava also took a Food and Nutrition course during her secondary education, in which she first discovered her passion for cooking and baking. Since then, she has continued to bake frequently and particularly enjoys being able to share her food and recipes with others. She is also a keen reader and has discovered a newfound love of crochet, which she first learned at Ballibay last summer!

Equestrian Counselor

HEENA SUBHANI

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: London
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

It’s my first year being a staff member for Camp Ballibay and I’m so excited! I have never traveled alone before. Who would’ve thought that Camp Ballibay would be the perfect fit for me? I can’t wait to meet everyone, especially the horses! I will be with them every day and I’m so excited to teach the campers how to ride as well as taking the horses on treks myself. I can’t wait for that feeling of gaining a sense of independence and freedom!

Film and Media Counselor

PHOEBE CRAIGHILL

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Doncaster, UK
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Phoebe is so excited to join the Ballibay team for her first year of camp counselling! This is the perfect opportunity for her to work with lots of different and creative people through filmmaking and television, and she can’t wait to help the campers direct and produce their own films along with working on other camp projects during her first time in the United States!

Professional bio:
Phoebe is a film student from Edge Hill University in the UK and has studied film for six years as well as other creative arts throughout her life, from Fine Art to dance and musical theatre! She was Dance Captain and Student Teaching Assistant of her local dance school, Attitude Theatre Arts, and has used those leadership skills to direct and produce short films, from teen dramas, mysteries and the psychological. She volunteered at her local art gallery in Doncaster, D31 Art Gallery, and started painting for commission, selling art pieces that were displayed in the gallery exhibitions. Phoebe uses her artistic passion to explore her personal filmmaking style and is inspired by art movements in film such as Surrealism. She is looking forward to the opportunity to direct dance films at camp due to growing up dancing and now being able to combine all these different forms of the creative arts! Phoebe has Level 3 Distinction*s in Film & Media, Fine Art, and Dance as well as a Level 3 Distinction in Intermediate Modern Jazz and Stage 2 in a Student Assistant Development Programme.

Art Counselor

MADDIE LOCK

Pronouns: she/her 
Hometown: Brighton, UK
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

I’m super excited to be joining Camp Ballibay for my first summer! As an art enthusiast, I’m passionate about helping young artists bring their creative visions to life while having fun with their craft. I love all kinds of printmaking and enjoy exploring alternative media to create unique pieces. Most importantly, I can’t wait to learn and grow alongside Ballibay’s campers and staff!

Professional Bio:
Maddie is a graphic design student at the University of Brighton with over four years of experience in design education. She specializes in illustration and practices other areas of design such as typography/letterpress and book making, all focused on creating by hand, which is what Brighton University encourages. Throughout her years in education, she has learned varying print making techniques and often incorporates them into her work. Maddie also won gold at the World Skills competition in England for Visual Merchandising (Window dressing) which led her to find a passion for narrative and 3D work. Currently, Maddie lives in Brighton, in the South of England, where she is surrounded by like-minded creatives who she often collaborates with. Her free time often includes crocheting, going to the beach and tracking down the nearest domesticated animal to pet.

Theater Director

CONNOR MORRISON

Pronouns: they/he
Hometown: Princeton, TX
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

I’m beyond excited to spend my first summer at Camp Ballibay! I can’t wait to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share my passion for theatre. The thought of being a part of the creative process and bringing a production to life gives me goosebumps. Besides theatre, my interests include everything nerdy- from comic books to video games to anime. I know that Camp Ballibay is going to be an incredible experience, and I cannot wait to make some amazing memories this summer!

Professional Bio:
Connor Morrison is a passionate middle school theatre teacher based in Texas, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to his classroom. With a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Stephen F. Austin University, Connor has honed his craft through extensive training and practical experience. As a director, they have successfully staged a range of productions, including Much Ado About Nothing, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. His dedication to nurturing and inspiring young talent has made him a respected and valued member of the educational community.

Music Director

DEIDRE STRUCK

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Parent, Returning
Attended Camp: 2019, 2021, 2022. 2023

I play for musicals, I help folks write songs, I accompany the Camper Cabaret, I play jazz! In my free time you can find me chilling by the lake or writing on the porch by the tennis court,

Professional Bio:
I’ve lived many lives as a professional musician in NYC. (Circus keyboardist, holiday party caroling leader, etc…) Currently I help parents write lullabies as a Teaching Artist for Carnegie Hall, play for a couple of kids’ theater companies, and recently music directed an all-female Orthodox Jewish production of that famous musical about a certain green witch and her fancy friend. I have a pop EP out under the name Tiny Language, which I co-wrote with Lumineers bassist Byron Isaacs. You can listen to my interviews with songwriters at The Song Inside, found anywhere podcasts are found,

Music Counselor

JODIE BALDWIN

Pronouns: she/her 
Hometown: Peterborough, UK
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

It is Jodie’s first year at Camp Ballibay and she is extremely excited! She is looking forward to passing her love for music and visual arts to the campers while also meeting and working with new people at camp. This is her first time traveling to the US alone and she cannot wait to push herself outside her comfort zone.

Professional Bio:
Jodie started playing violin at the age of seven after growing up in a family who loved playing musical instruments. Throughout school, she has completed up to her music grade 8 and has won many awards through her school and public music festivals. She also decided to take up viola at the age of 17. Jodie also lead her school’s orchestra and string ensembles, and sang in the chapel choir, sparking her love for performing. She has also had a passion for the visual arts from a young age and spent a lot of her free time in the art department at school creating pieces of art, achieving top grades at GCSE and A-Level. After finishing her last years at school, Jodie decided to inspire others and teach music as a part-time job while studying business at college. Alongside this, Jodie has played in local orchestras and has had the opportunity of playing in many beautiful venues. She hopes to inspire the campers to love the creative arts as much as she does.

Artist in Residence

JANA FLYNN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Parent, Returning, Artist in Residence
Attended Camp: 2021, 2022, 2023

This is my 3rd year at Ballibay. I am a visiting artist lucky enough to work in ceramic room in the Art Barn. I love everything about Ballibay from the storms that role through the mountains to fire flies in the trees at night to songs around the campfire but by far my favorite part of Ballibay is the campers. Not only do I get to facilitate (and learn) incredible creativity from the campers but witness beautiful bonds and friendships flourish. Ballibay is always full of unexpected adventures!

Professional Bio:
Born from a family of artists in San Francisco, I am an interdisciplinary artist. From weaving to ceramics, to sculptural installations, to printmaking and drawing my work is largely based in textures and craft. My most recent project is a ceramic line where a percentage of the profits are donated to organizations fighting for anti-racism, protecting our climate, and the greater good of our planet. In addition to art making I was a dancer for Stanley Love Performance Group and taught for several years at the New York Art Institute. I hold an MFA from Parsons the New School (2009), BFA from San Francisco State University (2003). I call Brooklyn my home with my husband and 2 kids (both Ballibay campers) and I am currently the Creative Director at the Pratt Institute

Kitchen Staff

MARIO REYES

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:Tehuacán, Mexico
Returning
Attended Camp: 2021, 2023

Mario is very happy to return to the Ballibay and to be a part of this excellent environment after two long years. This is his second year joining the Ballibay, his first year was in 2021 in the kitchen staff area and this year he is excited to return to help in the same role.

Professional Bio:
Mario is currently a college student. He started his degree in Clinical Chemistry in 2020 and is currently in the 7th semester of a 10-semester course hoping to graduate in late 2024/early 2025. Besides this, he also has experience in the kitchen because he really likes it and he has worked in this area.

Creative Writing Counselor

MOLLY SHARPLES

Pronouns: she/her 
Hometown: Cheshire, UK
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This will be Molly’s first summer at Camp Ballibay, working as a Creative Writing Counselor. With previous experience writing for online publications and mentoring young children in reading and writing, Molly is thrilled at the prospect of meeting counselors and campers alike to apply her skills in a creative and supportive environment.

Professional Bio:
Molly previously studied for a Modern Languages degree in the UK, which also gave her the opportunity to move to Spain on a study abroad program to continue her studies in languages, literature, and linguistics. Since graduating and working back in the UK, Molly continues to pursue her creative and journalistic writing as a freelance writer.

Technical Theater Counselor

AIDAN WUNDERLEY

Pronouns: she/they 
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Aidan is super excited to join Camp Ballibay for her first year at camp. Aidan will be working as a stage manager and cabin counselor. She is grateful for the chance to spend her summer making theatre, learning along with the campers, and meeting new people!

Professional Bio:
Aidan Wunderley is a rising junior at the College of Charleston majoring in theatre. She works in many aspects of theatre but is usually found on the stage or in the booth. At the College of Charleston, Aidan has played the roles of Jess in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised], Outlaw in Two Gentlemen of Verona, and more. Aidan has also stage-managed a production of Firebringer and is excited to get more stage management experience in the future.

Kitchen Staff

ERIKA PAOLA LÓPEZ HERNÁNDEZ

Pronouns: she/her 
Hometown: Orizaba, Veracruz Mexico
Attended Camp: 2023

This is my first year and I am very to meet new people and be at an arts camp. I love art and share it with other people.

Professional Bio:
Business management

Art Counselor

ROWENNA TOPHAM

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Cornwall
Cabin, Returning
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

I’m so excited to be returning to Ballibay, last year I learned so much about myself, and made some connections I hope to stay with me through life. The pocket of space that is Ballibay is like another world, and it’s so beautiful to watch the campers explore their creative mediums in such a safe, loving space.

Professional Bio:
Rowenna creates art through multiple mediums, however she focuses on her skills in ceramics. She is a part of a local community Ceramic Studio, which brings homage to the heritage of clay in the area. She has two qualifications in art and photography- another strong passion of hers. Rowenna’s message through a lot of her art is to extend herself into the pieces she creates, to share her love and embodiment of the world.

Housekeeping Staff

JULIA KURZAK

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Zawiercie, Poland
Attended Camp: 2023

Julia is excited to join the Ballibay team for the first time! She loves the philosophy of the camp and is really looking forward to experiencing the unusual worldview and atmosphere of the Ballibay. She is also excited to learn new things and gain experience. She would love to meet new people and get to know other cultures.

Professional Bio:
Julia Kurzak studied Romance Philology: Italian and English as Applied Languages at the University of Silesia in Katowice. She has been an exchange student in Italy for one academic year. She loves traveling and studying foreign languages! Recently, she has started to learn Spanish, which she finds very beautiful. She also really enjoys dancing, which is her favorite form of self-expression through art.

Artist in Residence

JANINE SOPP

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Returning, Parent, Artist in Residence
Attended Camp:2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023

I’ve been a ceramic artist in residence at Ballibay in since 2016. What brought me to the camp was my daughter, Kya, after her first year in 2015. Her experience with the camp was so amazing that having a position on staff was the best thing I could do for her and myself, giving me the chance to add to the wonders. I look forward to being in the ceramic studio again this summer with campers and anyone interested in touching clay. It’s what I do in my life and find that it’s a medium everyone can participate in – a wonderful feeling as an artist to share my medium. Ballibay is magical. I love the landscape, the buildings, the friendly faces, the conversations over meals, the talents that pour out of everyone and the support everyone receives. I look forward to everything the camp offers including great food and an atmosphere to create anything you can dream of.

Professional Bio:
Janine has been working in ceramics since 1990, a medium she came to after a career of designing men’s clothing and textiles. Her extensive travels through Europe and Morocco changed her life in the late 1980s and from this point on she has dedicated her practice to ceramics. She creates collections primarily for the wall, but has an extensive body of work ranging from decorative pieces for the home to Judaica. She is the founder and director of Clay Space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, that opened its brand new ceramic center in May 2021.

Health Staff

OLAYINKA AKINOLA-HADLEY

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Washington, DC
Returning, Parent
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

Can’t wait to be back at Camp Ballibay! I love the kids and the art and all the choices they have to be creative. I’m most looking forward to being back at the Art Barn and to the pottery and theatre performances.

Professional Bio:
I’m a lover of camp and a Physician Associate living in Washington DC. At my clinic we practice a care for all model with special focus on Gender Affirming Care for adolescents and adults. I have been practicing for over 15 years and love to work with children as they are learning new things and becoming more independent and creative.

Art Counselor

PHOEBE KINDER

Pronouns: they/them
Hometown: Berkeley, California
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This will be my first year at Camp Ballibay! I am so excited to share my passion for drawing, painting, and making of all kinds. I’m looking forward to meeting young artists and learn with and from them!

Professional Bio:
I am a student at Vassar College, graduating at the end of 2023 with a BA in Studio Art.I work primarily with drawing and painting, but I am constantly exploring new media, such as textiles, printmaking, and sculpture. When I am not making art, I am reading, writing, hiking, playing soccer or frisbee, and spending time outside!

Theater and Dance Counselor

MATTIE MOUNT

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Irmo, SC
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Growing up, the performing arts were “front and center” of almost everything Mattie’s family did together, whether it was working to mount a community theatre production or the day-to-day operation of her mother’s musical theatre school. As she prepares to enter her senior year of college as a Musical Theatre major, it seemed the perfect time to strike out on her own and share her talents and experiences with the young performers who choose to make Camp Ballibay a part of their summer. Mattie is looking forward to the prospect of learning as much from them as they might from her!

Professional Bio:
Mattie Mount is a rising senior at South Carolina’s Coker University, where she is on scholarship both as a Musical Theatre major and a Vocal Performance minor. Mattie’s numerous onstage credits include “The Spitfire Grill” (Percy), “Little Women” (Jo), “Songs for a New World” (Ensemble) and “Steel Magnolias” (Ouiser) at Coker, and “The Sound of Music” (Sister Margaretta) and “Cats” (Demeter) with Columbia, S.C.’s Broadway Bound Vista Theatre Project. With the Coker Singers, she has toured throughout South Carolina and traveled with the group to perform at Carnegie Hall. Mattie has a number of years of teaching experience with the Broadway Bound Musical Theatre Company.

Kitchen Staff

FRIDA RINCÓN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Los Cabos
Returning
Attended Camp: 2021, 2022, 2023

The camp feels now like home, and a another reality that you get to enjoy for a few months, looking forwards to meeting new people and gain new skills

Professional Bio:
Student

Music and Hiking Counselor

EMILY MCLOUGHLIN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Wiltshire, UK
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Emily is a friendly and hardworking lover of music, specializing in guitar and ukulele. She has been playing both instruments since the age of 11 and has developed a deep understanding and appreciation for a wide range of musical genres. Emily is from Wiltshire in the UK, and is so excited to be travelling to Ballibay to share her love of music and nature with our campers. Her teaching style is engaging and inclusive, encouraging every student to explore their own interests and abilities in a non-competitive environment.

Professional Bio:
Emily is currently a Creative Writing student at the University of Exeter, she uses her passion for art and nature to inspire her writing and prides herself on the importance of creative self-expression.

Dance and Theater Counselor

LULU MOLINA

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Geneva Switzerland/London
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Lulu is very excited to be joining the Ballibay Team this summer as it is her first time ever in the states! She cannot wait to inspire and be inspired by creatives like herself and help contribute to a fun and experimental environment.

Professional Bio:
Lulu is an actor and is currently training at Rose Bruford College in London. Before she trained in Musical Theatre at The BRIT school, where she found her passion for choreography by assistant choreographing and performing in the musical Pippin. She currently teaches jazz and commercial classes for singer/actors and is choreographing her drama schools end of year cabaret. She has performed in shows such as The Railway Children, Romeo and Juliet and Shrek The Musical. After drama school her dream job is to be a director.

Rock Counselor

EVAN HOCKING

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Cardiff, Wales
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Coming to Ballibay for the first time, I’m excited to live in a community surrounded by creative people. I hope to meet people who can continue to inspire me and hopefully the same in reverse. The reputation the camp has, not just for its creativity but also inclusivity is incredible to see, being a place where children are open to express themselves however they’d like. I am ready to join this open and inspiring community!

Professional Bio:
Welsh Guitarist, lover of music, home cook and Computer Science Student. I have a passion for learning about anything and everything, from rocket science to programming to music. I love to follow the curiosity since I believe that is how things are learned best!

Food Education Counselor

CRISTINA OSPINA

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia
Cabin, Camper, Returning
Attended Camp:2010, 2011, 2014, 2022, 2023

Cristina is so excited to go back to Ballibay which she also calls a second home. Being a camper was a big adventure and now a counselor is a great experience. She can mix both of her favorite things teaching and baking. Teaching kids how to make different snacks will make summer awsome, she can’t wait!

Professional Bio:
Pastry Chef graduated from cooking school Gato Dumas, have done different courses with Wilton and online courses of nutricion, gluten free and vegan snacks. Food is a way of making a belly happy so why no make it in a fun way! Currently have an online pastry bussiness and works for Airbnb.

Housekeeping Staff

JAZMIN REYES FLORES

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Tepeaca-Puebla, Mexico
Returning
Attended Camp: 2019, 2022, 2023

Jazmin is excited to live her 3rd summer at camp! She knows that every year is a new opportunity for new adventures and that Ballibay is the perfect place to enjoy the summer and develop her skills with great friends.

Professional bio:
Jazmin is currently a paralegal at the municipal office in her city where she helps people with government procedures. She is a volunteer at Rotary International in her country, so she has a vocation to help others and solve problems. She loves to be in contact with nature and knows cultures. She has been part of the support team and has given her enthusiasm to each task entrusted.

Technical Theater and Theater Counselor

MILLIE DOUGLAS

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: London, UK
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This will be my first year at Camp Ballibay! I am not only super excited to arrive at Ballibay, but also excited to create beautiful art, and inspire others as well as be inspired. My usual summer in London would consist of suburbia nights followed with a theatre show in the West End, but this year I will be sharing and seeing talents and helping children where I can halfway across the globe. Camp Ballibay Team 2023!

Professional Bio:
Millie Grace Douglas, a 20-year-old actress from London, United Kingdom, has been acting professionally since she was 7-years-old. Millie started training at Gilham Performing Arts in Welling, London, and continued her training at the Liz Burville Performing Arts Centre (2010-2016). She debuted in her West-End career in Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ in 2014, where she was a member of the ensemble, and has since performed in tens of shows at local theatres in iconic musicals and productions such as ‘Bugsy Malone’, ‘Grease’, ‘The Jungle Book’, ‘Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, and many, many more. At the age of 15, she trained in Musical Theatre, Film & Tv and acting at the Pauline Quirke Academy, where she performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West end in the production ‘Troubles a Brewing’. In her spare time, she writes plays, stories and films – And also plays piano, violin and the viola. Millie has since graduated with a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Acting and Performing Arts from the Miskin Theatre, a theatre company and college in Dartford, Kent, England. She is currently going into her third and final year of her BA honours degree in ‘Film & Media Studies’ at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England, where she excels in screenwriting, directing, writing, radio, ethics and journalism.

Assistant Camper Care Specialist and Hiking Counselor

SAM MARTIN

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Woodbridge, CT
Attended Camp: 2023

This is Sam’s first year on the Camp Ballibay staff. He is very excited to join the team as the Assistant Camper Care Specialist and one of the camp’s Hiking Instructors. Sam is beyond excited to share Camp Ballibay with such amazing and inspiring artists and performers this summer.

Professional Bio:
Sam just graduated with his degree in Special Education from Southern CT State University. After staying in Connecticut most of his life, he will be taking a year of travel and discovery, where he travels all over the US and beyond taking part in various communities and short-term work opportunities. During his free time, he enjoys watercolor painting, hiking/camping, and antiquing! He has been working with young people all his life both in the Special Education prep program and as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Kitchen Staff

ANTONIO MADRID

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Oaxaca de Juárez
Returning
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

I’m very excited about the coming summer. The previous one was great but I’m sure this one will be better.

Professional Bio:
I’m a marketing student.

Social Media Counselor

SOPHIA GALANTE

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Kingston, PA
Cabin, Camper
Attended Camp: 2019, 2021, 2023

Hi! I’m Sophia and I’m so excited to be working at Ballibay this year as a social media counselor! Ballibay’s been a constant in my family for a long time — I’ve spent two wonderful summers here and can’t wait for an awesome third! I’m so thrilled to be capturing all of the magic Ballibay has to offer through social media, and working with the campers!

Professional Bio:
Student at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA as a Communications Major with a Minor in Journalism and Creative Writing.

Technical Theater Counselor

ALEX JONES

Pronouns: they/them
Hometown: Spartanburg, SC
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Alex is very excited for their first year at Ballibay! They first discovered theatre at a summer camp when they were in middle school and can’t wait to share their love with the campers at Ballibay. Alex wants to thank Kristin Alexander for offering them this incredible opportunity!

Professional Bio:
Alex Jones is a Junior at the College of Charleston, originally from Spartanburg, SC. They are majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Lighting & Scenic Design and Technology and minoring in film studies. They are also the Technical Director for Center Stage (the student run theatre organization at the college.) Recent technical credits at the college include: Two Gentlemen of Verona (Head Electrician), Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet (Associate Lighting Designer), and Shifting Perspectives, a dance concert where they designed three pieces. Zeitgeist, La Sylphide Pas de Deux, and Ode. The latter (choreographed by Kristin Alexander) was selected to perform at the ACDA 2023 conference. They are currently an apprentice electrician at Spoleto Festival USA. Alex will be the Lighting Designer for Cofc’s upcoming production of Men on Boats.

Stables and Kitchen Staff

AGNES PAJ

Pronouns: they/them
Hometown: Pusztaszabolcs, Hungary
Attended Camp: 2023

This summer will be Agnese’s first one at Ballibay and they are excited to start their first major adventure this far from their home. Agnes is excited to meet new people and know their culture, to exchange experiences with others and see a slice of the world.

Professional Bio:
Agnes is a third-year BSc student at an agricultural university in Hungary. They study as an equestrian event organizer and manager. However it was their dream to work with horses, they are planning to continue their studies at another university, majoring in Japanese. If everything goes according to plan they will graduate next May.

Garden Counselor

RED IZEN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Red is so excited to be joining the Ballibay team this summer. She’ll be directing the gardening program and is deeply looking forward to creating a garden environment that is relaxed, educational, and fun.

Professional Bio:
Red Izen is a plant scientist by trade, and a community organizer by inclination. Currently, she lives in Detroit Michigan, having moved there to pursue a career in hydroponics after graduating from Georgia College and State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a strong focus on applied plant science. Upon graduation, she was honored for her research publications with the Georgia College Outstanding Research Achievement for authoring several papers, multiple presentations, and leading one research expedition centered around variations in chromosomal ploidy on two species of native flower. She has also directed several community gardening initiatives, working primarily on low acreage plots in urban areas. She currently spends her time engaged in manual labor, directing a bi-weekly social gathering for the southeastern Michigan Trans community, and admiring wildflowers on walks.

Art Counselor

DAVID ESCHENFELDER

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Wahlheim, Germany
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This year will be David’s first at Camp Ballibay! He is looking forward to joining the team because, during his time in art school, he experienced firsthand how beneficial working and existing in a creative and open-minded space can be for one’s own artistic and personal growth. Therefore he is excited to provide and share this experience with all the campers and colleagues at Ballibay this summer!

Professional Bio:
In Germany, David went to a one of kind highschool with a main focus on art. During his time there, he has been able to work with traditional artistic techniques such as sketching and painting, sculpture, photography, video art, or different types of printing, as well as rather unconventional artistic media such as digital 3D modeling, animation, performance art or fashion-, furniture- and object design. Therefore he has a broad understanding and skillset regarding different aspects of arts and crafts. Since 2021 he studies art history and film studies at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany and since September of last year, he works in the costume department of the state theater Mainz, allowing him to further deepen his understanding and knowledge of costuming and the broad field of creative workflows in theatrics.

Up-the-Hill Division Head, Art, and Theater Counselor

ASHLYND TAYLOR

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Towanda, PA
Camper
Attended Camp: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2023

Ashlynd, also known as Ash, is beyond excited to return to Ballibay this summer! Having spent three years at Ballibay as a camper, Ash knows how special Ballibay is and looks forward to giving back to the camp that has helped shape her into who she is today. She is dedicated to ensuring this summer campers leave with happy smiles and unforgettable memories.

Professional Bio:
Ash recently graduated from Trinity University, earning a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and minors in Religion and Theater. During this time, Ash has been a part of several theater productions as both onstage and backstage crew. Her favorite production she participated in was “Imogen Says Nothing,” where she played the lead Imogen. Outside the theater world, Ash has honed her printmaking skills in lino printing and screen printing and has gone on to collaborate with a small card business.

Camp Nurse

CASSONDRA LYKO

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Parent
Attended Camp: 2023

Cassondra is extremely excited to become a part of the Ballibay family! This is her first year at camp and she is over the moon to be here and to participate in all the magic that is Ballibay! Cassondra is attending alongside her three children and is really looking forward to checking out the stables and practicing perfecting her green thumb when she is not caring for our campers!

Professional Bio:
Cassondra has been a Registered Nurse for more than 15 years! She has worked mainly in Labor and Delivery and NICU while also spending 6 years as a Forensic Nurse in Baltimore City. Cassondra is a delegating nurse for her children’s school and is looking forward to branching out into aesthetic nursing!

Lifeguard and Theater Counselor

AUSTIN GULLETTE

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Hartsville, SC
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This is my first year working at Camp Ballibay. I am excited to join the Ballibay team and offer my knowledge and skills to further the growth of young artists.

Professional Bio:
I am an upcoming junior theater performance major at Coker University. I have performed in several of my college’s productions, including musicals, plays, and an opera. Some of the characters I’ve played are Chuck Biggs (She Kill Monsters), Braxton/Mr. Lawrence(Little Women), and Willis Parkham(An Embarrassing Position). Along with the stage, I also perform in choir, even traveling to New York with Coker’s choir to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Art Counselor

WHITNEY RILEY

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Laguna Hills, CA
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This year will be my first summer at Camp Ballibay and I’m thrilled to be joining the team as a cabin and art counselor! I’m most looking forward to spending time in the Art Barn to collaborate and share my passion for multimedia art with campers and fellow staffers. I’m also excited for a chance to unplug and soak in the warm summer weather on Ballibay’s beautiful campus.

Professional Bio:
Whitney Riley is a rising junior concentrating in Art and Sociology at Hamilton College in upstate New York. Whitney has experience with a plethora of artistic mediums including drawing, oil painting, watercolor painting, animation, digital art, and intaglio printmaking. She specializes in creating mixed-media work that usually draws upon ideas and images of gender, sexuality, identity, fantastical beings, and childhood memories. She enjoys creating illustrative character design driven artwork as well. Whitney has worked at the Annual Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach, CA, and works at the Wellin Museum of Art in Clinton, NY during the academic year. This fall, she will spend a semester abroad in Scotland at the Glasgow School of Art to intensively study painting and printmaking.

Art Counselor

KATE MILLS

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Bournemouth, UK
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Kate is moving to America from England for the summer to work at Camp Ballibay and is very excited to join the team. She has loved photography for over ten years and is thrilled to be able to teach it this year at Camp Ballibay. Kate has been to New York twice and looks forward to seeing more of the country.

Professional Bio:
Kate has completed two years of a Commercial Photography degree course at Arts University Bournemouth, specializing in fashion photography. Canon UK has noticed her work and earlier this year she worked with influencers taking photographs for New York Fashion Week.

Film and Media Counselor

BLAKE TREACEY

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Cannock, UK
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This will be my first year at Ballibay, so I can’t wait for the summer to begin! I’m excited to dive straight into camp life, meet new people and have a summer of new experiences. I’m also super excited to be part of the film/media team, as I know we’re going to have lots of fun working with the campers!

Professional Bio:
I have just finished my second year at university, studying filmmaking. I enjoy screenwriting, directing and working as a camera operator. I have recently directed, and wrote the screenplay for, a short film at university, whilst also training as a camera operator for a different project. Film has always been a passion of mine, so I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with the campers!

Dance and Sports Counselor

ANDRÉ EMILIANO MONTES ROMERO

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Puebla, Pue
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This will be André’s first time in the camp! He is so excited to share all his knowledge and meet the staff and campers! He goes with all the intention of sharing, creating, learning from others, making a safe place and last but not least, importantly having a lot of fun teaching what he is passionate about. He will be a dance counselor and sports staff too.

Professional Bio:
André has loved dancing since he was little, but 5 years ago he took it professionally. He is currently a member and captain of the dance team at his university. From 2018 onwards, Andre has competed alongside his team, in national and international competitions leading him to first place in the competition, In 2018 they competed in Argentina, winning the first Latin American place. André takes intensive courses frequently, approximately 3-4 intensive courses per semester out of his city, apart from his normal training. In 2022 Andre traveled to Los Angeles 2 times and in January 2023 to Miami, with the purpose of dance training. Andre also has constant training in heels style. André is more focused on the show business. He is currently studying communication, which he wants to use as a tool for his dance career.

Music Counselor

CHARLOTTE FITZPATRICK

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Warwick, UK
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This is Charlotte’s first year joining camp, she is originally from England and she is looking forward to seeing all the exciting work that our campers and staff will work together to create.

Professional Bio:
Charlotte is currently studying Actor Musicianship at Leeds Conservatoire in England, a course that combines both theatre and music together. She has been playing flute for ten years now, having been in both an orchestra and jazz band. She has also recently picked up the saxophone and double bass. Throughout her school years, she was part of the choir and acapella group and she has a Diploma in Musical Theatre. Last year she did a foundation year in Acting and shares a passion for both drama and music, as she often enjoys combining them together to create unique artistic performances.

Camp Nurse

HEATHER OLSEN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Bowie, MD
Parent
Attended Camp: 2023

This will be Heather’s first year at Ballibay, and she is delighted to join the nursing team because the setting is incredibly affirming and combines all of her favorites: taking care of people, being outdoors, and making things (eating cheese comes in fourth place). Heather has a small woodworking business building custom furniture, and she is eager to learn new art skills from the campers and staff. Her sons are excited to be attending Ballibay for the first time. Heather will miss her six hens, snuggly pitbull, and silly cat, but she is thrilled to help campers stay well, dabble in lots of crafts, and be in the sunshine!

Professional Bio:
Heather graduated from Pennsylvania State University and has been a registered nurse since 2007. Her career has focused on racism as a public health emergency, harm reduction, and food equity. She is the Deputy Director of Nursing at a community health center in Washington, DC that has expertise in LGBTQ and HIV care. She oversees programs that teach patients how to self-administer gender-affirming hormones, engage individuals in care after testing positive for HIV, and help people navigate their health goals. Heather is board certified in public health, is an HIV Certified Registered Nurse, and is trained in wilderness medicine. Heather trains dialogue facilitators with Pennsylvania State University’s World in Conversation, which aims to move groups through conflict and collaboration.

Technical Theater Counselor

BRYCE LAIL

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Camden, SC
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Super excited to be part of the team at Camp Ballibay as this is my first real job outside of graduation. Camp Ballibay would be an exciting opportunity to learn and grow. I’m ready to be a mentor and role model for future theater kids and have a blast while at it.

Professional Bio:
Bryce Lail is a graduate of Coker University with a BA in technical theater and minoring in graphic design in 2023. A creative thinker he has been in the Arts since childhood. Starting in theater in middle school at his local theater. Bryce started at Coker as a graphic design major before switching to theater in his junior year. Working in multiple roles like master electrician, lightboard operator, and lighting designer. His most recent work is as the lighting designer for Coker University’s Spring Musical Production of The Spitfire Grill (2023).

Dance Counselor

CHUYUN (BB) LIANG

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Guangxi, China
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

BB will be joining the Ballibay team as a first-time cabin counselor! She is beyond excited to dance away her summer with the coolest artists in town. Her services in squashing mosquitoes, reapplying sunscreen, and braiding hair will be available all throughout the summer!

Professional bio:
BB is a rising second year student at Sciences Po Paris, studying economics and law. She is the Reims campus branch president of her university’s Bureau des Arts, where she specializes in digital art and animation, dance, and filmmaking. Growing up in Ohio, BB had the privilege of dancing with the University of Cincinnati’s CCM Prep ballet company and has held roles in productions of Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and more. She was the leader of her high school’s dance crew, where she taught K-Pop and hip hop choreography. BB is a passionate advocate for arts education and accessibility, and is especially excited for her time at Camp Ballibay!

Rock Counselor

JESÚS MARQUEZ ORTIZ

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Mexico
Cabin, Returning
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

I was part of the kitchen staff the last year 2022, and this year I will be a Rock counselor.

Professional bio:
Student

Down-the-Hill Division Head, Technical Theater, and Art Counselor

BRANDON ALSTON

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Returning
Attended Camp: 2022, 2023

This will be my second year working at Camp Ballibay, again as one of the DTH division heads and in the costumes and fibers department. I think I’m most excited to get the opportunity to creatively explore with all of the other wonderful artist/counselors and campers to find the intersectionality of our different art mediums and unique processes. However, I’m also really excited to just disconnect from society and technology and really reset and recharge in all of the beautiful nature around campus.

Professional bio:
My name is Brandon Alston and I am a costume design and technologies major at the College of Charleston. I own and run Fresh Prince Fits Designs a sustainable clothing brand and an alternative to fast fashion. I grew up watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and always loved how Will Smith challenged fashion stereotypes by being completely and uniquely himself. I wanted my designs to embody that same originality while repairing and reworking people’s loved clothing. I recently began by costume design Career by co-costume designing The College of Charleston’s production of Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona. I’m also an actor with a number of credits on my resume including a couple of short films and a handful of stage appearances such as Omari from Pipeline, Mlima from Mlima’s Tale and Fitswilliam Darcy from Miss Bennet’s Christmas at Pemberly.

Rock Counselor

MILES TANNER

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Washington, DC
Camper, Cabin
Attended Camp: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023

Camp Ballibay almost single-handedly started me down my current path of pursuing music professionally, as I now am a music major at NYU Steinhardt. The extremely amazing community at camp, the Rock program and Band Night kept me coming back year after year, and I am very excited to bring the same experience to campers as my first year as a staff member.

Professional Bio:
Multi-Instrumentalist from Washington, DC, currently a sophomore in the Jazz Studies major at NYU Steinhardt. Extensive performance experience in NYC and DC, with appearances at Blues Alley, 54 Below, Rockwood Music Hall, NYU Skirball and many more. Plays for NYU Broadway Orchestra and NYU Contemporary Vocal Ensemble. Teaching experience throughout the DC area.

Dance Counselor

SAVANNAH WETHERFORD

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Talmo, Georgia
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

This is my first year with Ballibay and I’m so very excited to get to be able to spend my summer meeting new people and teaching dance at Ballibay!

Professional Bio:
I’ve been dancing for 20yrs. I’ve trained in Atlanta, NYC, and LA in various styles of dance including Jazz, Jazz Funk, Contemporary and Hip Hop. I’ve been teaching dance for 7yrs.

Down-the-Hill Division Head and Music Counselor

TELESFORO PINALES

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Houston, TX
Attended Camp: 2023

Telesforo is very excited to spend his first summer with Camp Ballibay! He is looking forward to sharing his passion for music with the campers and showing them how music can positively change their lives. Telesforo can’t wait to introduce new concepts to campers currently engaged in music and new campers who may be interested in taking their first steps into this new and exciting chapter!

Professional Bio:
Telesforo Pinales graduated from the University of Houston with a BA in Music with a concentration in Trombone. He has played Trombone for 15 years and Voice for about 6 years as a Tenor/Baritone. He is currently working as a Marching Band Technician, Substitute Staff Singer at various Churches, and a Substitute Teacher. Telesforo has performed in several A Capella groups and choirs at the university level that have led to a performance at the Kennedy Center and several world premieres of music. He also enjoys writing music, playing ukulele and piano, and learning guitar in his free time.

Rock Counselor

KENNETH MENVILLE

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2023

Kenneth is excited to be able to teach bass fundamentals in a way that anyone can understand and explain the role that bassists often play in rock music and how it’s okay to either stay with that role or leave it. He also looks forward to helping guide campers to a deeper understanding of personal expression and self-love. Being able to enjoy the beautiful Pennsylvania Summer is a big bonus too.

Professional Bio:
Kenneth is a music industry major at Loyola University New Orleans. He has gained valuable experience as a bassist for Jazz Combo, and working with DAW’s like Bitwig and Ableton. When he’s not working on music, Kenneth enjoys cooking, running, and teaching soccer. As a student Kenneth is learning about Jazz, Jazz history, New Orleans culture, world music, philosophy of the self and sacred, and wants to express these ideas and share them at camp.