BALLIBAY 2022 STAFF

AllLEADERSHIPTECHNICAL THEATERROCKTHEATERDANCEMUSICARTEQUESTRIANHOUSEKEEPING + MAINTENANCEKITCHENWELLNESSWATERFRONTFOOD + GARDENFILM + MEDIA

John Jannone, Director
Director

JOHN J.A. JANNONE

Kristin Alexander Managing Director
Managing Director

KRISTIN ALEXANDER

Sarah Galante Associate Director
Associate Director

SARAH GALANTE

Dustin Druckman Head of Theater Tech
Assistant Director

DUSTIN DRUCKMAN

Annie-Yamamoto Dean of Campers
Dean of Campers

ANNIE YAMAMOTO

Taylor Bennett Dance Instructor
Associate Dean of Campers and Dance

TAYLOR BENNETT

Yael-Kortsarz vocal coach
Operations Coordinator, Voice Coach

YAEL KORTSARZ

Danessa Hellus Theater Director
UTH Division Head / Theatre Director

DANESSA HELLUS

Whitney Green
Up-the-Hill Division Head Dance

WHITNEY GREEN

Dani Barrett Dance Counselor
Up-the-Hill Division Head/Dance Counselor

DANI BARRETT

Alexis Calva Rock Counselor
Down-the-Hill Division Head/Rock Counselor

ALEXIS CALVA

Brandon-Alston Admin and Costume Counselor
Dean of staff, Down-the-hill Division Head & Costume/fibers department

BRANDON ALSTON

Kyle Newman Theater and Tech Counselor
Technical Theater Counselor, Down the Hill Division Head

KYLE NEWMAN

Devon King
Event Coordinator

DEVON KING

Alex Bernui - Senior Theater Director, CIT Coordinator
Theater Director

ALEX BERNUI

Deidre-Struck Music Director
Music Director, Songwriting/Piano Teacher

DEIDRE STRUCK

Jonathan Jacobs Visiting Artist
Theater Director

JONATHAN JACOBS

ONGA GWABABA theater counselor
Hiking and Theater Counselor

ONGA GWABABA

Mia Weiss Art Counselor
Art Counselor

MIA WEISS

Rob Diehl Theater Counselor
Theater & Creative Writing Counselor

ROB DIEHL

Egenu Kocogullari art counselor
Art Counselor

Egenur Koçoğulları

Emma Neukirch Printmaking Counselor
Printmaking Instructor

EMMA NEUKIRCH

Kubra-Kaymak-Equestrian
Equestrian Counselor

KUBRA KAYMAK

Frida Rincón Gallardo Quiroz Staff Member
Kitchen Staff

Frida Rincón Gallardo Quiroz

Janine-Sopp Guest Artist
Art Counselor

JANINE SOPP

Annet Clemente staff
Housekeeper

ANNET CLEMENTE

Jana Flynn
Art Counselor

JANA FLYNN

Christina-Ospina
Food Education Counselor

Cristina Ospina

Alejandra-Casco
Dance Counselor

ALEJANDRA CASCO

Adam Price
Music Counselor

Adam Price

Francisco_Betan_Barrales staff
Kitchen Staff

FRANCISCO JAVIER BETAN BARRALES

Yingman Tang
Theater Tech Counselor

YINGMAN TANG

Cat Champlin
Theater Tech Counselor

CAT CHAMPLIN

Juan-José-Cervantes staff
Kitchen Staff

JUAN JOSE CERVANTES

Kateryna Serheieva
Music Counselor

KATERYNA SERHEIEVA

Luke-Moffat
Film and Media Counselor

LUKE MOFFAT

Emma McCarthy Art Counselor
Art Counselor

EMMA MCCARTHY

Kya Parris
Junior Counselor

KYA PARRIS

SARAH LOGAN
Nurse

SARAH LOGAN

Jose-Ortega
Kitchen Staff

JOSE MADRID

Evie Linantud
Art Counselor

EVIE LINANTUD

Izaiah Woods Counselor
Yoga/Tai chi guide and Hike instructor

Izaiah Woods-Fremento

Dorian Romeo
Art Counselor

DORIAN ROMEO

chelsea luo music counselor
Music Counselor

CHELSEA LUO

Noah Hendrickson
Technical Theatre Counselor

NOAH HENDRICKSON

Vero Villalobos
Rock Counselor

VERO VILLALOBOS

Rebecca Soper
Lifeguard

REBECCA SOPER

Ava-Drysdale
Food Education Counselor

AVA DRYSDALE

Rowenna-Topham
Art Counselor

ROWENNA TOPHAM

Kelli-McLaurin
Costumes Counselor

KELLI MCLAURIN

Bailey Roper
Art Counselor

BAILEY ROPER

Paola-Huerta
Kitchen Staff

PAOLA DENISSE HUERTA SOLANO

Thomas-Diamond Rock Counselor
Rock Counselor

THOMAS DIAMOND

Oliver-Dobrian
Rock Counselor

OLIVER DOBRIAN

Al Matsu Food Educator and Theater Counselor
Theater Director

ALEXANDRA MATSU

Jamie Carroll Theater Tech
Technical Theater Counselor

Jamie Carroll

KAROLINA IRZWIKOWSKA
Riding Counselor

KAROLINA IRZWIKOWSKA

Destiny-Humphrey Office Staff
Office Staff

DESTINY HUMPHREY

Jazmin-Flores
Support Staff

JAZMIN REYES FLORES

Gastón-Gómez-Jiménez
Kitchen Staff

Gastón Gómez Jiménez

Punchhi Pandit
Junior Counselor

PUNCHHI PANDIT

David-Galindo music counselor
Music Counselor

DAVID GALINDO

Film and Media Counselor

SEAN JOHNSON

Drew-Brown Music Counselor
Music Counselor

DREW BROWN

katherine-luna art counselor
Art Counselor

KATHERINE LUNA





John Jannone, Director

Director

JOHN J.A. JANNONE

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

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

Kristin Alexander Managing Director

Managing Director

KRISTIN ALEXANDER

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Charleston, SC
Returning, Camper
Attended Camp:
1988-1993; 1998-2019

Kristin has danced her way through the summers from camper to camp director and will be returning to Ballibay for her 29th year . She can still remember walking into her cabin in 1988 as a new camper, helping to choreograph musicals as a counselor-in-training, and teaching tap as a first-year counselor. After a four-year hiatus, she returned to Ballibay and it has remained her summer home. Some of her fondest memories are working alongside Jerry and Dottie Jannone as she became a member of the camp leadership. For the past 10 years she has co-directed the camp with John, a partnership fueled by creativity and gratitude for one another. This summer, Kristin is most looking forward to seeing colleagues and returning campers after a challenging year, meeting everyone joining the Ballibay community for the first time, and sharing the dance studio with the campers during the dance intensive!

Professional Bio:
Kristin is an assistant professor of dance at the College of Charleston and the founding artistic director of Annex Dance Company. She has taught, performed, and collaborated with companies and choreographers throughout the United States. From 2002 to 2010 Kristin was an associate professor of dance at DeSales University (Pennsylvania), and she returned in 2012 for a semester as acting chair of the dance department. In 2010, Kristin made Charleston, South Carolina, her new home, thus allowing Annex Dance Company to join the city’s thriving arts community. The company is committed to arts advocacy and opportunities for dancers at all levels, students through professionals. As artists and educators, members of the company have worked with students in Charleston County Schools through Engaging Creative Minds and conducted residencies and masterclasses at festivals and colleges, including a collaborative performance residency at College of Charleston during the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. She serves on the City of Charleston’s Commission on the Arts and was recently appointed the chair of the School of the Arts Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee at the College of Charleston. She holds a BA in dance from Goucher College (Maryland) and an MFA from George Mason University (Virginia).

Sarah Galante Associate Director

Associate Director

SARAH GALANTE

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

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. This will be her tenth summer at Camp Ballibay, and she is so grateful to call this place her summer home.

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. She currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband Alex and dog Hoagie.

Dustin Druckman Head of Theater Tech

Assistant Director

DUSTIN DRUCKMAN

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

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.

Annie-Yamamoto Dean of Campers

Dean of Campers

ANNIE YAMAMOTO

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Cabin, Camper
Attended Camp:
2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022

Annie is so excited to be back at camp this summer! Last year, she had an amazing time as an Up the Hill cabin counselor and theater director! This summer, she will be working as the Dean of Campers! She is so ready to work with both familiar and new campers this summer. She can’t wait to smell the sweet Ballibay grass and sing “Day by Day” with her favorite people.

Professional Bio:
Annie Yamamoto is a recent graduate from St. Norbert College. She majored in Secondary English Education and minored in ELL education. On campus, she has been a part of a musical theater troupe that has toured around the Midwest area and Florida. Annie has done lots of creative work for the Cassandra Voss Center, which is a center that focuses its work on race and gender studies. Annie will be moving to New York this fall to pursue musical theater, theater education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities. She credits her experiences at Ballibay for her giving her the opportunities to grow and learn not only as a performer, but also as a person.

Taylor Bennett Dance Instructor

Associate Dean of Campers and Dance

TAYLOR BENNETT

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

Taylor is from Aiken, South Carolina, and attends the College of Charleston. This is Taylor’s second summer at the Camp. She was a Dance Counselor in the summer of 2021, and this summer will be the Associate Dean of Campers and a Dance Counselor. She is excited to return to Ballibay to dance with everyone!

Professional Bio:
Taylor has been dancing and performing for 16 years. She is a Senior at the College of Charleston, double majoring in Dance (BA) and Early Childhood Education (BS). She has extensive training in ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, tap, and many other styles. 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. She taught at Camp Ballibay for the Fine and Performing Arts (PA) over the summer of 2021, where she choreographed for the dance intensive, dance concerts, and taught as a dance counselor. She is a dance instructor at Dance Moves of Charleston, teaching various styles. Along with performing at the College, she has also performed with Annex Dance Company since the spring of 2021, where she is an apprentice of the company.

Yael-Kortsarz vocal coach

Operations Coordinator, Voice Coach

YAEL KORTSARZ

Pronouns: she/her and they/them
Hometown:
Cherry Hill, NJ
Returning
Attended Camp:
2018, 2019, 2021, 2022

Yael is the operations coordinator, a voice coach on the music staff, and petting every cat they can this summer. Entering their fourth year, Yael is most looking forward to camper cabaret and the dance concert – two of hear favorite evening performances. Yael previously was the up-the hill division head and a cabin counselor. As a member of the music staff, Yael enjoys playing the ukulele and singing with campers and encourages everyone to try an instrument this summer. See you soon!

Professional Bio:
Yael is an educator and musician originally from New Jersey. For the past two years, Yael has been located in Boston working in the Worcester Public Schools as a general music teacher. Yael has been attending Boston Conservatory at Berklee receiving her Masters in Music Education with an Autism Concentration. Yael is a graduate of Syracuse University (’20) receiving her Bachelors of Music Education (Voice Concentration).

Danessa Hellus Theater Director

UTH Division Head / Theatre Director

DANESSA HELLUS

Pronouns:she/her/hers
Hometown:
Saginaw, MI
Cabin, Returning staff
Attended Camp:
2021, 2022

This is Danessa’s second summer as a Theatre Director Camp Ballibay, and will be stepping into a new role as an Up-The-Hill Division Head! She is thrilled to spend another summer growing as a director, artist, and human in the collaborative and nurturing environment that is Camp Ballibay.

Professional Bio:
Danessa Hellus is a Brooklyn-based actor, singer, and director. Danessa got her start doing community theatre in Saginaw, Michigan at the same theatre that her grandparents volunteered at over forty years prior. She has been working professionally for the last six years, and moved to New York City in 2019. Most recently, she directed the first ever playwriting festival at The Clinton School in Union Square. Some of her favorite onstage credits include Veronica Sawyer in Heathers, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, and Meredith in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. In her spare time, Danessa enjoys painting pictures of frogs, drinking coffee, and having chats.

Whitney Green

Up-the-Hill Division Head Dance

WHITNEY GREEN

Pronouns: She/Her/Herz
Hometown:
Crownsville, Maryland
Attended Camp:
2022

Whitney is thrilled to be joining Camp Ballibay for the first time this year! She has loved theatre and dance since a young age and has developed a passion for teaching dance over the years. She is so excited to share her craft with the campers this year!

Professional Bio:
Whitney Green is a rising Junior at the College of Charleston majoring in Arts Management. She has trained in a variety of dance styles including jazz, tap, and ballet and has performed in over 20 musicals. She has been drawn to choreography and served as the Choreographer for Willy Wonka, Beauty and the Beast, Beehive the Musical, and Unbeatable: A Musical Theatre Showcase; and the Assistant Choreographer for 42nd Street and Lion King Jr. She recently appeared in a dance number in the second season of the HBO show, The Righteous Gemstones. Her favorite style of dance is tap, and she has had the opportunity to teach both Broadway Tap and Rhythm Tap. She is looking forward to more opportunities to perform, choreograph, and pursue a career in theatre education and community engagement.

Dani Barrett Dance Counselor

Up-the-Hill Division Head/Dance Counselor

DANI BARRETT

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Hampden
Cabin, Returning, Camper
Attended Camp:
2012-2018 Camper, 2019, 2021,2022 Staff

Dani is thrilled to be returning to camp this summer! As a camper-turned-staff member, she is so excited to be bringing the Ballibay Magic she experienced as a camper to everyone this year. Dani will be a dance counselor and a cabin counselor, and she can’t wait to get moving and grooving with everyone!

Professional Bio:
Dani is a recent graduate of Muhlenberg College with B.A.s in both Dance and Psychology, with concentrations in education, performance, and choreography. She has trained extensively in ballet, tap, and modern dance, with supplementary training in jazz and Irish step dancing. Performance credits include In Motion (Muhlenberg College) and 9 to 5(Penobscot Theatre Company. Choreography credits include Reset: New Dances (Muhlenberg College) and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Penobscot Theatre Company). She has taught studio classes at Thomas School of Dance since 2016 and is a teacher for the Muhlenberg Community Dance Center teaching tap.

Alexis Calva Rock Counselor

Down-the-Hill Division Head/Rock Counselor

ALEXIS CALVA

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
Attended Camp:
2022

This is the first time I am a camp counselor at the US. Frome what I’ve learned in the last couple of months, Ballibay more than a camp, is a place that many people can call home. Where kids and staff can be themselves with the help of one of the best things that exists in this world: the arts. I am excited to be a part of this community, to get to know talented people and teaching the kids about art and music.

Professional Bio:
Mexican guitarist, drummer, athlete, EMT and international relations student, a little bit of everything. I love to learn about anything and everything. The best days of my life have involved being surrounded by nature and the people that I love. My favorite things in the world? Food, music and travel.

Brandon-Alston Admin and Costume Counselor

Dean of staff, Down-the-hill Division Head & Costume/fibers department

BRANDON ALSTON

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Atlanta Georgia
Attended Camp: 2022

I am joining Camp Ballibay’s staff for the first time this year and I can’t wait to get back in nature, unplug and unwind from my semester and just create again! I’m really excited to get the chance to collaborate with and take inspiration from all of the different artists around camp and their unique approaches. As someone who has their hands in multiple cookie jars I really appreciate discovering the intersectionality between different mediums of art.

Professional Bio:
My name is Brandon Alston; I’m a rising junior majoring in theatre with a concentration in costume design and technologies at the College of Charleston. I’m an actor, entrepreneur and fashion designer from Atlanta, Georgia. I run a sustainable, fashion brand called Fresh Prince Fits Designs, where I take people’s already loved clothing that might be stained and falling apart and rework it using thrifted, second-hand clothes and vintage fabrics. In addition, I am currently the assistant costume designer and acting in the Production of Mlima’s Tale being done by a local Charleston theatre called Pure.

Kyle Newman Theater and Tech Counselor

Technical Theater Counselor, Down the Hill Division Head

KYLE NEWMAN

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

This will be my second year at camp. I will be returning at the head of the audio section of tech theater. I am excited to see what this year’s shows will be and what challenges will arise for learning experiences for both campers and myself as an artist.

Professional Bio:
I am a graduate from Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX. I have a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre – Design and Technology. I have designed for the majority of the productions there, as well as acted, choreographed and written for the mainstage. I have worked for the San Angelo Performing Arts Center since 2017 as a technical staff member, and have worked for the local theatre arts groups in San Angelo such as Be Theatre and Angelo Civic Theater.

Devon King

Event Coordinator

DEVON KING

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Bowling Green, OH
Attended Camp: 2022

This is my first year a camp! I am very much looking forward to immersing myself in this wonderful camp and joining friends in creating art for the summer!

Professional Bio:
I am currently the Production Manager at a performing arts venue in Ohio, where we are a road house, rental facility, and a producing house for our Youth Education program. When I am not at the center I am a Stage Management Mentor for several universities, along with a freelance Props Master and Production Manager.

Alex Bernui - Senior Theater Director, CIT Coordinator

Theater Director

ALEX BERNUI

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

Alex started working at Camp Ballibay in 2017. Since then, he’s been a theater director, boys division head, assistant dean of campers, and CIT coordinator. Favorite past camp productions include Matilda, Cinderella, Shakespeare Abridged, and This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing.

Professional Bio:
Alex Bernui is the drama teacher for grades K-8 at a charter school 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.

Deidre-Struck Music Director

Music Director, Songwriting/Piano Teacher

DEIDRE STRUCK

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

Excited to be spending my third summer at Ballibay as an accompanist of musicals, songwriting wizard, and parent of two Ballibay girls ages 10 and 13!

Professional Bio:
A Jazz Studies masters graduate from the University of North Texas, Deidre Struck is a Brooklyn-based pianist/singer/songwriter. In addition to her work as a Teaching Artist for The Lullaby Project at Carnegie Hall, she has played with such luminaries as Elvis Costello and Debbie Harry. Her recent projects include a weekly interview podcast called ‘The Song Inside”, and a pop EP with Byron Isaacs of The Lumineers, called Tiny Language.

Jonathan Jacobs Visiting Artist

Theater Director

JONATHAN JACOBS

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: 
Brooklyn, NY
Parent, Visiting Artist
Attended Camp: 
2021, 2022

I am so excited to return to Ballibay this summer! Last season, I collaborated with a group of campers to create a devised piece of theater about the history of Camp Ballibay inspired by Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” Although I will only be at the camp for the first two weeks this season, I look forward to creating an enthralling theater event with a group pf 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.

ONGA GWABABA theater counselor

Hiking and Theater Counselor

ONGA GWABABA

Pronouns: she, her
Hometown:
Johannesburg, South Africa
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This is my first year at Camp Ballibay and I am most excited to join the Ballibay team because of it’s Inclusivity and diverse environment, a safe space for both campers and staff. I can’t wait to be surrounded by likeminded theatre lovers who share different experiences and learn from each and every one of them. In my years of performing, directing and acting, I look forward to sharing my experiences and methods with fellow staff and campers. I mostly look forward to seeing the campers perform, bond and learn.

Professional Bio:
A theatre kid, student and independent filmmaker.

Mia Weiss Art Counselor

Art Counselor

MIA WEISS

Pronouns: he/she/they
Hometown:
Brooklyn, NY
Cabin, Returning camper
Attended Camp:
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022

After 11 years as a camper at Ballibay, Mia is ecstatic to spend this year as a cabin counselor and art department counselor! In their many years as a camper, Mia has explored every program and discovered a passion for art, dance, and theater. Mia considers Ballibay to be a second home and hopes to have fun with and support campers so they might feel the same.

Professional Bio:
Mia Weiss is going into their second year at Bard College working towards a BA in Theater and Performance. They’re also participating in classes and clubs in art and dance, such as Advanced Modern Dance, Knitting the Community Together, Blacksmithing, and Textiles. As well as acting in student-run productions on campus. They spend their free time thrift flipping, crocheting, skating, and making tea from wildflowers.

Rob Diehl Theater Counselor

Theater & Creative Writing Counselor

ROB DIEHL

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Lancaster, PA
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This is my first year at Camp Ballibay and I’m incredibly excited to join the community! In addition to providing assistance/feedback to any campers interested in writing, I will also help performing arts campers devise their own original theatre! Before they begin creating pieces, however, I think it is important that the campers get to know each other well, so we will also do a lot of fun theatre games/ensemble exercises! After a long year in college classrooms, I’m very much looking forward to Ballibay’s unique creative environment.

Professional Bio:
In high school, I acted in my schools’ plays and musicals and attended the California State Summer School of the Arts (located at CalArts) for theatre in 2016. After graduating high school in 2018, I studied at the Lea Floden Acting Studio in Los Angeles for two years. In early 2020 (before COVID), I attended the Preliminary Acting Course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London from January to March. Currently, I attend Arcadia University as a Creative Writing major (though I still am very passionate about theatre)! I mainly write fiction and particularly enjoy writing dialogue. In addition to my artistic experience, I also have over three years experience working as an academic tutor for middle and high school students, helping them with a range of subjects such as Algebra I, Chemistry, and ACT/SAT preparation.

Egenu Kocogullari art counselor

Art Counselor

Egenur Koçoğulları

Pronouns: she, her
Hometown:
Istanbul/ Turkey
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

Hello, this is my first year in Camp Ballibay. I’m so looking forward to spending time with the Ballibay team and the kids. I’m excited to share my passion for art with the campers this summer.

Professional Bio:
I’m a sophomore teaching chemistry student at Bogazici University in Istanbul/Turkey.

Emma Neukirch Printmaking Counselor

Printmaking Instructor

EMMA NEUKIRCH

Pronouns: They/them and She/her
Hometown:
Reading, Pennsylvania
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This is going to be my first year as a Camp Ballibay Counselor. I’m incredibly excited to join the Ballibay team because I have never been to a sleep-away summer camp before! I can’t wait to have the camp experience, while also teaching and creating art. I’m looking forward to meeting other young artists and collaborating with them.

Professional Bio:
Emma Neukirch is a illustrator and student at Rochester Institute of Technology. She will graduate May 2023 with a BFA in Illustration and a minor in Creative Writing. Her preferred mediums are: oil paint, digital art, pen and ink, and sculpture. Her artwork often features fantasy characters and natural environments. She plans on pursuing Art Education after she graduates.

Kubra-Kaymak-Equestrian

Equestrian Counselor

KUBRA KAYMAK

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Istanbul, TR
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

It’s my first year in Ballıbay! I am very excited to share the love of horses with others. I am a veterinary candidate who thinks that animal health is as important as human health. I look forward to being in touch with nature and living things.

Professional Bio:
I have always been good with animals as long as I can remember myself. I have been actively working for animal health for 5 years. Currently, I am a graduate veterinary nurse and also a veterinary medicine student at Ankara University in Turkey.

Frida Rincón Gallardo Quiroz Staff Member

Kitchen Staff

Frida Rincón Gallardo Quiroz

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Los cabos, México
Returning
Attended Camp:
2021, 2022

This is my second year as kitchen staff. I really liked being in nature and getting to know new people that turns into a friend that last forever despite the distance and of course I learned a lot from the chef and co-workers.

Professional Bio:
I am an architecture student.

Janine-Sopp Guest Artist

Art Counselor

JANINE SOPP

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

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.

Annet Clemente staff

Housekeeper

ANNET CLEMENTE

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
 Pueblo, Mexico
Returning
Attended Camp:
2019, 2021

This is my third year at Ballibay. I had many amazing moments during my last two summers, some of the best experiences that I have ever had and I am so happy to be back for another summer. I was in the housekeeping area, and it was a job that I really enjoyed. I hope this summer will be filled with many good times.

Professional Bio:
I graduated in Institution Management at Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla.

Jana Flynn

Art Counselor

JANA FLYNN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: 
Brooklyn, NY
Parent
Attended Camp: 
2021, 2022

This is Jana’s 2nd year at Ballibay. She is returning as a visiting artist in the Art Barn and will be facilitating camper magic in the clay studio. She cannot wait to watch fire flies light up the trees and out run thunderstorms on the hill and revisit all the adventures of Ballibay!

Professional Bio:
Jana Flynn is an interdisciplinary artist. She moved to NYC in 2007 from California to pursue her MFA in studio art from Parson’s school of Design. Her art practice includes weaving, ceramics, sculptural installations, printmaking, and drawing. She creates meditative and intuitive forms similar to mandalas. Jana uses texture, color, and line as tools to process and express how her internal world is impacted by her daily experiences, both personal and global.

Christina-Ospina

Food Education Counselor

Cristina Ospina

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Bogota
Cabin, Camper
Attended Camp:
2010, 2011, 2014, 2022

This is my first year at Ballibay as a staff member and Im excited to teach kids about what I love most which is baking and food!

Professional Bio:
Cristina graduated last year from Gato Dumas Culinary school from Pastry and ever since then she opened a online business where she sells all of her pastries. She has done some courses in Vegan pastries, sugar free and gluten free. She has worked with children before and she loves them.

Alejandra-Casco

Dance Counselor

ALEJANDRA CASCO

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Summerville, SC
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

Alejandra is from Summerville, South Carolina and currently attends the College of Charleston. This is her first year at the Camp and she is very excited to get the full camp experience while getting to work with the amazing Ballibay team and kids doing what she loves most–dance!

Professional Bio:
Alejandra has been dancing for ten years. She is a Junior at the College of Charleston majoring in Dance and minoring in Arts Management. She has been in every mainstage show at CofC since she started in 2020. She made her debut as a choreographer this past spring with her piece titled Libertad. Alejandra also works as a guest dance teacher at various schools in the Charleston and Summerville area.

Adam Price

Music Counselor

Adam Price

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Boyertown, PA
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This will be my first year at Camp Ballibay and I’m thrilled to be able to join the family! I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the many staff and students. I have worked at many different camps over the years and it is always such an inspiration to create art and learn and grow together with students and staff. I’m so excited to see what this summer brings!

Professional Bio:
Clarinetist and multi-instrumentalist Adam Price is from rural Pennsylvania. After moving to New York and receiving his Bachelors degree in Clarinet Performance from NYU, he went on to become a full-time professional freelance musician and educator. His music has allowed him to perform all across the US, as well as Italy, Hong Kong, & Brazil. He has toured with many jazz and indie groups and has performed in the house band on numerous cruise ships throughout the world. In 2018, he released his debut jazz album “House Ghosts” to critical acclaim. As an educator, Adam has had a long list of private students and has taught at various music and arts camps for many years.

Francisco_Betan_Barrales staff

Kitchen Staff

FRANCISCO JAVIER BETAN BARRALES

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Puebla, México
Attended Camp:
2022

This is my first year at camp ballibay, I’m very excited to start working and meet new friends. I’m very happy to join this work group and I hope to learn from my colleagues to improve my skills. The camp seems to me the best place to learn new things and develop myself.

Professional Bio:
I’m studying stomatology at Centro De Investigacion Y Estudios Superiores En Estomatologia Y Salud and I’m excited to finish my degree so that I can put my knowledge into practice.

Yingman Tang

Theater Tech Counselor

YINGMAN TANG

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
China
Attended Camp:
2022

Ballibay is the most suitable and best place for me to work because first, I can design production, which is the point of my major – lighting design. The second is that I can teach. My dream job is to be a college teacher, and Ballibay is a place where I can teach young people!

Professional Bio:
Yingman Tang is studying lighting design at University Of Illinois At Urbana-champaign, currently is a 3-year MFA student. She has been studying and working art field for 6 years. Her design works include theatre dramas Fear and Misery of the Third Reich, The Rescue of a Courtesan, Dormancy, and more. Concert shows include Maiqi Jiao’s personal concert, Siena Nishizawa’s personal concert, and ICME/EMW’s new media concert. Her installation artist work The Whole was selected for Prague Quadrennial 2019.

Cat Champlin

Theater Tech Counselor

CAT CHAMPLIN

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

Hello everyone! This will be my first year at Camp Ballibay and I couldn’t be more excited! I am looking forward to working with the next generation of artists as a cabin counselor and stage manager as well as further exploring my own artistic passions. I love the outdoors, and I can’t wait to have an unplugged experience to get back in touch with my inner child while encouraging and instructing others.

Professional Bio:
Currently studying at the College of Charleston, Cat has been stage managing for four years. In those four years she has worked on three main stage dance concerts, one main stage radio play, two student-led plays, and one multi-stage experience with a local professional theater. Not only is she a stage manager but she is also double majoring in Arts Management and Theatre Performance with a minor in Italian Studies. She most recently starred in the College of Charleston’s production of Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins as Everybody. 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.

Juan-José-Cervantes staff

Kitchen Staff

JUAN JOSE CERVANTES

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Puebla, México
Attended Camp:
2022

This will be my first summer at camp, I’m very excited to get to Ballibay and live the great camp staff experience. I’m looking forward to getting to know talented artists and kind people!

Professional Bio:
Juan José, currently one year into uni, studying a bachelors in International Relations in Puebla, México. Enjoys coffee more than words can explain.

Kateryna Serheieva

Music Counselor

KATERYNA SERHEIEVA

Nickname: Catherine Stepp
Hometown:
Kyiv
Attended Camp:
2022

I am really excited to join the Ballibay team in order to meet new people and share my experience with campers. I have been playing piano for more than 13 years. Also, I am the winner of 26 international and national piano competitions. So I am really glad to meet you!

Professional Bio:

I am the 3rd year daytime student at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. I love music and learning foreign languages.

Luke-Moffat

Film and Media Counselor

LUKE MOFFAT

Pronouns: he,him
Hometown:
Haslingden
Attended Camp:
2022

I am very much looking forward to my time at Ballibay. Not only will this be my first time at camp, but my first time abroad alone, and I cant wait! I am looking forward to meeting all the staff and campers and being able to work with the directors of tomorrow, allowing them to achieve their artistic goals for the summer while also being able to inspire their future work.

Professional Bio:
I am currently a 2nd year Film and Television Production student, with a passion towards children’s television and theatre. I have worked and volunteered in a local theatre ran by a famous puppet production company called Horse and Bamboo, working on a lot of live and touring productions. Through my time on my degree, I have further developed my passion for television work including television drama, and being introduced to new forms of post-production VFX also known as Visual Effects and also Editing.

Emma McCarthy Art Counselor

Art Counselor

EMMA MCCARTHY

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Mexico, NY
Attended Camp:
2022

It’s my first year at camp Ballibay and I am really excited to share what I know about art with the campers and to help them learn about what mediums they’re curious about and to grow as an artist! A big part about being an artist is trying new materials and seeing what inspires you most. I think being at camp Ballibay, where you’ll be surrounded by creative and curious people, is one of the best ways to feel inspired to create some of your best works!

Professional Bio:
I am currently studying Illustration at Rochester Institute of Technology, I am planning to graduate in May 2024 with a BFA. I have had the oppurtunity to not only grow as an artist, but to learn something new entirely. I have created multiple woodworking projects this past year, including a chair with a ladybug on top and a cabinet that was inspired by my love for stars and the night sky. I have also been learning about museum studies to gain an insight into the multiple career interests I have. Recently I have been working in an abstract pop art style. I create dense works with a variety of objects and subjects, and I use bright colors and black line art to create the “pop” affect with acrylic paint markers. I chose to study Illustration because I appreciate all art mediums, and have an interest in almost all of them, including museum exhibits; and I wanted a degree that would be flexible with any career path I pursue.

Kya Parris

Junior Counselor

KYA PARRIS

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

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 in her schedule. This is her first year on staff and she is so excited! Kya will be in the photography area working on projects to explore beyond just snapping a photo.

Professional Bio:
Kya is going into her sophomore year at Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. She is undeclared at the moment but is looking forward to exploring all different mediums in the coming year. 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 first part of the summer.

SARAH LOGAN

Nurse

SARAH LOGAN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Richmond Virginia
Attended Camp:
2022

I am very excited that this will be my first year at Camp Ballibay! I am a nurse practitioner currently taking a break from hospital work and looking forward to caring for and serving as a health resource for campers this summer. I have a doctoral degree in Nursing and have practiced as a midwife in inner-city New York as well as in the Midwest. I’m passionate about comprehensive health education and equitable access to care. When I’m not midwifing you might find me gardening or cooking, so I’m looking forward to exploring nutrition and plants with any campers who might like to get their hands dirty!

Jose-Ortega

Kitchen Staff

JOSE MADRID

Pronouns: Toño
Hometown:
Oaxaca de Juárez
Attended Camp:
2022

I’m very excited to be part of the team. I want to share all my knowledge and my culture. I think that always it is a good idea to make new friends and improve my English level.

Professional Bio:
I’m a marketing student and everything that i learned I apply in my small business of food. I decided to take this opportunity to learn a lot from the chefs and share my knowledge.

Evie Linantud

Art Counselor

EVIE LINANTUD

Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown:
The Woodlands, TX
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

I’m Evie and this is my first year at camp Ballibay. I am excited to work with children and expand on my own personal work in the process.

Professional Bio:
I’m Evie and I am a photography instructor here at Camp Ballibay. I am a photojournalism major at Rochester Institute of Technology, where I also minor in U.S. Politics and crafts and material studies. I currently work for RIT Athletics as a sports photographer, and hope to have a career as a sports team photographer!

Izaiah Woods Counselor

Yoga/Tai chi guide and Hike instructor

Izaiah Woods-Fremento

Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown:
Pembroke Pines, FL
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This will be my first year teaching at ballibay. I’m extremely excited to be apart of such an expressive community. I’ve been a camp counselor and after-school teacher for about 5 years in my hometown. And it’s my passion to provide our next generation with the skills to bring in a Better, Brighter world, filled with so much love and creativity.

Professional Bio:
Over the last couple years of self discovery, I dove head first into the holistic world learning everything I can on how to heal my mind, body, and spirit through natural practices, we have been provided with at birth. I have practiced many hours of yoga, Tai Chi, and Breath work. Holding classes in my home town. And who ever I cross paths with, That wants to be the best versions of themselves. It’s a lifestyle just wanting to strive for the best and healthiest way of living. I’m so excited to share my many practices and techniques with the campers. Connecting them more with their center and the world around them. As well as connecting with the other people and the nature around them, being very intentional with lots of gratitude towards life.

Dorian Romeo

Art Counselor

DORIAN ROMEO

Pronouns: they/them
Hometown:
Bowerston
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This will be my first year at Camp Ballibay! I’m super excited to work with such a great team to help make summer awesome for everyone!

Professional Bio:
Outside of camp, I’m an independent artist and always looking for ways to learn! I take art classes wherever I can and I always make a point to go to as many art festivals as my small town has!

chelsea luo music counselor

Music Counselor

CHELSEA LUO

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Tamuning, Guam
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

My name is Chelsea, and I am thrilled to be working as a music counselor for my first year at Camp Ballibay! I love music and learning new instruments, but I mostly play the guitar and drums. I was involved in band and orchestra during middle and high school and would play the guitar, drums, piano, and trumpet. I am looking to be more involved with music and film, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to Camp Ballibay. I am so excited to be surrounded by so much creative energy this summer, and I hope to work with everyone to create lasting memories. I also hope to learn as much from the kids as they will from me and I will work to foster a safe and friendly environment for everyone.

Professional bio:
Chelsea Luo is currently a student at Claremont McKenna College majoring in International Relations. In addition to foreign policy, she is interested in film, music, and entertainment. Her work experiences range from interning at the 35th and 36th Guam Legislatures to tutoring elementary school students while in high school. Her hobbies include playing guitar and DJing. She strives to work collaboratively with others to create a fun experience for everyone at Ballibay this summer.

Noah Hendrickson

Technical Theatre Counselor

NOAH HENDRICKSON

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

Noah is thrilled to be spending his seventh year at Ballibay – his second 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 doubling majoring in computer science and technical theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has been working as an electrician at Signature Theatre and Arena Stage, both located in the Washington DC area. While Noah is not studying or working in the theatre, he loves to tinker with computers. Creating all sorts of projects ranging from creating a private blockchain where he stores his screenshots or creating a simple application that hooks into an API. Noah is looking forward to bringing his experience, knowledge, and love for what he does to Ballibay this summer.

Vero Villalobos

Rock Counselor

VERO VILLALOBOS

Pronouns: She/Her/Herz
Hometown:
Denver City, Texas
Cabins, Returning
Attended Camp: 
2021, 2022

This is Vero’s second year working at Camp Ballibay. She is excited to share her love for music as well as her passion for theater with the campers. She hopes to develop connections with them as well as the other staff members.

Professional Bio:
Vero is a senior at Angelo State University. She is an actor, director, and playwright. As a playwright, she has published 4 separate plays and has successfully produced 3 at ASU. She has many credits for both directing and acting, one of her favorites includes playing Alison from “Fun Home.” As a musician, Vero was taught under the direction of her father from a very young age. Her performance has earned her both the title of “best duo” in a marching band and “best drummer” in the state of Texas.

Rebecca Soper

Lifeguard

REBECCA SOPER

Pronouns: they/them
Hometown:
Sanford, NC
Attended Camp: 2022

For my first year at camp I will be the on duty lifeguard and I can’t wait to see everyone out there in the water!

Professional Bio:
I have two years of competitive swimming under my belt and a lifetime love of being in the water behind that. I am currently a rising sophomore as a Communications Sciences and Disorders major at Emerson College in Boston, MA.

Ava-Drysdale

Food Education Counselor

AVA DRYSDALE

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

Hi! This is my first year at Camp Ballibay and I am beyond excited to spend the summer working with campers to make both amazing food and lifelong memories! I can’t wait to meet all of the lovely Ballibay staff and become a part of such a creative and supportive team.

Professional Bio:
I am currently studying Mathematics at Durham University, so spend the majority of my time working on my degree. I am also a member of Durham University’s Charity Committee, in which I am responsible for organizing charity fundraising events and challenges. Outside of this, my favorite way to spend my free time is by baking or cooking. I studied Food Education and Nutrition at school, which allowed me to develop a love of learning new recipes and testing them on my friends and family. I find that it is incredibly rewarding to see the joy you can give to someone with just some good food! I am really looking forward to being able to share this joy with campers this summer, as well as exchanging recipes with people from across the world!

Rowenna-Topham

Art Counselor

ROWENNA TOPHAM

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
St Austell
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2022

This is my first year at camp, I’ll be in the art department. Working with ceramics and photography (my two favourite things!) I’ll also be working with the horses, helping to care for them, I’ve been riding for 12 years. I can’t wait to share my passions, meet new people and be present in the energy!

Professional Bio:
When I’m not at camp, I’m living in south west England, right by the beach. I’m currently a chef at a thriving local restaurant, situated right on a historic harbour. I go surfing from time to time, I ride horses, and create art. I’m planning to move to London next year, and after that, France!

Kelli-McLaurin

Costumes Counselor

KELLI MCLAURIN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Lubbock, TX
Cabin
Attended Camp: 2022

This is my first year at Camp Ballibay! Theatre has been a part of my life since I was very young, and I am super excited to share my passion for the art and costuming with new young artists.

Professional Bio:
I graduated with a B.A. in Theatre from Angelo State University. I had designed and worked wardrobe for a majority of performances there. I have also worked as a freelance wardrobe technician for the San Angelo Performing Arts Center for several years. Outside of camp, I work in education as a substitute teacher while joining community theatres and creating costumes whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Bailey Roper

Art Counselor

BAILEY ROPER

Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Hometown:
Philadelphia, PA
Attended Camp: 2022

This is Bailey’s first year at camp and they are so excited to join the team! As a fibers and rug artist they are thrilled to teach campers about rug making and make a collaborative piece together.

Professional Bio:
Bailey is a Philadelphia-based fibers and performance artist. Originally from Texas, they’ve made Philly their home for the past decade. They are artistically interested in color, softness, pop culture, silliness, social media rituals, and matching. They worked freelance as an actor in Philly and New York for several years until centering more into visual art and self made performance work.

Paola-Huerta

Kitchen Staff

PAOLA DENISSE HUERTA SOLANO

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Puebla, Mexico
Attended Camp:
2022

I’m Paola and this is my first year in the Ballibay team, I’m very excited to belong to the team because I love the concept and I identify with its ideals: safe, inclusive and diverse. I’m happy to meet new people and be able to collaborate with them!

Professional Bio:
I am a Business Management Engineering student at an amazing university in my city. I love working in a team and learning new things. I would like to specialize in the area of ​​marketing.

Thomas-Diamond Rock Counselor

Rock Counselor

THOMAS DIAMOND

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Winchester, MA
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

I’m so excited to be a part of this community! After reading through some of the Balibay “philosophy” materials, I’m prepared for that I will be challenged, in the most positive of ways, to leave behind some things I’ve gotten used to and embrace something new. I’ve gotten so used to having and looking at my phone, living by a schedule, and working toward goals and achievements. As I understand, Balibay will demand that we all loosen our grasp on these things, and turn our efforts toward an open and flexible, yet rather rigorous commitment to the safety and inspiration of the kids we welcome to campus. I’m eager to learn more about what this all means and to meet everyone I will be working with, and for!

Professional Bio:
I’ve just graduated with a bachelor’s from Ithaca College. I’ve played guitar for 14 years, studied it for about 6, and dabble in a growing list of other popular instruments. I worked as a camp counselor for a summer a few years ago, but wasn’t able to go back since Covid started. I’m so excited to revisit this kind of role, though I am ready for that this summer will be quite different, in many ways, from what I am used to at a summer camp.

Oliver-Dobrian

Rock Counselor

OLIVER DOBRIAN

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Anaheim, CA
Attended Camp:
2022

Hi everyone! I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Ballibay community as a Rock Counselor this year. I look forward to spreading my love of all music to everyone. I’m primarily a drummer, but first and foremost I’m just a music fan! I can’t wait to meet all of you and hear your different connections to music and what inspires you creatively. I’ll do my best to help in any way I can! Whether it be through jamming, writing, or even just listening to music, there’s always more to be learned and have fun with. Let’s make some killer tunes!

Professional bio:
Oliver Dobrian is a musician, songwriter, and teacher based in Anaheim, California. He is primarily a drummer, having started playing at age 4. At age 10, he also began learning guitar. Since 2008, he has been teaching drum lessons privately, as well as working at various music schools. In 2014, he earned a degree from UCLA in Jazz Drum Performance. Currently, he is the drummer in California rock band Filmspeed, and creates his own music under the name Millennial Whoop. He also plays and records as a freelancer in various groups around Southern California. Oliver’s love of music spreads to all aspects, and his biggest goal is to spread that love in any way he can. In his lessons, Oliver likes to cater to the interests of every individual student as much as possible, maintaining focus to make progress in an area the student truly wants to learn. Ultimately, Oliver believes that music making should be fun, and he aims to keep it that way by exposing students to new topics of interest, fostering old ones, and playing as much as possible!

Al Matsu Food Educator and Theater Counselor

Theater Director

ALEXANDRA MATSU

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
 New York, NY
Returning, Camper, Cabin
Attended Camp:
2011, 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022

Al is returning for her seventh year at Ballibay! As a teen, camp was a place where she could explore art and make friends in a totally supportive and rare setting. Ballibay is a unique place with a special mission, and Al is dedicated towards keeping that mission alive. This year she will be directing shows, and teaching the art of acting through workshops and studio time as well as providing general theater support.

Professional Bio:
Al Matsu is an actor, director, teacher, and baker from New York City. She trained in the Stanislavsky Method of Acting at the Moscow Art Theatre School and will be pursuing a Masters in Acting at PACE in the Fall.

Jamie Carroll Theater Tech

Technical Theater Counselor

Jamie Carroll

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: 
Dallas, TX
Cabin, Returning
Attended Camp: 
2021, 2022

I was lucky to be apart of the Ballibay team last summer where I made many friends and memories. My role was in assisting in the creation of props for our shows, and helping campers grow as stage managers. I am beyond excited to see what this summer holds, and what new creative endeavors I will get to be apart of.

Professional Bio:
Jamie Carroll is a recent graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Stage Management. Jamie has been involved in theatre since she was in 2nd grade. She has worked on a myriad of productions, but some of her favorites she worked on include Oklahoma!, Mamma Mia!, and Pullman, WA to name a few. Jamie is now working as a freelance Stage Manager all over the country.

KAROLINA IRZWIKOWSKA

Riding Counselor

KAROLINA IRZWIKOWSKA

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Warsaw, Poland
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

Its gonna be my first year on a Ballibay Camp! I look forward to getting to know everyone on the camp, a different culture, a different language, sport, art and everything that awaits me at the camp is very fascinating for me. And US – can’t wait to be there!

Destiny-Humphrey Office Staff

Office Staff

DESTINY HUMPHREY

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Anderson, SC
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This is Destiny’s first year at Camp Ballibay, and she is so excited to meeting all the talented campers and exploring all of the different art forms! She looks forward to building a community with everyone and having a fun-filled summer!

Professional bio:
Destiny is a junior at the College of Charleston. She is double majoring in Arts Management & Marketing while also minoring in Entrepreneurship. At the College, she is a School of Business Student Ambassador and serves on the Arts Management Student Advisory Board. She has been dancing for 12 years and has training in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and more. More recently, Destiny has been seen on the College main stage in three dance concerts since Spring 2021.

Jazmin-Flores

Support Staff

JAZMIN REYES FLORES

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

I love be part of Ballibay, every year get new adventures and experiences for your life with amazing people.

Professional bio:
In Camp Ballibay I have worked in 2019 for kitchen staff, currently I’m legal assessor in Mexico, volunteer for Rotary International and nature lover.

Gastón-Gómez-Jiménez

Kitchen Staff

Gastón Gómez Jiménez

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Puebla, Mexico
Attended Camp:
2022

This is my first experience at a summer camp, I’m really exited to know people from different places. Also i consider it’s a great experience to learn a lot from experts.

Professional bio:
I’m studying industrial engineering at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, currently in my 3rd year. I really enjoy playing sports and playing video games.

Punchhi Pandit

Junior Counselor

PUNCHHI PANDIT

Pronouns: they/them
Hometown:
Hockessin, Delaware
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This is Punchhi’s first year at camp! They’ve had lots of experience working with kids in the past and as a result, they can’t wait to join the family at Ballibay! Punchhi has spent their entire life surrounded by the theater as a BIPOC trans kid themself, Punchhi is looking forward to helping nurture and provide support for kids that are in the midst of transitioning especially those of color!

Professional bio:
Punchhi Pandit’s first strong memory of the theater world was when they were cast as Molly in Mousetrap for the Cab Calloway School of the Arts’ fall play. Although they have spent their entire life acting, Mousetrap led them to realize their thirst for a career in Theater. The moment they stepped under that stage light, they realized that was what they wanted to spend the rest of their life doing. Punchhi has fostered their love for theater by participating in several other productions ranging from Improv Dinner Theater Murder mysteries, Shakespeare productions, devised theater performances to short student films. Punchhi is currently pursuing their acting dreams at Emerson College in Boston where they are majoring in Theater and Performance BFA and minoring in Social Justice.

David-Galindo music counselor

Music Counselor

DAVID GALINDO

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Huamantla, Tlaxcala. México
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This is my first year working with Ballibay, I am very excited due to I will go to work in another country and I will know new cultures, new people, new traditions.

Professional bio:
I am a music lover, because I started playing instruments since I was a child, so I have that admiration and appreciation for music. I am someone very patient to teach my knowledge, as well as to know the great potential of everyone.

Film and Media Counselor

SEAN JOHNSON

Pronouns: he/him
Hometown:
Westhampton Beach
Attended Camp:
2022

I am very excited to teach kids how to create projects related to theatre and film. I am also looking forward to meeting the rest of the staff and enhance the videography of the theatre performances on the stage.

Professional bio:
Sean Johnson is an undergraduate of The University at Buffalo, where he will be receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies with a concentration of film production. Sean has been involved in the craft of filmmaking since he was in middle school starting from short projects to feature films and so much more. Sean also minors in Theatre and has experience with sound design and technical theatre work, as well as some acting in student short films. Sean is now working on a short horror film with a professional crew which will hopefully wrap up in October of 2022.

Drew-Brown Music Counselor

Music Counselor

DREW BROWN

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
College Park, Maryland
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2022

This will be Drew’s first year at Camp Ballibay and she’s thrilled to meet the campers and begin making music together. With more than a decade of experience on both jazz and classical trumpet, she hopes to share fun, new ideas with campers interested in brass.

Professional bio:
Drew Brown is an artist and musician working on the Maryland side of D.C. Apart from her formal education on trumpet, she is primarily self taught in visual art and audio production. Characterized by expressive line-work and texture, her drawings capture impressions of marginalized community and queer imaginaries. In her music, Drew explores similar topics through improvization and experimentation. Themes that span all her work are family history, trans experience, motion, and imperfection.

katherine-luna art counselor

Art Counselor

KATHERINE LUNA

Pronouns: she/her
Hometown:
Miami, FL
Cabin
Attended Camp:
2021, 2022

Hi, this is my second year attending camp and I’m excited to come back with more confidence then last time. I was the fiber counselor last year and I joined the last session of camp so I felt a little lost but I’m ready this year!

Professional bio:
I am an undergraduate rising junior studying textile design at Maryland institute college of art. I’ve been studying art in an academic setting for 7 years now. My work is concentrated on natural dye, knitting, and spinning. I also create through ceramics, weaving, and basket making. My curiosity about alternative healing practices has led to my developing research on sustainable substitutes in art materials. I recently completed an internship at a local Baltimore urban farm that is also a natural dye studio. I’ve also been an intern at a screen printing studio and a parks and recreation office.

INTERESTED IN WORKING AT BALLIBAY THIS SUMMER?

Click here for the staff application. We still have a few positions to fill for this summer!