Meet Our Staff
The single most important aspect of any summer camp is the people who run it and who care for and mentor children day in and day out. At Fessenden, we’re proud to say we have some of the best. Our summer staff includes teachers, college and high school students, as well as specialists who provide their specific expertise for activities. Highly qualified, superbly trained, and deeply compassionate, our people make Fessenden Day Camp the great place it is.
Meet the Leadership Team
Jenn Whalen-Hume Camp Director 7 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Jenn’s fourth year as Director at Fessenden Summer Camps. Prior to becoming Director she worked closely with the camp staff as Camp Administrator. Before coming to Fessenden, Jenn spent the majority of her camping career at Camp Bernadette, in Wolfeboro, NH, most recently as their Resident Director. Jenn has experienced summer camp from a variety of lenses, including a camper, CIT, counselor, program director, director and most importantly, as the parent of campers and staff members. Jenn is an active member of the American Camp Association where she volunteers as a Camp Accreditation Visitor. She has also worked as a Middle School math and science teacher in Medford, MA . Jenn is a graduate of Boston University and a lover of all Boston’s local sports teams.
My favorite camp activity is…
Swimming! There is no better way to cool off on a hot day. I spent every summer as a teenager lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons at a summer camp!What I love about camp is…
Camp is all about building relationships. The best part of camp is meeting new people and making new friends, all while having a blast!
Nikki Bookwalter Summer Camps Administrator 4 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Nikki’s fourth summer as the Fessenden Summer Camps Administrator. Prior to Fessenden, Nikki worked at MIT in the Aquatics Department, overseeing lifeguards and special events. Nikki has worked at a variety of Summer Camps in the Greater Boston area and has a deep background in camp program development and administration. Nikki was a competitive swimmer for 18 years, and joined the Varsity team at Boston University where she received her undergraduate degrees in Art History and History. She has also received her Master’s Degree in Sports Management.
My Hobbies
Traveling, hiking, cooking and reading. My favorite food to cook is Korean and my favorite book is Jane Eyre! Ireland is my favorite place to visit so far!A fun fact about me
I have moved 18 times in my life!My favorite camp activity
Soccer or anything in the water!Meet our Summer Staff
Becca Wilson Program Director 17 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Becca’s fourth year as the program director and 17th summer summer working at the Fessenden Summer Camp. Previously, she has been a CIT, counselor, nature science specialist and even a camper. She always looks forward to reuniting with returning campers and staff each summer! When she’s not at Fessenden, Becca teaches third grade at Lilja elementary school in Natick, where she’s worked for the past six years. She has a degree in elementary education and a master’s in Literacy & Language.
My hobbies are…
Baking, reading, and following Boston sports! After a fun-filled camp day, I can often be seen heading off to a Red Sox game!My favorite camp activity is…
Sports! I love participating in the unique, collaborative, and skill building activities our sports specialists plan out for campers.What I love about camp is…
Seeing campers build skills in a play-based setting! Camp lets kids be leaders, teammates, friends, and themselves all while having fun!
Alex Dilworth Aquatics Director 3 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Alex’s first year as Aquatics Director and third summer working at Fessenden Summer Camps. For the past two summers he worked as a lifeguard and Head Lifeguard at our pools. Alex just completed his bachelor’s degree in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College. When he’s not at Fessenden, Alex is a teaching assistant at Oak Hill Middle School in Newton. He will be coaching baseball there in the spring and has a passion for coaching basketball at higher levels in the future.
My hobbies are..
Alex enjoys spending time outside and playing basketball as much as he can. He is a massive Boston sports fan and loves to talk about them.My favorite thing about camp is..
Swimming and Sports. Instructional Swim is a great way for kids to meet others and safely have fun in the water. It’s always amazing to see instructors working on diving with kids during their lessons and for the kids to continue practicing on their own during Free Swim.
Gerard Wilson CIT Director 22 Years at Fessenden
This will be Gerard’s 22nd summer at Fessenden. He has been a senior counselor in both the middle camp and upper camps. He was the woodworking specialist for four years and will be starting his ninth year as the CIT Director in 2025. Gerard has been a teacher at St John’s Preparatory School in Danvers for over 30 years. He also works part-time at the Countryside Children’s Center (K-6 program) in Newton Upper Falls. He has been a teacher there for over fifteen years.
About my family…
His two sons have been campers and counselors at Fessy. Currently his wife MaryAnn is a senior counselor in the half-day program and his daughter Becca is the camp program director.My favorite thing about camp is…
Sports, Sports and more Sports. I love playing, running, coaching and refereeing sports at camp. My favorite sports activity is running and participating in the upper camp floor hockey tournament.My favorite camp memory is…
My favorite camp memory is building and painting an Adirondack bench with the Teen Trippers. Many of whom were my CITs a few summers ago.
Margaret Campagna Camper Support Specialist 4 Years at Fessenden
Margaret is one of Camp’s two Camper Support Specialists. Margaret started at Fessenden Summer Camps during the summer of 2022. She has previously worked within middle and upper camp, helping campers make the most out of their camp experience. During the school year, Margaret works as a licensed School Psychologist in Boston Public Schools for grades K-8. She has a Master’s in Education (M. Ed.) and an Education Specialist Degree (Ed. S.) from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
My favorite camp activity is..
Soccer! I used to play when I was younger and loved how much confidence the game gave me. Now playing at camp with my campers I experience that same enjoyment.My hobbies are..
Baking cookies and cakes for my friends, family and coworkers. My specialty is classic chocolate chip cookies.
Ray Isales Middle Camp Director 5 Years at Fessenden
This will be Ray’s second year as Middle Camp Director. Prior to this position Ray was Fessenden’s lower camp Sports and Games Specialist for three years. Originally from New York (Go Yankees!), he has worked Summer Camp since 2013, bringing a variety of experience from day, onsite, offsite, and overnight camps. In addition to working in Special Education during the school year, Ray has a passion for coaching year round, whether its Cross Country, Track & Field, or Wrestling.
My hobbies are..
I enjoy reading and watching anime with my cat, Newt. I’m also always up to talk about the most recent Pokemon game or take a look at a camper’s card collection!My favorite camp activity is..
Circle games! All you need is a couple of new friends and an idea, and you have instant fun, rain or shine, whether it’s a free-play period or a spare 5 minutes at the end of the day.
Tyler Kelly Specialty Camp Director & Baseball Camp Director 4 Years at Fessenden
This summer Tyler will be joining the Day Camp Senior Staff as Specialty Camp Director. 2025 will also be Tyler’s third year directing Fessenden’s Baseball Camps. Tyler is currently one of the lower school Physical Education teachers. Along with teaching he also coaches football, basketball, and baseball. Tyler has worked at a variety of summer camps ranging from outdoor adventure camps to sport camps. He was a collegiate baseball player at Springfield College and has plenty of coaching experience both collegiately and at Fessenden. Tyler enjoys coaching the sport he loves and is excited to bring a positive atmosphere to the baseball camp this summer!
Don Cahill Operations Coordinator 6 Years at Fessenden
My hobbies are..
I enjoy eating various kinds of food, playing and watching sports and going to the movies.A fun fact about me is..
I have lived and worked in 5 different states.
Kayli Harshbarger Camp Office Manager 3 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Kayli’s third summer as the Fessenden Summer Camps Office Manager. Prior to Fessenden, she worked on the Programing Team at Camp Caribe in Puerto Rico. When she is not at Fessenden, Kayli is working towards her PhD in Anthropology at the University of Illinois Chicago.
My hobbies are..
Traveling, reading, cheering on the Celtics, and playing with my cat, Ivy.My favorite camp..
Popsicle break. It's a great time to cool off and chat with new friends.Meet our Specialists
Sarah Foster Upper Camp Arts & Crafts Specialist 5 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Sarah’s 5th year as the Upper Camp Arts & Crafts Specialist at Fessenden. Sarah has a B.A. in Studio Art with a minor in Graphic Design from the University of Maine. Prior to joining the Fessenden Camp team, she taught at a LEGO Robotics camp in Maine. During the school year Sarah works at an extended day program for middle school students.
My favorite camp activity is..
Gimp!! Gimp is a camp classic and you can craft anything out of it.My hobbies include..
I have a lot of hobbies: Watercolors, Knitting, crochet, puzzles, hiking, birdwatching, woodworking, and I do the New York Times Crossword almost every day. If there is an interesting skill I can learn, I'm going to take the time to learn it. I originally grew up on the Virginian peninsula so a lot of my watercolors are inspired by the Chesapeake Bay area's native creatures and waterscapes.
Maddie Sirois Dance Specialist 5 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Maddie’s 5th summer working at Fessenden and her first as our Dance Specialist. Maddie began dancing at 3 years old and continued dancing for more than 12 years. She was part of a competitive dance team at a local dance company for several years. When not at camp Maddie is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at UMass Amherst. Maddie grew up as a “camp kid”, spending every summer at Camp Bernadette in New Hampshire. She loves everything about summer camp and can’t wait to spend another summer at Fessy.
My favorite thing about camp is..
Making new friends! Camp is the perfect place to meet new people and make friends for life. I am still in contact with lots of friends that I made as a camper at camp!My Hobbies are..
In my free time I enjoy reading, spending time with my friends and cheering on my favorite sports team, the Celtics. I recently started taking Spin classes, and I love it!
Anna Edry Ceramics Specialist 3 Years at Fessenden
This summer will be Anna’s third summer teaching ceramics at Fessenden! When she’s not at camp, Anna is working towards her BFA in Craft And Materials Studies with a concentration in ceramics at the College For Creative Studies in Detroit, MI. She typically works in large scale ceramic installation, and loves silly art! Originally from the Boston area, Anna is excited to be back in Massachusetts for the summer!
My hobbies are..
In my free time I take adult ballet classes!My favorite camp activity is..
I love seeing everyone dressed up for theme day! Some campers get really creative with their costumes!A fun fact about me is..
In addition to ceramics, I also blow glass and am a silversmith!
Savannah Furbush Music Specialist 3 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Savannah’s third summer at Fessenden, and second year as our Music Specialist. During the school year, Savannah works at the Massachusetts State Archives and Commonwealth Museum giving tour to children from all of the state. She is also working towards her Master’s Degree in Sociology at the University of Massachusetts Boston. In her spare time, Savannah enjoys crocheting, reading and figure skating.
My favorite camp activity..
My favorite camp activity is Boomwackers! The Campers love to play them and learn all about rhythms and note along the way!A fun fact about me is..
When I was in high school, by school band got to play at a Providence Bruins game.
Sirin Buruk Archery Specialist 2 Years at Fessenden
As an experienced adventurer with a deep enthusiasm for shaping young minds, honing skills, and cultivating a passion for the outdoors, Sirin is excited to return to Fessenden for her second stint as our Archery Specialist. Prior to Fessenden, Sirin served as a program director at a residential camp where she orchestrated unforgettable experiences for her campers.
My hobbies are..
Beyond the warmth of campfires, I take pleasure in reading, painting, and drawing. The tranquility by the seaside revitalizes my spirit, and my wanderlust continually drives me to explore diverse countries and cultures.Why I love working at camp..
For me, the camp is not merely a job; it's a vibrant canvas where I delight in having fun with kids and savoring the art of teaching.
Amanda DePina Lower Camp Sports Specialist 2 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Amanda’s second summer at Fessenden Summer Camps as the Lower Camp Sports Specialist. Amanda comes to us from spending her summers at the YMCA working as a CIT, Team Building Specialist, and Site Coordinator for Lower Camp. During the school year, Amanda works in the Needham Public Schools as a 6th grade Special Education Teaching Assistant. As a camp kid once herself, Amanda is looking forward to enjoying another summer out in the sun surrounded by a wonderfully welcoming summer camp environment.
My favorite camp activity is..
Theme days are so much fun especially with the special activities that happen!A fun fact about me is..
I play 6 musical instruments.
Bradley Groleau Media Specialist 1 Years at Fessenden
This will be Brad’s first year working at Fessenden Summer Camp. Before this summer, Brad has worked for several summers at other summer camps creating videos for campers to bring home to show all the camp magic! He is beyond excited to meet the campers, create fun videos and just have an amazing summer here at Fessenden.
My Hobbies..
Walking my dog, hiking, listening to music and creating videos.My favorite camp activity is..
I am always a fan of creating camp videos with campers. Whether it be a music video, a mini movie something else, it's always fun.What I love about camp is..
Creating great memories for myself, the staff, and especially the campers!
J.P. Meyers Nature Specialist 2 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be J.P.’s second summer directing our Nature Program at Fessenden. J.P. had extensive experience at an overnight camp over in Pennsylvania where he was the nature coordinator. J.P. has spent time as a camp counselor, as well. He is excited to be the Nature Specialist this summer at Fessenden and looks forward to sharing his passion for the outdoors and having fun with our campers and staff!
About my family..
I come from a large family of eight! I'm number 3 and have three sisters and two brothers. I grew up on a farm in New Jersey and just recently moved to Massachusetts.My hobbies are..
I love to go on hikes and nature walks and all general outdoor activities. I also have a soft spot for writing/telling stories! I love to cook and my favorite dish to make is chicken marsala!
Harmony Witte Lower Camp Arts & Crafts Specialist 2 Years at Fessenden
This will be Harmony’s second year working as the Lower Camp Arts & Crafts Specialist at Fessenden Summer Camp. Before working at Fessenden, Harmony worked at a summer camp in Texas as the art director. She assisted campers in making pinch pots out of clay, dug from the banks of the river. She also organized weekly art galas at camp. She looks forward to getting to know a new set of campers and creating art and memories together.
A fun fact about me is..
I am an identical triplet! We have very different personalities, but we are all very artistic.My hobbies are..
I am a culture critic for a newspaper and a music label in my free time attending movies, concerts, and gallery shows, even eating at restaurants then conducting interviews and writing reviews and articles for the publications.My favorite camp activities are..
My favorite activity is mealtime because that’s a great time to check in with everyone and see how their day is going. But I love it all—swimming, archery, hiking, and of course, arts and crafts! It’s so rewarding to help a child learn a new art skill and watch their confidence grow!
Dacia Fujiwara Woodshop Specialist 2 Years at Fessenden
2025 will be Dacia’s second year teaching Woodshop at Fessenden Summer Camps. Originally from England, she began her summer camp journey in 2016 at Camp Sangamon for Boys in Pittsford, VT, where she has spent many seasons teaching Arts and Crafts. During the school year, Dacia teaches Special Education in Dorchester, having transitioned from a career teaching Visual Arts in the UK and Mexico.
