Barry Birkmeyer
My name is Barry Birkmeyer, and I am the Director of Camp. This is my 12th summer at Camp. I love my job, sports, and my dog Jeter. Huge Chiefs fan and have been a season ticket holder my entire life.
Abby Wordsworth
Hi! My name is Abby Wordsworth, and I have worked at J Camp for almost 13 years now! I graduated from K-State with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I love J Camp and cannot wait for another exciting summer!
Daniel Adams
My Name is Daniel, and I love playing sports! My favorites are basketball and soccer. I also love family time and spend as much time as I can with them. I like seeing my friends and having fun!
Catherine Ancell
Hi, I’m Catherine Ancell! I am going to be a sophomore at the University of Kansas studying sport management. I enjoy being outside, staying active, and I’m excited for a fun summer with the kids!.
Daniel Anderst
My name is Daniel, and I am a rising senior at Rockhurst High School. This will be my third year at the J, and I am looking forward to having a fun summer.
Justin Armbruster
Hi, my name is Justin Armbruster, and I go to Olathe Northwest High School. I love to play video games, be outside, write stories, and workout! I love to take trips with my friends and have an absolute blast every day at work!
Jessica Baldwin
I'm Jessica Baldwin. I am the mom of 3 kiddos, 18, 15, and 12. I enjoy spending any time I can with them and my husband. I teach preschool and believe in meeting my students where they are. In my free time, I enjoy running and working out.
Luke Barton
Hi! My name is Luke, and I am the Specialty Camp Director. This will be my fifth summer working at J Camp! I am so excited to be back with all the kids and our amazing Staff!!
Isabel Bernstein
My name is Isabel, and I am a sophomore at American University studying Religious Studies and Art History! I love hanging out outside, reading, and theater.
Cherri Bhagane
My name is Cherri Bhagane, and I’m a recent graduate of Blue Valley West High School. I’ll attend JCCC in the fall to study Biology. I’m really passionate about animal science! I also love working with children.
Shir Bitaolin
Hi! I’, Shir, I’m 25 and I’m from Israel. I am so excited to work at Camp! I believe that one kind word can brighten someone’s day.
Ellison Bonge
Hello, my name is Ellison Bonge. I’m going into my 2nd year at JCCC completing my gen eds for forensic science. I am excited to be returning for my 3rd year with J Camp!
Meredith Bonge
Hi, my name is Meredith! I will be a sophomore at the University of Arkansas studying Art History. I love the outdoors and being creative, and am so excited for this summer with the kids.
Hunter Brown
Hi, my name is Hunter Brown, and I will be a senior at Blue Valley Northwest next year. I used to attend J Camp when I was younger, so I’m excited to return as a staff member this year.
Kalista Brown
Hi, I’m Kalista Brown and I’m a senior Music Education and Vocal Performance major at the University of Arkansas! I cannot wait for another summer with J Theatre Camp!
Aida Bruce
Hi! My name is Aida Bruce, and I'm a rising junior at Shawnee Mission East High School. I love running, drawing, writing, and playing violin. I'm very excited for this summer!
Ella Bruce
Hi! My name is Ella. I'm a rising junior at Shawnee Mission East High School. I play the violin, and I love to write, read, craft, and take photographs. This is my first year working here, and I'm so excited to be a part of this!
Ellie Bustamante
I am Ellie B.! I love caring for my community and changing lives! Information Technologies, diversity, and showing kindness are some of my favorite things to do, can’t wait to work for The J!
Rafael Chamlian
Hello! My name is Rafael Chamlian, and I recently finished my freshman year studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas. I love weightlifting, playing basketball, and playing the guitar. This is my 3rd year working at J Camp and I can’t wait to have another great summer!
Lucy Cole
Hi! My name is Lucy Cole, and I’m currently going into my sophomore year at Kansas State University, where I’m studying speech pathology. I’m so excited for this summer and can’t wait to have fun with all the kids!
Emma Craig
Hi, I’m Emma. I go to Kansas State University and I’m majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. I’m so excited to help your children have a fun and engaging time this summer!
Everett Davis
Hi! I love J Camp and have cherished my time as both a camper and a counselor; this will be my fourth year working for The J. I love swimming, lifting weights, leading activities, music, and working on cars!
Mike Dennis
Hello, my name is Mikel Dennis, and this will be my fourth summer at J Camp. I’m ready to have fun with the kids this summer!
Roslen Dominic
My name is Roslen Dominic. During the school year I work as a Para at Blue Valley North High School. I'm looking forward to having an awesome summer with kids at J Camp.
Amri Eischen
My name is Amri Eischen. I will be a senior at Saint Thomas Aquinas. My favorite sport is soccer, and I love the outdoors and doing things with friends.
Brooklynn Embree
Hello, my name is Brooklynn, and I will be attending the University of Missouri in the fall! I have been a part of the J Camp community since I was a camper and this will be my 3rd summer working at The J! I can’t wait for this summer to start!
Siera Fairley
Hello! I am Siera Fairley, and I am a sophomore at K-State studying Early Childhood Education. This will be my second year as a senior camp counselor, and I am so excited to get to know you and your child this summer!
Ulzii Falco
Hi, my name is Ulzii Falco, I am a wife, mother, farmer and chef! The reason I love cooking has always been the same: I LOVE TO EAT! I have worked all over the U.S - from fine dining to diners - for over a decade and I am thrilled to share my knowledge and love of food, techniques and nutrition with your children.
Jake Fields
I’m a newly graduated high school student from BVN, who’s planning on going to K-State for Wildlife Biology. This will be my 3rd summer working at J-camp and I’m excited for whatever the summer will bring.
Olivia Fields
Hi, I’m Olivia Fields, and I’m about to start my senior year at the University of Missouri. I attended J Camp as a kid, and this summer will be my third time returning as a counselor. I can’t wait to make new memories with all the amazing campers!
Macy Gagnon
Hi! My name is Macy Gagnon, and I am going to be a junior at Blue Valley Northwest next school year. Outside of school, I enjoy ballet, soccer, theatre and art! I’m very excited to be working at J this summer!
Katie George
Hi! My name is Katie, and I will be the substitute director this summer! I have worked at the J since 2016 and spent three of those years as Sports Camp Director. During the school year I work as a speech/language pathology assistant in KCPS district. I’m so excited to see all the familiar faces soon!
Matthew Gherardini
Hi! I am Matthew Gherardini. I'm a 2025 graduate of Blue Valley High School. I am majoring in computer science with a minor in business at High Point University. I play baseball in my free time and I now play for the club Rage Baseball. As a junior counselor in Barney Goodman Camp, I am super excited for this summer.
Elliot Graham
Hi, my name is Elliot Graham and this will be my first year working at J Camp. I just graduated from Lee's Summit West and I will be attending KU in the fall.
Gabbie Granoff
Hi! My name is Gabbie Granoff, and I am a rising junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst studying math and journalism. I am so excited to be camp photographer again this summer and capture our campers' best summer memories!
Chrissy Green
My name is Chrissy Green. This is my fourth year as the camp office manager for J Camp. My husband and three of my children also work at the J. I just love getting to know the kids, families and staff every year. I am looking forward to another fantastic summer!
Jyck Green
Hi! I’m Jyck and I’m a junior at Emporia State University studying theatre. I love working with kids to help them learn, grow and have fun, be it with theatre or here at J Camp!
Lindsay Harris
My name is Lindsay Harris and this fall, I will be a junior at the University of Kansas studying Elementary Education Unified. I love to dance, travel, and bake, and I’m excited to be working with the kids at The J for my second summer!
Carson Hunt
My name is Carson Hunt, I am going into my senior year at Blue Valley Northwest and planning to go to KU. I'm excited to work at J Camp to have fun with campers and to be outside in the sun.
Max Hruda
Hi, my name is Max, and I am an incoming freshman at Colorado State University. This is my 4th summer working at the J and I’m so excited to work with all the kids this summer!
Peydin Jacobson
My name is Peydin Jacobson, and I am going into my senior year at Shawnee Mission South. I am a varsity cheerleader, and I love working with kids!!
Lexi Jones
Hi! My name is Lexi Jones and I just completed my first year of college at Mizzou. I love hanging with friends and family, watching TV, and going to concerts! I can't wait for the summer at J Camp!
Owen Jungk
My name is Owen Jungk, and I love all sports whether playing, watching, or learning; especially with my friends. I also love traveling, especially to the beaches.
Ariana Kamugisha
Hello! My name is Ariana Kamugisha, and I am a student at the University of Pittsburgh studying Public Health. This will be my first summer working at J Camp, and I'm super excited to get to know everyone!
Charlie Kopit
Hi, I’m Charlie. I’m 16 years old, and love to play video games and listen to music. I have a younger brother who is 7, I love to hangout and play with him. I worked at J Camp for the 2 years. I was an LIT for both years. I can’t wait to see everyone again this summer!!!
Mya Ladd
Hi! My name is Mya, and I’m a new Camp Counselor this year. I’m so excited to join everyone! I also can’t wait to bond with all the kids and have some summer fun!
Tadd Lambert
Hi, my name is Tad Lambert, and I will be a sophomore Creative Producing student at Chapman University in the fall. I enjoy writing, videography, and theme parks, and I can’t wait for my first summer working at camp!
Andrea Lay
Hello! My name is Andrea Lay. I have been working at J-camp for a while. During the school year I am a special education teacher in the Shawnee Mission School district. When I am not at the J for summer camp you can find me traveling or hanging with my animals.
James Levy
Originally from Prairie Village, James holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Kansas as well as a Master’s in Education from Washburn University. He currently teaches Middle School Vocal Music in the Blue Valley School District. He also serves as Artistic Director of Kansas City A Cappella, Director of Music at John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, and Music Director through various theatre companies including Shawnee Mission Theatre in The Park and The White Theatre.
Abbey Liby
My name is Abbey Liby, I go to Saint Thomas Aquinas. I’m going to be an upcoming senior this year, and I work in the after-school program during the school year!
Maria Lopez
My name is Maria, and this is my first year working at The J. I love the hot weather and I'm looking forward to having a fun summer.
Dean Markes
Hi! My name is Dean Markes and I am returning to J Camp for my second year. I love getting the chance to build connections with all of my campers. Each day of camp brings something new to look forward to, and I cannot wait to see what this summer brings!
Jane Martin
Hi! My name is Jane and I’m a writer and substitute teacher in the Shawnee Mission School District. I am passionate about making the creative arts accessible and engaging for students of all ages to help them express their ideas and emotions.
Nina McNay
Hello! My name is Nina McNay, and I am a recent graduate from Blue Valley Northwest High School. This will be my second year working as a counselor for J Camp and outside of camp, you can find me playing various instruments, drawing, and reading!
Emily Meoded
Hi my name is Emily Meoded and I’m a junior at KU on the pre-law track. This is my second summer at J Camp and I’m super excited!
Jonathan Meoded
Hi, my name is Jonathan and I’m really excited to work at camp. I’m really invested in soccer and fitness, and I will be a freshman at KU this fall.
Himani Mulbery
Hi! My name is Himani Mulbery, and I am going to be a senior at Pembroke Hill this fall! I love to dance, read, travel, and hang out with my friends in my free time! This will be my first summer with J Camp, but I am super excited to get to know everyone and have fun with the kids!
Sophie Nemtsev
My name is Sophie Nemtsev, I am going to be a senior in high school. I have been homeschooled for two years now. I love writing, animals, acting, and being with friends. I am excited to be a counselor this summer!
Isabella O’Donnell
Hi! My name is Isabella, this will be my third summer at J Camp, and my sixth year working summer camps! I am currently at Benedictine College getting my nursing degree! I am so excited to be with Barney Goodman this year and can’t wait for a fun summer!
Danielle Omer
Hi! I’m Danielle Omer and I’m a rising senior at Loyola University Chicago studying marketing and entrepreneurship. I am so excited for my fourth summer at J Camp working with theater camp!
Hannah Pagel
I’m Hannah Pagel, and I’m a paraprofessional with who has many summers of experience with J Camp and I also have a special education degree. I love working with kids and look forward to having a great summer with them!
Jacqueline Passonno
My name is Jacqueline, and this will be my eighth summer working at The J! I’ve worked as Barney Goodman Director, Office Manager, and Admin Assistant. I am excited to spend this summer as Ma’asim Tovim Director, with some of the kiddos who were in first grade my very first year; time flies!
Lauren Presley
My name is Lauren Presley, and this will be my second summer as a BOOM counselor. I will be a senior at Mizzou this year and I’m super excited to see what this summer brings!!
Garrett Reimche
Hi, I’m Garrett Reimche, and I’m 21 years old. I’ve developed a strong passion for triathlons and love sharing that with others. Nothing motivates me more than helping people set big goals, work hard, and achieve things they didn’t think were possible. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to reach the next level, I’m here to support and encourage you every step of the way.
Jayde Robinson
My name is Jayden, preferably Jayde, and I’m an aunt, have three siblings and enjoy being around people I feel comfortable with! I enjoy Asian culture and spending time with my friends, plus I’m very easy going and friendly to be around.
Allie Rosenberg
Hi, I’m Allie. I went to J Camp every summer as a kid, and I'm excited to be returning for my fourth summer as Barney Goodman Director! During the school year, I am a first-grade teacher at Leawood Elementary School.
Rachel Rule
Hi, my name is Rachel, and this is my third year working at J Camp! During the school year I work as a middle school counselor. I enjoy spending time with my new puppy, playing volleyball, running, and being outside.
Isabelle Sablin
My name is Isabelle and this will be my 3rd year working at the J. I have worked here as an LIT and a lifeguard. My hobbies are competitive swim and playing the bass.
Nick Sadun
Hi, my name is Nick Sadun, I will be a senior in high school next year. I love sports and being outside and I can’t wait for an awesome year back at J Camp.
Maya Sal
I’m Maya. I am currently a Junior in high school, and I enjoy working with fun energetic kids and being part of a team! I’m excited for camp this summer and especially looking forward to meeting everyone!
Tami Sal
Shalom, my name is Tami. It will be my third year being a part of the J Camp team, but my 27th year in teaching. I am excited to bring the love of Israel, Jewish life and Hebrew to the campers. I am looking forward to embarking on this summer fun!
Shea Satterwhite
Hi! My name is Shea. I enjoy musical theater, lifting weights, playing sports, and cooking! I’m always up for making new friends and I love being social!!
Tatum Schroering
Hi! My name is Tatum Schroering and this is my 4th year as a counselor at The J. I attend Blue Valley North High School and am an incoming senior. I love spending my summers at J Camp because the kids make it so much fun. My favorite things to do are travel, play sports, hang out with friends, read, and go to the lake.
Paige Schultz
Hello J Camp! My name is Paige and this is my 6th year working with BOOM! and my 5th year as BOOM! director. Over the school year I teach 8th grade math and coach cheer and swim. I am so excited to make memories with these kids!
Julia Schwaller
Hi, I'm Julia Schwaller and I am a rising junior at St. Teresa's academy, and I am so excited to work with the kids at camp for my first time this summer. I play soccer at STA as well as for a club and I love to read in my free time.
Joel Siegal
Hi, my name is Joel Siegel (3-time Mensch of the Week), and I will be a freshman at Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota. This is my third year working for J Camp, and I’m excited to make it the best year yet.
Camryn Smith
Hi, my name is Camryn Smith and I play basketball at Missouri Southern State University where I just finished my freshman year. I am majoring in elementary education and have always enjoyed working with kids and being outdoors. I’m excited to have a great summer at the J!
Erik Smith
Hello! My name is Erik Smith. I am an elementary education major going into my senior year in college. I play college basketball, but I am knowledgeable about other sports as well! I can’t wait to work at Camp!
Shaefer Spizman
Hi, I’m Shaefer. I'm really excited to get to work as a J counselor! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone have a lot of fun at camp.
JT Spence
Hi, my name is James (JT) Spence and I very recently graduated from The Barstow School. I enjoy playing basketball and baseball and hope to play college baseball next year. I have worked at The J in the past and really enjoy the community they have built.
Megan Squire
Hi, I’m Megan. I’m a K-State Alum and this is my 6th year working at J Camp! I’m so excited for another summer at Camp.
Mallory Stremick
Hi! My name is Mallory and I’m super excited to have fun with everyone! I love dance, music, and animals!
Alex Stuart
Hi! My name is Alexzandria Stuart. I am a senior at Rockhurst University. I am the late care supervisor assistant! This is my 4th summer, and I’m excited to be back!! Ready to have another amazing summer!
Diane Svensson
Hi, I’m Diane Svensson and I’m the camp nurse. This is my second summer at camp. I’ve been a nurse for 15 years, mostly working in pediatrics as a nurse practitioner. I’m married and have two school-aged kids. I love reading, music, and visiting the national parks.
Breana Tiffany
Hi, I’m Breana! I’m a dance instructor for Encore at the J and the administrative lead for the Stages Theatre Program at the J. I am going on my fifth year with the Jewish Community Center and I’m excited to begin my first summer with J Camp!
Madison Urbanek
Hi! My name is Madison, and I’m the art camp director this summer! I will be a junior at the Kansas City Art Institute in the fall and I’m super excited for camp!
Rishi Venkatesh
Hello! I am a student at Blue Valley Northwest, and my hobbies include writing music, computer programming, and playing the viola. This is my fourth summer participating in J Camp, and I am excited to meet everyone!
DeeDee Walters
Hi! I’m DeeDee and this is my 13th summer being the lunch lady for J Camp! I love my job, and I love all the kids!
Debbie Wasco
Hi, my name is Debbie Wasco. This will be my first summer working as a para for J camp. In the school year I work as a resource para in the Shawnee Mission School District. I am married and have 2 daughters 16 and 19 years old. I am excited for this summer!
Nathan Weiner
My name is Nathan Weiner, and I go to Blue Valley West High School. I am a club and high school swimmer and a very sociable person. I can’t wait for camp!