Barry Birkmeyer
My name is Barry Birkmeyer, and I am the Director of Camp. This is my 13th 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!
Casey Reed
My name is Casey Reed, and I am the Assistant Director of Camp. This will be my second summer with J Camp; I have been working in the Camp and Out-of-School Programming industry for over 15 years. My wife and son both love it here at the J as much as I do! My son is two years old, and this will be his first summer at J Camp in the CDC!
Abbey Liby
My name is Abbey, and I will be an incoming freshman at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I plan on majoring in political science on the pre-law track, I enjoy hanging out with friends, going to the gym, and reading!
Abbey Racer
Hi, my name is Abbey Racer! I am a student at Missouri State University pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and a minor in general business. I hope to one day run a dance studio and inspire the next generation of dancers. You can often find me at Dutch Bros or Swig getting a little sweet treat!
Ace Stone
Hello! My name is Ace Stone; I am a sophomore at KU studying political science. Outside of class I play tennis and guitar, and love hiking and traveling.
Aida Bruce
Hi, I'm Aida Bruce! I'm a rising senior at Shawnee Mission East High School. I enjoy running, drawing, and playing the violin. I am so excited to return for my second year at J Camp!
Alex Stuart
Hi everyone, I am excited for this amazing summer. My name is Alex Stuart, and I will be the late care coordinator. I am excited to be working this summer for my 6th summer, and I know we will have a wonderful time here at J Camp.
Alisha Gherardini
Hi my name is Alisha! I am new to J Camp this year. I go to Blue Valley High School and enjoy photography, soccer, and being outside. I can’t wait to have an amazing summer!
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 fifth summer as Barney Goodman Director! During the school year, I'm a first-grade teacher at Leawood Elementary School.
Allison Olson
Hello, my name is Allison Olson, and I am currently a sophomore in college and am planning on getting my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Special Education. I love flag football, soccer, biking, and all sports-related things. This summer, I am going to be a camp counselor for Triathlon Camp and a Para at J Camp. I'm excited to see what this summer brings.
Ally Conner
Hello, I’m Ally! I love working with kids and playing volleyball. This summer will be great and I’m so excited.
Amelia Patton
Hello I am Amelia Patton. I'm currently a student at KU, planning to be an early education teacher. I am excited to work with your kiddos this summer!
Amit Leybel
Hi! my name is Amit I’m 20 years old from Kfar Saba, Israel. I love baking and hanging out with my family and friends. I’m very excited for the summer camp experience.
Amri Eischen
My name is Amri. My favorite sport is soccer, and I love the outdoors and doing things with friends.
Ashlyn Ainley
My name is Ashlyn; I will be a senior at DeSoto High School. I am a captain for the Varsity Cheerleading Team. I enjoy spending time with family and friends because they are very important to me!
Ava Fields
Hi! My name is Ava Fields, and this will be my 3rd year at J Camp. I love art, games, and music. I will be a Junior at Blue Valley North High School. I’m so excited to spend the summer making memories and getting to know the campers!
Becca Toben
Hello! My name is Becca, and I recently graduated from K-State with my BS in art education. I love teaching, art, playing guitar, and spending time outside! I'm excited to be back for my fifth summer at J Camp!
Ben Galloway
I live in Overland Park and am a Special Education Paraprofessional at Blue Valley Northwest High School during the school year. I also sing in ChorusKC, play trombone in the American Legion Concert Band and play disc golf when the weather is nice.
Betsy Erenberg
Hello! My name is Betsy Erenberg, and this is my 3rd year working at J Camp, even though I have been attending since in elementary. I go to Shawnee Mission South and participate in STUCO, BBYO, Newspaper, and swim. I can’t wait for a great summer!
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 sixth year with the Jewish Community Center, and I’m excited to begin my second summer with J Camp!
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 fourth summer working at The J! I can’t wait for this summer to start!
Camryn Smith
Hi, my name is Camryn Smith, and I play basketball at Missouri Southern State University, where I just finished my sophomore 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!
Catherine Ancell
Hi, my name is Catherine, and I am going to be a junior at KU studying Sports Management!! I am super excited to be returning for my 3rd year with J Camp! I love playing sports, having fun, and I’m looking forward to another awesome summer at The J!
Cherri Bhagane
Hey! My name is Cherri, and I’m super excited for my second summer at J Camp! I love animals and I’m currently attending JCCC for Animal Biology. I look forward to meeting all the wonderful campers!
Christina McKelvy
Christina just completed her first year at the University of Iowa and is studying to become a lawyer someday. She loves all things music and theater and is so happy to be working at the J this 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!
Daniel Anderst
My name is Daniel. This will be my fourth year at the J, and I am looking forward to having a fun summer.
Dayana Shuvalova
Hi, my name is Dayana! I'm 20 years old; I love to draw, read books, listen to music, watch movies and go to the beach to see the sunset. Also, I have a cute dog, her name is Lychee.
Dean Markes
Hi! My name is Dean Markes and I am returning to the J camp for my third 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!
Debbie Wasco
Hi, my name is Debbie Wasco. This will be my second summer working at J Camp. During the school year, I work as a Resource Paraprofessional in the Shawnee Mission School District. I am married and have two daughters who are 15 and 18 years old.
DeeDee Walters
Hi! I’m DeeDee, and this is my 14th summer being the lunch lady for J Camp! I love my job, and I love all the kids!
Diane Svensson
Hi, I’m Diane Svensson, and I’m the camp nurse. This is my third summer at camp. I’ve been a nurse for 16 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.
Drew Davison
My name is Drew, and I like to play baseball, soccer, and run track. I also really love to help all kinds of kids, and especially those with special needs.
Dusten Stigge
Hey, my name is Dusten, and I play lacrosse at Rockhurst University and study business administration. I'm excited to work my first year at the camp and meet all the campers.
Eli Racer
Hi I’m Eli! I love working with people and teaching all things weather. Whether that’s through working at the J or my time spent in the Boy Scouts organization. I’m thrilled to be here and happy to help.
Eli Short
Hi my name is Eli Short I will be a freshman at Kansas State University in the fall. I enjoy playing sports and hanging out with friends and family. I’m excited for a great summer at J Camp.
Eilzabeth Erck
My name is Elizabeth Erck, and I am an incoming junior at Blue Valley North. I enjoy drawing, reading, and baking. I can’t wait to have an amazing summer with everyone!
Elizabeth Patry
My name is Elizabeth Patry, and I am going to be a junior at The Barstow School. I enjoy playing soccer, running, and hanging out with friends and family. I am so excited to be working at J Camp this summer!
Ellie Bustamante
Hi, my name is Ellie! I am so pleased to be on staff again this year for J Camp. I have a passion for keeping your ones happy and smiling all summer long.
Elliot Graham
Hi, my name is Elliot Graham, and this will be my second year working at J Camp. I will be a sophomore at KU in the fall.
Ellison Bonge
Hello, my name is Ellison. I'm going to be a junior at Washburn University studying Forensic Investigation. I'm excited to be returning for my 4th year with J Camp, with this being my 1st summer as camp office manager. I look forward to another amazing summer!
Emily Meoded
Hi, my name is Emily Meoded, and I am the specialty camp director. I am currently a senior at KU on the pre-law track. This will be my third summer at J camp. Couldn’t be more excited!
Emma Craig
Hello, my name is Emma! I am a recent graduate of Kansas State University. I am very excited to be the Art Specialist this summer and all of the fun crafts we will be doing together!
Eric Fine
Hello, my name is Eric. This coming school year, I will be a Senior at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. I’m a Boy Scout, leader of my school’s science club, and I have attended J camp every summer since 1st grade. I am so excited to spend yet another summer as a Junior Counselor this year!
Erik Smith
Hi! My name is Erik Smith, and this will be my fourth summer at J Camp! I recently graduated from Sterling College, and I will start teaching 2nd grade this fall.
Estella Stawarz
Hi! My name is Estella Stawarz, and I'm 15 years old. I'm so excited to be part of the team and work with your children! I absolutely love everything colorful, creative, and glittery, and I enjoy bringing fun, positive energy into every day. I have been a licensed Safe Sitter for four years, which has taught me important childcare, safety and responsibility skills. I love spending time with kids, helping them learn, play, and feel comfortable, and I can't wait to get to know all the wonderful families here!
Everett Davison
Hi, I'm Everett. After this summer, I'll be starting my second year at K-State! I've been going to the J since I was 5 and I love J Camp; this will be my fifth year working as a counselor. My favorite hobbies are lifting weights, swimming, music, and working on cars!
Garrett Reimche
Hi, I’m Garrett Reimche, and I’m 22 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.
Haley Hellings
Hi, I’m Haley Hellings, and I’m a student at K-State studying architecture! When I’m not busy, you can find me reading, taking walks, or just hanging out with friends.
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!
Hunter Brown
Hello, my name is Hunter, and I am an upcoming freshman at Kansas University. I was a former camper, and this is my second year as a camp counselor. I am excited to continue trying to make J Camp a great place to be.
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.
Isabella Odonnell
Hi, my name is Isabella! I am excited for my 4th summer at J camp, and to be returning as Barney Goodman Assistant Director! I am currently finishing up my third year of nursing school and look forward to a fun summer :)
Jack Barker
Hi, I’m Jack. I am 18 years old, and I enjoy talking with people and spending time with friends. I can’t wait for an awesome summer!
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.
Jane Martin
Jane Martin connected with her love of teaching in 2024 and was a J Camp Art Specialist in summer 2025. She is excited to return to J Camp in 2026 as the Art Camp Director and can't wait to explore art this summer with her campers!
Jayde Robinson
My name is Jayden, preferably Jayde, and I’m an aunt, have 3 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.
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 sophomore at KU this fall.
JT Spence
Hi, my name is James (JT) Spence. 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.
Jude Foster-Rojas
Hi, my name is Jude. I’m currently going into my sophomore year at JCCC. I plan to transfer to KU in the spring semester to earn my degree in social welfare to become a LCSW and children’s play therapist. I’m excited for this to be my fourth summer here at J camp!
Julia Schwaller
Hi, I'm Julia Schwaller and I going to be a senior at St. Teresa's Academy in the fall, and I am so excited to work with the kids at camp for my second time this summer. I love to read and spend all my money at 7Brew. Ready to make this summer the best one yet!
Justin Armbruster
Hello! My name is Justin Thomas Armbruster. I am 18 years old. I’ve been working with kids for over six years. I love games, reading, and outdoor activities with family. I am at Johnson County Community College, starting to be a paramedic.
Kalista Brown
I am a Senior Choral Music Education Major at the University of Arkansas who loves hiking, biking, and camping. She is so excited for another summer with theatre camp!!
Kemper Komm
Hi I’m Kemper! I’m a junior in high school, and I’ve been working at Camp now for three summers! I’ve worked with campers and young students since I was in middle school, and it’s what I want to do with my life outside of high school!
Landon Nelson
Hello. I’m Landon Nelson, a sophomore at American University in Washington D.C. studying International Service and Economics. I enjoy playing soccer and rugby and am excited to be working as a counselor for this summer’s camps!
Lauren Presley
Hi! My name is Lauren, and I just graduated from Mizzou with a degree in Psychology and Human Development Family Science. I plan on getting my master’s this fall at Mizzou in order to pursue a career as a school counselor! This will be my third year at the J and I'm so excited to be back and see all the kids!
Macy Gagnon
Hi! My name is Macy Gagnon, and I am going to be a senior at Blue Valley Northwest next year. Outside of school, I enjoy track, dance, theatre and art. I am very excited for my second summer working at the J camp!
Maggie McNally
Hello! My name is Maggie, and I am so excited to be here! I am going into my last semester of college to get my degree in Secondary Math Education, where I plan on being a middle school or high school math teacher. I have a huge love for softball, as I've played all my life competitively and even played in college! I also love singing and participating in musical theatre. I can't wait to have an amazing summer!
Mary Owens
I am a PreK paraprofessional. I love working with children, watching them explore the world around them and learning new things.
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.
Max Hruda
Hi, my name is Max, and I am an incoming freshman at Colorado State University. This is my 5th summer working at the J and I’m so excited to work with all the kids this summer!
Megan Squire
Hello, my name is Megan Squire, and I am the Director of Ma'asim Tovim. I am a K-State alumnus and work as a Substitute Teacher during the school year. This will be my 8th Summer working at J Camp. I cannot wait for another Summer full of FUN!
Mike Dennis
My name is Michael, and this will be my 5th summer working at The J. I love hanging out with the kids every day, and I’m looking forward to a fun summer!
Miles Lockridge
This will be my sixth year working at J Camp. In my free time, I like to write, watch movies, and play sports!
Molly Brewer
Hi! My name is Molly, and I’m so excited to be part of summer camp this year! I love dancing, being creative, and spending time outdoors. I enjoy working with kids and helping create a fun, positive environment where everyone feels welcome. I can’t wait to meet everyone and make this summer full of great memories!
Mya Ladd
Hi! My name is Mya, and I love everything about being a counselor. We get to do so many fun activities, and bonding with the campers is my favorite part :) Can’t wait to meet everyone this summer!
Natalie Mihordin
I am going to be a junior at Blue Valley Northwest. I run track and field and do hurdles and high jump. I love playing sports, listening to music, art and hanging out with friends.
Nate Beckman
I am a freshman at KU getting a teaching degree to be a high school English Teacher. This is my 4th summer at The J.
Nathan Khalemsky
Hi, my name is Nathan. I’m from Overland Park, Kansas, and I’m currently a student at the University of Kansas on track for veterinary school. I went to J Camp as a camper, where I met a couple of lifelong friends, and now I’m coming back as a counselor. I can’t wait to get this summer started!
Nathan Weiner
My name is Nathan. I will be a senior at Blue Valley West High School. I am a state champion swimmer, and I love sports and putting smiles on people’s faces.
Nick Sadun
Hi, my name is Nick Sadun. I love sports and being outside, and I can’t wait for an awesome year back at J Camp.
Nina McNay
Hello! My name is Nina McNay. This will be my third year working as a counselor for J Camp, and outside of camp, you can find me playing various instruments, drawing, and reading!
Nybol Bol
Hello, my name is Nybol Bol. I'm a junior in college studying psychological science. I am very excited to learn and grow with all the kids I will be working with this summer!
Olivia Fields
Hi, my name is Olivia Fields, and I just finished my senior year at Mizzou. I went to J camp as a kid, and this will be my fourth summer as a counselor. I can’t wait to make new memories with all the amazing campers!
Paige Davis
Hi, my name is Paige Davis. This is my first year at J Camp, and I’m excited to get summer started! I have been a teacher for five years now, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know your campers this summer.
Paige Schultz
Hello J Camp! My name is Paige and this is my 7th year working with BOOM! and my 6th 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!
Patrick Dennis
Hi, I am Patrick, and I am a big sports guy, and I love hanging out with friends. I love golf, baseball, football, basketball, and most of all, the lake.
Rachel Bruner
My name is Rachel, and this is my fourth summer at J Camp. I got married last summer, and this year my husband and I are excited to spend lots of time working on projects in our first home. During the school year, I work as a middle school counselor. In my free time, I enjoy playing pickleball, being outdoors, and spending time with my husband and our golden doodle Moose.
Rachel Jacobs
Hey! My name is Rachel and I'm so excited for this summer! I graduated high school from Barstow in May, and after spending a gap year in Israel, will be attending the Joint Program between Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Rayli Kopelman
Hi! My name is Rayli. I’m from Overland Park, Kansas, and went to Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy for high school! I just wrapped up a year of Jewish learning in Israel, and hope to return for one more semester this upcoming year! I am so excited to join the J Camp team this summer! See you soon!
Rory Brady
Hi! My name is Rory, and I am a sophomore (going to be a junior) at Blue Valley High. I also dance here at Encore. I am so excited to be working here this summer!!
Roslen Dominic
I am Roslen! I work at Blue Valley High School in the special education section, helping students with instructional and academic Support. J camp is an amazing part of my summer break. I love working with such energetic and curious kids engaging in new, hands-on activities, from outdoor skills, music, to creative arts. Looking forward to an awesome summer!
Safa Al Ameer
Hi, my name is Safa! I’m Team Captain America (iykyk). I’m going to be a senior, and my favorite things to do are hanging out with friends, going to concerts, vlogging, and reading!
Saundra Miller
Hi! I’m Saundra, and this is my 5th year as the STEM Specialist at J Camp. I love creating hands-on, exciting science experiences for campers, and I’m looking forward to another summer full of creativity, curiosity, and fun!
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.
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!!
Siera Fairley
Hello! I am Siera Fairley, and I am a junior at K-State studying Early Childhood Education. This will be my third year as a senior camp counselor, and I am so excited to get to know you and your child this summer!
Sophie Nemtsev
Hi! My name is Sophie, I am a recent graduate from Blue Valley North, and I plan on going to JCCC this fall! This will be my second summer working at camp. I love working with kids, writing, art, animals, and being with friends!! I look forward to working again at J camp this summer!!!
Tami Sal
Shalom, my name is Tami. This will be my fourth year as part of the wonderful J Camp team and my 28th year of teaching in both Israel and the United States. I am excited to share my love of Israel, Jewish life, and Hebrew with the campers. I look forward to another summer filled with fun and meaningful experiences!
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. 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.
Tracy Fan
Hi, my name is Tracy Fan, and I’m a rising senior at the University of Kansas studying biology. I hope to become a dentist in the future, and I love art & crafts. This will be my first year at the J Camp, so I’m super excited to meet everyone and have some fun!
Vivian Nelson
Vivian is a vivacious 16-year-old who attends Olathe South High School and loves playing tennis, singing, and traveling with her family. She loves working at J-camp and can't wait to have an amazing summer!
Zachary Granoff
Hi, my name is Zachary Granoff. I just finished a year of learning in Israel, and I am excited to return home for the summer. This will be my 4th summer working at J Camp. I enjoy traveling, nature, and problem-solving.