“The staff was incredible! My son left that camp feeling so good about himself and with a giant boost in his self esteem/confidence. I can't thank you all enough.”
About the Camp Director:
Jamie O'Sullivan graduated from Syracuse University in May 2014 with a degree in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education. She served the DCH Summer Camp as an Assistant Camp Director for two summers and was promoted to Camp Director in 2016. Prior to coming to DCH Jamie spent the previous 6 summers working as a camp counselor at outdoor summer camps through both the West Roxbury and Hyde Park YMCA’s. During the school year Jamie is a teacher at the Italian Home for Children in West Roxbury.
About the Assistant Camp Directors:
Katelyn Newcomb graduated from Keene State College in May 2016 where she studied Communications and Spanish. In 2012 she began working at the DCH Summer Camp as an assistant counselor. Over four summers Katelyn moved into a Head Counselor position and also served as the Arts & Crafts Specialist. After a summer away we were happy to welcome her back to DCH as an Assistant Camp Director in 2017. During the school year Katelyn is the Site Coordinator for the Needham Extended Day Program at the Hillside school.
Sarah O'Hanlon graduated from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in May 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education. In 2009, she started at the DCH Summer Camp as an assistant counselor for various groups, and then the head counselor for the Kindergarten group for several years. In 2017 Sarah returned to the Dedham Community House as a member of the camp leadership team and will serve as one of our two Assistant Camp Directors in 2018. During the school year Sarah is a teacher at Children’s Happy Day School in West Roxbury.
About the Teen Camp Director:
Nathalie Alexis graduated from Boston College in May 2014 with a degree in Clinical Psychology. Nathalie has been working at Dedham Community House since 2011 starting as an assistant camp counselor and working her way up to head camp counselor, kids club supervisor, and assistant camp director. After a summer off Nathalie is eager to return as director of DCH's new Teen Camp. Nathalie is currently a 3rd year doctoral student at William James College in Newton for Clinical Psychology.
About the Aquatics Director:
Jessica Nelson graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in May of 2017 with a BA in Psychology and received her certification in Teaching Childhood and Special Education. She began working at the DCH pool in 2012 as a lifeguard then progressed to a water safety instructor in 2014. Jessica was promoted to Aquatics Director in 2016.
About the DCH Program Director:
Jennifer Putnam joined DCH in December 2018 as Program Director overseeing DCH's seasonal programs and events, summer camp, and summer pool. Jennifer received her B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from Wheelock College in 2004. She has worked with several diverse nonprofit organizations in various youth development and program development roles with a large focus on health education, summer camps, and adult enrichment programming. Jennifer has a passion for working with families, youth of all ages, and adults in recreational settings including summer camp and year round programs. Originally from New York, Jennifer has lived in Massachusetts for two decades and currently resides in Dedham with her husband and three children.
Camp Staff Qualifications and Certifications:
All members of the Dedham Community House Summer Camp staff are run through the Massachusetts CORI and SORI systems prior to working at DCH. In addition all DCH Head Counselors and most Assistant Counselors and Activity Specialists are First Aid and CPR certified.
Camp Health Care Supervisor:
The DCH Summer Camp, as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, has a designated staff person serve as Health Care Supervisor. A member of the camp leadership fills this position as part of their job responsibilities. Beyond the on-site Health Care Supervisor, DCH works with a local doctor each summer who serves as the Camp Health Care Consultant.
2018 DCH Summer Camp Staff
 Camp Director |
 Asst. Camp Director |
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Nathalie Alexis |
 Archery Specialist |
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 Drama Specialist |
Kiley Greenwood |
 Sports & Games Specialist |
 Woodworking Specialist |
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Chloe Raisman |
 Head Counselor Sharks |
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 Head Counselor Jaguars |
Molly McKenna |
 Head Counselor Goats |
 Head Counselor Wolves |
 Head Counselor Penguins |
Norah McGregor |
 Head Counselor Moose |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
Matthew Boyle |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
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 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
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 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
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 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
Assistant Counselor |
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Dylan Ventola Assistant Counselor |
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