“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 has served the DCH Summer Camp as an Assistant Camp Director for two summers and has been promoted to Camp Director for the 2016 camp season. 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 are happy to welcome her back to DCH as our new Assistant Camp Director for 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 5 year old group (Kindergarten) 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 will be graduating from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in May of 2017 with a BA in Psychology and will be receiving 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 has spent a few summers also working at Hale Reservation in Westwood in addition to the DCH pool. This summer she has been promoted to the Aquatics Director for the 2016 pool season.
About the DCH Assistant Director:
Joshua Walther served as the DCH Program Director from June 2008 to July 2012 when he was promoted to DCH Assistant Director. Among other duties, Josh continues to oversee the administration of the summer camp and year-round programs. Click his name for full bio.
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 whop serves as the Camp Health Care Consultant.
2018 DCH Summer Camp Staff
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