Our Leadership

I am so looking forward to my 9th year at Running Brook Camps - it is a dream come true to be able to spend my time thinking about how best to support everyone in the RBC community. 

My very first job was at a performing arts summer camp, and I have fostered my passion for working with children in various capacities since then. I completed two graduate degree programs at Tufts University (Child Study and Human Development + Clinical Psychology and School Psychology) in an effort to continue learning everything I can about working with children and teenagers. During the school year, I will be supporting the students at CHCH as a school psychologist. 

One of my favorite things to do is learn everything I can about a child - from their favorite color to their biggest worry - and use that knowledge to support them in challenging situations. There is nothing more powerful than a positive and compassionate connection, and that is what I strive to create with campers, families, and counselors alike! Outside of work, I love reading, swimming, going on outdoor adventures with my two dogs, and spending quality time with friends and family. I can't wait to dress up, wear wacky socks, try new things, and meet a whole bunch of new friends at camp this summer!

Greetings! My name is Ben Staines, and I am excited to return to RBC for my 14th year. I am always amazed at the energy, enthusiasm, perseverance, and creativity that campers bring every day at RBDC. During the school year, I am a school adjustment counselor and have a small private therapy practice. I am also getting my CAGS (certificate of advanced graduate study) in educational leadership and hope to one day become a school administrator. 

Much of my “downtime” is spent playing with my three kids and 100lb lab, Bailey. We love our dance parties, going for hikes, and playing music together. I also love to play drums, guitar, and ski. 

I can't wait to see you all in the summer!

Hi everyone, my name is Mary and this will be my 5th summer at Running Brook! I am so excited to be part of this special community. I am passionate about helping make camp a safe and fun place for everyone!

 

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Penn State and a Master's degree in School Psychology from Tufts. I am currently at Tufts, working towards an advanced degree in School Psychology. 

 

This year at camp I am most excited to meet and get to know all the campers, to eat some yummy popsicles, and to wear my wacky socks. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and family, listening to podcasts, doing escape rooms, and visiting the beach! 

Assistant Director - Day Camp
Bachelor's in Sports Movement Science
Master's in Physical Education

Hi everyone! I am so fired up to be coming back to Running Brook for my 6th summer! This will be my second year as a director, but previously have spent my summers at Running Brook as an assistant counselor and then camp games specialist. I graduated from Salem State in 2023 with a Bachelor's in Sports Movement Science and a minor in Education, then received my Master's in Physical Education in 2024!

 

Some of my favorite things about camp are being outside every day enjoying the fresh air, playing games with groups,  swimming in the pools or walking around campus!  I also enjoy special event Fridays because it’s a great opportunity to connect with everyone at camp.

 

When I am not at camp I enjoy going for walks, playing golf and spending time with my friends! 

 

Can't wait to see everyone this summer!

Assistant Director - Day Camp
Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

While I was in college, I had a great time working at Running Brook Camps as a counselor for two summers - I am delighted to return as an Assistant Director this summer! I currently teach reading at the Carroll School in Waltham. I live in Medford with my 5-year-old son, our chocolate Labrador Retriever and a scrappy orange cat named Dude. We love hiking and exploring in the woods and going to the beach any time of year - the cat stays home, though!

"They make the camp feel very personal and welcoming despite the scale. Couldn't be more impressed with camp administration."

I am so excited to be returning for my 4th year as LTP Director at Running Brook! Working summer camp is the highlight of my whole year. I love being able to spend the summers outside playing, while also helping kids find their voice and leadership potential. The first day of each new session are always my favorite days at camp. When not at camp, I work at CH-CH as a Skills and Academic Success teacher and have the honor of being the 10th Grade Dean. With a background in both education and leadership, LTP Director seemed like the perfect fit. 

 

Outside of work, I fill my free time running trivia and rock climbing. During the warm months, I enjoy hiking and camping. During the cold months, I love going to see live theater and crafting at home! 

Leadership Training Program - Year 1
Bachelor's in Psychology

I’m thrilled to be joining the Running Brook team for my first summer! I've always enjoyed working with adolescents of all ages, and am looking forward to working with the LTPs!

 

Originally from Michigan, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Oakland University. I am currently entering my final year of pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Boston College, focusing on Children, Youth, and Families. During the school year, I am a full time student, group fitness instructor, and babysitter!

 

In my free time, I love spending time with my dog, hiking, kayaking, and making memories with friends and family. I can’t wait to meet you all this summer and have an unforgettable time together!

Leadership Training Program - Year 2
Bachelor's in Psychology & Education Studies

Hi everyone! This is my second summer as part of the Leadership Training Program. While this is my first year, I am definitely not new to the Running Brook community. I was a camper for seven years and an LTP. I am so excited to rejoin camp this summer!

In 2022, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education Studies from Stonehill College. Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. During the school year, I am a full time student and work at a middle school as a school counselor assistant. I am super passionate about working with middle school aged students and now LTPs!

A little more about me: I have two dogs. I play volleyball, love to read and have a passion for travel. I am so excited to support the LTP1s and have a lot of fun this summer!

Adventures - Voyagers
Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Illustration

I've enjoyed teaching Visual Art in high schools in Massachusetts for twenty years and currently teach at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood. Outside of the classroom, I worked as a set designer for school theater productions, moderated Adventure clubs, played percussion in school musicals, and acted in school plays. I have extensive experience planning and leading student travel, including Fine Arts trips to Boston, New York City, London, France, and Italy.

In the summer, I am a co-director of the Adventures program and supervise a team of counselors on day trips and overnights throughout New England. Some of my favorite Adventures over the past fifteen years with Running Brook Camps have been waterfall repelling in the White Mountains, whitewater rafting down the Kennebec River in Maine, and surfing on Cape Cod. In my spare time, I am an avid saltwater fisherman and enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my family. I graduated from Montserrat College of Art with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Illustration.

Bachelors in Elementary Education

 

I have been part of Running Brook Adventures since 2004! I was a counselor for many years before transitioning to the Director role in 2022. I plan all of the trips for Excursions and Day Trekkers. I have always loved the exploration and experience that the Adventure program offers and am thrilled to have been a part of it all these years!

 

I have worked at Lawrence School in Brookline as a Technology Specialist since 1997. I also coached the indoor soccer team for many years and currently am teaching a photography and woodworking class after school. Personally, I enjoy the outdoors and am an avid hiker and go for walks as often as I can. I also love kayaking and camping. I am looking forward to seeing all of our returning campers and meeting all of the newcomers!

Director - Creative Arts

I am a proud Equity actor, improvisational comedian, and camp counselor! I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I earned my BA in English and Secondary Education from Emmanuel College in Boston. Some of my passions include trivia, books, and team-building exercises. I also enjoy watching movies, exploring New England, building the LGBTQ community, and thrift shopping.

Director - Swim Program and Challenge Course
Master's in Exercise Science

I can't believe that 2025 will be my 13th summer at Running Brook and I am so excited to make it even better! During the school year, I am a PE teacher at Greater Lawrence Technical High School. Clearly, physical activity is a passion of mine!

 

Outside of school, I have been teaching swim lessons for 18 years and I have been a lifeguard for 16 years now. I am also the assistant swim coach at the high school. Outside of the pool, I am also very passionate about volleyball. I actively play and coach in the area. I currently coach at Babson College and SMASH Volleyball Club.

 

I love being outside, being active, and finding ways to make my life the best it can be. I love being healthy, even though I have a weakness for pizza and ice cream. 

 

I can't wait to see all the smiling faces at camp this summer! And I am even more excited to watch all the campers grow as swimmers. After last summer, I need to order way more green bands! :)

I am excited to share that this is my 30th year with Running Brook! When I started out, I was doing the accounting work for camp behind the scenes. A few years into it, I began managing the Camp Office year-round. For the past eleven years, I have been both the Camp Manager as well as the Accounts Receivable Manager for Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School. I have very much enjoyed being directly involved with the campers, parents, and staff each summer and throughout the year. It is great seeing the kids summer after summer, watching them grow-up and getting to know so many of their families.