Our Leadership

Jim Bellanca, M.A., LMHC
Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs, Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School
Director, Running Brook Day Camp

I am proud to share that summer 2020 will be my 25th summer working at Running Brook Day Camp, my 21st summer as the Program Director and my 10th as the Director of Summer Programs for Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School. I am very excited about the continued growth and impact of our camp programs.

As a licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have spent the majority of my post-grad school work in various elementary and middle schools, both public as well as private therapeutic settings. I also spent fifteen years as a part-time clinician at The Academy of Physical and Social Development in Newton, where kids play actively in small groups as they work to build their social and physical skills, as well as their self-esteem. Throughout that time, I spent my summers working at Running Brook, where I was continuously reminded of the incredible importance of a structured, fun, nurturing environment for kids of all ages during the summer months. There is so much growth that can happen for kids in a relatively short time at camp in the summer; taking on new physical challenges and trying new activities, enhancing social skills and making new friends, growing in self-confidence and feeling a part of a larger, close-knit community. It is no coincidence that all of my professional time is now spent with Running Brook Camps - a place where every member of our community spends the summer laughing, playing, learning and growing together. I am very fortunate to have found a career working in such a great place.

Outside of camp, I spend as much time as possible outdoors with my wife, young daughter and our dog. Much of that time is spent on a snowboard, a mountain bike, in a pair of snowshoes, camping, in a kayak or on a hiking trail in Vermont, our “home away from home.” I’m looking forward to another great summer at camp.

Kenna Thurston, M.A., LMFT
Director of Health Services - Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School 
Assistant Director, Running Brook Day Camp 

Neil Hagen, L.M.H.C.
Assistant Director

I am thrilled to be returning to Running Brook for my fifth summer and consider myself one lucky guy! As an Assistant Director, I get to spend my time in the company of our awesome campers and staff, on our beautiful campus, enjoying the outdoors, while helping ensure that we all have a fun, safe, and memorable summer together. Although I grew up in California, I’ve also lived in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New Zealand, Italy, and Malaysia. I have many hobbies but some of my favorites are running, traveling, playing golf, and scuba diving. While I love those hobbies, my true passion and calling in life is to support and foster the emotional and social well-being of children and adolescents. After earning my B.A. at Boston College, I joined Teach For America and became a high school math teacher in Jackson, Mississippi. After two years of teaching, I returned to Boston College and earned my M.A. in Mental Health Counseling. I then gained clinical experience in a wide array of areas, ranging from leading group play therapy, to providing in-home adolescent substance abuse counseling, to supervising graduate students. Currently, in addition to my summer position at RBDC, I am a full-time Upper School Counselor at Beaver Country Day School. These various roles, past and present, have all allowed me to use my clinical skills and passion to help children and adolescents live happy, healthy lives. I’m excited to do the same this summer at camp!

Ben Staines, LICSW
Assistant Director

I am so excited to be returning for my ninth year at Running Brook Day Camp. Camp has always held a special place for me. I truly enjoy being able to watch kids learn and grow over the years, developing lasting meaningful friendships and creating a strong bond with amazing counselors. When I am not at camp I work as a school adjustment counselor in Medford and I also have a small private therapy practice. I have always had a strong love for music and play drums, guitar, and piano. I love spending time with my family be it going to the beach, skiing, hiking, playing outside or just relaxing around the house. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know and work with the campers and staff at Running Brook and I look forward to meeting you soon!

Alyssa Nastri, MA
Assistant Director

I am so looking forward to my fourth year at Running Brook Camps - it really is the highlight of my year! I love spending the summer playing games, meeting new friends, being silly, and - most importantly - making connections with the kids at camp. 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 received my Bachelor's degree in psychology from UMass Dartmouth.  While I was there, I spent time as a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. This program sparked my desire to learn about development and gain the skills necessary for building strong relationships with children. I went on to receive my Master's degree in Child Study & Human Development with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University. I am now a kindergarten/first grade teacher at the FUSE program during the school year, where I work with students to develop their social skills. It is so wonderful to have the opportunity to work with children in two different settings, and to help them have fun, learn, and grow in a group! 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. Outside of work, I love reading, swimming, going on outdoor adventures, and spending quality time with friends and family. I can't wait to dress up, wear wacky socks, spend some quality time with Enzo the camp turtle, eat tacos, (maybe) try some high ropes, and enjoy all the other things that camp has in store for this summer!

Maddie Sachs
Business Office and Summer Programs Coordinator 

"I have had very positive interactions with all of the camp administration - they do a wonderful job."