Meet Scatico Senior Leadership + Program Staff

We’re excited to introduce our leadership and program staff for summer 2023 (all of whom have previously spent a summer at Scatico)! These are members of our community who do not live in cabins with campers (as Counselors and Division Leaders do) but who help oversee camper life, activities and special events. We figured it was time to share a little more about these key Scaticonians! Who wants to do the math on how many combined Scatico summers they represent?

HEAD COUNSELORS

Kerri

KERRI WINDERMAN, GIRLS HEAD COUNSELOR

My first summer at camp was… 1984, summer #24!

I travel to camp from… Rye, NY.

When I’m not at camp I’m… an Elementary Math Instructional Coach.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…walking around girls side.

This summer, I’m most excited to… jump in the lake for the first full camp GS!

MARK GRETENSTEIN, BOYS HEAD COUNSELOR

My first summer at camp was… 2018, 5th summer at Scatico. Or 2002, 15th summer at camp if we're including Camp Blue Star (summer camp in North Carolina where Mark went as a kid).

I travel to camp from… Brooklyn.

When I’m not at camp I… teach middle school math at Liberty Avenue Middle School in East New York, Brooklyn.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…hanging on the HC porch or shooting around on the A Court.

This summer, I’m most excited to…welcome a new group of campers into the Scatico community and introduce them to all of our amazing and unique activities and special events.

Mark (left)

Dusty (right)

DUSTY FOX, ASSISTANT GIRLS HEAD COUNSELOR

Number of summers at Scatico… 25!

I travel to camp from… Asheville, NC .

When I’m not at camp I’m… a 4th grade teacher.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…walking around, joining in at activities, or somewhere with Kerri!

This summer, I’m most excited to… meet new campers and staff, and welcome back returning campers and staff!

QUINN CROLAND, ASSISTANT BOYS HEAD COUNSELOR

My first summer at camp was… 2001, summer #20!

I travel to camp from… Hawthorne, NJ.

When I’m not at camp I’m… a Middle School Special Education teacher.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…at the boys HC.

This summer, I’m most excited to…meet and work with all returning and new staff to have an amazing 2023 summer.

Quinn

Audrey

AUDREY FLEISCHNER, PROGRAM HEAD

My first summer at camp was… 2000 (23 summers).

I travel to camp from… Brooklyn.

When I’m not at camp I… teach 5th grade in New York City.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…on the girls hill, organizing the sports shed.

This summer, I’m most excited to… pig out at the first full camp BBQ!

MOISES TORRES, ASSISTANT BOYS HEAD COUNSELOR

My first summer at camp was… 2013, and this will be my 10th summer!

I travel to camp from… Prague, but originally I am from NYC.

When I’m not at camp I’m… working in a language school and an international private school teaching English and Spanish.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…shooting some hoops or playing on center campus.

This summer I’m most excited to… get to visit and stay at a place I consider a second home. And most importantly, get to see all of the campers thrive in activities they enjoy with friends, and be able to pass the knowledge I’ve learned from mentors growing up!

Moises

Jane

JANE ROSENFELD, PROGRAM HEAD

My first summer at camp was… 2004, this is summer #16!

I travel to camp from… New York City

When I’m not at camp I’m… a 4th grade teacher.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…walking around girls side, hanging by the HC, swimming the lane, or playing pickleball!

This summer, I’m most excited to… go to the DR! And schedule some great programming for everybody!

WATERFRONTS

ISHAI ESHED, HEAD BOYS WATERFRONT

My first summer at camp was… 2019.

I travel to camp from… Ecuador, but I’m originally from Israel.

When I’m not at camp I’m… running an adventure tourism company, MontaniTours.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…at the waterfront.

This summer I’m most excited to… introduce a new group of campers to sailing!

Ishai (left)

Juli

Julieta martos, HEAD of girls waterfront

My first summer at camp was… 2021, summer #3.

I travel to camp from… Córdoba, Argentina.

When I’m not at camp I… work as a swimming teacher and lifeguard. I also dance and work as a physical education teacher.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…at the waterfront!

This summer, I’m most excited to… see the girls and meet new people.

ATHLETICS

RANDY AU, HEAD OF BOYS ATHLETICS

My first summer at camp was… 1984, 21st summer.

I travel to camp from…Columbus, OH.

When I’m not at camp I… am recently retired from the YMCA.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…on the A-Court.

This summer, I’m most excited to…Reconnect with everyone. Hoops with Randy!

Randy

Katie (right)

KATIE HECKER, HEAD OF GIRLS ATHLETICS

My first summer at camp was…2004 (18 summers).

I travel to camp from…NYC, originally from Demarest, NJ.

When I’m not at camp I… teach second grade at a NYC public elementary school.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…on the hill playing sports or organizing the shed!

This summer, I’m most excited to…be back on the hill with old campers and new!

TOMAS FERNANDEZ, ASSISTANT ATHLETICS

My first summer at camp was… 2021, third summer.

I travel to camp from…Córdoba, Argentina.

When I’m not at camp I… am working and traveling as a physical education teacher and teaching acroyoga classes.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…on the basketball courts, at girls athletics, and at the waterfront!

This summer, I’m most excited to…get back and feel the Scatico energy! Also to keep learning and enjoying this beautiful place and the whole Scatico community.

Tomas

Vinod

VINOD DOGRA, HEAD OF BOYS TENNIS

My first summer at camp was… 2000, summer 21.

I travel to camp from…India.

When I’m not at camp I… run tennis programs for adults and kids… and now pickleball too!

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…at the boys side tennis courts and with Scatico's pickellers.

This summer, I’m most excited to… create an in house pickleball leauge / all camp pickleball / pickleball doubles Scatico Championship. Subject to time available when not doing big time tennis.

BEN LEW, HEAD GIRLS TENNIS

My first summer at camp was… 1996 / my total camp summers is in the vicinity of 13-ish, depending on how we are officially accruing service time.

Travel to camp from… Clermont, NY (12526!)/ I grew up in Ardsley.

When I’m not at camp I’m… Henry’s dad and a small business owner.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…playing tennis, but maybe sneaking away to the A court for rec hoops a bit more if scheduling permits.

This summer, I’m most excited to… improve my second serve and have the confidence to hit it hard when the pressure’s on.

Ben (and Henry)

CREATIVE + CULINARY ARTS

Ken

KEN VALLARiO, HEAD OF ART AND PHILOSOPHY

My first summer at camp was…1999 (10 summers at Scatico).

I travel to camp from…Asheville, NC.

When I’m not at camp I… do art and teach kids.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…in arts and crafts or running a philosophy circle under a tree.

This summer, I’m most excited to…do more pottery on boys side and more philosophy on girls side.

LAURA GOLD, HEAD OF ARTS N CRAFTS

My first summer at camp was… 1995, 16 summers at camp!

I travel to camp from… Olon, Ecuador, but I’m originally from New York.

When I’m not at camp I… serve as the director of the Ayni Green School!

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…covered in paint in the arts n crafts building.

This summer, I’m most excited to…bring new, creative projects to girls side and see what work people showcase at the art show!

Laura

Ally

ALLY MCARTHUR (LIPTON), co-hEAD OF COOKING

My first summer at camp was… 1983 (summer #20).

I travel to camp from…CT! I’m from CT, lived in NYC until 2020, and am back in CT now.

When I’m not at camp I… am the owner of herb-n-peach catering and events, we plan and produce corporate, social and nonprofit events.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…at the cook shack or health center porch 🤗💚.

This summer, I’m most excited to…share new recipes and mindful cooking techniques.

Justin Mazzola, co-hEAD OF COOKING

My first summer at camp was… 2016. This will be my 6th summer at Scatico.

I travel to camp from… Stamford, CT.

When I’m not at camp I… am a full time nursing student and a server on the weekends.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…in the cook shack!!

This summer, I’m most excited to…see all the campers growth over the past year!

Justin (right)

JJ

JJ HICKEy, HEAD OF FILMMAKING

My first summer at camp was… 1982, summer #38.

I travel to camp from…Los Angeles. Originally from Elizaville!

When I’m not at camp I… write and direct films in LA.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…surrounded by kids pitching films they want to make!

This summer, I’m most excited to… welcome everyone new to Scatico and welcome back everyone else!

SERGIO GARBIN, HEAD OF WOODSHOP

My first summer at camp was… 2015, summer #6.

I travel to camp from…Hudson, NY.

When I’m not at camp I… work as a carpenter.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…in the woodshop, head over a lathe.

This summer, I’m most excited to… be back after a brief hiatus! I haven’t been at camp since 2019.

Sergio

Jamie

JAMIE SEGAL, HEAD OF PERFORMING ARTS

My first summer at camp was… 2007, this is my 15th summer!

I travel to camp from…New York City… I’m from Larchmont.

When I’m not at camp I… am an elementary school teacher!

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…at the Scatico Playhouse or swimming in the lake.

This summer, I’m most excited to… bring ukuleles to Scatico :)

MAR VAZQUEZ, ART + DANCE

My first summer at camp was… 2019, this will be my 4th summer.

I travel to camp from… Mexico City.

When I’m not at camp I… study business and work as a model.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me… at the Dance Studio.

This summer, I’m most excited to… challenge myself working in a new program area and meet new people :)

Mar

Pauli

PAULA FERNANDEZ, CERAMICS

My first summer at camp was… 2021 (second summer at Scatico).

I travel to camp from… Argentina.

When I’m not at camp… I'm an Architect and I design projects for houses, stores, and buildings. I also have a business selling my art.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me… at arts n crafts.

This summer, I’m most excited to… meet everyone and share my culture.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

WILL BUSSERT, HEAD of OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

My first summer at camp was… 2021, so this will be my third summer at Camp Scatico! I also worked at Camp Walden (4 years) and Camp Eagle Hill (1 year).

I travel to camp from… Niskayuna, NY. We just moved there from Red Hook!

When I’m not at camp I… teach Elementary Physical Education. I love to be outdoors and go to the Adirondacks. I love to go canoeing. I love playing soccer and enjoy participating in a range of different sports.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…near the water, at the fishing hut, fishing or looking for a new spot to fish, in the woods, making a fire, setting up / cleaning the tents and campsites, or clearing the trails.

This summer, I’m most excited to… be more involved in evening activities and potentially getting rope burn on the girls side!

Will

Steve, back left

STEVE LEWANICK, HEAD of ropes + tower

My first summer at camp was… I took Scatico groups caving 15-20 years ago but started running the Tower three years ago. (I rode down to check out the camp but had no intention of taking the position. Then I met David…)

Travel to camp from… Albany. Lived in the the capital district all my life.

When I’m not at camp I’m… trying to learn how to stay out of trouble. ;) I rock/ice climb, cave, golf, scuba dive, ski, ride my motorcycle.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me…yelling, I mean encouraging folks to learn and laugh.

This summer, I’m most excited to… work with my awesome staff and see the emotional growth of the campers.

PHOTO

JESICA PEDROCCA, HEAD OF PHOTO

My first summer at camp was… 2021 (summer #3).

I travel to camp from… Argentina.

When I’m not at camp I… take photos at events and teach AcroYoga classes. I also travel and study computer programming.

At camp, you’ll most likely find me… making videos and photos for the Slide Show and the website.

This summer, I’m most excited to… put my new video editing skills to use, practice my English, and meet more people from all over the world.

Jesica (middle)

Buckets 4 Beigel Charity Basketball Tournament

On May 6, Scatico is participating in an off-season charity basketball tournament, BUCKETS 4 BEIGEL, at North Shore Day Camp in Glen Cove, NY. Come watch current campers and JCs represent Team Scatico, and support a great cause!

The BUCKETS 4 BEIGEL tournament is in support of the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund, an organization that "sends at-risk and underserved children who have been impacted by gun violence to sleepaway camp." The organization is named for Scott Biegel, a teacher and cross-country coach at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who was shot and killed in the 2018 mass shooting at the school. Scott also spent more than 15 summers at Camp Starlight in Pennsylvania, beginning at 7 years old, and was passionate about the sleepaway experience. 

Tickets to attend and watch the games are $10, and go towards the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund. Spectators should arrive at 1:15PM and bring lawn chairs/ towels. More below!

News from Scatico

Dear Scatico families,

As we look to the summer ahead and eagerly plan for the 102nd season of Scatico, we want to share some important developments. After 40 years working in the family business, Diana is retiring and transitioning to a new role at camp… grandmother to Henry, Nicki’s first child. As one Scatico parent already pointed out, Henry is a true 12523 (1st grandchild born on 2-5-23)! 

First, Diana wants to share some words of her own: 

1983: David introduces me to Scatico, and I am handed a gift. Little did I know then…about much…but especially about the power of the camp experience and the remarkable community I was about to join, professionally and personally. My in-laws, Ruth and Irwin, welcomed and mentored me and were consummate grandparents to Nicole and Audrey. The 40-year journey since has been nothing short of extraordinary, and like the simple goal we set for our campers, I am in a better place than when I first arrived. I hope I have met that goal for you in some small measure. What you all have done for me is immeasurable. Thank you.

2023: I am handed another gift: becoming a grandparent and the good fortune to once again be able to follow in my in-laws’ footsteps. It's not everyone who has the privilege of watching their children--along with a remarkable senior leadership team--continue to build upon a family business with over 100 years of history. Camp is poised for the next generation.  I look forward to watching right alongside you (perhaps with a stroller in tow) as we continue to, as camp's vision statement reads, “build future generations of open minds and open hearts.”
 
It’s not often that, as a family, we publicly thank one another for our work… but this occasion seems to call for it. Diana has shaped Scatico for the better: her care and dedication to each camper and family; the logistics work from behind-the-scenes in the office; her Spidey sense for knowing who needed listening to; the warmth and attention she provided staff, particularly on hard days when they needed it most; her unflappable enthusiasm leading so, so many hikes up Breakneck Ridge. Of course, we are lucky that she will remain a presence at camp for consultation and guidance, but not as lucky as Henry, who gains a grandma as a full-time summer “nanny.” 

David will continue in his role as Owner and Director, now joined by Nicki, who will become a Director as well. And Head Counselors Kerri and Mark will once again be supported by their legendary Senior Leadership Team (we started the math on how many Scatico summers they cumulatively represent… let’s just say it easily surpasses 300).

Family milestones often inspire us to reflect on the inextricable connection between camp and our lives and memories. It is hard to express the depth of gratitude we feel for each member of the Scatico community, and the ways in which you have impacted (and will continue to impact) camp, and by extension, us.  

Thank you. 

Here’s to continuing traditions and fresh starts (ever the classic camp balance) in 2023… 

David, Nicki and Audrey