Untitled design - 2023-03-08T101409.210Hi all!  

My name is Cory, and I am so excited to meet you all and join the Camp Shai team!  

I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I graduated college with a degree in Recreation Administration from Western Kentucky University. GO TOPS!  

I began my camp journey at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Nashville, TN. I spent seven summers there specializing in Overnight Camp programs, dressing in costumes, chanting camp songs, and working with campers and staff from all over the world. I also served as a Youth Activities Counselor for less than a year with Disney Cruise Lines, cruising internationally alongside the liveliest animated characters and kids. Before moving to Colorado, I worked at a local Science Museum in Nashville as the Program Coordinator, managing the STEM-based Summer Day Camp program, reserving field trips, and coordinating an annual Robotic Competition for local students and teams. Outside of camp, you can find me hiking, going to concerts, exploring Denver, traveling, and throwing a tennis ball with my dog, Teddy. 

 

Untitled design - 2023-03-08T101359.298My name is Kati and I am excited to be part of the JCC!  

I have been working with children for over 20 years beginning with babysitting as a teenager, moving into day camps and afterschool programs in college, and finally, formal teaching in 2007. I moved to Denver from Madison, Wisconsin, (go Badgers!) in 2021 after teaching art for 15 years grade public school classrooms, kindergarten through 8th grade. In August of 2022 I left the classroom and in December, began my position as Assistant Director of Inclusion and Camper Care serving both Camp Shai and Ranch Camp. My brother and sister-in-law live here (which is what brought me here from Wisconsin) and own a business that serves the disability community (The Sensory Club), so inclusion is definitely a family passion! Outside of camp you can find me nerding out with a book or painting. I’m also a big fan of paddleboarding during the summer! I can already feel the joy that camp brings and I’m excited to dive into camp life here at the JCC! 

 

Untitled design - 2023-03-08T101317.147Coach Spencer couldn’t be more thrilled to return to the Camp Shai team this year! Spencer is from Chicago and worked with the Chicago Jewish Day School last year as their PE Teacher, working with pre-K through 8th grade, and coaching cross country and basketball for middle school. Before working at CJDS, Spencer worked with the YMCA for five years. In his role with the YMCA, Spencer helped grow participation in summer camp, sports camp, youth and adult basketball leagues and classes. He also oversaw the aquatics and childcare departments, which included everything from swim lessons to before/after school physical education classes. Last summer, Coach Spencer was the Sports Specialist for Camp Shai and started his first year working at the Denver Jewish Day School. He currently teaches P.E. for the Lower Division, and coaches middle school and high school soccer, basketball and baseball. Spencer’s goal is to help young people become the best versions of themselves and help instill confidence to grow and build character!   

 

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