2017 CAMP COUNSELORS
HEAD COUNSELORS
DEANNA
• Camp counselor since 2011 • Head counselor since 2013 • 2nd year Special Ed Teacher at Forest Park HS • Has run 4 half marathons in the last 6 months and signed up for 2 more within the year • Met Tony Horton (creator of P90X) • Drove 45 minutes to FAFC one way for 4 years • Loves traveling, especially to the beach • Loves her doggies
JACKI • Camp counselor for 8 years • Head counselor for 4 years • Bachelor’s in Education from Franciscan University • Taught Kindergarten and is now a 2nd grade teacher • She has three sisters--two are camp counselors as well! • Over the last two years, she has ran two half marathons and one marathon and just signed up for another half this fall. • Loves snowboarding, reading good books, writing in her planner, and white-out.
JAMES • Camp counselor since 2012 • Head counselor since 2014 • Realtor • Former tennis sensation
JOHN F. • Camp counselor since 2011 • Head counselor since 2015 • Instructional Assistant at Mayfield Intermediate School • Loves Indiana • Master of Group A • 1 of 9 siblings
MARY • Camp counselor since 2010 • Head counselor since 2014 • Was a camper at FAFC • Graduated from George Mason University • Teacher at Garfield High School • Astronomy and Earth Science
MEGHAN H. • Camp Counselor since 2011 • Head Counselor since 2015 • Just graduated from JMU with Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis • All 3 of her brothers and Meghan graduated this year, within 1 week of each other • Hates sleeping in – she’s usually up before the sun with coffee and Netflix, a book, or studying • Loves being outside (her deck is her favorite place) • Obsessed with her dog • Loves her country and everything ‘Merica • Never eats the last bite of her sandwich • She loves this job!
MIKE D. • Camp counselor since 2010 • Head counselor since 2012 • Teacher at Mayfield Intermediate School • He and Amanda Meiklejohn went to elementary school together
CAMP COUNSELORS
ABBY H. • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Studying social work at James Madison University • Enjoys hiking and eating
ABBY K. • 4th year as a camp counselor • Senior at Saint Mary's College in Indiana • Majoring in Elementary Education and Math • Plays lacrosse at Saint Mary's • Has two nephews and is the youngest of 5 kids
ALLISON N. • 4th year as a camp counselor • Just graduated from JMU • Studying Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies, minor in elementary education and special education • Enjoys running, traveling, hanging out with friends, being around kids
ALLYSON • 1st year as a camp counselor • Sophomore at the University of Mary Washington • Studying Philosophy with a double minor in Environmental Sustainability and Business Administration • Enjoys theater, photography, and traveling • Spending time with family is the most important thing to her
AMBER • 1st year as a camp counselor • Studying Kinesiology at JMU • Has a little brother • Plays intramural flag football & basketball • In Choir
ANGELICA • 5th year as a camp counselor • Just graduated with her Masters and will be teaching English at Colgan High School • Obsessed with the TV show, The Office
BEN J. • 5th year as a camp counselor • Is a lifeguard, lighting and sound technician, and firefighter/ EMT • An avid outdoorsman and musician who loves shooting, hiking, kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, and song writing • Loves the great journey so far, growing up with the campers • Hopes you and your kids have a great time this summer, and have many fun memories
BEN S. • 5th year as a camp counselor • Just graduated with a Master’s in Education from Virginia Tech • Teaching next fall at Rock Ridge High School • Loves sports (Playing & Watching) • Loves traveling & going to concerts
BRADY • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Was a camper at FAFC • A junior, studying Elementary Education at Longwood University • Loves dogs, Chipotle, and Diet Coke • Played the flute for 10 years • Commutes 45 minutes or more every day just because she loves camp so much!
BRI • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Studying Psychology at Liberty University • Loves pickles • Could eat ice cream for every meal of the day • Wants to be a social worker
BRIDGET • 1st year as a camp counselor • Rising senior at Radford University • Studying Elementary Education • Mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America • Lover of Chic-Fil-A and the beach
CAITLYN
• 1st year as a camp counselor • Just graduated from Seton High School • Attending NOVA for a semester before transferring to Mason or Catholic University for nursing • Was a competitive swimmer for 10 years • Loves to kayak • Volunteers in the ER at Prince William Hospital where she helps the nurses
CAMILLE • 1st year as a camp counselor • Has five years of experience working at multiple different summer camps • Will attend George Mason University this coming Fall, as a Junior, to continue her Elementary Education Degree • Danced for 15 1/2 years • Certified parkour instructor • Has eaten part of the world's largest cupcake
CAROLINE B. • 2nd year camp counselor • Studying elementary education at Radford University • Enjoys being outdoors and hanging out with friends and family! • “I love my dog mason, he's probably my bff (lol)!”
CAROLINE B. • 1st year as a camp counselor • Junior at Radford University, majoring in dance performance! • Been dancing for 16 years • Been playing the viola for 9 years • Recently became a part-time mermaid! • Oh, and her brother works here as a counselor too • She can't wait to dive into this summer head first!
CAPPY • 3rd year as a camp counselor • Nursing • Been running since she was seven years old. Her favorite place to lace up is the trails • Her other two favorite sports are baseball and hockey • When she’s not trail running, you can probably find her in the kitchen baking something with chocolate. • When she has the time, she loves to read. Her favorite genre is 19th century Russian literature, with Fyodor Dostoyevsky being her personal favorite author
CASSANDRA • 1st year as a camp counselor • Freshman at Longwood University • Majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Cybersecurity • Has been playing volleyball for 10 years
CASSIE H. • 6th year as a camp counselor • Graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2016 • Favorite Princess: Aurora from Sleeping Beauty • Favorite Color: Pink • Master of gimp keychains • Has been to 10 countries
CHRISTIAN • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Junior at James Madison University • Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling Psychology • Was an FAFC camper from 6-12 years old • Likes taking pictures and going on hikes • Obsessed with pineapples • Loves Mexican food • Loves poetry
DEHJA • 1st year as a camp counselor • Junior at James Madison University • Studying Health Service Administration • Kissed a stingray • Favorite animals are elephants • Obsessed with watching House Hunters!
DESIREE • 1st year as a counselor • Working on her Masters in School Counseling at GMU • Born in Germany • Youngest child • CNU Undergrad • Involved in Delta Sigma Theta • Enjoys Traveling • Loves Eating!
DEVIN • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Studying Sport and Recreation Management at JMU • Played basketball for 15 years • Was a camper • Has a brother and sister who are counselors
ERIN • 4th year as a camp counselor • Just graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Health and Physical Education • Cheerleader in college • Her dog is her best friend • Loves anything to do with the outdoors and hiking, fishing, and hunting
HAILEY • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in political science Newport University • Has a younger brother named Hunter • Has 2 dogs, Marleigh & Mojo, and 4 chickens • Enjoys Lacrosse, Field Hockey and snowboarding • Been to every state on the east coast • Lived in Massachusetts for a year and played D1 lacrosse for UMass Lowell before transferring to CNU
HAYLEY • 3rd year as a camp counselor • Studying elementary education at JMU • Was a Freedom Center camper when she was a kid • Both of her brothers have been camp counselors • Loves the outdoors • Played varsity basketball when she was in high school
JAKOB • 1st year as a camp counselor • Sophomore at West Virginia University • Majoring in Biometrics Engineering • Loves America, Baseball and Apple Pie • He also believes Sean Connery is the best James Bond
JENNA • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Davis and Elkins College with a degree in Adventure Recreation and a minor in Sustainability Studies • Loves rock climbing and white water rafting • Her two favorite smells are campfire smoke and the air right after it rains
JESSICA D. • 1st year as a camp counselor • Has worked at other summer camps for the last 6 years and looks forward to it each summer • Senior at James Madison University, majoring in Nursing with a minor in Chronic Illness • Has 7 siblings • LOVES puppies and tacos! • She’ll be leading the Freedom Scientist Camp this summer and can’t wait to meet all the campers and work with an awesome team!!!
JESSICA F. • 1st year as a camp counselor • 2nd year student at the University of Virginia • Studying biology and going pre-med • Played soccer her whole life • Although she’s very excited to be a counselor, her adorable six year old brother is very jealous that she gets to work with so many other great kids this summer!
JESSICA L. • 4th year as a camp counselor and absolutely loves it! • Currently in Nursing school at George Washington University • Favorite color is purple • Favorite camp day activity is Capture the Flag • Excited to spend another summer as part of the FAFC camp team!
JOE F
• 1st year as a camp counselor • Attends NOVA and wants to transfer to JMU with a major of GIS (Geospatial Science) • In his free time, he answers questions on NASA’s Instagram (He also translates each post into Spanish for a few people) • Does100 mile bike rides every now and then • Eagle Scout • Been to Latin America a few times to Volunteer and practice his Spanish • When he got his learners permit, he and his family drove out to California to get his 40 hours • Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon three times • Roasted marshmallows over magma • Has seen Pluto
JP • 1st year as a camp counselor • Just graduated from Patriot High School • Studying psychology at Liberty University • Has competed at the highest level of youth soccer, including training with the Olympic development team for two years • Competes in racquetball tournaments and will continue to play on the club team at Liberty • Both his brother and mother work at FAFC and his dad assists with organizing the racquetball program at Freedom
KASEY
• 4th year as a counselor • Just graduated from JMU, but will be staying an additional year to get her Masters of Arts in Teaching. Her dream is to teach first grade. • LOVES body building and weightlifting. She tried almost every sport as a kid and never really fell in love with any, but she’s athletic so lifting has become her #1 hobby and stress-reliever. She also enjoys blogging about her fitness journey as well. • Played cello through middle and high school (8 years) and misses it very much • SUPER excited for this summer! She can't wait to see familiar faces AND to meet new and eager campers as well!!
KATIE L. • 1st year camp counselor • Studying Computer Science at Frostburg State University • Attended volleyball camp at FAFC and now plays in college
KATIE W.
• 2nd year as a camp counselor • Works alongside her sister, DeAnna • Studying Psychology at University of Mary Wash • On the UMW Dance Team and in the Performing Arts Club • Loves Abe Lincoln and Harry Potter
KEVIN F. • 1st year as a camp counselor • Attending NOVA, and plans to transfer to George Mason and get a degree in Biology • Enjoys video games and reading books • Worked at Kidkare the past year so he’s pretty familiar with the Freedom Center • Loves to eat!!! Like all the time. Mexican, Thai, and Japanese are his favorite types of food!
KEVIN R. • 3rd year as a camp counselor • Senior at University of South Carolina • Studying exercise science • Enjoys playing basketball, mountain biking, and snowboarding
KEVIN T.
• 5th year as a camp counselor • Just graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Master’s in Elementary Education • Will be teaching 5th grade in Alexandria City • Dreams to be in a Broadway play or a movie • Loves everything Disney • Would love to work in children’s television down the line • Doughnut enthusiast
LAURA
• 4th year as a camp counselor • Studying English at Liberty University • Christmas is her favorite holiday! • Oldest of her brother and sister • LOVES Disney - anything Disney and she’s your girl :) • Donated her hair to Locks of Love (she will be donating it for the 3rd time) • GOT HER BRACES OFF!!! • Has a bunch of stray cats outside her house (15 to be exact)! and she loves each one of them so dearly. She feeds them each day. • Favorite color is purple • If she could be at the beach every day, she would totally be there! • She wears a flower on her head every day during the school year and they match her outfits too!!
MAGGIE • 5th year as a camp counselor • Just graduated from Randolph College with a degree in Sport & Exercise Studies • Was an FAFC camper and Amanda M. was her counselor! • Loves playing soccer and has played since she was 6, including 4 years of Randolph College Women's Soccer • Loves hiking, drawing, running, climbing, and is a devoted Washington Capitals fan • Love cats! • Hopes to pursue a career in Sports Recreation and Fitness/Nutrition
MARK • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Studying Early Education and Intervention Specialist • Attends Franciscan University of Steubenville • USA soccer fan • Frequent sleep walker • Favorite actor: John Wayne
MATT B. • 3rd year as a camp counselor • Attends Virginia Tech • Majoring in Materials Science Engineering with a Minor in Green Engineering • Plays Soccer and Lacrosse • Has visited 15 different countries
MEGGIE • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Sophomore at George Mason University • Studying English and hopes to become a high school English teacher • Loves to go hiking • Favorite animals are alpacas
MICHAELA • 1st year as a camp counselor • Worked as a life guard and swim coach at Sudley Club Pool for the last three summers • Starting her sophomore year of college in the fall at Christendom College in Front Royal, VA • Loves chocolate ice cream and the beach
MICHELLE S. • 1st year as a camp counselor • Attends NOVA • Works at Barnes and Noble in the Cafe as a barista • Enjoys reading, animals and watching Netflix • Owns 2 cats and 2 guinea pigs
MIKE B. • 1st year as a camp counselor • Went to Seton High School • Studying business at Virginia Tech • 2nd youngest of 6: 4 sisters and 1 brother • Enjoys kayaking, playing sports, and music
MONICA • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Double majoring in Digital Media and Project Management at Liberty University • Favorite food: Sushi • Favorite flavor of Ice cream: Brownie Batter • Favorite Superhero: Captain America • Favorite Book: Lord of the Rings • Favorite Sport: Snowboarding • Favorite color: Blue • Favorite quote: "Be a Flamingo in a flock of pigeons." • Also enjoys running, reading, watching movies and writing letters • One day she hopes to visit New Zealand
MORGAN • 1st year as a camp counselor • Senior at East Carolina University • Studying Health Service Management with a minor in Business • Wants to go on for her Master’s in Health Administration • Been a swimmer for as long as she can remember and while she’s at school, she works as a swim instructor • Has an English lab name Murphy • She’s enjoying her last summer in her childhood home before the big move! • Lets go PENS!
NICK S.
• 2nd summer as a camp counselor • Studying Biology with a minor in secondary education at JMU • Plays a variety of instruments including the guitar and piano • Has performed in many shows throughout northern Virginia and played in front of hundreds of people at a time! • Went to Osbourn High School • Runs for JMU’s Club Cross Country and Track team • His fastest mile was 4 minutes and 35 seconds • Enjoys many different kinds of sports and loves going on hikes, fishing, and studying nature! • Was a camper at FAFC • Loves summer camp and psyched to be back for another year of fun!
PATRICK • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Junior at James Madison University • Studying Political Science with plans to go to law school
PHILIP • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Rising sophomore at University of Mary Washington • Studying political science and concentration in foreign language • His younger brother attends camp named Gabe • Played football and basketball most of his life • On the Step Team at Mary Wash and also a tour guide
REBECCA • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Was a FAFC Camper for many years • Studying history and secondary education at University of Mary Washington • Member on the UMW Quidditch team • Played varsity tennis in high school for three years • Has a dog named Harley
ROB M. • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Currently attending George Mason University • Communications and Economics Double Major (planning on attending Law School after college.) • Went to Seton High School • During the school year, works at Bouncemania and Captain Pell's Crabhouse • Is currently working on an internship for the FNTSY Sports Network. • Won five Fantasy Football Leagues last year (including beating James B. in one) • Favorite TV Shows include The Wire, Seinfeld, Frasier, and The Challenge • Was a camper for many years before becoming a counselor
ROB T. • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Studying environmental science at Bridgewater College • Runs cross country and track at Bridgewater • Loves to mountain bike and spend time outdoors
ROCIO • 1st year as a camp counselor • Attends NOVA • Has a yorkie and he's her life • In the Early Identification Program at Mason. She spent her summers at campus until high school graduation in 2016 • Favorite animal are llamas • Loves Halloween! • Really close to her family
SAM C. • 2nd year as a camp counselor • Sophomore at the University of Mary Washington • Studying Biology for pre-med • Plays Varsity Lacrosse for UMW
STEPHEN • Senior at Radford University studying criminal justice with a minor in military science • Army ROTC Cadet • Enjoys lifting, fishing, and hanging out with his buddies!
WYATT • 3rd year as a camp counselor • Studying Health and Human Performance at Radford University • Did gymnastics for 13 years, cheered for 2 years, and ran track and cross country • Favorite cartoon is Spongebob
ZACH G.
• 1st year as a camp counselor
• Sophomore at Virginia Tech • Studying computer science engineering • Plays club golf at VT • Outside of school, he’s the drummer in the band “The Last Brigade” • Loves all sports and has played basically everything throughout his childhood
ZACH P. • 4th year as a camp counselor • Studying Civil Engineering at the University of Kentucky • Was a camper at FAFC for over 5 years • Been playing the guitar for 9 years • President and Assistant Captain for the club Dodgeball Team • Played baseball for 12 years