Emily Malin , Special Needs Services Director & Interim Camp Director Emily has been working in the social services field for eight years . She studied education and non-profit management at ASU . Emily has always had a passion for helping others and volunteering . She loves camping and spent many summers at Camp Charles Pearlstein .
Aimee Gillard , Assistant Camp J Director This is Aimee ’ s fourth summer at The J . She has a Master ’ s degree in Education from ASU . Her experience includes teaching in early childhood programs , after-school and gymnastic programs . Aimee enjoys working out , hiking and traveling . She enjoys spending time with her friends and family , including her husband and 2 year old son .
Oren Riback , Assistant Camp J Director Oren has a B . A . in philosophy from The College of Wooster in Ohio and is an alumni camper with the Tucson J . He is a former high school teacher that finds joy in assisting youth through personal development in engaging and interactive settings .
Joline Riddle , Early Childhood Education Director Joline has been with The J since the summer of 2015 . She has a Bachelor ’ s degree in Elementary Education , a Master ’ s degree in Early Childhood Education and a certificate in Educational Leadership . She has spent her career working with young children in a local school district and undergraduate pre-service teachers at the University of Arizona .
Matthew Meyer , Director of Sports & Recreation Matthew is a 6 th generation Tucsonan . He received a scholarship to play basketball at Kansas Wesleyan University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health , Physical Education , & Recreation . Matthews enjoys working with people of all ages , with a commitment to helping people develop a sense of health and wellness through physical activity .
Marian Schiltz , Early Childhood Education Director of discover CATCH and Operations Marian has been with The J since 2011 . She has a Bachelor ’ s degree in English , Theater Arts & Cultural Diversity . She is certified in Early Childhood Education Basic Studies . Marian is our health and fitness specialist . She is passionate about nutrition and exercise with children , parents , and teachers .
Brandon Rannebarger , Aquatics Director and Head Coach A highly experienced aquatics coach , Brandon has worked with College All Americans , professional triathletes and nationally ranked swimmers of all levels . He helped The J launch the new J-Rays Swim School in 2016 .
Celia Simpson , Assistant Aquatics Director & Swim Coach Celia grew up in Peoria , AZ and moved to Boston to attend Boston University . At BU , she swam and studied Environmental Analysis and Policy , graduating with a Bachelor of Arts . Swimming has been a part of her life for many years , swimming competitively since the age of nine . She has taught swimming lessons and coached for four summers during high school and college ,
Other Staff : Camp Unit Heads oversee all aspects of their respective camps . They have experience as summer camp counselors and experience / education in working with children and in the camping industry . They supervise counselors and provide top quality , safety-first and age appropriate programming to all of camp , including the planning , implementation , and supervision of themed activities .
ECE Teachers and Counselors utilize their year-round Early Childhood professionals who are experts in working with these age groups .
Camp Medical Assistant is educated and experienced in providing minor medical attention and first aid , education , medication disbursement and other services related to the health needs of our campers and staff .
Camp J Counselors , Advocates and Specialists are supervised by their respective Camp Directors . They are carefully selected and are caring educators , highly skilled and trained to work with our diverse camp family . Specialists include swim instructors , lifeguards , arts & crafts , music , theater , sports , cooking , science , culture and leadership training . Shinshinim ( counselors from Israel ) provide campers the spirit of Israel .