MINIWANCA - Key Persons
Amy found her way to the American Youth Foundation after more than 20 years with Lindt USA, where she developed and implemented trade show strategy from design to execution. This required working intensively with designers, union construction crews, sales representatives, and the public.
After 20 years in a corporate setting, Amy found herself ready to make a meaningful change. The principles of four-fold living spoke clearly to her, as she is passionate about developing youth to be their best selves. The AYF proved to be the right fit to put her leadership skills and project management experience to work in direct support of this effort.
Amy lives in the beautiful lakes region in New Hampshire with her husband of more than 20 years, their two daughters, and multiple farm animals. She is joined at Merrowvista in summer by her youngest daughter as a camper.
Amy enjoys leading the many teams of Facilities, Food Program, Office Administration, and IT. She encourages these teams to be their best and to provide a space where youth can grow and learn, safe yet challenged as they become their best selves.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Youth Foundation Team
- AYF Senior Director of Infrastructure
- Vice President of Infrastructure
Andy brings experience from the commercial construction arena where he built several multifamily housing complexes, as well as developed several smaller properties in New York, Martha's Vineyard, Atlanta, and St. Louis. He has earned a master's degree in building, construction, and facility management from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Andy is also a combat veteran, having served as a staff sergeant in the United States Army Reserve for eight years. During this time, he deployed to Iraq and Uganda as a member of a psychological operations team embedded with the infantry.
Andy has experienced the American Youth Foundation through many different lenses. His family was first introduced to the organization in 1965 when his father was selected to be a part of the Danforth Fellowship. Andy's mother and siblings all became involved as participants, volunteers, and staff. Andy first experienced Camp Miniwanca washing dishes and Camp Merrowvista as a counselor for the International Leadership Conference. Andy and his wife, Molly, have ensured that their three children have been a part of numerous programs from Merrowvista and Miniwanca camps, the Four Trails and Avail programs, and the National Leadership Conferences.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator
- Assistant Director of Camp
Aubrie is originally from Fort Worth, Texas, but spent most of her life in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in human development and family sciences.
She grew up spending every summer as a camper, which turned into four summers on seasonal camp staff, serving in various program roles. She took a break from camp for a year to work as a Child Development Specialist at Nationwide Children's Hospital, which gave her an increased appreciation for the psychosocial needs of children.
She found Merrowvista while searching for a year-round camp role through the American Camp Association. She grew up spending time with family in the New England area and always dreamed of moving there. She couldn't be happier to call Merrowvista home now!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- National Leadership Conference Co - Director
Bethany Wise first experienced summer camp at 9 years old and has been in love with it ever since. That passion has taken to her to camps in Ohio, Hawaii, and now Michigan, where she's thrilled to bring her years of experience from camp and classroom teaching to Miniwanca.
Bethany believes in the power of learning. She has an undergraduate degree in communication disorders and a master's degree in education, and she has spent her adult life creating fun, inviting spaces for everyone to learn, from clinics to classrooms to camps.
Bethany is looking forward to making many new memories with her family in West Michigan.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Camps
Brianna has attended summer camp for as long as she remembers: as a camper, then a counselor, and a director. She is passionate about connecting youth with nature and developing those that work with youth. Brianna is from Grand Haven, Michigan and has spent most of her life in west Michigan. She has a degree from Michigan State University in child development and organizational leadership. She has spent her career facilitating spaces where everyone belongs, taking risks are encouraged, and differences are celebrated.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Youth Foundation Team
- Lead Health Officer
In the last 30 years, Carrie has been lucky enough to be a Merrowvista camper, leader, Four Trails Coordinator, Health Officer, camper parent, and now her current role as AYF Lead Health Officer.
Carrie believes the values of best self and balanced living are essential to her career as a registered nurse. She and strives to help others understand these values are integral to achieving health and wellness, which looks different for everyone. She understands and appreciates how the powerful experiences and relationships formed through AYF programs can empower youth to discover confidence, compassion, lifelong friendships, and a drive to serve.
During the school year, Carrie lives in Columbia, South Carolina with her husband, Cody, and four children - all current or soon-to-be Merrowvista campers. When she's not with the Merrowvista team in the Ossipee Mountains, she is an RN in a pediatric ICU.
Catherine Klene (she/her) joined the AYF team in April 2020. She was a magazine writer and editor for more than 10 years before she decided to explore how she could use her skills in the nonprofit space. She was drawn to the AYF's mission of helping youth discover their own best selves and live balanced lives. She is thrilled to be part of such a welcoming, mission-driven community.
Catherine graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2010 with bachelor's degrees in mass communications and English language and literature. She lives in St. Louis with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat.
Job Titles:
- Facilities Coordinator / Caretaker
Chad joined the AYF family in 2008 as a Community and Schools Program Facilitator. Since then, he has worn many hats and has had the opportunity to work in almost every department at Miniwanca. Whether he has been working as a CSP Coordinator, Camps Coordinator, Four Trails Trip Leader, NLC mentor, NLC Central Staff member, running the Food Program, or as a Facilities Team member he has always enjoyed his time watching campers and staff figure out what "Best Self" means to them. Chad grew up going to Boy Scout summer camp and found his love for the outdoors through his many experiences growing up which led him to Central Michigan University to Study Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education.
Chad is an active member in the community and is currently serving as the President of the Optimist International Shelby Chapter. Chad met and married his wife Amber at Miniwanca, and they have one child together, Theo.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Finance Manager
- Member of the American Youth Foundation Team
Dawn began her work with the AYF in 2010, after she relocated back to the west side of Michigan. Prior to joining the AYF team, Dawn worked as a legal assistant, worked in variety of roles for a local electric cooperative, and an executive director of a chamber of commerce. She grew up next door to Miniwanca and spent many days exploring the camp and attended Miniwanca through a community program as a teen in her church's youth group.
Three of her four children have participated in AYF programs. Her youngest son, Thomas, began as a three-week camper and attended every year through through the Odyssey program of Four Trails and the National Leadership Conference. Dawn witnessed the Thomas' transformation during his years at Miniwanca as he discovered his own self, at his very best, all the time.
She is extremely thankful for the AYF and the impact it has had her family. Dawn continues to work diligently to ensure more youth can experience the life-changing transformation the AYF brings to youth.
Job Titles:
- Director of Community and School Programs
Dayna had never been to Merrowvista - or New Hampshire! - until summer 2021. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in outdoor education and was working a corporate banking job when she found a seasonal job at Merrowvista on a camp website. She packed up her car and drove across the country to work as leader during summer 2021. She never thought she'd work at a summer camp or even with kids, but after just one summer at Merrowvista, she was hooked. She loved every aspect of the job - the youth, staff, and especially values of the American Youth Foundation.
Dana continued to work at Merrowvista with the fall Community and School Programs, where she discovered that she wanted to continue working in the beautiful environment, helping kids strive to be their best selves. She applied for a full-time position after her first CSP season and officially moved to New Hampshire in April 2022.
The last few years have taught Dayna about herself, who she wants to be, and how to create a safe space for youth to be their authentic selves while pushing themselves into their growth zones, making new friends, and enjoying nature.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- National Leadership Conference Co - Director
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Griffin brings her passion for community, mentorship, and inspirational growth to the AYF after a 10-year career in the senior healthcare industry in Kansas City where her work ranged from program coordinator to executive director. Her degree in organizational leadership combined with her work experience has presented many opportunities to bring best self and balanced living practices into her professional and personal lives.
Griffin is a participant in the Summer Seminars for Women program and feels especially drawn to the intergenerational experience it creates. Her husband, Michael Harter, is a graduate and 20-year volunteer of the National Leadership Conference who now serves as Director of Conferences, Community, and School Programs. Two of their three daughters are already Miniwanca campers, with a third slated to join them when she is of age.
Griffin embraces the AYF community values in her work of supporting the Facilities Team, the Food Program, Office Administration, and Information Technology, all in order to encourage and inspire youth to have fun, be their best selves, and spread their gifts far beyond the camp experience!
Job Titles:
- Director of Adult Programs
Longtime Summer Seminars for Women participant and volunteer Holley Young stepped into the part-time role of Adult Programs Lead in 2022 and the full-time role of Director of Adult Programs in 2023. She is grateful to have a job in her post-professional life with an organization so foundational to her. The role merges her skillset with her passion, and she looks forward to helping offer meaningful program content that supports the AYF mission and provides connection among participants.
Jamie came to Merrowvista in 1996 as a camper and was instantly hooked on the transformative power of the AYF community. During the next 25 years, she went from camper to staff and tried her hand at a wide variety of seasonal positions. She loved learning about all that makes AYF programs possible and was inspired by the enkindled spirits of campers and participants.
Jamie is passionate about education. After earning degrees in anthropology and social studies education, she worked in local school systems and a local history museum. When her children were born, Jamie got more involved in the surrounding community and is now a trustee on the board of her local library. Her two young children remind her to work toward a more just and peaceful world one step at a time. Now, in her first full-time role with the AYF, Jamie is excited to work with both campers and school participants to discover and develop their personal bests and create thriving, supportive communities. She can often be found with two kids and at least one cat on her lap and an overflowing pile of books nearby.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Food Service Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Jessa began her time with the AYF in 1992 as a Miniwanca camper. It was a family endeavor - her father, Jeff, was a year-round program director, and her mom, Barb, was the camp nurse. A gaggle of siblings were also present throughout the summer. As she aged out of program, Jessa transitioned to seasonal staff as a leader, waterfront staff, and member of the Adventure Team for ILC/NLC. Today, Jessa is the Director of Development and spearheads fundraising and engagement for the organization, including the upcoming centennial celebration.
Jessa earned her interdisciplinary bachelor's from the University of Missouri with an emphasis in women's and gender studies, and her master's in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. She co-founded the YMCA of the USA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Camp Working Group while working at Camp Pendalouan in Michigan. Passionate about disability rights, Jessa developed a statewide volunteer program for a disability service provider and was instrumental in the self-determination and empowerment of disability rights advocates. Jessa's career with other nonprofits has focused on youth and families; coming home to the AYF is full circle.
Jessa refers to her time at camp as "turbo grow," celebrating and sustaining the amount of personal and communal growth in such a short time. She is thrilled to work for the AYF again and excited for what the future will bring. She's always up for hearing camp stories - and might have a few of her own!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee
Julie discovered the AYF in 2010 and joined as Merrowvista's Office Coordinator; six months later she became the Assistant to the President and works with leadership and Board of Directors. Having grown up and worked overseas for much of her professional life at an international school, working and engaging in a community focused on children at an organization with a noble mission were essential: a perfect blend she discovered at the AYF. Because of this background, Julie projects a Northeast "American" image but identifies more closely as a third-culture kid. Ever grateful, Julie's youngest son was a summer camper at Merrowvista and a graduate of the National Leadership Conference. Lessons learned, friendships formed, the skills gained, and the community have laid a strong foundation, having impacted him in wonderful, positive ways. In her spare time, Julie enjoys hosting friends and family to home-cooked Indian food.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Kim Novotny was first introduced to the American Youth Foundation when her husband became the Facilities Manager at Merrowvista in 2003. She worked in the kitchen on and off for more than decade before taking on her current role as Food Service Manager in 2016. Kim works with local farms to source ingredients for delicious healthy meals. She loves finding creative ways to introduce kids to new, exciting foods they haven't tried before.
Kim's three sons attended Merrowvista as children, and now her granddaughter attends as a daycamper. The AYF has been a huge part of Kim's life, and she believes working at Merrowvista has made her a better person.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Youth Foundation Team
- Vice President of Strategic Program
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the American Youth Foundation Team
- President
- AYF President and CEO
- AYF Vice President
Liz Marshall is an inspiring educator and community leader, committed to nurturing compassionate young people prepared to make a positive impact on both their local and global communities. Her journey towards this mission began on the sand dunes of Miniwanca during the 1980s, where she grew from staff kid to camper to summer staff under her mother Suzy, who served as the Girls Camp Director at the time.
While an undergraduate at Yale University, Liz honed her passion for leadership and education. She studied literature and history, took time away to work as an outdoor field instructor to fifth graders in Oregon, and then returned to complete her degree in American Studies. Following her time at Yale, Liz's adventurous spirit led her to Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, where she took on the role of a program director. At this camp, she played a crucial role in creating a safe and nurturing environment for children with life-threatening illnesses, helping them experience joy and healing through transformative camp experiences.
Recognizing the power of education in shaping future leaders, Liz earned a master's degree in education from Harvard University, where she refined her teaching and leadership skills. Her journey as an educator continued at Dana Hall School, where she taught high school English and developed a community service program, inspiring her students to excel academically and become thoughtful, responsible citizens.
In 2005, Liz returned to her roots in the role of Girls Camp Director at Miniwanca. As a dynamic leader, she played an integral part in fostering the personal growth and leadership development of countless young campers and staff. Her dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders shone through as she demonstrated a passion for the tools of four-fold balanced living.
After 14 years as camp director, Liz shifted her focus to the strategic and began as AYF Director of Advancement. Leveraging her skills to support the organization's mission and growth, she led fundraising and engagement efforts including reunions and adult programs. As the pandemic hit, Liz pivoted and quickly developed AYF online programs including evening reflections and conversation circles for adult audiences.
In 2021, Liz was appointed as the AYF Vice President, a role that allowed her to continue to shape the future of the organization and empower young leaders on an even broader scale. She led a renewed focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, initiating the AYF DEI Committee. She led the organization in the work of creating a strategic plan to articulate the mission, vision, and values heading into AYF's centennial.
Liz's life and career are dedicated to the development of thoughtful, caring leaders who discover their best and share their gifts in the world. Every day, she is inspired by all who join the AYF in striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others and their communities.
Marty Schaner worked at Herman Miller for 25 years until a debilitating injury forced an early retirement and a new career path. A huge portion of Marty's life has been dedicated to the Boys Scouts of America. Marty is an Eagle Scout and holds many BSA youth and adult awards. He developed the Eagle Quest (first-year camper) Program at Gerber Scout Reservation, where he taught youth about food safety and easy ways to prepare outdoor meals. He has held many positions as a youth and an adult counseling and mentoring young people., including camp food service director. He has cooked as many as 1,500 servings for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily for seven weeks straight! Marty joined the Miniwanca food program team in summer 2023 and found a new home with the American Youth Foundation.
Servanthood to his fellow man is a key part of Marty's life. He volunteers for the Windward Wounded Warriors and often caters for various other friends, groups, and organizations. He helps provide for seniors in his community and always has time for youth. His six children and seven grandchildren - plus many other "scout" children - have given him tons of experience with youth and his love and passion for food is really just watching people enjoy what he has prepared for them.
Job Titles:
- Director of Conferences, Community, and School Programs
Michael began his time with AYF in 1997 as a participant in the ILC taking place at Merrowvista. As he aged from camper to adult, he continued to give back and was inspired by the AYF in innumerable ways. Michael is a current NLC co-director, as well as former mentor and Boys Camp staffer.
Michael earned a bachelor's degree in experiential education administration and master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at Prescott College. He helped create and implement an outpatient therapeutic program at KidsTLC in Olathe, Kansas and is inspired to work in youth development in many capacities.
After 36 years living near Kansas City, Michael now calls Stony Lake, Michigan home with his wife, Griffin, and their three daughters. He is excited to be a part of the AYF again professionally and is energized for the future of the organization.
Michael was first introduced to AYF in the early 2000s by family members who attend Merrowvista for summer programming. He had to wait until 2008 to experience the National Leadership Conference. His class, Deeply Rooted, and its meaning was fundamental in his development. He has tried to keep roots in his global community and support where he can.
Michael started his career working at Northside Community Center in St. Louis as a Program Manager Assistant, where he found he enjoyed giving back to his community. He worked there for three years before before working in retail and banking. He's happy to be at the AYF and help keep its mission going.
Job Titles:
- Advancement Coordinator
- Alumni and Community Relations Director
Molly's introduction to the AYF took place when she volunteered on the health team when her children were campers. She began working for the AYF in 2016, bringing 20 years of professional experience in social work and community justice. Along with her background in human services, she brought extensive database and management experience to her role. As a member of the AYF advancement team, Molly has become a leader in fundraising, youth advocacy, and alumni community building. She believes in seeing, embracing, and drawing close our young people and raising strong leaders for tomorrow. The chance to connect with members of the AYF Founder Family has given her a deep respect for the impact of camp experiences that continue to be meaningful throughout a lifetime.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Member of the American Youth Foundation Team
Job Titles:
- Advancement Manager, Development & Finance
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Facilities Coordinator / Caretaker
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Four Trails and Staffing Manager
- Four Trails Manager
The AYF has been a keystone of Regan's life since 2012. She has been a National Leadership Conference participant and staff, Girls Camp and Four Trails leader, and AYF volunteer. She is inspired by the growth and joy participants find when they overcome challenge at camp, and she strives to aspire nobly, adventure daringly, and serve humbly.
Regan graduated from Indiana University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and worked in EMS, focusing on health care trainings and simulations. Her passion for youth development compliments her position at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center, working with technical theater students on in-house productions.
Regan lives in Indianapolis with her husband, Adam, and calls the dunes her home for the summer. She loves baking, cycling, and reading a good book.
Job Titles:
- Information Technology Manager
- Member of the American Youth Foundation Team
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Director
- Member of the American Youth Foundation Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Youth Foundation Team
- Vice President of Advancement
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee