Year Round Staff

Jalisa came aboard as the Program Director in 2011; was promoted to Assistant Director in 2014; and was named Director in January 2020. She is a leader in the camping field and was the 2017 recipient of the Jack Weiner Leadership Award from the American Camp Association. She has a bachelor’s degree in camp administration from Florida State University. She and her husband Michael were married at Camp in 2014. They live with their two children Calvin and Neva year-round at camp.

Caitlin began her career at Camp Newaygo in 2002 as a counselor, and through the years served as the Leader in Training Director and Tripping Director until taking over as the Business Director in 2015. She worked for several years as an educator and historian for the National Park Service and various public museums. Caitlin holds a masters degree in History from Central Connecticut State University. She and her husband Mike were married at Camp in 2019 and enjoy hiking around Newaygo County with their daughter Violet.

Scott came to Camp Newaygo as the Community Program Director in 2017 and now leads our program team during summer camp and throughout the year. Scott brings extensive experience from working at a number of camps and youth development organizations across Michigan. He has a Masters degree in Architecture with a focus on community development and youth participatory design processes. Scott is passionate about helping our summer staff develop leadership skills and providing accessible, equitable opportunities to youth. His lab-beagle mix Lola loves living at and exploring camp.

Jazmine started her career at Camp Newaygo in 2023. Prior to her role here, she has worked at different seasonal country clubs and resorts in Massachusetts, Florida, and Michigan. Jazmine has even trained under a Michelin Starred Chef. Cooking and baking have always been true passions for Jazmine, but when she isn’t making something delicious to eat, you can find her doing crafts and DIY projects. She and her fiance, Caleb, are excitedly planning their 2024 wedding at Camp Newaygo.

Whitney started her career at Camp Newaygo in June 2018, and has already embraced Newaygo county and all it has to offer. Whitney comes to us from Lucy’s Cafe in Grand Rapids, and has experience with The Gilmore Collection and working for Disney World. Whitney holds a degree from the Culinary Institute of Michigan. She and her husband Dave were married at Camp Newaygo in 2021, and their daughter Brooklyn is a proud Camp Newaygo camper.

Patrick is originally from Missouri City, Texas, a suburb outside of Houston, Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University #RollTiges and is pursuing a master’s degree in Strategic Communication at Troy University.  Patrick’s camping experience includes programming and coordinator roles at YMCA camps throughout the Midwest, Texas and New Hampshire. What Patrick enjoys the most about working with youth is the opportunity to influence and role model civic engagement and social responsibility. In his spare time he enjoys reading, movies, live music, and conversation. Some of his favorite topics to read and share about are diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Originally from Toluca, Mexico, Lilka started her career at Camp Newaygo in Summer 2017 as a counselor. She has served as a seasonal leadership staff member and a year-round volunteer at camp. Lilka attended Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering but realized her true love is camping and youth development. She is a longtime cheerleader, cheerleading/gymnastics coach and sports enthusiast. Lilka loves everything outdoors, is passionate about human development, social justice and youth education. As an International Trainee, Lilka is excited to be working year-round at Camp Newaygo while sharing her culture and making an impact.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Hannah began spending her summers at Camp Newaygo in 2020. After two summers as a counselor, she enjoyed being the waterfront director in 2022. Hannah graduated from Ohio University in the Fall of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. She absolutely adores her calico kitten named Casper and would bring her everywhere if she could. Hannah is very excited to become a part of the Newaygo community and to experience camp in every season.

Jody is the youngest of 8 and mother of 3. She moved back to the Howard City area in 2013 and she became a part of a blended family when she married her husband, Rob, gaining 2 bonus daughters. Jody also has a son named Collin who has Autism.  Jody has years of experience working in the healthcare industry and with children. Jody is excited to be a part of the Camp Newaygo family. She is most looking forward to the change of pace that camp offers!

Abigail started at Camp Newaygo in 2012 as a camper, served as an L.I.T., then as a counselor for 3 years. She decided to become an intern to give back to camp after all it has given to her. She loves to teach archery, arts and crafts and lead the bog walk. She is really excited to learn about how Camp Newaygo operates during the spring and fall seasons. A fun fact about Abigail is that her great-grandmother was a cook at Camp Newaygo.