Department Heads
Desiree Gneco-Digital Media:
Hola!! I’m Desi! And yes, I’m Dominican. This is my sixth summer at camp… yeah, Vega 2025, wow! I’m the Digital Media department head, so you’ll see me running around camp with a mic and a camera, probably asking you life-altering questions like: S’mores or Varna Bar? or favorite camp activity or trying to guess what ‘s inside tamary? Back home in the DR, I’m an illustrator, but I LOVE creating content. I’m super excited to see what wild video ideas the campers come up with this summer—because let’s be real, recording silly and funny videos is the best part! Can’t wait to see you all! Get ready for your close-up!
Leigh Tolboe-Staff Coordinator:
Hi! My name is Leigh Tolboe and I am the Staff Coordinator at Camp Vega. This is my 11th summer working at Vega, my 3rd summer as the staff coordinator. I’ve worked as a bunk counselor, a Department Head, a Group Leader, and I’m also a parent – my daughter is in Tamary this summer! I love being the staff coordinator and getting to know our staff from all over the world. Vega has given my family and me so much, but I am most grateful for the people it has brought into my life. I will be there this summer along with my sons, Charlie, Sam, my daughter Dempsey is a camper and my husband Cramer will come and go from our home in Salt Lake City, Utah. I can’t wait to see and get to know the staff this summer!
Mayu Sakai-Operations Manager:
It’s Mayu here! Can you believe summer 2025 is just around the corner? I’m so excited to be back for my fifth summer at Vega. This year, I’ll be the Operations Manager, helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. I can’t wait to spend another summer on Echo Lake, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. Vega has always been a place where I’ve felt comfortable challenging myself and trying new things. I’m so excited to see what the summer has in store for us all. See you soon, Vega! x
Emma Horowitz-Athletics Director:
As always (and forever) I am ecstatic to be back at Vega for my 19th summer in my new role as Athletic Director. The gloomy spring here in Maine is getting tiresome, and I’m ready for the gorgeous summer weather and the special serenity of Echo Lake!
Emily Adams- Fitness:
Hey Vega! I’m Em and I am SO excited to be returning for my second summer. I live in the Yorkshire countryside and I’m currently studying to become an accountant. This summer I’ll be your Fitness Department Head and I can’t wait to be back with everyone and create more amazing memories – I’m counting down the days.
Jose “Pina” Cueva-Media:
Hi! My name is Jose aka Pina! This is gonna be my 9th summer at Vega as Media department head and I couldn’t be more excited! Can’t wait to see all your faces ! Counting the days for Vega 2025!
Melanie O’Neil-Swim:
Hi everyone! I’m Melanie, the department head of swimming. This will be my 10th summer at Camp, and I can’t wait to be reunited! When I’m not at Camp, I’m a reading specialist for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in Ohio. I’m looking forward to gorgeous days down on Echo Lake!
Christine Barnard-Gymnastics:
Hi Vega! I’m Christine, aka Poppins, and I’m beyond excited to be back for my 18th summer! No matter how many years you’ve spent at Vega, nothing beats that incredible feeling of driving through the gates for the first time each summer. I live all the way in Australia, but my heart is always at camp. I can’t wait for everything Vega has in store, especially some of my favorites—Opening Day, Gym Show, Olympics, and the 4th of July!
Cat Baud-Theater:
Hi everyone! My name is Cat and I am SUPER excited to be returning to my favourite place on earth for my 5th summer at Vega and 4th summer as Department Head of Theatre. I am 28 years old and am from Melbourne, Australia. When I’m not travelling, I work as a Theatre Stage Manager, a barista and an EFL teacher. This summer I am looking forward to bringing even more campers into the theatre with our two new activity choices we have on offer! Bring on summer 2025!
Elaine Sledge-Dance:
Hi I’m Elaine, a Detroit native and owner of Abigail School of Dance! I’m also a professional dancer, educator, and choreographer. This is my second summer as the Dance Department Head at Camp Vega, and I look forward to another great season. Cannot wait!
Kaylee Winn-Events Coordinator:
HI VEGA!! My name is Kaylee, I am from a small farm town in Utah. A few of my favorite things at camp are waterfront afternoons, seeing the fireflies, and of course, cookout s’mores! I am counting down the days til we are all together again at our summer home. I can’t wait to make my fourth year the best one yet!!
Jaidyn Krassner-Fine Arts:
What’s up Vega!?! My name is Jaidyn, & I’m returning for my 5th summer as the Fine Arts Department Head! I was raised in Las Vegas, but have spent the last few years traveling abroad & the US. I’m currently finishing up my second snowboarding season in Keystone, Colorado & am SOOO stoked to return to Maine for that sweet dip in Echo Lake!!
Arup Dutta-Tennis:
Hello Vega – I am Arup Dutta! I grew up playing tennis in India and came to USA at an early age, and shortly afterwards I started playing tennis in the New Jersey area. Since 2000, I’ve been teaching tennis in Florida during the fall, winter, and spring and then spending summers coaching tennis at camps throughout the Northeast. I love having fun sharing my energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience through the Camp Vega tennis program, which I have managed since 2021.
Lea Edwards-Equestrian:
Hi Everyone, I’m Lea Edwards, Equestrian DH, and I started at Vega in 2017 which seems like yesterday! The horses and I are from sunny South Carolina where I have a small training stable with my daughters, Eliza and Joanna. We horse show, fox hunt and do a little racing in the winter months. There is no place I would rather be than Camp Vega where the air is cool and living is easy. It’s the loveliest summer home beside beautiful Echo lake. Every summer is unique, inspiring, always a challenge and always fulfilling. Can’t wait to see you all and start another fabulous summer with happy campers and horses!
Max Gaylord- Small Crafts:
HEY VEGA!! I am so unbelievably hyped to be back at camp for my fifth summer! We have a lot planned for this summer down at the Small Crafts Department and I can’t wait to see you all on Echo Lake!!
Tiger Hewett- General Support Manager:
Hi, my name is Tiger Hewett, and I have been at Camp Vega for over 35 years. I am the General Support Manager. I work with Brian and Dan. I look forward to another great summer, and meeting all of the new staff as well as seeing all of the returners!
Brian Blanchard-Facilities Maintenance Manager:
Hello all! My name is Brian Blanchard. I joined the Camp Vega family last summer as Facilities Maintenance Manager in the Maintenance Department with Tiger and Dan. I am having a great time working on my projects, and can’t wait to see everyone this summer!
Dan Macomber-Landscaping Foreman:
Hi, my name is Dan Macomber. I have joined the maintenance department with Tiger and Brian, and I am the Landscaping Foreman. This will be my 3rd summer here at Camp Vega. Summer camps have been in my life for over 40 years, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.
Group Leaders
Brittany Tuber-Sub Juniors/ Program Director:
Hi Vega! My name is Brittany and I can’t wait to be back at camp for my 15th summer (8th as a staff member.) This summer, in addition to being the Sub Junior group leader, I will be taking on the role of Program Director. If you have any questions or requests, feel free to reach out. During the year I live in Florida with my three kids, Mackenzie, Kate, and Miles, and my husband, Kraig. We are all counting down the days until we are back at our favorite place! I can’t wait to meet all the new campers, reconnect with returning campers, and welcome you all to your summer home!
January Heiberger-Juniors:
With a V-E-G-A cheer, I am so excited to be back at Vega for my 15th summer (7th as a staff member) as the Junior Group Leader! This summer, I am very much looking forward to building lots of new memories, especially during cook-outs, and my daytime and night time check ins with each bunk! Once again, my son Harris and daughter Brooklyn will be joining me at camp! We are counting down the days till we are back on Echo Lake with our Vega family!!
Paula Nava-Sub Super Juniors:
Holaaa Vega!!! My name is Paula, and I’m from Mexico. This is gonna be my 4th summer at Vega and I’m grateful to return as the Sub Super Junior group leader. I can’t wait to see you all and spend an amazing summer.
Talitha Booth-Super Juniors:
Hiya! My name is Talitha and I am so excited to be the Super Junior Group Leader for my 9th summer at Vega. I live in Aotearoa and I run two hospitality venues whilst also studying for my MSc in Psych. There is nothing as magical as turning onto Echo Lake Road for the first time each year! I can’t wait to see everyone and spend the summer dancing, star gazing and hunting for toads!
Paulina Tena-Inters:
Hi Vega!! My name is Paulina Tena and I am so excited to be back for my fourth summer! I am from Chihuahua, Mexico but currently living in New Jersey. This year I will be joining the Leadership team, as the Inter Group Leader. I can’t wait to see everyone again, meet new people, create new memories, and have the best summer!
Victoria Cotter-Seniors:
Hi everyone! My name is Victoria, and this year I’m so excited to be returning as the senior group leader!! When I am not at Vega I’m back at home in Ireland, spending my time studying at medical school. I cannot wait to be back on Echo Lake, and to get to see everyone again. See you soon vega
Kaitlin Donelon-Super Seniors:
Hi everyone I’m Kaitlin, the super senior group leader. This will be my 13th summer at camp and I couldn’t be more excited! Vega is one of my favorite places in the whole world. When not at camp, I’m an art teacher in Chicago. I’m looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces this summer in the 04349.
Annie Connolly-Tamary:
Hi hi! My name is Annie. I’m from Salt Lake City, Utah, but I live in Boston these days! I’m currently an MSW candidate at Simmons University, and even though I love grad school, I am counting down the seconds until summer! My favorite things about Vega are Echo Lake and Olympics. But more than anything I am looking forward to spending my summer with T’25!!!! See you Opening Day, Tam
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