Department Heads
Desiree Gneco-Digital Media:
Hi! This will be my 7th summer at Camp Vega, and I’m excited to be back as the Digital Media Department Head. You’ll probably see me running around camp with a camera or a mic, creating interviews, challenges, and fun guessing games (including what’s inside Tamary), plus taking photos for our photo scavenger hunts. When I’m not at camp, I work as an illustrator and content creator back home in the Dominican Republic. I love making content, and I can’t wait to see all the silly, creative photos and videos we’ll make this summer.
Anthony Adams-Waterski:
Hello my name is Anthony Adams and this will be my 19th summer working at Camp Vega and my 16th summer running the Waterski program! I am currently back in college working to get my Bachelors in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Exercise Science! I can’t wait to get back to my summer home to see my friends and make some new ones along the way! And of course I am more than ready to get back out on the lake! Yeah Vega 2026 Whoo!!
Courtney Shutter- Housekeeping:
I grew up in Upstate New York where I met my husband, Jack and adopted our pooch, Monte. Now, the three of us live in our RV named Starla and travel the US working in various states and exploring all this country has to offer!
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—your Gymnastics Department Head (and Leaf Legend)—and I’m beyond excited to be back for my 19th summer at Vega. I’ve been involved in gymnastics for over 20 years as a competitor, coach, and judge, and this summer in Tumbledown is going to be incredible with favourites like the Vega Handstand Club, Ninja Warrior, and our Annual Gym Show. Be sure to try out for our Gymnastics, Tumbling & Stunting teams! I’m counting down the days until I’m back at the most perfect place with my favourite people. No matter how many summers I’ve spent here, driving through the gates always feels like coming home. I may live in Australia, but my heart is always at camp—and I can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet some new ones this summer.
Cat Baud-Theater:
Hi Vega family! My name is Cat, I’m from Australia and I’m the Department Head of Theatre. I can’t wait to return to my favourite place in the world for my 7th summer. I do a lot of things throughout the year, all around the world, but one of the things that always brings me the most joy is seeing everyone’s smiling faces on the Lodge stage again 🥰
Quito-Tennis:
Hello Vega, My name is Quito, and I run the Tennis Department. I’m super excited to announce my return to Camp Vega for my 17th summer on Echo Lake. It always feels special to return, and I’m really looking forward to another amazing summer together. During the rest of the year, I live in Brazil, where I’m originally from. I played college tennis in the U.S. when I was younger, and since then I’ve continued to build my life around tennis by running my own academy in Brazil, organizing events, and exploring new opportunities in the tennis world. I have a great feeling about Summer 2026, and I can’t wait to see everyone back on the tennis courts. It’s going to be a fun and special summer.
Elaine Sledge- Dance:
My name is Elaine and I am the Dance Department Head. I am from Michigan and when I’m back home I’m a dance teacher. This will be my third year working at Vega and I am looking forward to seeing the campers and staff, being back on Echo Lake Road, participating in camp activities, and watching the campers shine
Group Leaders
Tobie Paskoff-Seniors:
I’m so excited to be returning to Vega as the Senior Group Leader! This will be my fourth summer on staff and my seventh overall, including my time as a camper (T’09). Vega has always been such a special place for me, and I can’t wait to be back for another unforgettable summer. During the year, I work as a teacher and have been in education for the past ten years. I love helping kids learn, grow, and build confidence—both in and out of the classroom—and I’m thrilled to bring that same energy and passion to camp. Looking forward to an amazing summer at Vega!
Kaitlin Donelon-Super Seniors:
Hi everyone I’m Kaitlin, the super senior group leader. This will be my 14th 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.
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