Meet Our Staff
FPC Tree icon indicates a former FPC camper
Founders & Owners
UNCLE BUD & BROWNIE
Founders
Founders
Friendly Pines Camp was founded in 1941 by Bud and Isabelle, better known as “Uncle Bud” and “Brownie” around camp. The camp has grown tremendously since their first camping trip here with their children and several of their little friends, and now stands as a monument to their life’s work. Four generations of Arizona youngsters have benefited from their inspiration and devotion.
JACK & BEBE BROWN MAY
Owners & Directors Emeriti
Owners & Directors Emeriti
In the early 1960s, Bebe Brown May and her husband Jack May assumed ownership of the camp from Bebe's father and mother. Throughout both of their lives, Jack & Bebe maintained the camp traditions and built Friendly Pines into what it is today. Jack was a Certified Camp Director (ACA), and brought to Friendly Pines a business background of over 20 years; an education in one of England’s finest schools, and four years active duty as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force. With Bebe, the daughter of Uncle Bud and Brownie, and a former teacher and counselor (M.A., Arizona State University) fluent in Spanish (M.I.M., Thunderbird Arizona Graduate School of International Management) as senior director, every phase of the camp operation received her scrupulous personal attention.
Jack passed away in 2012, and Bebe followed him to her eternal rest in 2021. We miss them every day.
Directors
MEGAN MAY
Co-Director
Co-Director
Camp is truly in Megan’s blood. Starting at age 5, Megan enjoyed 10 summers as a camper before becoming a CIT, an Assistant Counselor, and then Counselor, teaching Photography & Journalism. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2014, Megan rejoined the FPC staff in 2015 as one of the Assistant Program Directors. In the fall of 2016, she became a year-round staff member. As the great-granddaughter of Uncle Bud & Brownie, Megan is also a fourth generation family member of Friendly Pines Camp.
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Years on Staff: 9
School & Major: University of Arizona, Physiology Major, Biology Minor, 2014
Favorite Camp Memory: Stargazing on overnights, trail rides, and the UV Picnic!
Dream Job: Interior Designer or Travel Blogger
Actual Career Plan: Camp Director
Favorite Song: "Adore You" by Harry Styles
Place I’d Most Like to Live: London, England
Random Fun Fact About Me: I walked 400 miles *by myself* on El Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage path in Northern Spain when I was 22...still the coolest thing I've ever done!
megan@friendlypines.com
KEVIN NISSEN
Co-Director
Co-Director
Kevin was a first-year counselor at Friendly Pines in 1978. He returned each summer thereafter until he graduated from Arizona State University. After half a dozen years of being a high school English teacher, Kevin returned to Friendly Pines with his family during the summer breaks. He eventually was hired as our year-round director in 1990. Kevin works with all phases of camp management where he offers his creativity, energy, and sense of humor.
Hometown: Walled Lake, MI
Years on Staff: 39
School & Major: Arizona State University, English Major
Favorite Camp Memory: My entire first summer as a counselor in 1978. It was magic at a time I needed some magic.
Dream Job: I always assumed I would be a professional baseball player
Actual Career Plan: Camp Director
Favorite Food: Any bread my wife bakes
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: The Cotswolds
Random Fun Fact About Me: My last name is Danish for..."elf"
knissen@friendlypines.com
ADAM ESPOSITO
Program Director
Program Director
Years on Staff: 6
Favorite Camp Memory: I love the overnights. Some of my warmest feelings towards camp are from the time spent with the boys & my co-counselors on those nights
Dream Job: A pilot giving tours of the local areas from the sky
Actual Career Plan: Assistant Director at Friendly Pines Camp (maybe someday...)
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: It's either hiking around Yosemite National Park, camping at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, or scuba diving The Great Barrier Reef
Place I'd Most Like to Live: I would love to live in Italy. It's where my grandfather is from
Random Fun Fact About Me: I met my now-wife at Friendly Pines Camp
adam@friendlypines.com
Office Staff
VALERIE ESPOSITO
Office Assistant
Office Assistant
Years on Staff: 8
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Elementary and Early Child Education Major, 2015
Favorite Camp Memory: I have so many amazing memories from camp! I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to work as a counselor, program staff and post office. I have so many wonderful memories through the years. Overnights, the dance, games on the meadow, songs, and the friendships I have made are also opportunities that everyone at camp gets to enjoy too.
Dream Job: I am living the dream life. I am a teacher (ELD Specialist) at Lake Valley Elementary School and in the summer I work at Friendly Pines Camp in the Post Office.
Actual Career Plan: Not sure yet...
Coolest Place I've Explored: Australia
My Secret to Life: Be kind to all and create great communication
Random Fun Fact About Me: I love to cook and try new recipes
TRACY NISSEN
Registrar
Registrar
SAYAKA PIERSON
Office Assistant
Office Assistant
Years on Staff: 4
Favorite Camp Memory: QBT (Quality Bench Time) with the Post Office Pop Tarts!
Dream Job: Professional food taster in Japan
Actual Career Plan: Work at FPC!!!
Someday I’ll Be Famous Because...: Eating too much sushi
Favorite Quote: "Life happens, coffee helps."
Random Fun Fact About Me: I was born and raised in Japan for the first 12 years of my life.
sayaka@friendlypines.com
medical@friendlypines.com
CARMEN STEVENS
Office Assistant
Office Assistant
Hometown: Ash Fork, AZ
Years on Staff: 23
CHRISTINA TYMCHAK
Office Assistant
Office Assistant
Years on Staff: 8
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Elementary/Special Education Major, 2015; Grand Canyon University, Master's Degree in Educational Administration, 2020
Favorite Camp Memory: Camping outside for the overnight trips (when I was a counselor) was always so much fun! We could see the stars so well out there. We would cook dinner outside, play games, and there were always so many fun moments on those overnights.
Dream Job: Teacher
Actual Career Plan: I am currently a 2nd Grade teacher, and I really enjoy it!
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Canada - It was such a beautiful place to visit! The lakes and mountains were so pretty, and we even got to explore a glacier!
My Hidden Talent: I can juggle!
Favorite Quote: "What matters most isn't reward, praise, or pride. What matters most at the end of the day is knowing that you tried."
Program, Ropes & Riding Admin Staff
NATE BASINGER
Asst. Program Director
Asst. Program Director
Years on Staff: 3
School & Major: Grand Canyon University, MBA, 2021
Favorite Camp Memory: JFAC
Dream Job: Host of Jeopardy
Actual Career Plan: Financial Planning
Favorite Food: Pizza
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Havasupai
Favorite Quote: "I'm curious about everything. Even subjects that don't interest me." --Alex Trebek
MAYA GOLIGOSKI
Asst. Program Director
Asst. Program Director
Years on Staff: 4
School & Major: Gonzaga University, Biology Major, 2021
Favorite Camp Memory: The round dance!
Dream Job: Pilot
Actual Career Plan: Working in the medical field
Favorite Food: Peanut butter!
Place I’d Most Like to Live: Australia
My Secret to Life: Play the cards you've been dealt
MARY KEM
Ropes Course Director
Ropes Course Director
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Years on Staff: 5
JUSTINE KENNEDY
Asst. Ropes Course Director
Asst. Ropes Course Director
Years on Staff: 1
BETH WILLIAMSON
Equestrian Co-Director
Equestrian Co-Director
Years on Staff: 3
JON WILLIAMSON
Equestrian Co-Director
Equestrian Co-Director
Hometown: Apache Junction, AZ
Years on Staff: 1
Counselors
DANNY AUSTON
Campcraft
Campcraft
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Arizona State University, Film Production Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Spending every day being active and outdoors! I've been stuck indoors for so long now due to COVID and online school and I just want to go explore and be active all the time. Also having the opportunity to teach and play with so many new people in the outdoors makes it even better.
Dream Job: Film director/Writer or Actor
Actual Career Plan: Translator or lesser job in the Film Industry
Favorite Song: "Sugar Song and Bitter Step" by Unison Square Garden
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Hiawatha biking trails in Northern Idaho. My Troop and I biked through the abandoned train tunnels miles inside of mountains, as well as the towering wooden bridges that snake throughout the mountains connecting them.
Favoirte Quote: "In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely considered a bad move." --Douglas Adams
ANNA BARRETT
Challenge
Challenge
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Elementary Education Major, 2021
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am most excited about connecting with each individual camper and helping each one build their skills! I have been teaching online this whole year and I really missing being able to interact with kids. It is just not the same online!
Dream Job: My dream job is to be a director to a multi-national teaching organization. I love to travel and I love teaching and learning about the teaching styles used in different countries and geographic areas. Today, every country it seems has different teaching methods and often countries do not share what teaching techniques work best for them. Therefore, I would love to create a universal teaching method, uniting all the best teaching methods from each country and providing a basic groundwork that all teachers across the world can use. While this may happen someday - it is a dream that also may never come true.
Actual Career Plan: My realistic career goal is to be a teacher of a multi-grade classroom, preferably a mixed 5th and 6th grade classroom. While some may say teaching a multi-grade classroom is harder, students in these classrooms can gain more confidence, responsibility, and learn how to become role models at a young age.
Place I’d Like to Live: Currently I would love to live in Canada. As a outdoorsy person who loves to hike and camp, the Canadian nature sounds so appealing to me!
Someday I’ll Be Famous Because...: If I could become famous it would be for the best french braider in the world because I love braiding!
My Secret to Life: My secret to live is positivity. I believe that looking on the bright side is the key to success because a positive person is more likely to try new things and take risks. Positivity improves a persons life, attitude, friendships, and increases life opportunities. My positivity has change my life, has challenged me to take risks, and has led me to life opportunities that would not have presented themselves if not for my positive attitude.
CLARA BASS
Horse Staff
Horse Staff
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Middlebury College, Psychology Major, Spanish Minor, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Being occupied all the time! I know there will never be boredom because I'll always have something to do.
Dream Job: My dream job is political law in which I can help those without access to help using my position
Actual Career Plan: Psychologist or psychiatrist
Place I’d Most Like to Live: Seattle, Washington-- I love rain!
My Spirit Animal: A horse, of course. I'd like to think a Saddlebred.
Someday I’ll Be Famous Because: I'm very tempted to say "owner of most cats," but I think that if I were to be famous it would be for accidentally posting a silly video with my siblings that got popular.
EVA CARLSON
Horse Staff
Horse Staff
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of Wisconsin - Platteville, Criminal Justice Major
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Getting to work with younger coworkers and campers again!
Dream Job: Criminal rehabilitation through horsemanship skills
Actual Career Plan: Work with some intersection between people and horses
My Hidden Talent: I can crack a bullwhip pretty well, I used to work with a weightlifting trainer, I can play some piano and ukulele
Favorite Quote: "Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world, for everything breaks and everything can be mended. Not with time as they say, but with intention. So go, love intentionally, unconditionally, with all that you have. The world waits in darkness for the light that is you."
Random Fun Fact About Me: I have double jointed shoulder blades
HAYLEY CARR
Pet Care
Pet Care
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Arizona State University, Art Major, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Getting to be outdoors and form bonds with the campers as well as fellow counselors
Dream Job: Being an actress or musician
Actual Career Plan: I want to work as a concept artist or character designer in the entertainment industry
Favorite Song: "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John
Someday I’ll Be Famous Because...: I love acting so I would hope that I would either be a movie star or Broadway star
Random Fun Fact About Me: I have lots of pets including chickens, tortoises, and parrots!
SOLEIL CARRILLO
Hiking
Hiking
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of Victoria, Biology Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I'm excited to inspire and impact kids in a positive way, so that they have memories for a lifetime. I'm also excited about meeting new and old counselors.
Dream Job: I would love to be a music producer.
Actual Career Plan: My more realistic career goal is to be a sports physician.
Favorite Food: I love Greek and Indian Food. Garlic Naan and Butter Chicken hits the spot.
Place I’d Most Like to Live: Barcelona, Spain
Favorite Quote: "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind” --Gandhi
KARA CARROLL
Sewing
Sewing
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Northern Virginia Community College, Cinema Major, 2022
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I'm really excited about being in a new area for the first time and motivating children. I remember my time as a camper and the bonds I had with the adults around me. I still remember those times fondly and I'm even more excited to get kids learning about video production and cinema. I'm very passionate about those areas and think the arts aren't given enough credit and respect. It would be great for kids to dip their toes into it and hopefully I can inspire them to want to create their own films in the future. It's such a rewarding skill to have.
Dream Job: Director (possibly animator)
Actual Career Plan: Director and/or editor
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Japan (toured for the violin)
My Secret to Life: You can't always change the circumstances nor your past but you can change your reactions to things and your future
Random Fun Fact About Me: I collected pencils (all types but it used to be only wooden ones) and eventually collected over 3,000 by the 5th grade. Now I'm just a stationery snob and go crazy for the stuff.
SIENA CIRULI
Pet Care
Pet Care
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Business Major, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Making new friends with the other counselors and creating memories with the campers
Dream Job: Being a movie producer or to work for the Kardashians
Actual Career Plan: Working for a Non-Profit that is focused on the education of underprivileged children/students
Favorite Song: "My Boo" by Usher and Alicia Keys
Favorite Quote: "You may be talented but you're not Kanye West." --Kanye West
Random Fun Fact About Me: I've been to 9 different countries and I tried pig's ear and goose liver in Spain
CLAY CONNOLLY
Challenge
Challenge
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Central Community College of New Mexico, Biology Major, 2022
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I'm most excited to be back working with kids this summer, especially after the long summer without camp.
Dream Job: Still trying to figure that out
Actual Career Plan: I plan on attending histology school at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix by next year.
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Moab, Utah
My Hidden Talent: I can make a whistle sound with my hands
Random Fun Fact About Me: I'm the oldest sister of five children
VIVIAN CURRENT
Horse Staff
Horse Staff
Years on Staff: 2
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Biology Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: The part that most excites me is the community, not just the staff community but the camp as a whole. It's like a giant family where everyone, campers included, can impact peoples lives. I'm excited for the lifelong memories and friendships created by this community.
Dream Job: My dream job would be to own a safari park or game reserve and take guests on game trips.
Actual Career Plan: I hope to be a wildlife scientist or wildlife manager for an organization such as Arizona Game and Fish.
Favorite Food: My favorite food is cheese, anything with cheese, mac n cheese, pizza, cheesy potatoes, cheese Danish etc.
Favorite Quote: "You cant stop the change, any more than you can stop the suns from setting." --Shmi Skywalker
Random Fun Fact About Me: I sang the national anthem at a UofA vs UCLA basketball game along with 5 other members of my choir.
ZOE DAVIS
Campcraft
Campcraft
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Washington State University, Sports Management/Business Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am most excited to be able to go back to camp! Everyone is always so nice and it makes being there so enjoyable. I'm also excited to be able to help kids through problems that they might not know how to figure out on their own or without their parents.
Dream Job: Ice Cream Truck Driver
Actual Career Plan: My goal is to be on a marketing team for a NFL team, NBA team, or with the NCAA
Favorite Food: My all time favorite food is pad thai, I love Ethiopian cuisine, and my favorite snack is peanut M&M's
Favorite Song: "Summer" by Calvin Harris
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: The coolest place I've ever explored would have to be Israel. It was amazing floating in the Dead Sea!
JARED FARACI
Horse Staff
Horse Staff
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: West Texas A&M University, Equine Industry and Business Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am super excited to share my knowledge and skills with the campers
Dream Job:I want to own a ranch and be a movie star horseman
Actual Career Plan: To be a horse trainer and breeder
My Spirit Animal: A horse
Favorite Quote: "Don't try, just do."
Random Fun Fact About Me: I am an Eagle Scout
NICO GIAMBANCO
Hiking
Hiking
Years on Staff: 6
School & Major: Arizona State University, English Literature and History Majors, 2020
Favorite Camp Memory: All of my favorite FPC memories have to do with thunderstorms! There have been a few trips to the Boulder Pile that we had to call early and it's always a lot of fun to hunker down under the rocks and tell stories.
Dream Job: I want to be the President of the United States.
Actual Career Plan: I want to be a published writer/author and then President of the United States.
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: On a high school trip I had a chance to wander around the ruins of Pompeii. It was very powerful... walking the streets of a dead city while Vesuvius lingers above, watching and waiting. All of the advancement and genius put into the construction of the city washed away (by hot lava).
My Spirit Animal: Deer!
My Hidden Talent: The Italian side of my family descends from the stewards of a Norman castle in Sicily!
MASON GOINS
Sports
Sports
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of Cincinnati, Secondary Education (History & Government) Major, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Working with campers and meeting new people as counselors.
Dream Job: My dream job is a sports radio host
Actual Career Plan: Either a High School teacher or College Professor
Favorite Food: Pizza or crabs are my favorite food and Cheez-It crackers are my favorite snack.
My Spirit Animal: Hawk
Someday I’ll Be Famous Because...: Best-selling author
NATE GOLIGOSKI
BB Guns
BB Guns
Years on Staff: 5
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Construction Management Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am most excited to work with kids and having a positive impact on their lives. I am excited to teach new skills to a younger generation and providing a fun time at camp. Also, I am excited to make friends with other staff members that hopefully last a lifetime.
Dream Job: My dream job is to be a Construction Manager.
Actual Career Plan: My more 'realistic' career goal is to find a job that I love to wake up and do every day.
Favorite Song: I love lots of music but one of my favorite songs of all time is "Voodoo Child (Silent Return)" by Jimi Hendrix.
My Secret to Life: Stop caring so much about little things that don't really matter and do whatever makes you feel good, no matter what other people think.
Favorite Quote: "Life's pretty good, and why wouldn't it be? I'm a pirate, after all." --Jack Sparrow
EMILY GOOD
Challenge
Challenge
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of Oregon, Interior Architecture Major, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am excited to get to know my campers and fellow counselors.
Dream Job: My dream job would be a furniture designer, movie set designer, or college professor
Actual Career Plan: All of the above.
Favorite Song: Cherry Flavored" by The Neighborhood
My Hidden Talent: I can whistle
My Secret to Life: To appreciate the small things and be excited about everything. The only goal to life is to be happy and to make others happy
RYAN GROZEN
Challenge
Challenge
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Special & Elementary Education Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am really looking forward to the interpersonal experience of working with and teaching children in the beautiful mountains and forest near Prescott.
Dream Job: I would love to be a special education or elementary teacher.
Actual Career Plan: I am very pragmatic, and my dream job happens to coincide with my realistic career goal.
Place I’d Most Like to Live: Prague, Czech Republic
Hidden Talent: The ability to easily learn languages.
Favorite Quote: Never give up, never surrender
MAGGIE HORTON
Challenge
Challenge
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Biology Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: After being under lockdown during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, what makes me most excited about working at a summer camp is being outside, and being with others in a fun and educational environment.
Dream Job: My dream job is being a biomedical engineer.
Actual Career Plan: My actual career goal is to be a biomedical engineer.
Place I’d Most Like to Live: If it were a city, I would most like to live in New York or somewhere in California. If it were a country, I would most like to live in Greece.
My Spirit Animal: I have taken so many tests to see which animal is my spirit animal, and it always comes back as a Wolf. The wolf has great intuition, and a love for their own independence.
Random Fun Fact About Me: I am an adopted Korean American. I love to sing (was in choir). And I am able to do a falling backflip (death drop) off the ten meter platform.
CHLOE HYMAN
Drawing & Painting
Drawing & Painting
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Elementary Education Major, Art Minor, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I’m most excited about the fun memories and stories I’ll be able to make and keep with me.
Dream Job: My dream job is to travel and experience/learn and help all different kinds cultures.
Actual Career Plan: I am going for a degree in elementary education with a minor art. I want to show kids school isn’t just about the textbooks but about experiencing the world of expanding their creative minds.
Favorite Food: My favorite cuisine is Chinese food (pot stickers just hit different) and my favorite snack in crunchy snacks like chips, trail mix, and/or dehydrated fruit.
My Spirit Animal: An Alpaca would be my spirit animal because they have to always have a friend with them so they can be happy.
My Secret to Life: Looking at the world with a bit of innocence. I believe that it’s okay to be a little naive about what’s happening around you or around the world so you can enjoy where you are in life. Opposed to worrying about things out of your control.
LEXI JONES
Lifeguard
Lifeguard
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of Arizona, Law Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I’m excited to meet you get kids and influence their time at Friendly Pines in the most positive and fun way that I can as well as getting off my phone for a while and enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer!
Dream Job: Fashion Stylist
Actual Career Plan: Fashion Attorney working with patents and copyright issues
Favorite Song: "Gravity" by John Mayer
Someday I’ll Be Famous Because...: Creating my own vintage clothing line in which I thrift clothes and sell them promoting sustainable shopping habits.
Random Fun Fact About Me: I’m allergic to every single nut except for almonds for some odd reason
RYLEE JONES
Pony Carts
Pony Carts
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Villanova University, Criminology Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am most excited to help campers make some amazing memories while being outdoors, trying new things, and just having fun!
Dream Job: I would love to own a dog sanctuary on 500 acres with a ranch, just me and the dogs.
Actual Career Plan: I am currently studying to become a lawyer.
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Thailand
My Hidden Talent: I can wiggle my ears
Favorite Quote: "Gentlemen, I wash my hands of this weirdness." --Captain Jack Sparrow
BEN KORF
Tomahawk Throwing
Tomahawk Throwing
Years on Staff: 3
School & Major: Arizona State University, Graphic Design Major, 2022
Favorite Camp Memory: Showing Stever and his family my Stever impression
Dream Job: Professional bongo drummer or an actor
Actual Career Plan: Graphic Designer
Favorite Food: Food: Ramen. Cuisine: Ramen, but the expensive kind at restaurants. Snack: Ramen, but the cheap stuff at Costco
My Secret to Life: If I'm ever upset at someone, first I eat something and drink water, then make sure I've slept well. If I'm still just as upset then I know it's more justified.
Random Fun Fact About Me: I can't make the number 3 with my right hand
BROOKE MAXWELL
Drawing & Painting
Drawing & Painting
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Chandler Gilbert Community College, Anthropology Major, 2022
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Getting to be outside for work and have variation, making burritos every day gets boring. It's a whole new experience for me.
Dream Job: Archeologist or Park Ranger
Actual Career Plan: Archeologist or Park Ranger, that's why I'm getting an anthropology degree.
My Hidden Talent: I'm a walking encyclopedia of weird facts. I won a trivia game because I was the only one that knew that a duck's quack doesn't echo.
My Spirit Animal: Does Bigfoot count? Because he's been roaming the forest for years, and that sounds like a dream. If that doesn't count, probably a cat. I'm a cat person, and I think my cat is really just a mini version of me.
My Secret to Life: Just have fun, be goofy, don't take everything seriously, life here is too short to worry all the time
MADDIE MCCORMICK
Sewing
Sewing
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of Arizona, Journalism and Spanish Literature Majors, 2022
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: One thing that excites me about working at a summer camp is the opportunity to meet so many new people. I love being social and interacting with others, and I am so excited about the prospect of building new, meaningful friendships. I’m also incredibly excited to work with the campers. I appreciate the energy and excitement that kids have, and I would love to support and contribute to their positive experience at summer camp.
Dream Job: My dream job is to be a reporter for the New York Times.
Actual Career Plan: My career goal after I earn my master's in investigative journalism at ASU is to work as a reporter at any U.S. news publication (preferably a larger one).
Favorite Food: MEXICAN FOOD! I'm a die-hard burrito fan (you can never go wrong with a bean and cheese burrito). I'm also borderline-obsessed with ice cream (I blame Cold Stone)
Place I’d Most Like to Live: Spain
My Spirit Animal: An owl
CLAIRE METZLER
Lifeguard
Lifeguard
Years on Staff: 3
School & Major: University of Arizona, Arts, Media, Entertainment Major, Classics Minor, 2021
Favorite Camp Memory: Impromptu singing/dancing parties at free swim!
Dream Job: SNL cast member
Actual Career Plan: Museum education specialist
Favorite Song: "Planet Claire" by the B-52's
Place I’d Most Like to Live: NYC
My Hidden Talent: I can flare my nostrils to the tune of (almost) any song
PORTER O'DOHERTY
Tomahawk Throwing
Tomahawk Throwing
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of Alabama, Political Science and History Majors, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I'm beyond excited to meet new campers and make my impression on them, just as they make their own lasting impressions on me.
Dream Job: Anything that allows me to travel the world and change the lives of those around me. As it is, my current ideas stand in global politics or archeology/anthropology.
Actual Career Plan: International law or archeology.
Place I’d Most Like to Live: Italy or Vietnam
My Hidden Talent: Nobody ever expects me to be a major horseback rider. Otherwise, I'm an avid reader, a conscientious junior politician, a wannabe adventurer/explorer, and an aspiring author.
Favorite Quote: "Which of these two is the wisest and happiest- he who labored without ceasing and only obtains, and that with great trouble, enough to live on, or he who rests in comfort and finds all that he needs in the pleasure of hunting and fishing?" --Micmac Chief's observations of the French in 1691
AUDREY OLESON
BB Guns
BB Guns
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Arizona State University, Business Sustainability Major, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Connecting with the campers and making their time fun
Dream Job: Working with top scientists to create a car that runs on water
Actual Career Plan: Working for corporate company to reduce their carbon emissions
My Spirit Animal: Bear
Someday I’ll Be Famous Because...: Solving global warming
Favorite Quote: "When life gets blurry, adjust your focus."
GREG OSSELAER
Challenge
Challenge
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Arizona State University, Actuarial Science Major, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: The friendships that come from working at a summer camp would definitely be what would excite me most about working at Friendly Pines. Friendly Pines brings people together for a shared experience of campers and counselors making memories.
Dream Job: Professional athlete
Actual Career Plan: Sports lawyer
Favorite Food: Mexican
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Glaciers in Alaska
Favorite Quote: "If you begin to regret, you'll dull your future decisions and let others make your choices for you." --Esben Askelad
JACQUELINE RIGHETTI
Lifeguard
Lifeguard
Years on Staff: 2
School & Major: Arizona State University, Speech and Hearing Sciences Major, 2023
Favorite Camp Memory: Hiking spruce mountain every year with my sister as a camper and going on various overnights.
Dream Job: Being a food taste tester.
Actual Career Plan: Speech language pathologist.
My Hidden Talent: Cleaning, I secretly really enjoy cleaning/organizing and am pretty good at it.
My Spirit Animal: A dolphin, I love the water!
Favorite Quote: "Crushed it." --Fat Amy, Pitch Perfect
MYLES ROBIDOUX
Archery
Archery
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Mesa Community College, Zoology/Wildlife Biology Major, 2021
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: The activities being performed at the camp.
Dream Job: Wildlife biology
Actual Career Plan: Wildlife biology
Favorite Food: "All Star" by Smash Mouth
Someday I’ll Be Famous Because...: Discovering a new species of animal
Random Fun Fact About Me: I am the only blonde in my entire family
NIC SANDOVAL
Challenge
Challenge
Years on Staff: 2
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Accounting Major
Favorite Camp Memory: I spent too many summers to have just one, but I really enjoyed getting over my fear of heights at camp.
Dream Job: Radiologic Technologist, specifically Radiation Therapist. I want to help cancer patients overcome their hurdles
Actual Career Plan: To be a soccer journalist/commentator and go to different European cities and see the biggest matches live and in person
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Barcelona! Bend, Oregon is a close second
Someday I’ll Be Famous Because...: Probably as a sports commentator or maybe as a podcaster. I like to talk
Random Fun Fact About Me: My name rhymes- Nicholas Paul Sandoval
NICK SOBEL
Pony Carts
Pony Carts
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Northern Arizona University, Computer Science Major, 2025
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Working with kids and meeting people of different backgrounds. FPC has shown me how very different people can still enjoy each other's company and that FPC creates new bonds every summer.
Dream Job: My dream job is working in the military defense sector, I would love to create new technology that makes others safer.
Actual Career Plan: Any job that I'm good at, makes me happy and pays enough for me to live on.
My Hidden Talent: I'm very good at whistling
My Spirit Animal: A flamingo
Favorite Quote: "True bravery is being the only person that knows you're afraid."
DAVON STIGARS
Challenge
Challenge
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of Arizona, Film/TV Major, 2021
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I'm most excited about meeting new people and hopefully making friendships and memories that last for a long time.
Dream Job: My dream job right now would be directing a mental health facility.
Actual Career Plan: My more realistic career goal is a management consultant.
Favorite Food: My favorite food is an acia bowl and my favorite snack is cauliflower buffalo wings.
Place I’d Most Like to Live: New Zealand
Random Fun Fact About Me: A fun fact about myself is I'm a twin, my mom is a twin, my grandma is a twin and her mom was a twin. Also we're all one boy and one girl twins.
GREER STOKES
Lifeguard
Lifeguard
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: New York University, Psychology Major, 2025
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: Being around the kids and seeing their reactions
Dream Job: Work for the FBI
Actual Career Plan: Work in New York for another agency
Favorite Food: Ice cream
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Vietnam
My Spirit Animal: Shark
LIVIAN STOKES
Lifeguard
Lifeguard
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of St. Andrews, International Relations & Arabic Majors, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am very excited to meet lots of new kids and help them have a fun summer. I am excited to join the Friendly Pines community and bond with campers and spend my summer in the beautiful forest.
Dream Job: My dream job is being a CIA agent! I think it would be very exciting and meaningful, and vary enough to keep me interested my whole life.
Actual Career Plan: My more 'realistic' career goal is as an Arabic translator. I would love to use my language skills and help people communicate. I think it would also take me to a lot of interesting places and expose me to lots of new cultures and experiences.
Favorite Food: My favorite food is usually Asian food! I am a huge fan of sushi and ramen.
Coolest Place I’ve Explored:: Exploring Angkor Wat in Cambodia was the coolest experience ever. It is a huge ancient palace complex in the middle of the jungle, and it looks like its straight out of an Indian Jones movie.
My Favorite Quote: “We can never know what to want, because, living only one life, we can neither compare it with our previous lives nor perfect it in our lives to come.” ― Milan Kundera
CARLEY TAYLOR
Horse Staff
Horse Staff
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: West Texas A&M, Equine Industry and Business Major, 2024
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am most excited about being in a new positive work place working with horses!
Dream Job: My dream job is to be a horse trainer and have my own equestrian facility.
Actual Career Plan: To graduate with an Agricultural Business major and be involved in ranch work.
Favorite Food: My favorite food is steak or fettuccini Alfredo pasta.
Favorite Song: It is hard to pick a favorite, but any song from Morgan Wallen.
Coolest Place I’ve Explored: Germany was the coolest place to live!
ASHLEY WHITMIRE
Crafts
Crafts
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: University of Alabama, Political Science & Psychology Majors, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I am most excited about the opportunity to make connections with so many amazing people from all over, and to help create a memorable, joyful summer experience for all of the campers!
Dream Job: Children's book author, Speaker of the House
Actual Career Plan: Play therapist!
Favorite Song: "Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac!
My Hidden Talent: I have a photographic memory! It makes it really easy to remember names and dates, I can recall events from random dates as far back as 7 years.
Random Fun Fact About Me: I was born on April Fool's Day in the city of *Surprise*, Arizona. Also, as hard as I try I still have never managed to do a cartwheel!
DONATO ZAVALA
Archery
Archery
Years on Staff: 1
School & Major: Arizona State University, Criminology and Criminal Justice Majors, 2023
What I'm Most Excited About this Summer: I can't wait to make great memories with campers that they will never forget
Dream Job: To be Dwayne the Rock Johnson's Assistant and work out buddy
Actual Career Plan: To be an F.B.I Agent
Coolest Place I’ve Ever Explored: St. Kitts Dormant Volcano
My Spirit Animal: Grizzly Bear
My Secret to Life: Life is too short to worry about what the world thinks of you or what it wants you to be, make your own path and listen to family and friends opinions of you only.
Food Service Staff
JOHNNY ANNERINO
Asst. Kitchen Manager
Asst. Kitchen Manager
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Years on Staff: 9
JASON BLAZER
Kitchen Manage
Kitchen Manage
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Years on Staff: 5
MAKENNA BRAY
Kitchen Staff
Kitchen Staff
Years on Staff: 2
AMANDA CAMPOS
Kitchen Staff
Kitchen Staff
Years on Staff: 2
School & Major: Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, Nutrition & Food Science Major, 2021
Favorite Camp Memory: When we went to the Grand Canyon, that was super fun and I was very surprised because I haven't seen anything like that before
Dream Job: I would love to work in a hospital with kidney failure patients
Actual Career Plan: I'll do a master's degree in kidney nutrition
Favorite Song: "Magic" by Coldplay
My Hidden Talent: I am very good at drawing and painting
My Spirit Animal: Butterfly! I love the way they can do metamorphosis, I can feel that in my spiritual and emotional changes
KAREN CERVANTES
Kitchen Staff
Kitchen Staff
Years on Staff: 2
School & Major: Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Gastronomy Major, 2021
Favorite Camp Memory: When it snowed Dream Job: Work in different restaurants around the world and know their gastronomy
Actual Career Plan: I have a dessert business
Place I'd Most Like to Live: I'd like to live in Spain
My Spirit Animal: I think I'd be a cat for his bold, independent personality
My Secret to Life: Live the present
LAURA FERNANDEZ MONTERO
Kitchen Staff
Kitchen Staff
Hometown: Cordoba, Mexico
Years on Staff: 2
LILIANA MARTINEZ
Kitchen Staff
Kitchen Staff
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years on Staff: 2
CAROLINA PEREZ TEPALE
Kitchen Staff
Kitchen Staff
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years on Staff: 2
CLAUDIA RODRIGO
Kitchen Staff
Kitchen Staff
Years on Staff: 2
KATRINA SMITH
Kitchen Staff
Kitchen Staff
Hometown: Marana, AZ
Years on Staff: 1
ELLA STARR
Kitchen Staff
Kitchen Staff
Years on Staff: 1
SKYLAR STARR
Snack Staff
Snack Staff
Years on Staff: 1
Maintenance & Support Staff
GARY BEDDOW
Maintenance
Maintenance
Hometown: Prescott, AZ
Years on Staff: 2
LAUREN CRAWFORD
Photographer
Photographer
Years on Staff: 8
School & Major: Siena Heights University, Theatre & Speech Communications, 2007; Grand Canyon University, MBA,2014
Favorite Camp Memory: Anytime we sing “comin round the mountain.” It always gives me the biggest smile. And now, seeing my daughter experience camp.
Dream Job: Makeup department at SNL
Actual Career Plan: Making my community a better place, having a beautiful life with my family
Favorite Food: Pizza
Place I’d Most Like to Live: New York City
Random Fun Fact About Me: I don’t need a map at Disneyland - I am the map!
DEREK HASSLER
Maintenance
Maintenance
Hometown: Prescott, AZ
Years on Staff: 4
RAND LEWIS
Support Staff
Support Staff
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Years on Staff: 10
DAVID WANGERIN
Maintenance
Maintenance
Hometown: Prescott, AZ
Years on Staff: 22
Medical Staff
YVONNE WILSON
Adventure Week Medical Staff
Adventure Week Medical Staff
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Years on Staff: 1
SUSAN REINA
Adventure Week Medical Staff
Adventure Week Medical Staff
Years on Staff: 1
RENEE RIVERA
Adventure Week & Trailseeker C Medical Staff
Adventure Week & Trailseeker C Medical Staff
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Years on Staff: 1
ANA MARIN
Mountaineer Week Medical Staff
Mountaineer Week Medical Staff
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Years on Staff: 3
KELLY RUDDELL
Mountaineer Week Medical Staff
Mountaineer Week Medical Staff
Hometown: Prescott Valley, AZ
Years on Staff: 2
INDIA WRIGHT
Mountaineer Week Medical Staff
Mountaineer Week Medical Staff
Hometown: Prescott Valley, AZ
Years on Staff: 1
THERESA FRIEDMAN
Session 1 Medical Staff
Session 1 Medical Staff
Hometown: Gilbert, AZ
Years on Staff: 9
JESSICA OLSON
Session 1 Medical Staff
Session 1 Medical Staff
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
Years on Staff: 7
SHAUNA SZAREK
Session 1 Medical Staff
Session 1 Medical Staff
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Years on Staff: 2
KATIE BRINGE
Session 2 Medical Staff
Session 2 Medical Staff
Years on Staff: 3
STEPHANIE BRIOUX
Session 2 Medical Staff
Session 2 Medical Staff
Hometown: Peoria, AZ
Years on Staff: 3
SYLVIA ROMERO
Session 2 Medical Staff
Session 2 Medical Staff
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Years on Staff: 10
MONICA VALENCIA
Session 2 Medical Staff
Session 2 Medical Staff
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Years on Staff: 9
SARA EVANS
Session 3 Medical Staff
Session 3 Medical Staff
Hometown: Peoria, AZ
Years on Staff: 1
JAIME FINNESSAY
Session 3 Medical Staff
Session 3 Medical Staff
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Years on Staff: 1
JOEY HERMOSILLO
Session 3 & Trailseeker C Medical Staff
Session 3 & Trailseeker C Medical Staff
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Years on Staff: 2
CHRISTINA JONES
Session 3 Medical Staff
Session 3 Medical Staff
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
Years on Staff: 1
CHRISTI MCCOY
Trailseeker C Medical Staff
Trailseeker C Medical Staff
Hometown: Peoria, AZ
Years on Staff: 1