Meet the Staff
SUMMER’S EDGE PROUDLY INTRODUCES
THE 2010 TEAM
Bringing You a Total of 309 Collective Years of Summer’s Edge
Experiences and Memories
Owner:
Ann Marie Gallo, the founder and creator of Summer’s Edge Day Camp, is the heart, the brain, and the courage that makes Summer’s Edge like home for the summers. With her Doctoral Degree from the Fielding University, she teaches at Salem State College in the Sport & Movement Science Department, and she recently earned an early promotion from assistant professor to associate professor. She teaches a wide variety of courses in pedagogy and ‘camp administration.’ Prior to joining Salem State in 2004-05, she served as an Assistant Professor/Student Teacher Supervisor at UMass Boston for four years. Ann Marie holds a Master of Education from Cambridge College, a Massachusetts Teaching Certificate, and a B.S. in physical education from UMass Boston. In addition to these degrees, Ann Marie is a certified Emergency Medical Technician, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Training Instructor, and C.P.R./F.P.R. Instructor. She has nine years of experience coaching varsity field hockey, basketball, and softball. In recognition of her many years working with students, Ann Marie was named Teacher of the Year at Minuteman Science Regional High School for the 1998 school year. In 1991 and 1996, she was named Minuteman Tech’s Coach of the Year. She also received the Gatorade Coaches Care Award in 1991. Thus, with the move for Summer’s Edge this year to Minuteman’s campus, Ann Marie is experiencing old home days! Through her life’s main goal and venture that is Summer’s Edge, Ann Marie has relished the opportunity to see so many of her campers ‘grow up’ and become staff members. It is truly hard to imagine Ann Marie ever having time for baking cookies with her tireless work as a professor and camp director, but when those moments become available, you can find her in the kitchen, with wooden spoon and bowl in hand ready to bake up a storm!
General Managers:
During the school year, Jacqueline (Jackie) Supprise works as the Program Director of Health and Physical Education at Bedford Public Schools, yet when summer arrives she assumes her role as the central nervous system of Summer’s Edge, where she has been for 19 years. She implants her energy and expertise through the circuitry of the entire camp, directing all aspects of our programming. She earned her Masters Degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Technology from Lesley College. Jackie graduated from UMass Boston with a Massachusetts Teaching Certificate and a B.S. in physical education. She recently earned her CAGS from Plymouth State University in Educational Leadership with Concentration in Adventure Learning. Jackie is a certified Emergency Medical Technician, a Water Safety Instructor, a Lifeguard Instructor, and a C.P.R./F.P.R. Instructor. In August of 2003, she hiked the White Mountains to raise funds for “Joints in Motion” to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Jackie is also known at Summer’s Edge as the maven of computers; she essentially serves as Ann Marie’s own private “Geek Squad!” She does excellent work leading adventure and cooperative games at camp, including teaching and training the staff on the latest innovations in these fields: “I enjoy seeing a group coming together to solve a problem or complete an initiative without the concern of keeping score and finding enjoyment in being active.” She also likes relaxing over a hearty breakfast of eggs Benedict on grilled vegetables.
Elizabeth (Beth) Billouin is the Summer’s Edge Aquatics Director. Her technical title is Water Safety Instructor and Life Guard, but “Water Wizard” suffices as well! This will be Beth’s 18th year with us. She attained a B.S. in Health Education from UMass Lowell as well as a Massachusetts Teaching Certificate. While at UMass, she received the Dean’s Award for having the highest GPA in her major. Beth completed her Masters Degree at Cambridge College in August of 1999. She is a certified instructor of Water Safety, C.P.R., and First Aid. Currently, Beth teaches health education and marine biology at Bedford High School; she also serves as the coach of winter cheerleaders. She is most proud of being a mom, and Summer’s Edge is fortunate to have both of Beth’s sons, Tyler and Zack, as campers for the entire summer. At camp, Beth’s favorite moments are during the swim meets, as she loves “listening to the entire camp screaming for their friends as they dash down the lane.” Beth’s attachment to the water doesn’t end at camp, however, as she enjoys tending to her fish and two turtles, Mimi and Sport, at home (we hear that she is recently trained Mimi and Sport in masks, fins, and snorkels).
Coaches:
Group 1
2010 will mark Barbara Schiavone’s fifth year as counselor. Barb earned an associates degree at Endicott College and has experience as a coach of soccer, field hockey, and basketball at Minuteman Regional High School, where she attended high school, so she is excited to spend her days back at her roots on campus for Summer’s Edge. Barb continues to hone her culinary skills as a part-time cake decorator for Delicious Desserts. She especially relishes working with the Group 1 campers whose chatter and curiosity always delight her. Barb enjoys Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for breakfast because it reminds her of her mom making cinnamon toast when Barb was a child!
Faithful friend Jonathan Corey is an all-around specialist for us, from leading trips to lifeguarding to basically anything that we need done! Jon followed his three summers with us as a camper by being a C.I.T. and a two-year Junior Counselor before joining the official counselor ranks. He is trained in lifeguarding, CPR, and AED. He attended St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury where he played varsity football and was a member of the National Honor Society. Jon recently graduated from Roger Williams College with a B.S. in criminal justice. His favorite memory as a counselor takes place at the overnight trip to Bristol, NH when he created a slip-and-slide in the rain!
Jason Halsted is a junior counselor this season. At Lincoln Sudbury High School, Jason was bestowed with the “Wellness Award” for 2009. He plays soccer and basketball and participates in track and field, throwing the javelin, for L.S.H.S. His energetic and friendly dog Nala gets along great with his two cats, Stripes and Midnight. If Jason could metamorphose into any creature, he would love to be an eagle because “they can fly, and they are beautiful creatures.”
Group 2
Monique Goguen is excited to be working with Group 2 this summer. At Waltham High School, Monique was involved in a plethora of activities, including volleyball, dance theater, freshman mentor program, and “Best Buddies.” A yoga enthusiast, Monique’s experience in this physical and mental discipline certainly aided her in during her impressive journey to reach the zenith of Mount Vesuvius in Italy. She is interested in pursuing biology and a pre-med track when she enrolls at Fairfield University in September. She enjoys swim lessons at camp, stating, “I love to swim and to teach others so they will love it, too!” It makes perfect sense, then, that if she could, Monique would become a tropical fish so she would never have to leave the warm weather and the water.
Ross Cusack, a long-time Summer’s Edge camper-denizen for eight years, progressed through our junior counselor program to counselor status. Ross graduated from Lexington High School, and he is studying at Lesley University. In addition to all of the Bristol trips being favorite camp memories for Ross, he also remembers eagerly getting back to camp after missing a day with a fever and winning the thrilling game of krack-a-bout survivor! He misses the discontinued Rice Crispy Treats cereal. How did that ever get discontinued?
Erin Brugger has been part of the Summer’s Edge community for nine years, and she is eager to be a counselor with Group 2. Erin, also known as “the Bruggeroni,” recently celebrated commencement at The Landmark School, where she served as a student council representative and a tour guide for prospective students and their families. She played varsity soccer and tennis, and she made both of these teams as a freshman. Erin is thrilled to be attending Endicott College, at which she plans to study hospitality management. Erin is awesome at leading arts and crafts activities, because she likes hands on activities and seeing the campers’ use their creative instincts.
Group 35
Nate Meyers leads Group 35 this summer. For his counselor duties, Nate draws on his twelve years of experience as a Summer’s Edge camper and his tenure as a junior counselor. During his Lexington High School career, he was a member of the National Honor Society, and he played soccer and tennis. Nate brings his brains and athleticism to Bowdoin College; he studies math and economics, and when he is not crunching some serious numbers, he plays intramural soccer, football, tennis, and softball. He enjoys leading ‘In the Crater-Ball’ for the Summer’s Edge campers because “it’s a new game that gets the kids excited.”
Nate is assisted by seven-year camper in the Summer’s Edge community, Chris Halsted, a rock climbing enthusiast. Chris studies geology at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. At Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, Chris participated in indoor and outdoor track and field; for both teams, Chris was the leading point scorer in 2009, showing “that all of the work and all of the training had paid off.” He cites the annual Summer’s Edge Olympics as his best memories and what he looked forward to each year as camper. A man of many talents, Chris has made several interpretative dances over the years!
Group 4
For a decade, Stephanie Bond was a staple at Summer’s Edge, bringing her earnest effort and benevolent nature to each day as a camper, and she followed that by progressing through our junior counselor program; this will be Stephanie’s fourth year as a counselor. At Lexington High School, she was a Division 1 All-State player in volleyball. Demonstrating her well-rounded persona, she co-led the a cappella group, ‘Guacamole,” which included choosing, arranging, and performing the songs. Stephanie is a fellow polar bear with Nate Meyers at Bowdoin College. To step away from the fray, Stephanie enjoys going for walks and exploring paths of the conservation land by her home.
Group 6
Long-time Summer’s Edge camper Justin Capraro-Gentuso leads Group 6. During his Winchester High School career, Justin earned a scholarship in economics, a service award in English, the David Miller woodworking achievement, the Dr. Clare M. Corcoran scholarship, and the ‘Connect and Commit’ award for excellence in service. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and Italian Club. Justin attends George Washington University, with a double major in political science and economics. One of Justin’s favorite memories was his first week as a junior counselor, when he realized the excitement of helping to make all the campers comfortable and directing their summer fun.
Group 7
Seasoned veteran Kara Popkin brings her vivacity to the Group 7 campers. Kara, a 5th grade teacher in Chelmsford, has deep roots in the Summer’s Edge community, with nine years as a camper and now seven years as a counselor. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island, with a major in elementary education and history, and she is currently working on her MEd at Cambridge College. When at camp, teddy ball is the game that she loves to lead, which isn’t surprising because, as a camper, she routinely launched big booms with the racket. Kara will be getting married in the middle of the summer!
Amy Simmons has been part of Summer’s Edge since its inception in 1991, and this summer will mark her seventh as a counselor. She graduated from Stonehill College with a B.A. in elementary education and psychology, earning a Massachusetts Teacher License. Amy teaches 5th grade, and she is also pursuing an advanced degree at Salem State College. While at Billerica High School, she earned the Guidance Award and the President’s Award for Educational Achievement. At camp, Amy loves to field the campers in softball, her favorite sport. Amy was recently married to Greg Meagher to kick off her summer!
Summer’s Edge is excited to have Mackenzie Cyr on board as a junior counselor. Mackenzie, with eight years as a camper on her resume, is a Lexington High School student where she swims and plays basketball and lacrosse. The Summer’s Edge Olympics are among her favorite memories: “I love that it’s the whole camp (all ages), and the costumes and games are always awesome.” Active in her church youth group, she volunteers at dinners, masses, and food shelters.
Group 89 (Senior Campers and L.I.T.s)
Michael Carr holds a B.S. from Salem State with a major in sport, fitness, and leisure studies. During the school year, he is a physical education instructor at Angier Elementary School in Newton, and he has coaching experience at Salem High School in wrestling and softball. His favorite memory as a Summer’s Edge counselor was his very first game of krack-a-bout, which he calls, “a life changing experience!” He especially enjoys introducing new games and seeing the campers’ excitement at learning and tackling a new adventure.
Lisa Sample returns to Summer’s Edge for her second season working with Group 89. Lisa recently graduated from St. Mark’s School, where she shined as an excellent English and studio art student, while also serving as a dormitory prefect, leading her basketball team in scoring, and captaining the varsity tennis team. The University of Richmond is especially fortunate, as Lisa will be bringing her multifaceted talents there in the fall. If she could metamorphose into any animal, she would become a monkey, because “it would be awesome to be active and play outside all day.” Lisa is an enthusiast of the t.v. show LOST (her doppelganger is Hurley), and she has read all the books in the Twilight series.
Group 10 (C.I.T. I and II)
J.D. Killoran, who spent eight years as a camper and enters his ninth season as a counselor, is truly part of the fabric of our camp, and he represents the ilk of the Summer’s Edge experience. Any game or activity that we have, J.D. has either played or led! His favorite includes teaching archery and helping campers surge in their skill improvement. Of course, he is a legend in the world of krack-a-bout, as he explains that it is “fun to witness, and the smiles and the laughs are contagious.” This past year, he worked as a 4th grade special education assistant at the Russell Street School in Littleton while also working on his B.A. at Cambridge College. J.D. is a bass player in a cover band in his non-Summer’s Edge life!
S.E.T.S. Summer’s Edge Tennis School~
Joe Gallo is the founder of Summer’s Edge Tennis School. Joe is a U.S.P.T.A. certified Tennis-Teaching professional and the Salem State College Tennis Men’s Tennis Coach. As the director of tennis operations, he has 25 years of teaching experience working with children and adults at various tennis clubs and camps because, as he says, “Tennis is the sport of a lifetime.” If you are looking for either of the Dr. Gallo’s during the academic year, check Salem State College! Joe is the Director of the Athletic Training Program at the Salem State College. As a member of the Sport & Movement Science Department, he teaches courses in athletic injury, examination, and rehabilitation. Joe coaches tennis during the academic year as the Men’s Tennis Coach at Salem State College. He completed his doctorate in Sport Physical Therapy at Rocky Mountain University. He received his B.S. in Physical Education and Athletic training from West Virginia University and possesses a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Delaware University. During the academic year, Joe is sought after all over the country as a presenter of the latest research findings in ultra sound and laser therapy.
Harris Rollinger attends Clark University, where he majors in psychology and plays on the varsity tennis team. He “loves to teach the game and see kids get better.” Harris has literally grown up with Summer’s Edge, with twelve years as a camper in his back pocket. He enjoys his relationship with Joe, who taught him tennis and now with whom Harris gets to teach with at camp. He loves his two dogs, Sophie and Zadie, because Sophie can be so relaxed, and Zadie can be so funny! Also, if you’re in the mood for a good meal, dial up Harris, as he has a penchant for cooking in his spare time.
Michelle McEwen joins the community and courts at S.E.T.S. for this summer. A scholar and an athlete, Michelle was on high honors at Billerica High School, and she also played on the varsity tennis team for all four years of high school. Michelle attends Salem State College where she studies early childhood education and sociology and is a member of the women’s tennis team. She is passionate about dancing and is on the dance team at Salem State. At home, Michelle cuddles with her puppy Bubba, who is fantastic at playing fetch!
Anthony M. Gallo (aka “Big Tony” and aka the dad of Ann Marie and Joe) is a common visitor to camp and to S.E.T.S. Big Tony teaches tennis and is an expert at safe watermelon carving! He attended Wentworth Institute and is currently enjoying the fruits of retirement from his career at Hewlett Packard. Big Tony enjoys all sports, especially baseball, jogging, and tennis. In October of 1997, he ran and finished the Cape Cod Marathon at the age of 60 years young. Big Tony has a particular niche as a gardener and landscaper.
Special Teamers:
Arts and Crafts Program~
Amy Greenberg has been heading to Summer’s Edge for 17 years. After 11 years as a camper, Amy has worked her way through all of our programs, including two-years as a C.I.T. and one summer as a Junior Counselor. Amy is our director of arts and crafts. She earned a degree in communication design and architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, and now she is furthering her studies at Mass College of Art. Amy is an outstanding swimmer, most likely due to the training she received in her first swim class at Summer’s Edge with Johnny Boy. In her spare time, one might find Amy kicking back with knitting needles as she knits and purls a winter hat.
Newsletter Writer and Editor~
John Campanale has been with Summer’s Edge for 14 years. During the school year, Johnny Boy (as he is known in the Summer’s Edge community) teaches English and is the head football coach at St. Mark’s School. He earned his M.A.L.S. from Dartmouth College, with a focus in creative writing; he graduated from Middlebury College with a B.A. in English as an undergrad and was a Charles A. Dana Scholar. He loves to interior design, and one of his favorite pastimes is watching and imagining himself on HGTV’s “Design Star.” Johnny is the writer of all of the Summer’s Edge newsletters. Blame him (me) for all the bad puns!
Clerical Maven~
Phyllis Gallo, the mother of Ann Marie and Joe, retired after working 54 years for the same company…and she wishes she was still working! The firm moved to Norwell, which would make for a very long commute using public transportation since she does not drive. We have put her years of clerical skills to perfect use in the camp office. Phyllis has been filing, collating, shredding at record speeds, and answering the camp phone in the summer, which she enjoys the most.
Extended Day Specialist~
Samantha Lesperance joins Summer’s Edge this season as our Extended Day Specialist. She is a student at Syracuse University, majoring in English and secondary education. At Woburn High School, Samantha earned an academic award for school and society, and she graduated magna cum laude. Samantha enjoys spending time with her dog, Bailey, who is very playful. She takes singing lessons whenever she has the opportunity.
General Specialists~
Ashley Martell will coach an afternoon lacrosse clinic during free choice, and she will work with Group 7 as well. A graduate of Springfield College with a B.S. in physical education, Ashley is a physical educator at Bedford High School. She coaches varsity lacrosse at Billerica High School, and she was named the 2010 Coach of the Year.
Adam Virgile played as a camper at Summer’s Edge for 10 years, followed that with a year as a junior counselor, and worked as a counselor for three years. Adam will be with us on Fridays throughout the summer. He graduated as an honor roll student from Lexington High School, and he is studying movement and exercise science at Springfield College. Adam still has mythic status in the gym at The Edge as he sank four half-court shots in a row as a camper many moons ago.
