Bob Eddings
Director of School Programs
Bob Eddings, a native Long Islander, is in his 17th year at Frost Valley YMCA. In that time he has served as Day Camp Director, Summer Camp Director and Director of School Programs. Bob brought previous YMCA experience to Frost Valley from Ulster County YMCA and YWCA of Dutchess County, he holds a BS in Elementary Education and a MPS in Humanistic Education from SUNY New Paltz in 2000.
Amy Courtney
Program Coordinator
Amy Courtney is Frost Valley’s Program Coordinator for the School Trips Program. A native of Fancy Farm, Kentucky, Amy came to us with an M.S. in Forestry from the University of Kentucky and prior camp experience at Girl Scouts Great Rivers Council and Camp Campbell Gard in Ohio.
Brett Tillman
Program Coordinator
Brett Tillman is a Program Coordinator for our School Trips Program. Brett studied biology and philosophy at University of Delaware, followed by stints as an environmental educator at Camp Highland Outdoor Science School in Cherry Valley, California and PEEC (Pocono Environmental Education Center) in Pennsylvania, his home state. Brett works together with teachers and parent volunteers from September through June as school children discover the science and fun of Frost Valley’s outdoor world.
Ashley Balcum
Program Instructor
Ashley
is from Liverpool, NY, and graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a degree in Social Work. She also has a Master’s in Environmental Education from NOVA Southeastern. This is Ashley’s second year as a Program Instructor at Frost Valley, and she previously worked at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center and Pali Institute. Ashley loves all things Muppets.
Kate Barton
Program Instructor
Kate is currently in her third season at Frost Valley. She is from Skaneateles, NY and has a degree in Communications from SUNY Cortland. Kate also has a Masters of Science in Teaching Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland. She previously taught in both Colorado and NY. Kate enjoys rock climbing and traveling.
Anna Buss
Program Instructor
Anna
spent all of last year as a Program Instructor, and she is now back for the fall season. Anna is from Appleton, WI and graduated with a degree in Marketing Communications and Philosophy from Emerson College. She also spent the last two summers cooking yummy food at Frost Valley Farm Camp. She plays the fiddle, has a “green thumb,” and is a certified yoga instructor.
David Butcher
Program Instructor
David, a native of Richmond, VA, graduated with a degree in History from Old Dominion University. David previously worked for Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and is a champion armadillo racer.
Alysse Dambach
Program Instructor
Alysse
is from Stockholm, NJ and graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Elementary Education. This is Alysse’s first season at Frost Valley, but she also worked for W. Alton Jones. She travels every chance she gets and enjoys eating mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Aimee Davidson
Program Instructor
Aimee
is from Syracuse, NY and graduated from Marlboro College with a duel degree in Religion and Literature. Aimee previously worked for the Great Hollow Wilderness School and is an excellent dart player.
Dan DeChellis
Program Instructor
Dan
is from New Hope, PA and graduated with a degree in Outdoor Recreation from East Stroudsburg University. Dan has been at Frost Valley since last spring and has also worked for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dan amateur hatchet thrower and enjoys chopping firewood.
Kristopher Duffy
Program Instructor
Kristopher
is from West Branch, MI and graduated with a degree in Business from Saginaw Valley State University. He previously worked for YMCA Camp Kresge, as well as South Mountain YMCA. Kris enjoys eating pound-size burgers and teaching archery.
Katie Fritz
Program Instructor
Katie
is from Appleton, WI and graduated with a degree in Secondary English Education from the University of Wisconsin/Madison, and she also has a Master’s degree in Environmental Education from the University of Minnesota/Duluth. Katie worked for Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and is a certified rare mammal tracker.
Michelle Giannola
Program Instructor
Michelle
is from Benton Harbor, MI and graduated with a degree in English Education from Saint Mary’s College. Meesh previously worked for Camp North Star and enjoys catching bats.
Emily Hammonds
Program Instructor
Emily, a native of Richmond, VA, has a degree in Environmental Studies from Salisbury University. She previously worked for Eckerd Youth Alternatives and enjoys running and eating chocolate.
Derick Hips
Program Instructor
Derick
is from Rhode Island, and he took classes in Biology at Francis Marion University. Derick has been at Frost Valley for five years as a Program Instructor and previously worked for YMCA Camp Harrison. He most enjoys facilitating high elements and playing video games.
Richard Krudner
Program Instructor
Rich
is from Staten Island, NY and has a degree in Biology from Stony Brook University. Rich has worked for Frost Valley summer camp and enjoys lounging in his hammock.
Lincoln McLain
Program Instructor
Lincoln
is from Kenwood, CA and graduated Beloit College with a degree in Environmental Studies. He previously worked for Camp Manito-wish YMCA and enjoys biking and playing his guitar.
Anna Morelli
Program Instructor
Ann, a native of East Palestine, OH, attended art classes at Kent State University. She was a Program Instructor at Frost Valley during the 2008-2009 school year before teaching environmental education at Camp Y-Noah. Anna returned to Frost Valley last spring and continues to work as a Program Instructor. Anna enjoys cooking steak over the fire and plays a variety of instruments.
Samantha Narduzzi
Program Instructor
Samantha joins us from Independence, OH and graduated with a degree in Biology from Hiram College. Sam previously worked for the University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium, and she’s quite talented with solving the Rubik’s cube.
Peter Owens
Program Instructor
Peter
is from Naptown, IN and graduated from Belmont University with a duel degree in Communications and Theatre. Peter spent four summers at Y Camp Weaver, as well as a year teaching EE at the Y Camp Collin County. This is his second year as a Program Instructor at Frost Valley. Peter has seven brothers and sisters and enjoys eating “soul food.”
Jackson Patterson
Program Instructor
Jackson,a native of Albany, NY, graduated from The College of St. Rose with a degree in Chemistry. This is Jackson’s second school year as a Program Instructor, but he also spends his summers at Frost Valley as the Assistant Director of Camp Henry Hird. Jackson enjoys teaching Night Awareness and eating wild game.
Jen Pecor
Program Instructor
Jen
is from Annapolis, MD and has a degree in Philosophy from Notre Dame University of MD. She worked for the Trailside Discovery Camp and is able to sing any song, even if she has never heard it before.
Kaylee Phelps
Program Instructor
Kaylee joins us from Ovid, MI and studied Special Education at Lansing Community College. She has worked for Frost Valley Summer Camp and enjoys singing, hiking, and journaling.
Michelle Piazza
Program Instructor
Michelle
is from Kings Park, NY and graduated with a degree in International Studies from Fairfield University. Michelle is also pursuing a Master’s in Childhood Education from SUNY New Paltz. This is Michelle’s second year as a Program Instructor, and she previously worked for the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. Michelle enjoys teaching the zipline and leading hikes.
Alexander Ritzheimer
Program Instructor
Alex
was born in Brazil but was adopted to Pine Grove, PA when he was 11. Alex graduated with a degree in Natural History from Northland College, and this is his second year as a Program Instructor at Frost Valley. Alex previously worked at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Pali Institute, and Camp Bob Cooper. He enjoys bird watching and hiking.
Ann "Bro" Stanbrough
Program Instructor
Ann
is from Sacramento, CA and graduated from University of California at Chico with a duel degree in Recreation Administartion (with a focus on outdoor leadership) and Kenesiology (with a focus on outdoor education). She interned with us last year and is now spending the year as a Program Instructor. Bro previously spent 12 summers working for Camp Winthers and enjoys eating Jimboy’s Tacos.
Kirby Thompson
Program Instructor
Kirby
is from Gilbert, PA and graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a degree in Environmental Studies. She previously worked for Camp McDowell and enjoys teaching water ecology and eating sushi.
Serene Williams
Program Instructor
Serene
is from Fleischmanns, NY and attended classes at Herkimer Community College before joining us at Frost Valley. She is also a snowboarding instructor and has spent many years working with the Frost Valley horse program as well. Serene enjoys teaching Project Adventure and playing with horses whenever she can.