In many ways, Helene feels as though she has been in training for her job since she was sixteen years old. After attending CRS as a camper in ‘97 and ‘98, Helene started on a lifelong journey that would eventually bring her back to Camp, first as a camp counselor, a visiting artist, Camp Director, Director of Programs and finally in her current role as Executive Director of LAJF. As Executive Director, Helene provides critical leadership and oversight in all aspects of our programming and operations.

Helene earned her Bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College, where she studied youth development and non-school based youth programming. She then went on to pursue a graduate degree in social work with a focus on children, youth, and families. Before returning to LAJF as Executive Director, Helene was the Executive Director at St. Raymond Community Outreach, where she organized enrichment and recreational programs for children, youth, and adults.

CRS fundamentally changed the trajectory of Helene’s life, and for that reason, she has dedicated herself to paying forward the experience to future generations of campers.

As Director of Programs, Jess leads the team that develops and implements new and existing programs. She also collaborates with the advancement team on fundraising and communications initiatives.

Growing up, Jess spent memorable summers as a camper and camp counselor. Since then, she has supported young people—through direct service or capacity building—at each educational stage from preschool through college. Most recently, Jess provided operations and program leadership at the Lenfest Scholars Foundation. She also worked in university and school settings, such as the University of Pennsylvania and the School District of Philadelphia, with a focus on educational equity and case management.

Jess holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Smith College and an M.S.Ed. from Penn’s Graduate School of Education. She’s interested in helping people and systems thrive.

Jill joined the LAJF team after pursuing careers in the television news business, the law and, more recently as an elections administrator. As Business Manager, Jill works with the Executive Director to develop and implement all financial, operational and human relations aspects of the Foundation’s activities. Jill is also working with the Development team to broaden LAJF’s potential revenue streams through property rentals, program fees and other revenue-generating activities.

Jill began her professional life working in the television news industry and was fortunate to work with some of the industry’s greats like Mike Wallace and Ted Koppel. Jill then became a lawyer specializing in securities regulation. A world-changing election led Jill to a greater involvement in community and politics and, eventually, to a job helping to administer elections for Dutchess County (the home of Camp Rising Sun). In her spare time, Jill chairs the Dover Democratic Committee, is the Treasurer for the Dutchess Democratic Women’s Caucus, and volunteers with the J. H. Ketcham Hose Company Auxiliary.

Jill is grateful for the opportunity to use her considerable energy to support the work of an organization dedicated to developing leaders who strive to better their communities and the world. And, having attended sleepaway camp from 1965 through 1973, and working as a counselor for two years during college, she is thrilled to be back at camp after all this time, now as a year-round “camper.”

Janet has 25+ years experience working in fundraising and alumni relations, most recently as Director of Alumni Relations and Volunteer Engagement at Baruch College/CUNY. Previously, she ran Alumni Relations for Columbia Business School and led Alumni Relations and the Annual Fund at the Cooper Union and School of Visual Arts. A lifelong arts enthusiast, Janet also served as Director, Foundation and Government Relations at Manhattan Theatre Club where she raised significant funds for annual, capital, and endowment campaigns.

A native New Yorker, Janet started traveling internationally at age four months, and has hosted events in 25 countries across six continents. As a pre-teen she attended an Adirondacks-based summer camp and spent most of her time swimming in the lake, singing and dancing in the theatre, and making art. She still loves to swim, sing and dance, and make art, as well as travel and explore the beautiful Hudson Valley.

Elyem is interested in creating opportunities for youth to create caring and impactful communities. As an educator, Elyem is constantly amazed by the power of students to be forward imaginative thinkers. She has spent the last few years engaged in community organizing projects dealing with housing and migrants rights.

Elyem attended CRS in 2009, was an LAJFellow in 2015 and has worked at LAJF in different capacities, both at Camp and year round. Prior to joining LAJF, Elyem worked in environmental and inclusion consulting in Helsinki and London. She holds a degree in Political Science from Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, spent a year at Boston University, a master’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Cambridge.

In her free time, you can find her cycling, hiking, making mediocre arts and crafts and sharing a meal with friends.

As a Program Director, Margeaux takes the lead on all matters having to do with Camp Rising Sun! Margeaux attended camps since she was a child and has worked professionally in the camping industry for over 10 years. Prior to LAJF, Margeaux was the Camp Director for the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.

One of the things Margeaux appreciates most about LAJF and the CRS community is the emphasis put on learning. It is a place where it is okay to try something new and even to fail at it as long as something is learned in the process. This type of environment creates a space where campers can take healthy risks and grow.

Margeaux earned her B.A. in French from Indiana University and recently completed a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Connecticut.

Cameron has been a part of LAJF since 2006, and is a key figure of our team and CRS. During the summer, when our program is in session, Cameron works closely with staff members and campers to help design and implement projects around Camp and bring their ideas to life. Currently, Cameron is working on converting all of the tents formerly used to house campers into more sustainable, long-lasting lean-tos.

As Facilities Manager, Cameron is responsible for the year-round maintenance of our campus in upstate New York, including our drinking well systems and pool, ensuring that our grounds are taken care of for generations to come. Cameron also develops short and long term plans for maintenance and works with the Board of Directors on capital improvements, planning, and budgeting.

A Kingston local, Cameron is an active member of the Kingston Elks Lodge and the Board of Directors at the local Kiwanis Club. On Tuesday mornings, he can be found on the Kingston Community Radio 92.5 FM, where he hosts his own radio talk show.

Ryan joined LAJF in December 2022. In his role, he supports the daily workflow of the Operations, Program, and Advancement teams. For Ryan, it's all about staying organized and upbeat amid the unexpected. Before coming onboard at CRS, he worked for a variety of nonprofit organizations in New York City, the Hudson Valley, and the Berkshires.

A graduate of The New School, Ryan is a writer and activist committed to social change. As a firm believer in utopia, he is interested in connecting those who seek fulfilling lives outside the mainstream.