Department Heads
Desiree Gneco-Media:
Hi, my name is Desi and I’m from the Dominican Republic where I work as an illustrator/graphic designer and content creator. I can’t wait to see you all and see what crazy videos we will create this year 2024!
Leigh Tolboe-Staff Coordinator:
Hi! My name is Leigh Tolboe and I am the Staff Coordinator at Camp Vega. This is my 10th summer working at Vega, my 2nd summer as the staff coordinator. I’ve worked as a bunk counselor, a Department Head, a Group Leader, and I’m also a parent – my daughter is a Super Senior this summer! I love being the staff coordinator and getting to know our staff from all over the world. Vega has given my family and me so much, but I am most grateful for the people it has brought into my life. I will be there this summer along with my sons, Charlie (4), Sam (2), my daughter Dempsey is a camper and my husband Cramer will come and go from our home in Salt Lake City, Utah. I can’t wait to see and get to know the staff this summer!
Leighanna Son-Operations Manager:
I am Leighanna Son, Camp Vega’s Operations Manager. I oversee a range of planning and logistics- things like travel, tutoring, video calls, buses & cars, canteen, and lots of emails. I joined the office team in 2019 and can honestly say there is no place I would rather be than Vega! I am most looking forward to reuniting with my Vega family, getting my six year vest, 11:20 smoothies, and sunrises over Echo Lake. I live in Boston, teach fourth grade, and count down the days until June when I am not at Camp.
Emma Horowitz-Landsports:
I’m Emma, originally from NY but have now been an official full-time Mainer (or Maine-ah) for the last eight years. During the year, I am a high school English teacher in the small beach town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine. I am counting down the snowy and cold days until I’m back on Echo Lake for my 17th summer at Vega. This summer I am looking forward to building on the friendships I already have and creating new ones, while continuing to enhance the landsports department and keep winning the inter-camps so we can continue to hold onto the CMGL bear!
Ivanna Vanderhider-Social Media Director & Fitness:
Hi everyone! My name is Ivanna and I’m so excited to be back for my 6th summer at Vega, and my first year as leadership! I am from Guadalajara, Mexico where I live with my family. I am Vega’s Social Media Manager year round and this summer I will be your Fitness Department Head!! I’m so excited to be back! Counting down the days <3
Jose Cueva-Media:
Hi! My name is Jose aka Pina ! This is gonna be my 8th 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 2024 !
Melanie O’Neil-Swim:
Hi! I’m Melanie O’Neil, the Department Head of Swim—2024 will be my 9th summer at Camp! I’m from Akron, Ohio which is near Cleveland. During the school year, I’m a 4th and 5th grade reading specialist. This summer I’m looking forward to being down on Echo Lake! I can’t wait to reconnect with campers and staff, and hopefully have a waterfront afternoon or two!
Sophie Sudholz-Outdoor Adventure:
Hi Vega family! I am Sophie and this is my 6th summer at Vega. I live on a 5000 acre farm in Australia and am completing my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Elementary). I will be your Outdoor Adventure Department Head and am looking forward to another summer of fire building, fishing, campfire cooking, and adventures in our cozy corner of the Vega outback!
Christine Barnard-Gymnastics:
Hi Vega, I’m Christine aka Poppins and I’m thrilled to be back as your Gymnastics DH. I currently am a preschool teacher in Sydney, Australia. No matter how many years you’ve been at Vega there’s no better feeling than coming through the gates for the first time that summer. I’m especially looking forward to Opening day, Gym Show, Olympics & 4th July!!
Cat Baud-Theater:
My name is Cat and I am from Melbourne, Australia. I am super excited to be returning for my 5th Vega summer, working as the Department Head of Theatre. There is nothing I love more than combining two of my greatest loves- theatre and Vega- and I cannot wait for another summer of theatrical fun down in the Lodge.
Mackenzie Norton-Ropes:
Hey my name is Mackenzie, I live in New Zealand and I’m stoked to be coming back for my second summer!! Can’t wait to see everyone smash it at ropes and I’m excited to get back out into the trees!
Elaine Sledge-Dance:
I am delighted to introduce myself as your new Dance Director for this upcoming summer. My name is Elaine Sledge from Detroit,MI. I’m the proud owner and artistic director of Abigail School of Dance, LLC. I am surely excited to share my love for dance with all the campers. Also, I am looking forward to the evening activities, especially Sunset Circle. So, let’s get ready to leap, twirl, and shimmy our way into the most unforgettable summer yet. I’ll see you on the dance floor –and everywhere else Camp Vega has to offer!
Marcus Reeves-Events Coordinator:
Kia ora. I’m Marcus I’m New Zealand, running it back for year 2 at Vega. You may know me from coaching basketball last year but this year you’ll find me as the events coordinator (and I’ll probably still be shooting hoops where I can). Let’s go Vega 2024
Rob Lehane- Kitchen:
Hi, I’m Rob and I’m from Manchester, UK. I’m super excited to be back at Vega for my 3rd summer in the kitchen! I’m looking forward to bringing some exciting menu changes as well as plenty of favourites. When I’m not at camp, I get to spend the rest of the year travelling the world and this year I’ve been working as a Software Developer while travelling around Europe. Can’t wait to see all your faces!
Nati Witkowska-Fine Arts:
Cześć! I’m Nati and I can’t believe this will be my 9th summer at Vega. I’m beyond excited about the Opening Day and Halloween! Recently, I graduated with a diploma in art therapy and during school year I run a small language school and teach English as second language. I’m buzzing about the activities planned in Lily Bay and Cadillac for this summer. Vincent (my dog) and I are counting down the days until we are back on Echo Lake!
Arup Dutta-Tennis:
Hello Vega – I am Arup Dutta! I grew up playing tennis in India and came to USA at an early age, and shortly afterwards I started playing tennis in the New Jersey area. Since 2000, I’ve been teaching tennis in Florida during the fall, winter, and spring and then spending summers coaching tennis at camps throughout the Northeast. I love having fun sharing my energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience through the Camp Vega tennis program, which I have managed since 2021.
Lea Edwards-Equestrian:
Hi Everyone, I’m Lea Edwards, Equestrian DH, and I started at Vega in 2017 which seems like yesterday! The horses and I are from sunny South Carolina where I have a small training stable with my daughters, Eliza and Joanna. We horse show, fox hunt and do a little racing in the winter months. There is no place I would rather be than Camp Vega where the air is cool and living is easy. It’s the loveliest summer home beside beautiful Echo lake. Every summer is unique, inspiring, always a challenge and always fulfilling. Can’t wait to see you all and start another fabulous summer with happy campers and horses!
Tiger Hewett-On site Manager/Care taker:
Hi, my name is Tiger Hewett, and I have been at Camp Vega for 35 years. I am the on-site manager / caretaker. I work with Brian and Dan. I look forward to another great summer, and meeting all of the new staff as well as seeing all of the returners!
Brian Blanchard-Facilities Manager:
Hello all! My name is Brian Blanchard. I joined the Camp Vega family last summer as Facilities Manager in the Maintenance Department with Tiger and Dan. I am having a great time working on my projects, and can’t wait to see everyone this summer!
Dan Macomber-Grounds Superintendent:
Hi, my name is Dan Macomber. I have joined the maintenance department with Tiger and Brian, and I am the Grounds Superintendent. This will be my 2nd summer here at Camp Vega. Summer camps have been in my life for over 40 years, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.
Group Leaders
Brittany Tuber-Sub Junior-Junior/ Scheduling Coordinator:
Hi Vega! My name is Brittany and I can’t wait to be back at camp for my 14th summer (7th as a staff member.) This summer, in addition to being the Sub Junior and Junior group leader, I will be taking on the role of scheduling coordinator. If you have any questions or requests, feel free to reach out. During the year I live in Florida with my three kids, Mackenzie, Kate, and Miles, and my husband, Kraig. We are all counting down the days until we are back at our favorite place! I can’t wait to meet all the new campers, reconnect with returning campers, and welcome you all to your summer home!
January Heiberger-SubSuper Juniors:
With a V-E-G-A cheer, I am so excited to be back at Vega for my 14th summer (6th as a staff member) as the Sub Super Junior Group Leader! This summer, I am very much looking forward building lots of new memories, especially during cook-outs, the SSJ playdate, and my daytime and night time check ins with each bunk! This year my family and I moved to South Florida and once again, my son Harris (5) and daughter Brooklyn (2) will be joining me at camp! We are counting down the days till we are back on Echo Lake with our Vega family!!
Talitha Booth-Super Juniors:
Kia ora Vega, my name is Talitha and I am the Super Junior Group Leader! I can’t wait to be back on Echo Lake for my 8th summer! When I am not in Maine, I live in New Zealand with my fiancé and our daughter Bella. I am so excited for opening day, balmy summer nights with my bunks, swimming in the lake and evening activities filled with fun!
Mayu Sakai-Seniors:
Hello! I’m Mayu. Beyond excited to be back at Vega for a 4th summer, and my second as your Senior Group Leader. I’m looking forward to spending another summer surrounded by nature and the beauty of Echo Lake, laughing with friends, playing tennis, paddleboarding, trying new things and having an unforgettable summer with Seniors ’24. When I’m not at Vega, I work in Marketing and live by the beach in Sydney, Australia. Counting down the days.
Kaitlin Donelon-Super Seniors:
I’m Kaitlin! This will be my 12th summer at Vega and Nala (my dog’s) 4th summer. When not on Echo Lake, I’m an elementary Art Teacher in Chicago. This summer I am excited to be back on Sugarkat hill eating cookout with the super seniors.
Annie Connolly-Tamary:
Hi, I’m Annie! I am from Salt Lake City. However, my summers at Vega made me fall for New England– so I made the move to Boston where I work as the Child & Family Support Coordinator at a local nonprofit. This will be my eighth summer at Vega! I am most excited for Opening Day, when I get to hug and scream with each Tamary camper. To think back of how far we have come, since Sub Junior summer together, gives me chills. Yeah, Tamary 2024!
Back to Meet The Staff