Beth Roy Camp Programs Manager Master of Science: Environmental Science and Policy Bachelor of Science: Biology Certification in Secondary Education Beth has been working in the field of environmental education for over 10 years. Previous to working at VINS, Beth was a naturalist with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, NH and a seasonal educator for the Appalachian Mountain Club. Beth has also spent time in the traditional classroom teaching biology and chemistry. When Beth is not out in the field with students, you can find her working in her garden or exploring the woods around her home with her husband Chris.
	Rick LaDue Program Manager, VINS Manchester, VT Master of Science: Elementary Education Bachelor of Arts: Zoology Rick has been teaching environmental education and leading hikes for non-profit organizations like VINS, The Appalachian Mountain Club and The National Wildlife Federation for 16 years. Rick is certified in CPR and as a wilderness first responder. When not roaming the trails at the Equinox Preserve you can find him spending time with his wife Judy and daughter Rebecca.
	Kate Banyas Counselor Bachelor of Arts Candidate: Natural History Education This will be Kate’s second summer working at VINS Nature Camps. Previous to VINS, she spent five years as a camp counselor and life guard at YMCA Camp Foss in Strafford, New Hampshire. Kate has also worked as a mentor and supervisor at the Craftsbury Academy After-School Program and as a ski instructor at Stowe, Vermont. Currently, Kate is finishing her junior year at Sterling College in Craftsbury, Vermont, and is also looking into graduate schools. When she’s not hitting the books, she’s out birding, hiking, kayaking, or skiing.
	John Deignan Counselor Master of Science: Environmental Studies Bachelor of Arts: American Studies John currently teaches environmental education to students throughout the Bennington, Vermont area. He has also worked as an environmental educator at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center in Grafton, New York. He is certified in wilderness first aid and CPR. If he’s not in the woods, look for him on the water paddling his kayak.
	Michaela Hitchcock Counselor Bachelor of Arts: Environmental Studies with focus in Environmental Planning and Policy Teaching and playing outside has been a part of Michaela’s life since grade school. She has been teaching full time environmental education for the last 2 years, but was also lucky enough to work in this field during her summers throughout college. At the Green Mountain Conservation Camp in Woodbury, VT, Michaela taught as a Natural Resources Instructor and moved on to be a Science Educator at the Driftwood Education Center in coastal Georgia. When not at work you can usually find her beachcombing, hiking, camping, kayaking, riding her bike, or playing with any animals she can get her hands on.
	David McCarthy Counselor Bachelor of Arts: Art Certificate of Advance Study of Education: Elementary Education David currently teaches at Sharon Elementary as a paraeducator. He has spent the past two summers teaching at Camp Thorpe. Camp Thorpe provides camping experiences for children and adults with a variety of physical and developmental needs. David enjoys working with children of all ages. With a background in art, David loves creating and being out in nature.
	Diana Van Dillewijn Counselor Bachelor of Science: Biology Diana was born in Bogota, Colombia, and moved to the USA in 1999. She has completed a teacher certification program for science in the middle school and high school level at Upper Valley Educators Institute in Lebanon, NH. Diana has taught science at a private school in previous years and Spanish in elementary schools for the past year. She has worked at VINS for more than 3 years, first as a wildlife services intern and recently as a camp counselor. Diana loves the outdoors and teaching younger audiences about nature. She also enjoys working at an organic farm, gardening and living in an 800 square foot cabin as simply as she can with her partner Bryan and their puppy Fugee.
	Jessica Furman Counselor Masters of Art: Education Bachelor of Science: Health and Community Services Jessica is an Educator who has five years of experience teaching in elementary classrooms. In addition, she has four years of experience teaching environmental science and natural history in summer camp settings. She recently moved to Vermont from out west with her husband and black lab. She is greatly looking forward to learning more about ecosystems that are unique to the northeast and hopes to share these insights with the campers at VINS. In her spare time this summer you may spot her cycling single-track on the beautiful Vermont country roads.

VINS believes all children should have the opportunity to experience VINS Nature Camp. We therefore work with local businesses, foundations, and individuals to provide camp scholarships "camperships" to families in need of support. If you wish to apply for a campership, or would like to donate to this important program, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or click here to download an application form.