Meet Our Staff – Camp Middlesex

Steven LaFountain, CAGS

Executive Director

23rd Summer

2015 Camp Spirit!

Home Town: Rindge, New Hampshire

Steve is originally from Albany, NY. He went to college at Franklin Pierce College in NH, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Elementary Education. He earned his first Master’s Degree in Elementary Education at Fitchburg State College in 2002. His second Master’s degree in Reading Education was completed in 2007 at Worcester State College. In 2017, he earned a CAGS degree in Educational Leadership and Management at Fitchburg State.

He has worked in the camping business for numerous seasons, moving up the ranks as counselor, head counselor, CIT Director, Assistant Director, and now Executive Director. Currently, he lives in Rindge, NH with his two teen boys and is an Assistant Principal at Athol Royalston Middle School.

Nicole Tortora

Program Director

7th Summer

2015 Camp Spirit

Home Town: Pepperell, MA

“Hey everybody! I’m ecstatic to be back for another summer at camp. This is my seventh summer on staff, but I’ve been going here since I was a camper in 2011. This year I’m excited to step into the program director position! I studied English and Mathematics at the University of Miami, graduating in 2025. I’m a silly goose who enjoys dancing around, eating fruit, and yelling PEPPERELL! In my free time I enjoy poetry, long days at the beach, and reading. This will be a summer to never forget, and I’m thrilled to make more fantastic memories with you all!”

Mary Galindo

Teen Camp Director

5th Summer

2023 Camp Spirit!

Home Town: Mexico

“Hello everyone! My name is Mary and I’m excited to be returning to Camp Middlesex for my fifth year. I’ve been coming since 2021, starting as an Arts & Crafts Counselor for two years, and this will be my third year as a Teen Director, which makes me incredibly happy! I currently work as an English teacher in Oaxaca City, where I love helping students discover the beauty of language. In my free time, I enjoy exploring nature, dancing, and traveling to new and exciting places. I truly believe that every experience is an opportunity for growth, and I can’t wait to share this adventure with all of you. Let’s make this summer unforgettable! See you soon!”

Raul Sanchez

Junior Camp Director

4th Summer

2024 Camp Spirit!

Home Town: Mexico

Ava Hixon

Day Camp Director

5th Summer

Home Town: Hudson, MA

Colleen McGrath, RN

Nurse

7th Summer

Home Town: Lowell, MA

“Hello, I’m Colleen. I am a Middle School Nurse in Lowell, MA and work part time in the Recovery Room at local hospital. I am excited to be working my sixth summer at Camp Middlesex! I attended as a camper while I was in middle school, and have great memories! I have two daughters who are campers as well.”

Kim Dimacale, LPN

Nurse

5th Summer

Home Town: Ashburnham, MA

“Wow, 5th year! My name is Kim Dimacale. I am an LPN and have been for 17 years. My passion, besides caring for people, are my grandchildren, hiking, checking out waterfalls and the Beach. I love collecting sea glass and walking on the shores. I can’t wait to see all the old and new faces this summer.”

Siana Clark

Head Counselor Teen Camp / Woodworking

4th Summer

Home Town: West Yorkshire, England

“Hi Everyone, I’m Siana and I’m from England! I’m so excited to be back for a 4th year and can’t wait to see old and new faces. I’m looking forward to making so many new memories and especially looking forward to International Week! I can’t wait to meet everyone ◡̈”

Olivia Collins

Woodworking

1st Summer

Home Town: Australia

“Hey everyone, my name is Olivia. I am from Australia, and I will be your woodworking counselor. I have visited the States before, but this will be my first summer here and I can’t wait to meet you all, have heaps of fun and make memories with you all. See you Soon!!”

Caitlin Warburton

Outdoor Living Skills

1st Summer

Home Town: Kent, England

“Hey I’m Caitlin, I’m from Kent, England and I will be the Outdoor Living Skills Counselor this summer. I’m very excited for my first summer camp experience and meeting everyone at Camp Middlesex.”

Ana Pillado

Lifeguard / Head Counselor Day Camp

4th Summer

Home Town: Spain

“Hi everyone! I’m Anapi from Madrid, Spain, and this will be my fourth summer at camp Middlesex!! This year I’ll finish my degree to be an English teacher. My favorite hobbies are singing , spending time in nature and, of course, swimming. I can’t wait to be back at the pool!

I am really excited to meet you all, spend time together and create unforgettable memories. See you soon!”

Sergio Castell

Head Counselor Junior Camp / Lifeguard

3rd Summer

Home Town: Spain

“Hi everyone! I’m Sergio, I’m from Fuengirola, Spain, and I’m so excited to be back at camp for my third summer. I’m a lifeguard, and was a competitive swimmer for most of my life. During the year I’m a surf instructor with kids. But my favorite place to be is camp. See you everyone back soon.”

Lucia Darriba

Woodworking

1st Summer

Home Town: Spain

“Hi!! I am Lucia from Lugo, Spain. This will be my first summer at Camp Middlesex. I’m very excited to be your Woodworking Counselor! I can’t wait to meet you all and have fun with you!”

Veronica Gomez

Nature

1st Summer

Home Town: Worcester, MA

“Hello! I’m excited for my first summer camp counselor experience. I love to hike and swim, and I’m looking forward to camp this summer!”

Carmen Garcia

Head Lifeguard

4th Summer

2023 Camp Spirit!

Home Town: Spain

“Hi everyone! My name is Carmen, I’m from Spain and this is my third summer in this beautiful Camp, I’m really excited to be back. Last summer was incredible, it allowed me to grow personally and overcome challenges such as being captain of the red team. I can’t wait to start this summer and see all the surprises that await us. I’m ready to give my best so that all the campers have a wonderful summer full of laughter and special moments. I can’t wait for the best time of the year, SUMMER at Camp Middlesex!!

Sofia Morales

Lifeguard

2nd Summer

Home Town: Spain

“My name is Sofia, I’m from Spain and I’m so happy to be back at this camp! Last year was my first year there and I had such an amazing time that I couldn’t wait to return. Being here again feels really special, and I’m so excited for everything that’s coming. I’m looking forward to doing lots of fun activities, trying new things, and making great memories with all of you. I know we’re going to have an unforgettable time together! I can’t wait to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and make this an incredible experience for everyone. Let’s make the most of it and have an amazing time! See you soon!”

Rocelyn Metayer

Arts & Crafts

1st Summer

Home Town: South Shore, MA

Hello! My name is Rocelyn Metayer , I am an ongoing junior class of 2027 at Mass-art. I was born in Haiti and raised around the south shore of mass. My major is film/stagecraft . I enjoy mixed media artwork and tech in my art process . I am interested in mastering in Art Therapy after my undergraduate degree. I love anything colorful and make it my mission to have gratitude for the colorful objects in my life that brighten my day! I am excited to begin and contribute to the Camp Middlesex community!

Ivan Ezequiel Gamez

Low Ropes

2nd Summer

Home Town: Argentina

“Hi everyone! I’m Iván and I’m from Argentina! And I love playing soccer. This is going to be my second year at Camp so I’m really excited to be here again, I can’t wait to see you all and spend another summer making good friends and memories together but also have fun at low ropes. See you soon!”

Celine Elsner

Ceramics

2nd Summer

Home Town: Germany

“Hey everyone! My name is Céline and I am from Germany but live and study in Sweden. I am so excited for my second year at camp and to meet all the new and old faces. I can’t wait to make unforgettable memories and spend a great summer together! See you all very soon :)”

Liv Appleton

Arts & Crafts

1st Summer

Home Town: England

“Hey I’m Liv, I’m from Worcester, England and I will be an Arts and Craft counsellor this summer. I’m very excited for my first summer camp experience and meeting everyone at Camp Middlesex.”

Marlenne Samaniego

Floater Counselor

3rd Summer

Home Town: Mexico

Isaac Stallman

Floater

1st Summer

2023 & 2024 Camp Spirit

Home Town:

Evan Harris

1st Summer

2023 Camp Spirit!

Home Town: Framingham, MA

Holly Harris

1st Summer

2023 Camp Spirit!

Home Town: Winchendon, MA

Gary Cooley

Cook

18th Summer

Home Town: Greenfield, MA

Gary has been the Camp Middlesex cook for the past 18 summers. A baker by trade, Gary makes some of the most delicious congo bars, cakes, pizzas, and lots of other great food! We are very fortunate to have Gary as a part of our camp and look forward to eating his food each summer!

Frida Castillo

Kitchen Assistant

2nd Summer

Home Town: Mexico

Valeria Sanchez

Kitchen Assistant

2nd Summer

Home Town: Mexico

“My name is Valeria, I’m from Mexico, I’m studying mechanical engineering and I’m excited to return to camp this summer. In my free time I love making desserts, reading books with lots of drama and knitting. I’m excited to see you all again, see you soon!”

Jessica Briley, M.Ed.

Hiring Manager

19th Summer

1994 & 2018 Camp Spirit!

Home Town: Medford, MA

“I am excited for another summer with Camp Middlesex! My history has been a long one, starting in 1991 as a Camper, I moved forward through the CIT program and became a Lifeguard and Arts & Crafts Counselor until 2000. In 2009 I had the opportunity to return to camp, which was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was the Summer Director until I retired in 2021 to have more time with my family after my marriage in 2020. I continue to be the Hiring Manager, with the task of hiring our incredible staff each year. You will see me on camp every summer for Spirit Week, as I fill in for the LTs who have to go back to school.

During the “off season” I am the Executive Director of the Good Shepherd School, a preschool in Charlestown, MA, which I have been since 2016. I have a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Camp Middlesex has always had a special place in my heart and I feel blessed to share the magic with so many campers and staff alike.”

Cesar Vazquez

Maintenance

3rd Summer

Home Town: Mexico

Jessica McLaughlin AKA Office Jess or OJ

Office Manager

12th Summer

Home Town: Fitchburg, MA

Jessica (nick-named Office Jess or OJ) is originally from Townsend, MA. She is currently an 8th grade History teacher at Narragansett Middle School in Templeton, MA. In her spare time she enjoys reading, sky diving, and spending time with family.