ACTIVITY HEADS

	Stephanie Abramovich Activity Heads	From Dundas, Ontario, Stephanie is a graduate of both the Pharmacy Technician and Small Business and Entrepreneurship programs at Mohawk College in addition to the Arts and Science program at Fanshawe College in London. While at Fanshawe, Stephanie played on their Varsity Women’s Basketball team. She has coaching experience with the Junior Varsity team at Parkside Highschool and with the Dundas Dynamo House League where she also worked as a summer camp counsellor for two seasons. She returns for her fourth summer at Manitou as Head of Basketball.
	Sarah Amyotte Activity Heads	From Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Sarah is a graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax studying Political Science and Journalism. During the year, Sarah serves as the Vice President of her school’s Arts and Social Sciences Society. She has worked for two years with the Dartmouth Sportsplex as a summer camp counsellor and Dance Instructor and for the Canadian Diabetes Association as a camp counsellor. Sarah has many years experience in Theatre and Dance having worked with the Neptune Theatre School’s Young Performance Company. She joins us for her third summer at Manitou and second as Head of Theatre.
	Mark Arbus Activity Heads	From Toronto, Ontario, Mark works as a teacher during the year at Churchill Public School. He holds his B.Ed. from the University of Ottawa and M.Ed. from Chapman University. An avid guitar player, Mark has written most of the songs and played lead guitar for bands such as "Mogul" and “Guitarbus.” He has many years of camp experience as a camper at Camp Winnebagoe in Huntsville as camper and staff at Camp White Pine in Haliburton and working in various leadership roles at Camp Tamakwa in Algonquin Park. Mark returns after several years for his second summer at Manitou and first as Head of Rock Music.
	Melanie Atkins Activity Heads	Originally from Mississauga, Ontario, Melanie now lives in London where she teaches Dance at Fanshawe College and Dance London. She is a graduate of Queens University in Kingston with a degree in Life Sciences and also has completed her A.R.C.T. Piano Performance with the Royal Conservatory. Melanie has past experience on staff at Lochearn Camp in Vermont, at Pickering College Summer ESL program in Newmarket and as a Residence Life staff member at Queens University. This will be her first summer at Manitou as Head of Dance.
	Gillian Besco Activity Heads	From Ottawa, Ontario, Gillian is a graduate of Queens University in Kingston with a degree in Mathamatics. During the year, Gillian is a Head Guard and Swim Instructor with City of Kingston and Queens Phys Ed Centre. She holds her NLS, WSI and Royal Life Examiners certifications and is also a certified First Aid instructor. She has previously attended and worked at camps in Quebec and Rhode Island as well as working as a Student Supervisor through the Enrichment Studies Unit at Queens. This will be Gillian’s second summer at Manitou and first as Head of Swim.
	Acacia Betancourt Activity Heads	Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Acacia has been working as a freelance Graphic Designer in San Diego, California. A graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in Studio Art and Graphic Design, Acacia also has prior experience as a counsellor and art instructor at Camp Romaca in Massachusetts. She also has worked as a childcare attendant at Gold’s Gym for three years and as a Math tutor. She returns for her fourth summer on staff at Manitou and third as Head of Creative Arts.
	Rashida Bhaiji Activity Heads	Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Rashida grew up and lives currently in Calgary, Alberta and is completing a degree in Tourism Management at the University of Calgary. Rashida works during the year as a team leader for Child and Youth Friendly Calgary. She has pervious experience as a day camp counsellor with Cardel Place and Crowfoot YMCA and also spent time with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program. This will be her second summer at Manitou and first as Head of Eco Adventure.
	Benji Boudreau Activity Heads	From Holland, Michigan, Benji is completing his degree in 2-D Art at Central Michigan University. Benji recently studied for a semester abrad travelling through Argentina, Peru and Chile where he volunteered as a Conversation Group Leader at the Universidad Austral. More recently he has taught a beginner Spanish course at CMU and was a Scene Shop Assistant building sets for the Theatre Department. This will be Benji’s first summer at Manitou as Head of Drawing & Painting.
	Sophie Brauer Activity Heads	From Carey Bay, Australia, Sophie has been working over the past year at the Rimrock Hotel in Banff, Alberta. She previously has worked as a Fitness Instructor at the Danielle Rees Genetics Fitness Club and holds a level 3 Fitness certificate. She has also had extensive training in Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary Dance and has worked towards instructor certification. This will be her first season at Manitou and first as Head of Yoga.
	Matt Brundage Activity Heads	From Toronto, Ontario, Matt is an English teacher at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate. He holds his B Ed from York University, his BA from Trent University in Peterborough and completed a year of Theatre at George Brown College in Toronto. Matt worked several years professionally in theatre, as a part owner of Pudge Productions. Since then he has written and directed several plays including Manitou hits “Manitou: The Musical” along with its many sequels and “MacBeth, More or Less.” Matt returns for his eleventh season at Manitou and first as Head of Drama Inc.
	Leigh Bryant Activity Heads	Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Leigh grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and has spent the year working in Toronto, Ontario with youth Drama programs and community events. She is a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec with a degree in International Development and Religious Studies. After graduation, Leigh spent a year travelling and working in Japan. She has past experience as a ‘Floor Fellow’ supervisor in the McGill residence system and was involved in theatre programs for over 12 years, writing, acting and directing. She was also a national level Synchronized Swimmer, holding her NCCP level one coaching certification. In 2008, Leigh was named World Games Captain. She returns for her third summer at Manitou and first as Head of Radio & Media.
	Warren Carmichael Activity Heads	From Kingston, Ontario, Warren is a graduate of the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program at Laurentian University in Sudbury. During the year, Warren has worked as a Residence Assistant and also runs his own rock band. Warren has several years experience taking leadership and training courses through the Gould Lake Outdoor Centre. He holds his ORCA certifications in Flatwater Instruction, Moving Water, Flatwater Kayak and Tripping level 2 as well as his NLS and Wilderness First Responder certifications. This will be Warren’s fourth summer at Manitou and first as Head of Canoe Tripping.
	Ginger Derochie Activity Heads	From Whitefish Falls, Ontario, Ginger works as a substitute teacher with the Rainbow District School Board. She holds a degree in Physical Eduation from Laurentian University in Sudbury, a B Ed from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and MA of Recreation Management from Acadia University in Nova Scotia. She also holds her level 2 Challenge Course Practitioner, Wilderness First Aid, Ski Instructors, Canoeing Instructors, Open Water Scuba Diving and NLS certifications. She has prior experience as the Director of Camp Ak-O-Mak, Director of Outdoor Education at YLCC and as an instructor at Bark Lake Outdoor Education Centre. She has also won multiple Canadian National Canoeing Championships. This will be her first summer at Manitou as Head of Ropes & Climbing.
	Matthew Freder Activity Heads	From Motnreal, Quebec, Matthew is a student at McGill University studying Mechanical Engineering. He has been a keen waterskiier for many years and holds his NLS and WSI certifications in addition to his PCO card. He is also an NCCP level 1 Downhill Skiing coach. Matt was a Manitou camper for three summers, completing our CIT program in 2003. This will be his sixth summer on staff and second as Head of Waterskiing & Wakeboarding.
	Emilie Gelinas Activity Heads	From Sarnia, Ontario, Emilie is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Geography. Emilie has played volleyball for many years and was captain of her high school’s varsity team. She currently volunteers during the year as a Reading Tutor. This will be Emilie’s second summer at Manitou as Head of Volleyball.
	Dani Klein Activity Heads	From Toronto, Ontario, Dani is a student at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts working towards a Masters degree in Children’s Literature. She is previously a graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in English. Dani has worked with children as a Drama coach, as a belayer with the Toronto Climbing Academy and as a private Nanny. She also has experience working as an instructor with the Climbing Club at the University of Guelph and holds her CUI Level 2 ropes certification. In 2007 Dani was named World Games Captain. Dani returns for her eighth season on staff at Manitou and first as Head of Adventure Park.
	Lisa Lang Activity Heads	From Oakville, Ontario, Lisa has spent much of the past two years travelling through India and Asia, and also working as the Assistant Director of our Off-season Groups program. She is a graduate of the Outdoor Pursuits program at the University of Calgary in Alberta and has worked as a group leader and lifeguard in several camp settings. She is trained in lead climbing, multipitch, top roping, ropes safety & rescue, and alpine and glacier travel in the Rocky Mountains and has experience teaching a University level rock-climbing course. She holds her Level 2 swift water rescue certification, is an ARCA certified Class 1 river instructor and holds her NLS. She also completed the LIT program at Camp Madeba and holds her RCM grade 10 level in piano. In 2005, she was named World Games Captain. Lisa returns for her seventh summer on staff at Manitou and second as Head of Canoe & Kayak.
	Julia Lurie Activity Heads	From Surrey in the United Kingdom, Julia is a student at Leeds University studying Fashion Design. During the year, Julia is an avid participant in Aerobics and Yoga classes and has had experience developing her own work out routines. She also has extensive training in drawing design and sewing. She also worked for a season with Rockley Watersports here where she ran children’s programs and games. This will be her first summer at Manitou.
	Taimi Lynch Activity Heads	Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Taimi now lives in Toronto and is a graduate of the University of Guelph with a degree in Child Studies. Taimi also has a diploma in Early Childhood Education through Humber College. During the year, Taimi works part time with the Hospital for Sick Children. She has previous experience doing placements with the Sunburst Children’s Centre and at the Hydro Bright Lights Childcare Centre. She also volunteered as a Camp Counsellor with the Summer Institute for Kids. This will be her third summer at Manitou as Head of Crafts & Design.
	Mike MacLeod Activity Heads	From Burlington, Ontario, Mike is a graduate of St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a degree in Psychology and English. Mike is also a graduate of the General Arts and Science program at Fanshawe college in London. Mike has played competitive Baseball and Football for many years, helping his Football team to the Halton Regional championship in 2002. Mike returns to Manitou for his second summer on staff and second as Head of Land Sports.
	Lauren Markowski Activity Heads	From Kingston, Ontario, Lauren is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario in London with a degree in Visual Arts. Lauren has experience as a Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor with Progress Fitness and Aquatics Centre, the Kingston YMCA and Varty Lake Swim Program. After taking many courses through the Gould Lake Outdoor Centre travelling through Algonquin Park, the Adirondacks and James Bay, she holds her OCRA Tripping 2, Flatwater Instructor and Moving Water 1A certifications, along with her Wilderness First Aid, NLS and Swimming Instructor certifications. This will be Lauren’s fourth summer at Manitou and first as Head of Pottery.
	Mariana Matos Activity Heads	From Santos, Brazil, Mariana has spent the past year working as a Photographer for Princes Cruses. A graduate of Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing with a Masters degree in Communication and Advertising, Mariana also studied Photography post graduation aT Senac and Photo Design at Miami Advertising School. She has many years experience working as a freelance photographer and has also volunteered as a summer English Teacher at Favela da Rocinha. This will be her first summer at Manitou as Head of Photography.
	Russ Piva Activity Heads	From Milton, Ontario, Russ is a graduate of Wilfred Laurier University with an honours degree in Communications and minor in Geography. Russ has been playing competitive baseball for over 13 years with the Georgetown Eagles and has coached with the Georgetown Baseball Association. Previously, Russ received rave reviews for his show “The Rock Block” on RadioLaurier.com. He also plays guitar and bass and has experience writing, recording and performing his music. This will be Russ’ second summer at Manitou and first as Head of Baseball.
	Mike Primak Activity Heads	From Oakville, Ontario, Mike is a graduate of the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program at Laurentian University in Sudbury. Mike has Canoe Tripping experience in Temagami, Killarney, Algonquin Park and on the French River and holds his ORCA Level 1 Flatwater, Wilderness Survival Skills, Wilderness First Responder, NLS and Swimming Instructors certifications. He also has experience as a counsellor at Ways of the Woods Day Camp and at Kamp Kiwanis and plays the Guitar and Cello. This will be Mike’s second summer at Manitou and first as Head of Guitar.
	Aoife Raftery Activity Heads	From Dublin, Ireland, Aoife is a student at Trinity College Dublin studying Management Science and Information Systems. Aoife has been an avid sailor for eight years and has taught the past four summers at Courtown Sailing Club holding her ISA Senior Instructor, Dinghy Instructor and Powerboat Instructor certifications as well as her Bronze Cross. She also has experience as an Activity Instructor at Gartan Outdoor Education centre and has played competitive Field Hockey for 10 years. This will be Aoife’s second summer at Manitou as Head of Sailing.
	Benjamin Rice Activity Heads	From London, Ontario, Benjamin is a student at Laurentian University in Sudbury studying English. Benjamin has previous experience working as a Sports Camp counsellor with the Boys and Girls Club of London, as a Ski Instructor in Whistler/Blackcomb and at golf courses and driving ranges over several years. A competitive Rugby player for 10 years, Benjamin won a silver medal with Team Ontario. He also completed Sparrow Lake Camp’s CIT program and has his own radio show on CKLU FM. This will be Benjamin’s second summer at Manitou as Head of Golf.
	Karen Shopsowitz Activity Heads	From Toronto, Ontario, Karen has worked on numerous television productions as a director, editor and writer, over the past 15 years. Her recent credits include series producer, director and co-editor of the three part series, Canada’s War in Colour, which aired on CBC (and for which she received a Gemini nomination), and My Father’s Camera, produced by the National Film Board of Canada, which was screened at several film festivals, and which was awarded the prestigious Peabody Award. Karen also works as a cameraperson, and is currently developing a dramatic series for television. She returns for her fifth summer at Manitou as Head of Video Production.
	Jose Vidal Activity Heads	Originally from the Dominical Republic, Jose has been working most recently as a Tennis Coach at a resort in Turks and Caicos. Earlier in the year, he was travelling to different parts of Ontario promoting his No Stress Tennis program. He has past experience working in the Players Edge Tennis Program at York University and Tennis Canada as well as teaching tennis at the University of Toronto. He has also been the Head Tennis Coach of the Dominican Tennis Federation and at Independent Lake Camp and Lake Greeley Camp in Pennsylvania. This will be Jose’s first summer at Manitou as Head of Tennis.
	Jay Wengle Activity Heads	From Thornhill, Ontario, Jay works a teacher at the York Centre. He holds a degree in Education from OISE, specializing in Health and Physical Education, a degree in science from the University of Guelph and also spent two years studying Medicine in Australia. His past experience includes teaching at Richmond Hill High School and a Health course at York University. He has also developed Health curriculum with Right to Play, with the royal family of Dubai and managed a research study for overweight teens at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. From this study, Jay co-authored the book Getting a Healthy Weight for your Child. Jay has worked at Manitou for eleven seasons, including ten as a Unit Head. He returns for his 12th season at camp and first as Head of Greenhouse.
	Daniel Westenenk Activity Heads	From North Bay, Ontario, Daniel is a graduate of Laurentian University in Sudbury with a degree in Jazz Guitar. Daniel worked for the three seasons as a Guitar instructor with Guitar Clinic and has also worked four summers as a carpenter’s assistant with the City of North Bay’s Parks and Recreation department. This will be his second summer at Manitou and first as Head of Woodworking.
	Oren Falkovitz Activity Heads	From Thornhill, Ontario, Oren is a graduate of Carleton University in Ottawa with a degree in Film and of Seneca College with a diploma in Marketing. During the year, Oren teaches Dance at the Studio School of Dance. He has previously taught at the Greta Leeming Studio of Dance and has extensive Dance experience. He is also a certified Soccer referee and worked for four summers as an official with the Thornhill Soccer League. Oren returns for his third summer at Manitou and first as Head of Soccer.