ACTIVITY SPECIALISTS

	Stephanie Abramovich	From Dundas, Ontario, Stephanie is a graduate of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship program at Mohawk College. She has also completed 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 second summer at Manitou as Head of Basketball.
	Ben Allsop	From Kingsville, Ontario, Ben is a part time student at St. Clair College in the Developmental Service Worker program. Ben also works with the Essex County School Board as an Educational Assistant working with special needs students, and coaches Baseball and Basketball. He also has experience as a Respite Support Worker. Ben joins us for his first summer at Manitou as Head of O.C.S.
	Dave Almon	From Toronto, Ontario, Dave is a graduate of the University of Calgary with a degree in Kinesiology. While in school, Dave was the starting defensive halfback of the Calgary Dino’s varsity men’s football team. Dave also has two years experience coaching midget and high school football. More recently, Dave has experience working with the RiverWatch Science Program on the Bow River. Dave holds his level 1 River Guide certification as well as intermediate Scuba Diving certification. He returns for his second summer at Manitou and first as Head of Radio/Media.
	Acacia Betancourt	From Tucson, Arizona, Acacia is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in Studio Art and Graphic Design. Acacia 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 second summer on staff at Manitou and first as Head of Visual Arts.
	Ann Coleman	From Calgary, Alberta, Ann is a graduate of the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Colombia where she focused on Ceramics and Sculpture. Ann has prior experience working at an arts camp in Calgary. She was also a synchronized swimmer for seven years and holds her NLS certification. This will be her third summer at Manitou and second as Head of Pottery.
	Meredith Crouch	From London, Ontario, Meredith is a student at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton studying Chemical Engineering. Meredith has previous camp experience working as a Lifeguard at Algoma Music Camp and the two summers prior, as a Sail Instructor at HMCS Ontario Sea Cadet Camp. She has also worked as an English Tutor. Meredith holds her NLS, Swimming Instructors, CYA Green Instructors, PCO and Restricted Operator’s Certifications. She has also completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Standard. She returns for her second summer at Manitou as Head of Sailing.
	Maggie Dawson	From Vancouver, British Colombia, Maggie is a student at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario studying History and International Development. She has been travelling over the past year in Ghana, interning with the Soo Traditional Area Development Foundation, and teaching literacy at a small rural library. Maggie has previous experience working as an Au Pair in England, working at an orphanage in Peru and coaching figure skating for five years. This will be her third season working at Manitou and first as Head of Eco Adventure.
	Kyle Dine	From Kingston, Ontario, Kyle is a graduate of the University of Ottawa with a degree in Commerce and is currently launching his own e-business called Allergy Translation. Kyle has been playing guitar for years, having performed in coffee houses from Kingston to Ottawa and has taught private and group guitar lessons over the past five years. He is currently working on a new project for children with food allergies called “You Must Be Nuts!” He has played competitive Volleyball, Baseball and Badminton and has experience coaching Volleyball. In 2001, Kyle worked at Bayridge Leadership Camp as a head counsellor. In 2005, he was named World Games Captain at Manitou. He returns for his fifth summer on staff and fourth as Head of Guitar.
	Jeff Donnelly	From Sudbury, Ontario, Jeff has been working over the past two years but will be returning to College in the fall for Power Engineering. Jeff was a competitive hockey player for over 14 years and also has seven years experience as a referee. He has also been an active golfer for over 10 years. Jeff returns after two years away for his third summer at Manitou and first as Head of Golf.
	Scott Evely	From Toronto, Ontario, Scott has been working over the past year as a rockclimbing instructor, and has also spent time at Camp Olympia working with their off-season programs. Scott has also been a skiing instructor with the City of Toronto for the past seven years. A graduate of the Fire Protection program at Seneca College, Scott also has previous experience working with the Boys and Girls Club as a Woodworking instructor and has three years experience working as a baseball umpire. This will be his fourth summer at Manitou and first as Head of Woodworking.
	Meaghan Frauts	From Uxbridge, Ontario, Meaghan has recently completed her MA in English Literature at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo. She previously had completed her undergraduate work at the University of Western Ontario in London where she was presented with the AUCC Award and the UWO Go Global Award for contribution to International Study. Meaghan has trained in Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Soccer, Ice Hockey, Waterskiing, Yoga and is also a Marathon Runner. She has prior camp experience at Camp Olympia and Canadian Adventure Camp. Meaghan returns for her second summer at Manitou and first as Head of Aerobics.
	Dan (Goldy) Goldenberg	From Toronto, Ontario, Goldy has been articling at the law firm Heenan Blaikie. He is a graduate of the Osgoode Law program and also holds a degree in Philosophy and Music Technology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Dan has 15 years of camp experience including several years on staff at Camp Tamakwa in Algonquin Park and more recently teaching waterskiing at Manitou. Goldy also spent summers as Senior Boys Unit Head and CIT Coordinator and hold his Bronze Cross. Goldy returns to Manitou for his seventh season at second as Head of Waterski/Wakeboarding.
	Jon Goodman	From Toronto, Ontario, Jon is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario in London with a degree in Kinesiology. Jon is a certified Can-Fit Pro personal trainer. He also has many years experience with the Toronto Inline Roller Hockey League as well as with Hillcrest Ice Hockey. In 2001, he worked as a volunteer at Camp Kinneret holds his ORCA level D in Canoeing and has experience playing competitive baseball. Jon returns for his fourth Manitou summer and his second as Head of In-Line Hockey.
	Jenn Heighington	From Toronto, Ontario, Jenn is a graduate of Centennial College’s Broadcasting and Film program. Jenn has been an avid photographer for many years, logging many darkroom hours. She also has past experience teaching Jewlery Making at Crestwood. Jen returns after several years away for her third summer on staff and first as Head of Photography.
	Jocelyn Jeffrey	From Belle River, Ontario, Jocelyn is a graduate of the University of Windsor with a degree in English Language and Literature. Last year, she also spent a semester studying abroad in England. Jocelyn has been playing on varsity, rep and house league Soccer teams for most of the past 16 years. She also has experience working as a tutor through Belle River Public School and has been a classroom volunteer. This will be Jocelyn’s second summer at Manitou as Head of Soccer.
	Dani Klein	From Toronto, Ontario, Dani is a student at the University of Toronto studying English. Dani has worked with children as a Drama coach, and as a belayer with the Toronto Climbing Academy and is currently working as a private Nanny. She also has experience working as an instructor with the Climbing Club at the University of Guelph and holds her level 1 ropes certification. Dani returns for her sixth season on staff at Manitou and first as Head of Ropes and Climbing.
	Tamar Krauss	From Toronto, Ontario, Tamar is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario in London with a degree in Health Science. Tamar was a member of the Canadian Rhythmic Gymnastics Team, later working as a gymnastics and dance coach and choreographer at Kalev Rhythmic Gymnastics Club and earning her NCCP level one coaching certification. Tamar founded the Yoga program at Manitou in 2004 and returns to Manitou for her third summer on staff as Head of Yoga.
	Brian Liberty	From Toronto, Ontario, Brian is a graduate of the Building Renovations and Contracting program at George Brown College. Brian has six years experience volunteering as a Scout Leader and has also been a member of the senior staff at the National Music Camp of Canada teaching the Classical Double Bass. He holds Canoe Tripping Certification through Scouts Canada as well as his Bronze Medallion and Wilderness First Aid certifications. He returns for his third year on staff at Manitou and first as Head of Canoe Tripping.
	Taimi Lynch	Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Taimi now lives in Toronto and is taking courses with the University of Guelph in the Child Studies program while working part time with the Hospital for Sick Children. Taimi also has a diploma in Early Childhood Education through Humber College. Taimi 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 first summer at Manitou.
	Megan McKinley	From Alameda, California, Megan teaches Drama and English at San Leandro High School. She is a graduate of Saint Mary’s College of California with her Single Subject Teaching Credential and has a degree in English from the University of California. Megan has previous camp experience with Alameda Teen Centre Adventure Camp and has also worked as a Dance Instructor and Choreographer with Head Royce School, as a Water Safety Instructor with Mariners Square Athletic Club and as a Musical Theatre Instructor with Dance 10 Studios. This will be Megan’s first summer at Manitou as Head of Theatre.
	Ashley Miller	From Ancaster, Ontario, Ashley is a student at the University of Guelph studying History. Ashley works during the year as a Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard with the YMCA. She has past experience working for a season as a private Nanny, as well as working as a counsellor at YMCA John Island Camp and has volunteered with the D.R.E.A.M.S. program building houses in the Dominican Republic. She hold her NLS certification and is working toward her ORCA Flatwater Instructors certification. Ashley returns for her second summer at Manitou and first as Head of Canoeing and Kayaking.
	Yossi Niznik	From Thornhill, Ontario, Yossi is a student at York University in Toronto studying Kinesiology. Yossi has played competitive baseball and volleyball for many years, having played AAA hardball with the Thornhill Reds. He also has been training in competitive dance for over 10 years, winning four Canadian titles. Yossi has experience working as a Dance and Drum instructor at Vlad’s Dance Company and volunteers with a youth program at his synagogue. He returns for his third season at Manitou and first as Head of Baseball.
	Mike Plume	Originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, Mike now lives in Nashville, Tennessee after having spent considerable time in Edmonton, Alberta and Toronto, Ontario working as a professional singer, song writer and guitar player. Mike began touring in 1987, and in 1993 released his first CD Songs from a Northern Town. Since then he and the “Mike Plume Band” followed up with eight more CDs, including his most recent release Rock and Roll Recordings, Vol. 1 Growing up, Mike also played Hockey and Football. He returns for his third summer at Manitou as Head of Rock Music.
	Andrew Polwarth	From Glasgow, Scotland, Andrew is a graduate of the University of Glasgow with a degree in Infection Biology. Andrew is a certified PTR Tennis coach with 7 years coaching experience at Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club. He has spent the past three summers working at Camp Taconic in Massachusetts as a counsellor and Tennis Instructor. He also holds his American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification. Andrew joins us for his first summer at Manitou as Head of Tennis.
	Karen Shopsowitz	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 third summer at Manitou as Head of Video Production.
	Emily Taffler	From Mississauga, Ontario, Emily is a graduate of OISE in Toronto with a degree in Education as well as the University of Guelph with a degree in Child Studies. Emily has been lifeguarding and teaching Swimming for eight years, holding her NLS, Instructors, AST and Bronze Examiner’s certifications. Emily spent three seasons working at Camp Trillium Childhood Cancer Support Centre, most recently as their Waterfront Director. Emily returns for her second season at Manitou as Head of Swimming and Waterfront.
	Julia Webster	From Toronto, Ontario, Julia is a student at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec studying Cognitive Science and History. Julia has several years experience playing competitive volleyball and basketball. Julia also has experience working as a tutor and holds her Bronze Cross. She was a Manitou camper for three years completing our CIT program in 2003. Julia was also named World Games captain in 2006. This will be her seventh summer at Manitou, third on staff and first officially as Head of Volleyball.
	Odessa Wowk	From St. Albert, Alberta, Odessa is a graduate of the University of Calgary with a degree in Dance. She holds a Dance Diploma from Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton in addition to training and certificates in Ballet (RAD & ISTD), Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Lyrical and Ukrainian Folk Dance. She has studied at the University of Havana, The Edge in Los Angeles, Broadway Dance Centre and Steps in Broadway in New York. She has also competed in Alberta, Florida, California and Hawaii; and has teaching experience at The Art of Dance and at Dance Unlimited. This will be her second season at Manitou as Head of Dance.

Staff 2007