Mike Mattson
Camp Director
Mike Mattson
Camp Director
Mike has been a member of the Birch Rock community since he was 12 in 1983. Once on staff, Mike taught many seasons on the field before moving to the waterfront and teaching swimming for many more. He moved up the ranks to Waterfront Director, Head Counselor, and Program Director, and joined Rich Deering as Associate Director for 6 years, where together they organized and reinvigorated the camp. He became the Camp Director in 2002 and has dedicated the last two decades to the growth and development of the camp and its programs. Mike attended Towson State University in Maryland but feels his primary education in camping comes from a lifetime of leadership in a place he loves and calls home. Mike is a long-time member of the American Camping Association.
Mike lives in Windham, Maine with his wife Becca, and his sons Simon and Reid! In fact, his son Simon will be attending camp for his first time as the youngest camper on campus. Mike’s dogs, Linus and Phoebe, are camp staples.
Rich Deering
Alumni & Community Director
Rich Deering
Alumni & Community Director
Rich started attending Birch Rock at the age of 9. His mother was sure that he would come running home; instead, he signed up for more, and was a camper for 6 summers before matriculating into the staff ranks. He worked his way up from teaching Swimming to Waterfront Director to Head Counselor, and then, after a few summers off, he returned as the Assistant Director for Brad Smith before taking over as the camp’s Director in 1995. He held this position until 2001, during which time he used his business acumen to reorganize BRC’s structure, and, thanks to him, the camp has never been stronger. A Maine native, he is a graduate of Colby College and the University of Southern Maine, where he earned a Masters in Adult Education and Counseling.
In his current role Rich is responsible for marketing, alumni development, and external affairs, and helps facilitate the Birch Rock community. A long-time member of the American Camping Association and past President of Maine Youth Camping, he is currently a realtor with the Buckspan Deering Group at ReMax Shoreline in Portland. He serves on the Maine Summer Camps and Maine Camp Experience Board of Directors.
Erik Joelsson
Assistant Director
Erik Joelsson
Assistant Director
Celebrating over 25 seasons at Birch Rock, Erik has it all: a love for our traditions and values, a keen sense of fun, and a quiet charisma that gets kids psyched! After several years of teaching sailing Erik became the Waterfront Director in 2007, thus earning the radio handle “Captain Nemo,” as he is affectionately called. A native of Sweden, Erik grew up in Philadelphia and attended Penn State. In 2013, Erik transitioned onto land to become our full-time Program Director for 7 summers, orchestrating staff and camper programs and specialty events of the day – while continuing to lead our American Red Cross Lifeguard program and First Aid Certification. This summer Erik will take on the challenge of heading up the BRC Trip Program and MWA trip. An active member of the American Camp Association, Erik is a Standards Visitor for Accreditation of other camps. He champions Birch Rock’s Outing Club (visit the Club page on our website!). When not skiing or conquering crossword puzzles, Erik serves as part of the camp management team during the off-season. Erik is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.
Brian Farley
Program Director
Brian Farley
Program Director
A native Mainer, Brian grew up in York, earned a Sociology degree at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, and finished his Master’s in School Counseling from the University of Southern Maine in 2015. An outdoor enthusiast, he spent many summers at his family’s camp on Long Lake, and is big into hiking with his dog, Rozzie. After five years of leading trips and MWA, and two years as CIT Director, Brian is now the Program Director. He is responsible for managing our staff, overseeing the program, scheduling, and activity development.
Nick “Musc” Musciano
Head Counselor
Nick “Musc” Musciano
Head Counselor
Nicholas “The Italian Stallion” Musciano, aka Musc, originally hails from Falmouth, Maine. Nick received his Master’s in Teaching from the University of South Carolina in 2016 and currently lives in Columbia, SC where he teaches 4th grade math and science. He has been a diehard Birch Rocker since he arrived at camp at 9 years old in 1998, and loved basketball, tennis, and campcraft. Musc has truly done it all at camp; he spent many summers on the hill as the Field Director, teaching basketball and baseball, he has been an enthusiastic instructor down at Nature, and Nick has even been a trip leader on our 3-week Maine Wilderness Adventure program. Nick has been Head Counselor since 2018 and is very excited for our 98th summer!
Peter Brewster
Leadership Program Director
Peter Brewster
Leadership Program Director
Pete was born and raised in New Hampshire and graduated from the University of Vermont in 2021 – majoring in studio art and applied design. He spent this past winter working at Big Sky Ski Resort in Montana. When he’s not at camp Pete enjoys fishing, golfing, skiing, painting and playing basketball. He first came to camp in 2009 and has looked forward to every summer at camp ever since. As a camper he could often be found at activities such as basketball, baseball, tennis and art. He is super pumped to return for his 14th summer at Birch Rock and work with the Leadership campers as well as teach art!
Logan Landry
Office Adminstrator
Logan Landry
Office Manager/Administrative Services
We are so happy to have Logan return for his 8th summer. The task of managing our camp office is extremely important, and we are so thrilled to have Logan’s experience back on campus.
Logan graduated from University of Maine in Farmington with a degree in Elementary Education. He then pursued his masters at the University of Southern Maine in Educational leadership. Logan is a National History Day Maine Teacher of the Year and former Assistant Principal. He is currently teaching 6th grade Social Studies at Brunswick Junior High School.
Logan is engaged to be married in August to his fiance Richard. They are the proud fathers of camp dogs: Bode and Bailey.
Jess Piawlock
Office Manager
Jess Piawlock
Office Manager
Information coming soon.
Shirley “Turtle” Ala
Health Director
Shirley “Turtle” Ala
Health Director
Turtle grew up in the northern most part of the upper peninsula of Michigan, where the nearest traffic light was 100 miles away. Lake Superior was right outside her front door.
She became a board-certified RN at 20 years old, graduating from Michigan Technological University. She received her bachelors degree from the University of Utah in Anthropology, focusing on cultural medicine, human adaptability and extreme climates. After receiving her bachelors degree, Turtle took a year off and traveled in south east Asia exploring as many off-the beaten-path excursions as possible!
She received her Physician Assistant masters degree at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. In between all her studying, Turtle was a trauma nurse for 15 years, and has been a PA for over 20 years. Turtle has spent many months traveling with a backpack through North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. She has been a medical volunteer working in Uganda and climbed Kilimanjaro as a fundraiser for the cerebral palsy foundation.
“I love the whole wide world!”
Melissa Delehanty
Camp Nurse
Melissa Delehanty
Camp Nurse
Melissa was born and raised in Augusta, Maine and she currently resides in Auburn. Outside of BRC she is an Elementary School Nurse at Greene Central School and this year she is celebrating her 25th year of being a Nurse!! When she isn’t taking care of students, she is busy cheering her daughter on during her field hockey and lacrosse games.
Her hobbies include reading, word search puzzles, which she shares her love of puzzles with the rest of the BRC staff, and spending time with her family.
Melissa is very excited to get to know the new campers and counselors this summer at Birch Rock. “I am so thankful to have become a part of the Birch Rock Family. The culture and atmosphere are so welcoming – Everyone has been incredible!”
Paula Phan
Camp Nurse
Paula Phan
Camp Nurse
Paula was born in NY, then moved to FL, and now she is living in Portland ME. She bounces around a lot due to work because she is a travel RN!
In her spare time she loves pottery, volleyball, hiking, spending time with friends and family, volunteer work, medical mission trips, traveling and going to concerts.
This is her third year as a camp nurse and first year at BRC. She is most excited to connect with new people, spending time in nature and making sure kids are healthy, happy, and hydrated!
Fun fact about Paula, is that she is ambidextrous and would like to own a Porsche one day!
Abe Tolkoff
Camp EMT
Abe Tolkoff
Camp EMT
Abe is excited to return for his 9th summer at Birch Rock. He’s originally from Brookline, MA, but spends most of his year in New Haven, CT.
He’s a rising senior at Yale College studying Biology, History, and Spanish. Outside of classes, Abe works as an EMT at a local ambulance service. He loves to sail, read, and play board games. He’s excited to work with the Health Team this summer at camp to keep everyone safe, healthy, and happy.
Sara Lavertu
Librarian / Tutor
Sara Lavertu
Librarian / Tutor
Sara Lavertu is currently a 4th grade teacher at Oxford Elementary school here in the Oxford Hills. She also has past classroom experience at 2nd and fifth grade during her 17 year career. Sara holds an undergraduate degree in Finance/Economics and prior to becoming a teacher, she worked in banking for four years in the Bethel area. In addition, Sara earned her Master’s in Education in 2008. Sara lives in Norway and is looking forward to another great summer at Birch Rock.
Emily Woodworth
Librarian / Tutor
Emily Woodworth
Librarian/ Tutor
Emily is a camp mom and shares responsibilities with Sara in our Allen Kearns Library. A full-time educator working in the Oxford Hills Schools system in the special education arena, Emily brings joy to our summer home for another season. You’ll find plenty of books, puzzles, games and special camp treats when you visit Emily and Sara in their summer camp house here at BRC!
Jon Allberry
Head Cook
Jon Allberry
Head Cook
Jon hails from Sarasota, FL where he has been cooking and baking for years. With family in Poland, ME, Jon decided to come to Birch Rock 13 summers ago and help us out by cooking many of our dinner meals. After two summers in the kitchen, he is now the Head Cook, and the community is looking forward to whipping up some new food and old favorites this summer. Everything Jon gives to BRC with tremendous heart, soul and genuine love for all of us to be well-fed. Jon ‘s special recipes are coveted but can sometimes be shared upon request.
Jack Duggan
Waterfront Director
Jack Duggan
Waterfront Director
A graduate of Colby College majoring in Environmental Policy and Economics, Jack returns to Birch Rock as our Waterfront Director and member of our Leadership Team. Jack will be overseeing all water safety training and skill development plus working with our Lower Campus of young men. Jack returns to Birch Rock after a four year hiatus after working in the corporate world of solar energy.
Nick Ferraina
Field Director
Nick Ferraina
Field Director
Nick Ferraina is so excited to be back at camp for his third summer after taking last year off. After a year of living in Brooklyn, NY, where he still currently resides, he could not stay away from camp. He is thrilled to be back up on the field playing all kinds of sports and leading evening activity. Nick graduated from the University of Michigan in 2022 majoring in Film and Television Media. He has been working in the film industry for the past two years, primarily working in the lighting department. He is happy to be reunited with his best friend, Janice Walker.
Jeffrey Naipier-Kane
Wilderness Director
Jeffrey Naipier-Kane
Wilderness Director
Jeff started at camp at the age of 7 in Hilton B in 2010. Growing up he enjoyed trips and nature and eventually earned his advanced nature. He is the wilderness director and has the most fun at camp playing games up on the field and doing fun things with his cabin. If he were an animal he would be a small monkey because it would be really fun to jump through trees. His favorite dessert is chocolate milk. He loves puzzles, cooking and hanging with his friends. The thing he is most excited for is another great summer away from everything in the world and living his best life at camp.
Max Naipier-Kane
Trip Leader
Max Naipier-Kane
Trip Leader
Max Naipier-Kane is excited to spend his first summer in 10 years back at the rock. Upon graduating from high school, Max enlisted in the Air Force and spent 6 years as an Arabic Translator. Throughout his time, Max has travelled throughout most of the United States and grew his love of nature and the outdoors. He currently resides in Washington, DC while deciding what to do with his post military life.
Some of Max’s favorite activities include rock climbing, hiking, going to concerts, and a nice good book. This summer, he is most excited to finally get in the woods.
Liam Feeney
Trip Leader
Liam Feeney
Trip Leader
Liam is super excited to be back at Birch Rock this summer as a trip leader. This is Liam’s second year on staff, since 2017 Liam has completed a summer semester with NOLS Alaska. Also completing a wilderness therapy program in Vermont, with wilderness experience from Birch Rock and others Liam is ready to take the campers on the same experiences he fell in love with as a camper. This will be Liam’s eighth summer at Birch Rock, Liam will be armed and ready with both sunscreen and bug spray.
David Colasin
MWA Leader
David Colasin
MWA Leader
David Colasin started at Birch Rock in 2014 when he was 12 years old. David lives in San Diego, California and attends San Diego State University studying Environmental Science. When he’s not busy with schoolwork, David works at a small restaurant close to his home. In his free time, David enjoys being outside especially when surfing, skating, or hiking. David also enjoys playing guitar and he can’t wait to bring it to camp again.
Rob Neff
Senior Counselor & Sensei
Rob Neff
Senior Counselor & Sensei
Rob is a Phys Ed teacher from Brooklyn, NY with a degree from Pitt in Film & Communication. He also has his Masters of Education & PE from the Brooklyn College. Rob and his son Ethan attended a different summer camp a couple years ago. They were looking for something with a little more wilderness education and Rob found Birch Rock! With his years of experience as a school teacher, combined with his 25 years in martial arts, Rob will be an excellent mentor to our younger staff and the campers.
Bob Dow
Senior Counselor & Nature Specialist
Bob Dow
Senior Counselor & Nature Specialist
Bob Dow aka “Dancing Owl” is our long time nature instructor and is thrilled to be back for his 12th summer! Bob lives in Waterford, and is a retired teacher and middle school coach. He has a degree in Environmental Studies and public school K-12 teaching credentials.
He loves teaching nature, music, and seeing young campers discover new things about their natural surroundings. He’s certified in CPR and First Aid.
Janice Walker
Maintenance
Janice Walker
Maintenance
Janice is Birch Rock’s matriarch and Queen Mother, and what she says goes around here! Her green thumb and Walker riding mower keep camp trimmed and beautiful all summer long. If you want something done correctly, you go to Janice.
Charlie MacDonald
Maintenance
Charlie MacDonald
Maintenance
Charlie is a true Maine-uh and is the mechanical genius around these parts. He is the hardest working gent on campus and cannot be stopped. He loves to keep us laughing and is usually busy at work before anyone on camp wakes up.
Leo Juarez Torres
Counselor
Leo Juarez Torres
Counselor
Leo is coming to Birch Rock from Mexico and has been working at summer camps in the States for the past 9 summers. He graduated with a degree in Mechatronics Engineering this year.
Leo will be teaching swimming this summer and is thrilled to be a part of the community.
Seth Brewster
Counselor
Seth Brewster
Counselor
Seth is returning to camp this summer for his 13th year! He is excited to get back in the woodshop and make all sorts of projects. While not at camp, Seth resides nearby in Maine and works as a woodworker. Other things he is excited for is spending time on the waterfront, afternoon activities, making new friendships, and rekindling old bonds. Seth Rocks!
Noah Birch
Counselor
Noah Birch
Counselor
Information coming soon
Gonzo Perez
Counselor
Gonzo Perez
Counselor
Gonzo was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. He studies Industrial Engineering and is currently in his 3rd year of college.
He loves to play and watch soccer, hang out with friends, spend time with family, and loves visiting other countries.
Gonzo is coming back to BRC from a 5 year break, mostly because of college. He is excited to be able to see his friends, meet some new ones and to just be in nature.
Danny Ball
Counselor
Danny Ball
Counselor
Danny hails from a small town in south central Kansas and this will be his first time in the north east. Growing up he attended several summer camps in the Kansas and Minnesota area and enjoys experiencing the great outdoors. Danny is currently studying aerospace engineering at Wichita State University and is excited to share his knowledge in campcraft and art.
Oriol Pablos Rusinol
Counselor
Oriol Pablos Rusinol
Counselor
Oriol comes to us from Barcelona, Spain, where he studies chemical engineering. He lives with his parents, siblings, and his dogs. Oriol loves hanging out with friends, and playing a lot of sports like tennis, soccer, and other mysterious Spanish sports. He is excited to meet new people, get out of his comfort zone, and improve his English.
Johan “Smiggy” Erasmus
Counselor
Johan “Smiggy” Erasmus
Counselor
Smiggy comes to us from Cape Town, South Africa, where he is a university student. In his free time, Smiggy enjoys surfing, fishing, and kayaking, especially in the ocean! He is excited to go on trips, and to meet friends from all around the world. His number one goal at camp is to, “help kids have the best summer of their lives.”
Jackson Goggin
Counselor
Jackson Goggin
Counselor
Jackson is coming to Birch Rock from Australia and has been working at summer camps in the Australia for the past Year and a half. He graduated with a certificate iv in Outdoor leadership.
Jackson will be teaching Canoeing and Woodshop this summer and is thrilled to be a part of the community
he also loves playing basketball and having as much fun as possible
Jonah Keates
Counselor
Jonah Keates
Counselor
Jonah Keates first attended Birch Rock in 2013 when he was 9. He is from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and just finished his first year at Colby College as a geology major. Jonah is excited to spend his second year on staff down on the waterfront. He is Water Safety Instructor certified and will be managing the swim instruction with Sam Rotman down on the Waterfront.
Jonah is looking forward to cabin dance parties, and just wants his campers to have a great time.
Callum Morgan
Counselor
Callum Morgan
Counselor
Callum is happy to be joining us from the Ireland. He is currently majoring in Creative Media from Southern Regional College.
Callum is focusing his studies on art. He likes to paint with water colors and spends much of his time drawing. He plans to be an animator and loves 3D art.
Alvaro Cano Blazquez
Counselor
Alvaro Cano Blazquez
Counselor
Alvaro comes all the way from Madrid, Spain. He is excited to be in the United States for the first time and he brings to us his advanced knowledge in basketball, coaching and refereeing. In his free time Alvaro enjoys basketball, hiking, and climbing. He has already decided that he loves this place partly because, “the people here are awesome.”
Pascal “PJ” Schroder
Counselor
Pascal “PJ” Schroder
Counselor
Information coming soon.
Manuel de Miguel
Counselor
Manuel de Miguel
Counselor
Information coming soon.
Sam King
Counselor
Sam King
Counselor
Information coming soon.
John Flannery
Counselor
John Flannery
Counselor
John will be joining us from Holmdel, NJ and is returning for his 9th summer on McWain Hill. John had an awesome first staff year last summer as the Wizard of the Wall. Yet again, John will be living “along the wall” this summer working with kids ages 11-12.
John is a talented drummer, having recorded an album with his band “Merten’s Folly”, and is excellent with a rudder and sail out on the water. We expect to see him jamming in the morning at Music and channeling the afternoon breeze at Sailing this year, along with leading the camp band “The Boathouse Boys” at campfire. His favorite camp activity is reading the “Today in History” board every morning!
John just wrapped up his freshmen year at Providence College in the Fall as a History major.
Joshua Garcia Diaz
Counselor
Joshua Garcia-Diaz
Counselor
Joshua hails from the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico- beautiful Xalapa City. He is studying mechanical engineering, and in his free time he loves exercising, reading, and watching movies. He is enjoying the community and fellowship at Birch Rock
Alvaro Gimenez Arnau
Counselor
Alvaro Gimenez Arnau
Counselor
Alvaro is coming to Birch Rock from Spain and has been attending Birch Rock for three summers. He graduated with a degree this year in helping elderly people.
Alvaro will be teaching art and lawngames this summer and is super thrilled to be a part of the community.
Lev Tolkoff
Counselor
Lev Tolkoff
Counselor
Lev was born and raised in Brookline, MA just outside of Boston. He is currently a student entering his first year at Tufts University.
Lev first came to Birch Rock in 2015 when he was 9 years old. He was a camper for 7 years and this is his 8th summer and first summer as a Camp Counselor.
After taking a year off, he is super pumped to be back at Birch Rock this summer teaching basketball and boating and to meet everyone while having a blast at evening activity!
His favorite hobbies include playing chess, playing the New York Times games and being a part of the row crew.
Eddie Hunt
Kitchen
Eddie Hunt
Kitchen
Eddie, Steve’s brother, has a long time background in cooking and looks forward to cooking for our campers.
Eddie too loves to play music and have a good time.
Steve Hunt
Kitchen
Steve Hunt
Kitchen
Steve has been working at Birch Rock for the last few summers. He has been a dedicated camp cook at a few camps over the years and has a great appreciation for the importance of a good meal.
He is an avid “Open Mic Night” guy and loves a good gathering.
Gloria McKee
Kitchen
Gloria McKee
Kitchen
Gloria has been working in camp kitchens for years. While she certainly will be working in the kitchen as a cook and serve, she will primarily be baking muffins, brownies, cookies, you name it.
Julie Kenerson
Kitchen
Julie Kenerson
Kitchen
A 5th & 6th grade teacher during the school year, Julie will be using her mom skills to help out in the kitchen with food prep and service. Julie’s experience as a school teacher will be helpful to our activity instructors, and we are thrilled to have her join us.
Tony Tecuanhuey Pedraza
Kitchen
Tony Tecuanhuey Pedraza
Kitchen
Tony comes to us from Puebla, Mexico, where he is a university student, studying business management. He enjoys listening to music and exercising, especially playing soccer, tennis, or basketball. Tony is working hard to perfect his English while working in the kitchen, and his next goal is to learn to speak German.
Carlos Monterrubio
Kitchen
Carlos Monterrubio
Kitchen
Information coming soon.
Axel Solis Gil
Kitchen
Axel Solis Gil
Kitchen
Axel is joining us from Puebla, Mexico. He is a university student, majoring in industrial engineering. In his free time, Axel enjoys baseball and music, and he loves all kinds of music. He really likes the activities here at Birch Rock, and he appreciates that the staff is helping him “to become a more complete person.” Axel’s favorite food to cook and eat is the Birch Rock spaghetti.
Alfredo Jasso Rojano
Kitchen
Alfredo Jasso Rojano
Kitchen
Alfredo joins us from Puebla, Mexico where he is currently a student. He lives with his mom, grandmother and 4 pets which include 2 dogs and 2 turtles!
He is very excited to be in Maine this summer and to meet new people at BRC. He is also very excited to try all the activities that Birch Rock has to offer.
He currently assists in the Kitchen where they cook up some delicious meals for us all!
Balian Lheureux
Kitchen
Balian Lhreureux
Kitchen
Balian is going into his senior year of high school, and lives nearby in Oxford, Maine. He is excited to be joining us in the kitchen, and on the groundskeeping crew this summer. In his free time, Balian enjoys basketball and music, and he is locally known as a great saxophone player.
