“The staff was incredible! My son left that camp feeling so good about himself and with a giant boost in his self esteem/confidence. I can't thank you all enough.”
About the Camp Director:
Jamie O'Sullivan graduated from Syracuse University in May 2014 with a degree in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education. She served the DCH Summer Camp as an Assistant Camp Director for two summers and was promoted to Camp Director in 2016. Prior to coming to DCH Jamie spent the previous 6 summers working as a camp counselor at outdoor summer camps through both the West Roxbury and Hyde Park YMCA’s. During the school year Jamie is a teacher at the Italian Home for Children in West Roxbury.
About the Assistant Camp Directors:
Sarah (O'Hanlon) Doyle graduated from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in May 2014 with a degree in Elementary Education. In 2009, she started at the DCH Summer Camp as an assistant counselor for various groups, and then the head counselor for the Kindergarten group for several years. In 2017 Sarah returned to the Dedham Community House as a member of the camp leadership team and will serve as one of our two Assistant Camp Directors in 2018. During the school year Sarah is a teacher at Children’s Happy Day School in West Roxbury.
Joe McDonagh graduated from Bridgewater State University as a history major and is looking to finish his masters in Secondary Education. While at Bridgewater, Joe played for the hockey and golf team. A graduate of Dedham High School, Joe began at DCH as an Assistant Counselor then was promoted to a Head Counselor position and will now our newest Assistant Director. Currently, in the school year Joe works for a Union firm in Boston, but is looking to join a school system this upcoming fall and begin his career in education. In addition to his education goals, Joe also coaches with Dedham Youth Hockey
About the Teen Camp Director:
Jeremy Birkline graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and is a current candidate for a MFA at Emerson College. In 2013, Jeremy taught abroad in South Korea, where he ran several successful English immersion lessons in a variety of classes, including sciences and music. Upon his return, he began working in public high schools in Texas and then Boston and directed several successful summer camps in Kingwood, TX and Rockland, MA. Currently, Jeremy is working at Boston Latin School and teaches taekwondo at the YMCA.
About the Aquatics Director:
Jessica Nelson graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in May of 2017 with a BA in Psychology and received her certification in Teaching Childhood and Special Education. She began working at the DCH pool in 2012 as a lifeguard then progressed to a water safety instructor in 2014. Jessica was promoted to Aquatics Director in 2016.
About the DCH Program Director:
Jennifer Putnam joined DCH in December 2018 as Program Director overseeing DCH's seasonal programs and events, summer camp, and summer pool. Jennifer received her B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from Wheelock College in 2004. She has worked with several diverse nonprofit organizations in various youth development and program development roles with a large focus on health education, summer camps, and adult enrichment programming. Jennifer has a passion for working with families, youth of all ages, and adults in recreational settings including summer camp and year round programs. Originally from New York, Jennifer has lived in Massachusetts for two decades and currently resides in Dedham with her husband and three children.
Camp Staff Qualifications and Certifications:
All members of the Dedham Community House Summer Camp staff are run through the Massachusetts CORI and SORI systems prior to working at DCH. In addition all DCH Head Counselors and most Assistant Counselors and Activity Specialists are First Aid and CPR certified.
Camp Health Care Supervisor:
The DCH Summer Camp, as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, has a designated staff person serve as Health Care Supervisor. A member of the camp leadership fills this position as part of their job responsibilities. Beyond the on-site Health Care Supervisor, DCH works with a local doctor each summer who serves as the Camp Health Care Consultant.
2019 DCH Summer Camp Staff
 Camp Director |
 Asst. Camp Director |
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Jeremy Birkline |
 Archery Specialist |
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 Science Specialist |
Isabella Conary |
 Arts & Crafts Specialist |
 Woodworking Specialist |
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Alejandra Gonzalez |
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 Teen Camp Counselor |
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 Head Counselor |
 Head Counselor |
 Head Counselor |
 Head Counselor |
Maria McDonagh |
 Head Counselor |
 Head Counselor |
 Head Counselor |
Olivia Rose |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
Matthew Boyle |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
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 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
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 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
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Assistant Counselor |
 Assistant Counselor |
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