Meet the Team

Jenna is thrilled to be a part of the American Camp Association team! After spending 11 summers as a day camper, Jenna dedicated her next 11 summers to working at camp in a multitude of capacities including counselor and head counselor, theater director and choreographer, Swim Director, and Aquatics Director. Branching out into the full-time world of camps after spending time traveling is a dream come true! In August 1995, at the completion of Jenna’s first summer at camp she received the “Most Spirited Camper Award”- the rest is history.

With over eight years of experience in both residential and day camps, sharing the transformational power of camping is what fuels Sara’s passion for marketing and social media, especially at a time when kids need the benefits of nature and play more than ever. She loves uncovering and amplifying the stories of how camp changes lives, just as it did for her. During her counselor years, she was honored with “The Order of the Spear” award for going above and beyond to create the best camper experience.

When she’s not working, Sara can be found throwing pottery, kayaking, fishing, or racking up hours for the 1000 Hours Outdoors challenge with her two-year-old son. Currently, she lives in southeast Wisconsin with her husband, son, and two dogs, making her ACA, NY & NJ’s first Wisconsin-based employee!

Samara is going on her 20th year in the event planning industry and has been at the American Camp Association, NY & NJ for over a decade. She is a self-proclaimed meeting planner “geek” and loves all aspects of the conference and tradeshow industry and loves applying that knowledge to organizing our annual CAMP Conference. Samara LOVES camp and spent 4 summers at day camp and 9 incredible summers at a sleepaway camp in the Poconos. She then worked at a local day camp for 2 more summers. As an only child, Samara credits the time she spent and the skills she learned at camp with preparing her for what life had to offer in the future. Samara lives in the ‘burbs with her husband and daughter (who also loves camp, thank goodness).

Renee Flax is the Director of Camper Placement for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. She has been assisting area families to find the right camp experience for their children since 1998. Renee has extensive knowledge of camp programs and philosophies. Each summer, Renee travels to dozens of ACA accredited camps. She knows the camp directors and senior staff personally and has a keen understanding of each camp’s philosophy, program and facilities. She is recognized as an authority on camping and has been featured in The Associated Press, The New York Times, The New York Post, Newsday, The Journal News, Parent Guide, and New York Family. Renee graduated from Syracuse University (1971) with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Renee attended summer camp for 15 years as a camper, counselor, and group leader. She is the mother of two daughters who were also long-time campers and grandmother to four grandchildren.

Kyle Medeiros is the Deputy Executive Director of the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. He brings years of experience in youth development, nonprofit leadership, and summer camp administration to his role, supporting member camps across the region through strategic planning, accreditation, public guidance, and community engagement.

Before joining ACA, NY & NJ, Kyle served as the Afterschool and Summer Camp Coordinator at a Settlement House in New York City. A lifelong camper and camp professional, he is passionate about the impact of camp on young people and is committed to strengthening the experience for campers, families, and staff alike.

Outside of ACA, Kyle is an active member of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and serves as Treasurer of its parent organization, Big Apple Performing Arts. He was named the 2018 New York City Young Nonprofiteer of the Year and continues to invest in the next generation of leaders through his professional and volunteer work.

Deirdre Riggsbee is the Membership and Accreditation Coordinator at the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. In this role, she supports camp professionals across the region through membership services, accreditation logistics, and visitor engagement.

Deirdre brings hands-on experience from five summers at Camp Weequahic in Pennsylvania, where she served as a Division Head and Gymnastics Specialist. A proud alumna of Manhattan College, she credits her early years as a camper at International Gymnastics Camp with sparking her passion for youth development and the camp industry.

Originally from Englewood, New Jersey, Deirdre enjoys spending time with friends and family and staying connected to the camp community year-round.

Prior to joining the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, Alicia was with The Fresh Air Fund for14 years, serving as director of camping and year-round programs for 10 years. In this role, she oversaw six camp programs serving over 3,500 children annually and all year-round student/camper engagement programs. Alicia was involved with ACA, NY and NJ for many years before joining as Executive Director. She has served on the ACA, NY & NJ Board of Directors as a member and treasurer for nine years and volunteered as a standards visitor for 14 years. Alicia also served as an officer and president of the New York State Camp Directors Association, tirelessly advocating for issues that affected New York camps. Over the years, Alicia has been recognized by our organization as a leader and advocate in camping with the Thelma Hurwitz Leadership Award and the Tri-State CAMP Conference Award.

Rachel has always believed in the magic of camp: the confidence it builds, the connections it fosters, and the growth it inspires. She spent her childhood summers at both day and overnight camps, later returning as a counselor and division head for eight summers at a local day camp. Her passion for camp and community led her to the American Camp Association, NY & NJ, where she got to start as a Tri-State Conference intern. Now, as Events Associate, Rachel is thrilled to help create meaningful experiences for others in the camp world year-round. In her free time, Rachel loves to travel and explore new places— whether it’s discovering a hidden gem in a nearby town or planning her next international adventure.