Meet the Staff
OFFICE STAFF
Michelle StouteDirector
Michelle is a graduate from Kean University, with both her BA and MA in Fine Arts, with a post baccalaureate in K-12 Art Education from William Paterson University. She is currently teaching and will be entering her 19th year in September. Her first job was a counselor at Summer Fun in 1997. Through the years she has worked at various summer camps programs as counselor, art director, site director and finally returning home to Summer Fun as the director in 2018.
Michelle is a graduate from Kean University, with both her BA and MA in Fine Arts, with a post baccalaureate in K-12 Art Education from William Paterson University. She is currently teaching and will be entering her 19th year in September. Her first job was a counselor at Summer Fun in 1997. Through the years she has worked at various summer camps programs as counselor, art director, site director and finally returning home to Summer Fun as the director in 2018.
Ellen ZieglerFinance Manager
Ellen has her BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her MSW from Columbia University. She considers VRECS her home away from home.
Ellen has her BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her MSW from Columbia University. She considers VRECS her home away from home.
LITTLE LAMBS TEACHERS
Sheila GilmartinLittle Lambs Teacher
Sheila has her degree in Early Childhood Education from Saint Thomas Aquinas College and is currently working as a first grade teacher. She is a fun lovely energetic person who loves teaching children. Sheila loves to sing and dance and do lots of arts and crafts. She can not wait to have a fun filled learning adventure with your children.
Sheila has her degree in Early Childhood Education from Saint Thomas Aquinas College and is currently working as a first grade teacher. She is a fun lovely energetic person who loves teaching children. Sheila loves to sing and dance and do lots of arts and crafts. She can not wait to have a fun filled learning adventure with your children.
Rose RodriguezLittle Lambs Aide
Rose-Mary Rodriguez is a new teacher's aide for the summer season. She is currently an aide for a disabled Pre-K class in Elmwood Park where she enjoys seeing the direct impact a person can have on child's development and growth. Rose-Mary had a long career in retail but a new path emerged when she spent a year remote learning with her daughter who is on the autism spectrum and wanted to be part of that community and Pre-K reminded her of her own journey. She now has a strong sense of purpose, fulfillment, and true joy in what she does everyday.
Rose-Mary Rodriguez is a new teacher's aide for the summer season. She is currently an aide for a disabled Pre-K class in Elmwood Park where she enjoys seeing the direct impact a person can have on child's development and growth. Rose-Mary had a long career in retail but a new path emerged when she spent a year remote learning with her daughter who is on the autism spectrum and wanted to be part of that community and Pre-K reminded her of her own journey. She now has a strong sense of purpose, fulfillment, and true joy in what she does everyday.
Nicole Joseph Little Lambs Teacher (Half Day Program) JUN-JULY
Nicole Joseph enjoys working with and educating young minds of children. Her experience as an assistant teacher will help bring enrichment and compassion to the classroom. She believes that with a little patience and attention, every child can learn. She is married with two teenage daughters and enjoys spending time with her family.
Nicole Joseph enjoys working with and educating young minds of children. Her experience as an assistant teacher will help bring enrichment and compassion to the classroom. She believes that with a little patience and attention, every child can learn. She is married with two teenage daughters and enjoys spending time with her family.
Amelia BeyerLittle Lambs Aid (Half Day Program)/Substitute Aid
Amelia has graduated with her degree in education. She continues to work with us at Summer Fun as a Teacher's Aid.
Amelia has graduated with her degree in education. She continues to work with us at Summer Fun as a Teacher's Aid.
Allia KhouriLittle Lambs Teacher (Half Day Program) AUGUST
Allia Khouri joined the Van Riper Family in the summer of 2024, bringing her expertise and passion for teaching to our Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 classes. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Johnson and Wales University, Allia initially pursued a career in business before discovering her true calling in education. Her journey to teaching began as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for two years and a Cheer Coach for the Fair Lawn Football Association for another two years, where she developed invaluable skills in leadership and mentorship. Allia thrives in nurturing young minds in a learning environment, and she is excited to bring her love and dedication for teaching to the Van Riper community.
Allia Khouri joined the Van Riper Family in the summer of 2024, bringing her expertise and passion for teaching to our Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 classes. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Johnson and Wales University, Allia initially pursued a career in business before discovering her true calling in education. Her journey to teaching began as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for two years and a Cheer Coach for the Fair Lawn Football Association for another two years, where she developed invaluable skills in leadership and mentorship. Allia thrives in nurturing young minds in a learning environment, and she is excited to bring her love and dedication for teaching to the Van Riper community.
DOVES TEACHERS
Cristina GarciaDove's Teacher (K-1st)
Cristina has been a child advocate, educator, and caregiver for over 10 years. She has both years of experience in teaching students in the classroom setting, as well as the camp setting. Through her educational work in early childhood, she demonstrates a passion for the well-being and wellness of children.
Cristina has been a child advocate, educator, and caregiver for over 10 years. She has both years of experience in teaching students in the classroom setting, as well as the camp setting. Through her educational work in early childhood, she demonstrates a passion for the well-being and wellness of children.
Jasmine SolisDove's Teachers Aid
RAVENS TEACHERS
Sandra AnkrahRaven's Teacher (JUNE & AUGUST)
Sandra has been teaching for over 16 years and absolutely loves all the exploring, learning and fun we get to have in the classroom. She was born in Ghana and raised in Canada. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Seneca College in Toronto, Canada. She is married and has two fantastic daughters. Sandra enjoys cooking, singing, dancing, listening to music, relaxing at the beach, teaching Sunday school at her church, and spending time with her family and friends.
Sandra has been teaching for over 16 years and absolutely loves all the exploring, learning and fun we get to have in the classroom. She was born in Ghana and raised in Canada. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Seneca College in Toronto, Canada. She is married and has two fantastic daughters. Sandra enjoys cooking, singing, dancing, listening to music, relaxing at the beach, teaching Sunday school at her church, and spending time with her family and friends.
Madelyn WolfRaven's Teachers Aid
Madelyn is joining the Summer Fun as of this year. She is currently a student studying psychology at The College of New Jersey. She is passionate about helping people and her hobbies include painting, hiking, and spending time with her dog.
Madelyn is joining the Summer Fun as of this year. She is currently a student studying psychology at The College of New Jersey. She is passionate about helping people and her hobbies include painting, hiking, and spending time with her dog.
Melissa McClutchyRaven's Teacher/Substitute (JULY)
Melissa is joining us this summer. She is a first grade teacher at Westmoreland Elementary School. Melissa is an enthusiastic and passionate educator who creates a supportive environment for children to feel comfortable and successful!
Melissa is joining us this summer. She is a first grade teacher at Westmoreland Elementary School. Melissa is an enthusiastic and passionate educator who creates a supportive environment for children to feel comfortable and successful!
EAGLES TEACHERS
Aimee Jimenez-HarperEaglesTeacher
Aimee Harper, a graduate of Nyack College, has been a teacher for 17 years. She earned her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, and her Master's in Special Education. Before working with Summer Fun, she taught a pod of students and helped them with their education through the pandemic, worked in daycare settings as a PreK 4 teacher, and a resource room teacher in New York City Public Schools.
Aimee Harper, a graduate of Nyack College, has been a teacher for 17 years. She earned her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, and her Master's in Special Education. Before working with Summer Fun, she taught a pod of students and helped them with their education through the pandemic, worked in daycare settings as a PreK 4 teacher, and a resource room teacher in New York City Public Schools.
Ethan SteenEagles Aid
Ethan will be joining us for his second summer as a full time Aide for the Eagles. He is currently attending his first year of college.
Ethan will be joining us for his second summer as a full time Aide for the Eagles. He is currently attending his first year of college.
BEFORE/AFTER CARE ATTENDANTS
Whitney HowellBefore Care Attendant
Jasmeet SinghBefore/After Care Attendant
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Mia GentileSubstitute Aid
Elyse PepenellaSubstitute Teacher/Aid
Elyse has graduated with a BS in Chemistry with minors in German and Mathematics from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. She has worked with young children at a sewing studio throughout her high school career, volunteers with children's ministry at the church she attends, and works as a substitute for VRECS. She is returning for her 5th summer here at Summer Fun.
Elyse has graduated with a BS in Chemistry with minors in German and Mathematics from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. She has worked with young children at a sewing studio throughout her high school career, volunteers with children's ministry at the church she attends, and works as a substitute for VRECS. She is returning for her 5th summer here at Summer Fun.
NURSING STAFF
Nancy FriedDNP, MSN. APN, AGPCNP-BC, NP-Cnurse@campsummerfun.org
Dr. Nancy J. Fried is a board certified nurse practitioner specialized in primary care. Dr. Fried received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2008, and graduated with the Cum Laude honor. Dr. Fried earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Wilkes University in 2018, and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. Dr. Fried also earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2021 from Wilkes University. Dr. Fried works full time as a registered nurse at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, NYC, and part-time as a nurse practitioner and medical director at Nutritional Infusions in Galloway, NJ. Dr. Fried is also a member of the Christian Board of Education at Van Riper Ellis Broadway Baptist Church. On her free time, Dr. Fried is an avid animal rights activist and rescues chihuahuas with special needs.
Dr. Nancy J. Fried is a board certified nurse practitioner specialized in primary care. Dr. Fried received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2008, and graduated with the Cum Laude honor. Dr. Fried earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Wilkes University in 2018, and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. Dr. Fried also earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2021 from Wilkes University. Dr. Fried works full time as a registered nurse at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, NYC, and part-time as a nurse practitioner and medical director at Nutritional Infusions in Galloway, NJ. Dr. Fried is also a member of the Christian Board of Education at Van Riper Ellis Broadway Baptist Church. On her free time, Dr. Fried is an avid animal rights activist and rescues chihuahuas with special needs.
Helen PapaliaSubstitute Nurse
Helen has been a registered nurse for 13 years, working in public health, insurance and telehealth and remote patient monitoring.
Helen has been a registered nurse for 13 years, working in public health, insurance and telehealth and remote patient monitoring.