Peter Buehner
Assistant Director
Orono, ME
A high school guidance counselor during the year, Peter joins us for his 24th summer on Echo Lake. He holds a Master’s in Counseling from the University of Maine and was formerly the training director at New York’s Reebok Sports Club. Peter is a Laurel mainstay and works closely with Jem, Debbie and the Head Counselors to make Camp hum. He is truly one-of-a-kind and an incredible key asset to the Laurel community.
Lauren “Poppy” Picatti
Head Counselor Acadia/Baxter
Leavenworth, WA
Affectionately known as Poppy for her “Mary Poppins” qualities, Poppy is a graduate of the University of Maine and works year-round as Girls Head Counselor and Staffing Coordinator. Poppy and Boys Head Counselor, Joie, celebrated the birth of their first child and have been enjoying life as new parents. This is summer #17 for Poppy, and she’s beyond excited for camper arrival day! To know her is to love her, and we sure do!
Joie Picatti
Boys Head Counselor
Leavenworth, WA
Joie returns to the Head Counselor team for his 19th summer at camp. A former collegiate soccer player, Joie graduated from Naropa University. Previously a youth soccer and basketball director in Oregon, Joie now works for Camp full-time as Boys Head Counselor and Staffing Director. We’re thrilled to have Joie as our “magic ace.” He is a vital and integral part of our full-time team!
Lexi Smiertka
Head Counselor Bec/Bago
NYC, NY
Lexi is back for her fifth Laurel summer, returning as HCL of Bec and Bago. Lexi is a water sports enthusiast and also served as Girls Head Counselor at her childhood camp. A graduate of Chapman University and the NYU Silver School of Social Work, Lexi is a New York City-based social worker during the off-season. We’re so lucky to have her wisdom and expertise back in Maine!
Katie Jo Fritsen
Campus Administrator
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Katie Jo returns for her fourth summer on the Laurel administrative team, reprising her role as a Campus Administrator. A University of Montana graduate, Katie Jo played four years of Division I softball while also helping with the university’s softball camp for several years. Katie Jo is a highly organized, motivated, and efficient team member who works closely with Jem coordinating the everyday routines of Camp. We’re so grateful to have her!
Luke Hardin
Campus Administrator
Durham, NC
Luke returns for his third summer, this time lending his talents to the administration team. Having spent the last two summers as a tennis counselor, Luke is no stranger to Laurel summers. He recently wrapped up his third year at Duke University, where he is pursuing a degree in Economics and Statistics. We are so excited to have Luke back at Laurel for another great summer!
Program Department
Megan Albers
Program Director
Dublin, OH
Meg returns for summer #9! She started as an Acadian Specialist before spending summers as the Campus Leader of Acadia and Bec. “Malbers” was the Director of a Pre-K program in Chicago and now works year-round for Camp. Malbers graduated from Ohio University with an education degree and has years of experience working at camps, after-school programs and coaching volleyball. We love having Malbers on the team! She's amazing!
Becky Avila
Assistant Program Director
Santa Maria, CA
Becky joins us for summer #4 on Echo Lake in her third year as Assistant Program Director. Becky earned her degree in Recreation Systems Management from San Diego State University and previously served as the Enrollment Manager for an after-school program before becoming Program Director of a California day camp. We know Becky will be an absolute star – once again! – this summer in the Program Department!
Mary Beth Coffman
Program Assistant
Norfolk, VA
Tre Murray
Program Assistant
Farmington, ME
Peter Robinson
Program Assistant
Apopka, FL
Kadin Waterman
Program Assistant
Fontana, KS
Administration
Craig Cadman
Sioux Rapids, IA
“Cad” joins us for summer #38 at Camp Laurel! He’s a vital member of our Operations team and helps with all things behind-the-scenes. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and former middle school science teacher, Cad is enjoying his retirement in Iowa. We’re looking forward to Cad’s ukulele songs and “Cad-sadillas” this summer. Welcome back, Cad!
Rich Strean
New York City, NY
Rich joins us for Laurel summer #36. He is a Haverford graduate with a Ph.D. in government. As a long-time teacher and department head at Rye Country Day School, professor at Baruch College, CUNY, and former Laurel counselor and program director, Rich has become an invaluable asset as a program consultant and logistics expert. We’re excited to have Rich’s immense Laurel experience with us again this summer!