Peter Buehner
Assistant Director
Orono, ME
A high school guidance counselor during the year, Peter joins us for his 25th 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 met her husband and Boys Head Counselor, Joie, at camp. They live in Washington State during the “off-season” with their daughter, Stevie. This is summer #18 for Poppy, and she’s beyond excited for camp! 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 20th summer at camp. A former collegiate soccer player, Joie graduated from Naropa University. Previously a youth soccer and basketball director in Oregon and Colorado, Joie works for Camp full-time as Boys Head Counselor and Staffing Director. He is a vital and integral part of our full-time team, beloved by all!
Lexi Smiertka
Head Counselor Bec/Bago
New York, NY
Lexi is back for her fifth Laurel summer, returning as Head Counselor 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. She recently wed Danny Wallsh, our Co-Head of Waterfront. We’re so lucky to have her wisdom and expertise back in Maine!
Michael Rak
Assistant to the Directors
Armonk, NY
We’re thrilled to welcome Michael to the year-round team. Michael grew up at a camp in the Berkshires and continued as a long-time staff member. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Michael began his career in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs before moving to a real estate private equity firm. Michael joined our team in September and will wear many hats. Michael and his wife, Taylor (a Nurse Anesthetist at NYU Langone) have three future Laurel campers. We look forward to all of you meeting Michael in the coming months!
Julian Baham
Campus Administrator
Blaine, TN
Julian returns for summer #3 at Laurel after two years as a Rangeley counselor. A University of Tennessee junior, Julian starts student-teaching this fall in pursuit of his education degree. He’s a highly organized, motivated, and efficient team member who works closely with Jem and Debbie, coordinating the everyday routines of Camp. We’re so grateful to have Julian!
Program Department
Megan Albers
Program Director
Telluride, CO
Meg returns for summer #10! 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. She 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 truly amazing!
Kate Pafford
Assistant Program Director
Chicago, IL
Kate is back for summer #5 on Echo Lake and third in the program office. She earned her degree in Education from Oregon State University. Kate’s a long time dance instructor and was an Acadian Specialist and Sailing Counselor. We know Kate will be an absolute star – once again! – this summer in the Program Department!
Grant Garrison
Program Assistant
Fort Worth, TX
Ezra Langley
Program Assistant
Fairhope, AL
Liv McGrath
Program Assistant
Manchester, UK
