We’re excited to introduce our 2025 team! Many of our staff members began as campers and CITs at SJYC, and their connection to camp lasts a lifetime. We’re here because we believe in the power of summer camp and are passionate about creating a safe, fun, and impactful experience for every child.

This isn’t just another job for us—it’s an opportunity to be mentors and positive role models, shaping unforgettable summer memories. Each of our staff members is carefully selected and thoroughly trained. Everyone undergoes a federal background check and receives certifications in infant, child, and adult First Aid, CPR, and AED. Many also work as teachers or childcare professionals outside of camp. We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you into the SJYC community!

Additional bios will be added in the coming weeks!

Meet Our Staff •

Sarah Amos

CAMP DIRECTOR
Sarah practically grew up at SJYC, with her earliest memories shaped by the sights and sounds of camp life long before she officially became a camper—her grandparents served as the facility manager and camp cooks! Now entering her 28th summer, Sarah brings a lifetime of love for SJYC to her role as Camp Director. When she’s not at camp, she’s inspiring young minds as an elementary school teacher in Mesa. This summer, Sarah is especially excited to reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new campers and counselors for unforgettable nights around the campfire.
Nolan Mayfield

HEAD COUNSELOR
For the past 13 summers, Nolan has been a camper, CIT, and now Head Counselor at SJYC, inspiring campers and counselors alike. As Head Counselor, he oversees our dynamic CIT program and manages the entire counselor team throughout the summer. Originally from Yuma, Nolan is known for never holding back in the Staff vs. Counselor volleyball games. When he's not at camp, Nolan works at other youth programs and as a classroom paraprofessional while pursuing his goal of becoming a teacher. He’s pumped to help make this summer the best one yet at SJYC!
Ruben Chavez

HEAD COOK
Ruben returns for his 8th summer at SJYC with a passion for the outdoors and a love for camp life. A mean cook on the grill, Ruben ensures everyone can expect awesome meals under his watchful eye. When he's not cooking up delicious dishes, his favorite camp activity is kayaking. Plus, Ruben’s a talented guitarist and bassist! We’re thrilled to have him back for another fantastic summer at camp.
Allie Snook

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Allie is excited to return to our program team for her 3rd summer at camp! Though she was never a camper or CIT, her fresh, outside perspective brings incredible value to our team. Outside of camp, Allie is studying technical theater and has a passion for drawing. She’s most excited for all the campfires this summer, especially singing her favorite song, "Stripped Skunk!" We absolutely love Allie’s energy and can’t wait to see the fun she’ll bring this season.
Annalise Petruzella

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Annalise, from Ahwatukee, AZ, returns for her 11th summer at SJYC, continuing a family tradition that spans 20+ years of having one of their kids at camp! With an incredibly high energy and a deep love for camp, Annalise brings a vibrant, eclectic, and artistic spirit to everything she does. She’s excited to teach outdoor survival skills and add her signature flair to campfires, especially with the fun dance moves and high-energy rendition of the camp song "60s Party!"
Julia Pitman

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Julia is back for her 5th summer at SJYC, bringing her love of music and creativity to camp. Outside of camp, Julia is passionate about dancing, singing, and dreams of one day becoming a Broadway actress, though she’s currently pursuing a career in music therapy. With a beautiful voice and a strong desire to get involved in crafts, Julia’s energy and creativity are contagious. This summer, she’s looking forward to spending time with the campers and enjoying the breathtaking star-filled night skies.
Nikolai Kunakowsky

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Nikolai is excited to return for his 8th summer at SJYC and can’t wait to hit the trails for some incredible hikes! With a love for adventure and a dream of one day becoming a stuntman, his life is full of excitement. When he’s not exploring the outdoors through hiking and biking, you can find him expressing his creative side through drawing. This summer, he’s especially looking forward to meeting all the new campers and CITs, and creating even more unforgettable memories at camp!
Cam Zolty

KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Cam joins our team from Peoria, AZ for her 7th summer at SJYC. While she dreams of exploring Australia one day, this summer, she’s excited to bring her Master Chef skills to the camp kitchen. Cam can’t wait to be part of the camp community again, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone with her delicious meals and positive energy!
Tasia Giannola

DAY CAMP COORDINATOR
Tasia’s bio is coming soon!
Niyah McAllister

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Niyah’s bio is coming soon!
Danielle Finnerty

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Danielle’s bio is coming soon!
James Darcy

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
James’s bio is coming soon!
Jessica Kershaw

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Jessica’s bio is coming soon!
Erika Hayes

PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Erika’s bio is coming soon!
Diana Veitkus

KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Diana’s bio is coming soon!

2025 Camp Nurses

Say hello to our amazing team of camp nurses! With plenty of experience and a deep love for the camp spirit, these familiar faces are ready to handle all camper and Counselor-in-Training (CIT) health needs. They know firsthand how important it is to feel safe and supported, and as moms themselves, they bring a special touch of comfort to every interaction. Whether it’s a scraped knee, a case of homesickness, or a daily medication disbursement, our nurses are here to help everyone feel right at home.

Rachael Bianco, RN

CAMP NURSE
Nurse Rachael is back for her seventh summer at SJYC, and we couldn’t be more excited! Coming from Peoria, AZ, she works as an Emergency Room Nurse—her dream job—and brings her expertise and enthusiasm to our camp. An avid video gamer with dreams of visiting Japan, Nurse Rachael is excited to embrace the cool weather and all the fun experiences that camp has to offer this summer!
Staci Sutton Chruma, RN

CAMP NURSE
Returning for her 11th summer at SJYC, Nurse Staci is an integral part of our camp family! Based in Gilbert, AZ, she works as a school nurse when she’s not at camp. Though she dreams of visiting Europe one day, this summer she’s thrilled to stay close to home, reconnect with familiar faces, and forge new friendships. With her caring demeanor and commitment to keeping us all healthy, Nurse Staci is ready to help make this summer an extraordinary experience!
Lisa Rodriguez, RN

CAMP NURSE
We are thrilled to welcome Nurse Lisa back to the SJYC team for her fourth summer! With a passion for the great outdoors, Nurse Lisa is dedicated to ensuring that everyone feels their best, ready to embrace all the adventures camp offers. Her warm, caring nature and commitment to health make her an invaluable part of our camp community!
Jessica Kirkland, RN

CAMP NURSE
We’re delighted to welcome Nurse Jessica back to SJYC for her second summer with our camp team! Hailing from Mesa, AZ, Nurse Jessica may be newer to her role, but she’s no stranger to SJYC—both her kids and husband have enjoyed their time as campers here! With a passion for the outdoors and a love for our camp community, she’s excited to create new memories with everyone this summer!
Sara Schwabbauer, LPN

CAMP NURSE
We’re excited to welcome Nurse Sara back for her second summer at SJYC! Joining us from Phoenix, AZ, she brings her experience as a school nurse to our camp community. This summer, Nurse Sara is looking forward to creating lasting memories around the campfire and sharing this special experience with her son. She can’t wait to make new friends and enjoy all the adventures that camp has to offer!