Penikese Island School, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
Meet the 2026 Summer Staff!
Deanna Jaroche, Camp Steward
Deanna returns for her fourth summer as Camp Steward, and her delicious meals continue to be a major highlight of the week for campers.
Deanna is a Woods Hole resident with over 20 years of experience as a high school science teacher and science educator. She also co-owned and operated a restaurant and catering business for 10 years. Deanna enjoys spending time outside and studying nature. She is excited to bring her love of nature, cooking, and experiential learning to Penikese.
In her free time she enjoys hiking, rowing, studying & practicing permaculture, growing flowers, and traveling.
Isabelle Stewart, Assistant Steward
Isabelle was our Assistant Steward in 2024 and we are thrilled to welcome her back to Penikese! Isabelle grew up in Bourne, MA, where she spent her time exploring the woods and waters of Cape Cod. During the school year, she teaches Natural History and Ecology to high schoolers at Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki.
Isabelle is thrilled to bring her love for nature and marine science back to Penikese Island this summer! In her free time, she enjoys swimming (especially in the ocean), baking, exploring trails, and making block prints.
Zoë Lesak, Camp Counselor
Zoë is from Chicago, IL and graduated from Colorado College this past May, where she studied Organismal Biology and Ecology and Environmental Studies. She has worked in a mix of scientific research programs and summer camps for the past few summers and is excited for an awesome combination of those two joys!
In her free time, she enjoys playing her guitar with friends, going on long walks with her dogs, birding, and a nice game of ultimate frisbee. Zoë is so excited for another summer of learning and growing outdoors at Penikese!
Adele Francis, Camp Counselor
Adele is from the seaside town of Falmouth, MA and is currently completing her sophomore year at St. John's College in Annapolis, MD. When she’s not diving into the great classics or leading the rock climbing and theatre clubs on campus, she’s likely to be found high in a tree reading, on the lawn writing poetry or running around barefoot in a creek.
An avid reader, Adele loves hiking, sailing, knitting, sewing, and spending time in the ceramics studio.
Emma Serralles, Camp Counselor
Emma is originally from Puerto Rico but currently lives in Seattle, WA. She just finished her junior year at Colorado College where she is majoring in Organismal Biology and Ecology.
Emma loves being outside, seeing live music and learning about marine environments. She was a counselor at Penikese two years ago in 2024 and can't wait to return for another summer of fun and learning!