Meet the 2025 Summer Staff!
Deanna Jaroche, Camp Steward
Deanna returns for her third summer as Camp Steward, and her meals continue to be a major highlight of the week for campers.
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Deanna is a Woods Hole resident with over 20 years of experience as a high school science teacher and informal 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.
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In her free time she enjoys hiking, rowing, studying & practicing permaculture, growing flowers, and traveling.
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Lily Rapoza, Assistant Steward
Lily is from the quiet town of Falmouth MA, and enjoys reading, biking, upcycling jewelry, and immersing herself in nature. She recently moved back home from Nashville, TN after graduating from Belmont University with degrees in Audio Engineering and Songwriting.
When she’s not managing, hosting, or playing in her songwriter showcase series "Songbird Collective", you can find her working in her garden, upcycling jewelry, or spontaneously shaping bushes into turtles.
Elizabeth Salley, Camp Counselor
Elizabeth is currently an elementary school teacher in Connecticut. She received her undergraduate degree in STEM Education, and her master's degree in Elementary Education. Elizabeth has spent years outdoors teaching nature classes and leading science camps!
In her free time, Elizabeth loves reading, hiking and traveling. She was a counselor for Camp last year in 2024 and she cannot wait for another year of learning and having fun on Penikese!
Alison Williams, Camp Counselor
Alison is from Sacramento, CA and just finished her Junior year at University of California, Santa Cruz, where she is studying Earth Sciences with a concentration in Ocean Sciences. Alison currently works at the Adventure and Recreation Department, preparing for and leading camping and backpacking trips for students.
She loves to spend time observing the natural world through hiking, running, biking, and birding! Alison says, "I am so excited to spend my summer at Camp Penikese and make a home away from home!"
Ava Kocher, Camp Counselor
Ava is from Dover, MA and is currently studying marine biology at Duke University. She has worked taking care of everything from sheep to lemurs to preschoolers.
She loves tidepooling, live music, hiking, and painting. When between adventures, you can find her between two trees in a hammock with a good book. Ava can't wait to join the campers in a summer full of learning and exploration in nature at Penikese!