Our Team

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Elise Bates Russell

Executive Director

Elise enjoys all aspects of God’s ministry in the outdoors, but her passions include leadership development, nature exploration, wilderness trips and sustainable architectural design. This has grown out of a lifetime (almost!) of living and working at Presbyterian camps in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Michigan and Minnesota. One of her favorite quotes shared by a camper is: “I just like to hike in the woods to be near God.” Elise couldn’t agree more, affirming the power of outdoor ministry as a vital part of Christian education and faith formation for all ages.

She is a proud alumna of The College of Wooster and has a Masters in Architecture from the University of Michigan. She is part of the consultant team for Run River Enterprises and recently served as president of the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA), an organization serving camps and conference centers across the United States and Canada. Along with her husband and 3 daughters, Elise likes to travel, be outside, read, visit museums and historical sites, create and try new things. Ask Elise how you can remember Johnsonburg in your will or volunteer at Jburg soon!

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Glendon Carper

Associate Director of Operations

Glendon joined the team in late 2022 and is new to Johnsonburg but very familiar with Christian camping having served at camps in three different states.  Most of his experience is with programming, specifically the activity and adventure areas, but he is also very familiar with all the areas of a camp facility.  He is excited to bring his experience to Johnsonburg and to be part of the team who creates a place where all are welcomed.

He grew up in central Pennsylvania and received a degree in Business Administration from Messiah University.  Growing up, he attended Camp Hebron where his love for camp ministry started.  He also met his wife Katie there several years later.  They shared an office (it’s an interesting story) and both worked as program staff.  They also spent time in Michigan doing outdoor education, lived briefly in Florida, then lived in the Poconos for six years.  Most recently he served at Sandy Cove Ministries in Maryland overseeing all-things activity related.    

Glendon enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, from jumping on the trampoline, to walks / hikes, and laughing together.  He also likes running, mountain biking, and playing a variety of sports.  He is known for eating an apple a day and having his precisely formulated iced coffee each morning. 

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Kim Italiano

Registrar

Kim is the upbeat, fun and helpful person answering the phone and helping you register for summer camp, retreats and other events!
 
She spent her professional life working in the guest services, management and the human resources industries.  However, her favorite career is being mom to her daughter who is now an experienced Johnsonburg camper!  She loves people, animals, laughing and of course her family including 4 cats.
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Steve Grish

Facilities Manager

Steve ran his own home improvement business for 20 years before using his skillset at camp & retreat centers. When he’s not at work, Steve loves to spend time with his kids doing anything and everything that’s outdoors. He also loves to cook and volunteers as a games instructor for his church’s youth group.

Steve was drawn to Johnbsonburg because it enables him to combine his spiritual and work life all in one place!

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Vania Stevenson

Marketing Assistant

Vania fell in love with Johnsonburg years ago when she brought her youth group for a retreat.  Her son has since become a JBurg Camper and working here has scored her MAJOR 'cool mom' brownie points. Her favorite part of camp is the community that JBurg represents- one where ALL walks of life belong. 

Vania also serves as the Youth Director at a local church and is deeply passionate about young people.  In her spare time she loves to knit, cook, and hang out with her family and adorable pets.

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Linda Thorstenson

Office Manager/Assistant to the Executive Director

My favorite part of camp is gathering in the dining hall! I love when everyone comes together to share a meal and fellowship! Who isn't happy when eating delicious food?
 
 
When I'm not at camp I enjoy time volunteering with various youth organizations within the community and at my church.
 
I love spending time with my family and my little dog, Grace!
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Caroline Grish

Dining Services Manager

Caroline takes great joy in preparing food that gets children excited and she adores the camp environment. She considers her role at Johnsonburg a blessing as it allows her to merge her Christian faith and culinary experience in this beautiful camp setting.

Caroline is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, fishing, and appreciating the beauty of God's creation. She also serves as a leader for the Awana group for children aged three and four at her church.

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Justin Beaumont

Guest Services Coordinator

Justin has been employed by Johnsonburg since 2019. In that time, he has held various roles including Camp Counselor, Program Coordinator, Program Associate, and GAP Year Leader. He is also the Assistant Teacher for our nature preschool program, Flourish. He has been coming to summer camp at Johnsonburg since he was 7 years old. Justin's passions include working with children, mountain biking, hiking, and performing/playing music. He hopes to welcome you and your group when you visit Johnsonburg in the near future.

Margaret

Housekeeper

    Bio coming soon!

    Board

    Johnsonburg’s Board is a governance board made up of representatives from the four regional presbyteries within New Jersey and the Presbytery of Philadelphia, as well as eleven at-large members. The Board functions with five committees who oversee various aspects of the program, organization and facility. The committees work directly with the staff and have a healthy relationship of communication and collaboration. In addition, the president of the Board has the capacity to appoint special task forces. The Board makes governance decisions, such as the master plan and a capital campaign, while the executive director and other staff make management and program decisions.

    Johnsonburg Camp & Retreat Center
    Board of Trustees

    Rev. Joseph Chu
    Pastor, Fellowship Church of New Milford

    Anne Gordon
    Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Cranbury                                                                       

    Pete Miller
    Retired, Regional School Superintendent

    Rev. Dr. Keion Jackson
    PC(USA), Presbyterian Mission Agency, Assoc. for Black/African American Intercultural Congregational Support

    James Duncan
    IPG Health

    Sarah Kapitko
    Family Law Attorney

    Michael McCurry
    U.S. House of Representatives

     

    Joseph Young
    Board President, Family Promise, Sussex County                                                              Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Sparta                                                                        Treasurer

    Marilyn Kitchell
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    President

    Rev. Anne Russ
    Doubting Believer

    Rev. Wes Allen
    Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown

    Megan Acedo
    Eastern University, St. Davids, PA
    Secretary

     

    Arlene McCann
    Comcast NBC Universal
    Vice-President