Camp FA Staff

  Parker Sims, Kayak Instructor

This is my first summer with Camp FA and I'm very excited to get out on the river with campers!

 Ella Williams, Camp Counselor

Hi everyone, my name is Ella and I am overjoyed to be joining the Camp FA staff this summer. I am sixteen, and a rising Junior at Fredericksburg Academy. This will be my first summer as a counselor, though I’m no stranger to the FA camps as I was a camper there for many years and have volunteered to help out in the past. I'll be helping with both sessions of FA to Broadway and Young Chefs.

 I’m so ready to kick off summer 2021, it’s gonna be awesome!

Steve LaMonica, Play Local, Archery, 3D Printing & more!

Steve has been an avid counselor at the FA Summer Camps for over five years. Whether it's adventuring in the outdoors, rolling dice over character sheets, plucking bowstrings at targets, pushing 3D printing to other generations, or simply enjoying all that the Fredericksburg area has to offer, Steve has made a laundry list of memories each year. He is a faculty member at Fredericksburg Academy, teaching MS and US Humanities and assisting with the MS Musicals. Previously he attended Penn State for his undergraduate degree and Columbia University for his graduate program. Despite the many adventures he has been lucky to be involved in over the years, at the end of the day (or each day) he loves nothing more than relaxing at home with his dogs and his wonderful wife, Chelsea. 

 Marianna Smith, Mural Artist

Marianna Smith is a local children’s illustrator who specializes in creating heartfelt illustrations  for children’s books. The book she most recently illustrated, The Adventures of Mole Boy, is a  collaborative effort with the talented writer J.J. Guzman. Marianna is also a resident artist at Brush Strokes Gallery in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, where she showcases her illustration work and  supports the work of her fellow gallery residents. Additionally, she has experience co-teaching after school drawing and painting classes to K-12 students, as well as high school art students applying to  college. Marianna finds joy in listening to students’ creative interests and aspirations. Her goal is to offer  students the artistic tools they may use to empower their creative voice. 

You can visit her online at www.mariannasmith.com.

 Sarah 'Mac' Connors, STEAM Lead Counselor

My name is Sarah but everyone calls me Mac. I am an English Major in the 5-year Master’s of Elementary Education Program at UMW. I’ve worked at Falcon Club for a year and am a substitute teacher in the Lower School at FA.

I'll be one of the Lead Counselors for STEAM Academy in the mornings.

This is my first year at Camp FA.

Della Jareb, STEAM Lead Counselor

"I firmly believe that the best teachers are the ones who have a real passion for their subject. I've dedicated my own studies to Sociology and the Arts and I strive to share my creative experience with students every day. When I'm not studying and teaching, I spend every minute I can outside, kayaking, exploring hiking trails, and gardening."

 Casey Hawkins, STEAM Lead Counselor

Ms. Casey joined the Fredericksburg Academy family in August of 2020.  Over the last school year, Ms. Casey has been the morning Falcon Club lead teacher, the afternoon PreK associate teacher, and regularly substitute teaches in Junior Kindergarten through Third grade.  Ms. Casey comes to FA with five years of preschool teaching experience and one year of preschool administration experience.  Ms. Casey is super excited to join the Camp FA STEAM team and looks forward to watching the children explore through many hands-on activities.

 Sonia Nelson, Extended Morning & Afternoon Camps

I have been working at Fredericksburg Academy since August 2020 in Falcon Club. I love music, enjoy puzzles, and I'm a pro at coloring and I'm fascinated by creativity!

Looking forward to joining the Camp FA staff this summer!

 Donna Self, Bus Driver & Extended Afternoon Camp

Hi, My name is Donna Self. I've been working in the child care field for over 30 years. I currently work for Spotsylvania County Schools as an Early Childhood Special Education Paraeducator and as part of FA's Falcon Club. This is my thirteenth year working with two year old's with disabilities.  I have two grown children and I love animals and have dogs and cats.  I also enjoying gardening and being outside.  

Claire Ellinger, Art Camps

I am an Art Educator and a Fredericksburg Local!  I graduated from Mary Washington College and taught Middle School Art in Stafford County.  With the addition of two baby boys to my family, I decided to stay home from work. Soon, I began teaching preschoolers in my own home, creating fun and messy art projects for friends and neighbors.  This fed my desire to teach and help others create art while also caring for my young family.  Soon the business grew, and now, Art Time for Kids is a busy studio, designed just for kids of all ages!  We create outdoor murals, offer weekly lessons rich in Art History, and even have a popular child-friendly ghost tour in October!  Art Time for Kids is located in the historic district of Downtown Fredericksburg, which also has a thriving Art Community.   I am happy to be a part of the FAmily beginning in the fall of 2020, and we plan to continue into the coming years.

Brittany Austin, Nature Explorers

I teach First Grade at FA. I have spent most of my time outdoors, living and working in Florida. As an avid member of my local crew team I spent countless days on lakes and beaches. As a proud Navy wife, I moved to Virginia 11 years ago and I have enjoyed exploring the many trails, rivers, and historical sites our beautiful state has to offer. I hold a Masters degree in Elementary Education, and focused my studies on the benefits of utilizing outdoor learning to develop and enhance early language and literacy skills. I believe children learn best through inquiry and hands-on experiences. I look forward to sharing my love of learning in the natural classroom- outdoors and immersed in nature!

Dana Fischer, Young Chefs

I am teaching JK this year and have taught in Early Childhood for 20 years. My heart is definitely with our youngest learners. It’s such a joy to see their excitement and love for learning!

I've been teaching cooking at Camp FA for many summers and can't wait for Young Chefs Camp.

Konrad Heller, Mountain Biking

The founder of FredEvents, LLC, Konrad Heller, has been a competitive athlete all of his life with a long and successful resume of mountain biking, duathlons, and triathlon competitions. He's stoked to be leading this Mountain Biking camp this summer and getting area youth out on the trails!

 Kerry Miller, Horseback Riding Instructor

Kerry grew up loving horses and has been riding since she was eight. Kerry has been an instructor with Advantage Horsemanship for five years, after earning her Bachelors degree in Equestrian Studies at Stephens College. She also instructs FA's Beginner Horseback Riding Enrichment Program.

Stephanie Cox, Adventures in Writing

Stephanie is the Site Director for the Fredericksburg Camp. She is a well balanced creative, participating in musical theater, as a poetry writer and artist. She has a Masters in Educational Administration and holds teaching licenses in Elementary Education, ESOL and Art Education in both California and Virginia. She has over 25 years of teaching experience in grades PreK - 8th grade. During the school year she is in charge of the Visual Arts Program at Prince William Academy in Woodbridge, VA and she owns a children’s art business called The Art Cart - Mobile Art Studio. Stephanie is excited to be part of the east coast expansion of AIW camps.

 Jordan Torres, Photographer

Hello! I’m Jordan (she/her) and currently a rising freshman at Pratt Institute and a graduate of Fredericksburg Academy. I’ve been working at the camps for three years and I’m excited to come back for a fourth. I’m so thrilled to be able to photograph all the fun moments of summer camp!

 Patrick Brantley, Camp Counselor

I am part of the Class of 2021 at Fredericksburg Academy, and look forward to continuing to spending time at this wonderful school. While I have never staffed Camp FA before, I have staffed Boy Scout Camps in a leadership role and I anticipate utilizing those skills during the amazing adventures we're going to have this summer.

I'll be working in STEAM Academy, 3D Printing, and Lego Camp!

 Nashua Haque, Camp Counselor

My name is Nashua, and I am so excited to get to know all of you this summer! I am currently a senior at Fredericksburg Academy, and I am planning to attend college as a premed. This is my second year working at Camp FA, and I love baking, dancing, and painting. 

I'll be helping with Outdoor Watercolors, Architecture, Cartooning, and STEAM Academy.

 Joshua Christmas, Camp Counselor

I'm a junior at Fredericksburg Academy and this will be my second year working at Camp FA. I love working with the campers and do my best to make sure they are always having fun!

 Emily Drape, Camp Counselor

I have lived overseas most of my life, so I have experienced many things people usually only dream of doing (like riding camels around the pyramid or eating a baguette on the Eiffel Tower). Everywhere I have gone there have been interesting, cool people and great kids, and I loved meeting, watching, and hanging with all of them. I love FA and I am really excited to begin my first summer at camp where I can continue to meet even more amazing people! 

 Isabelle Larimore, Camp Counselor

I’m a junior at Fredericksburg Academy, and this will be my first year Camp FA. I love working with kids and can’t wait to jump in as a new counselor.

In addition to Lacrosse and Field Hockey, I'll be helping with STEAM Academy.

 Ashley Luce, Camp Counselor

I’m a junior at Fredericksburg Academy, and this will be my second year Camp FA. I love sushi and burritos. I play field hockey and love working with kids.

 Caleb Drape, Camp Counselor

I am a Junior at Fredericksburg Academy, and I'm very excited to be a staff member at Camp FA for my second consecutive summer!!

I look forward to meeting new campers and making this summer an unforgettable one. 

 Alicen King, Camp Counselor

Hi, I’m Alicen. This is my second year with Camp FA! My favorite camps are any that are outside. I’m super excited to have another summer full of fun! 

 Ajaea Grant, Camp Counselor

I’m currently a Human Development & Family Studies major with a concentration in Family Life Education at Bridgewater College.

I’ve been working at FA since August 2020 in Falcon Club and recently started substituting for K-3. I love being with my students and getting to be around them!

 Lily Barber, Camp Counselor

I am an upcoming Senior at FA, and I am so excited to return for my second year of working with the campers. I love seeing them grow, learn, and have fun in the camps! I am enthusiastic to see the returning children and meet new ones. This summer is going to be great! 

 Allison Barber, Camp Counselor

This is my second summer of being a counselor here at Camp FA. I am really excited to be helping out again this summer and I can't wait to have fun all summer long. 

I'll be teaching Mural Painting, STEAM Academy, Frozen Singing, FA to Broadway, and many more camps.

 Rachel Turman, Camp Counselor

This will be my second summer working at Camp FA and I am excited to see everyone! I have just graduated from FA and I will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute this fall. I can't wait to have the best summer ever with everyone!

I'll be teaching STEAM, Play Local, and Cross Country.

 Alauna Algarin, Camp Counselor

I've worked all year in Fredericksburg Academy's Falcon Club and I am so excited to continue this fun throughout the summer at Camp FA! 

Oh, and I love all things Disney!

 Mikah Nelson, Camp Counselor

Currently I work at FA in Falcon Club in the afternoons. I am a graduating senior from Chancellor High School and will be attending college in the fall to become an electrical engineer. I can't wait to be part of the Camp FA summer experience.

 Bridget Van Houtem, Camp Counselor

From Pittsburgh, PA, her hobbies include reading, crafting, and spending time with her lovely friends and dog, Mia. She enjoys writing poetry and has been published by many literary journals, including The Garfield Lake Review and The Bluffton University Literary Journal. She's excited to work as a camp counselor this year and get to know the campers! 

 David Steinberger, Cross Country

• Mr. Steinberger has served as Fredericksburg Academy's varsity cross country head coach since 2013. In that time, his boys and girls teams have consistently finished at the top of the Delaney Athletic Conference, and several of his runners have earned the honor and distinction of "All-Conference" recognition. An avid runner, Mr. Steinberger has competed in countless 5K, 10K and half marathon races. He finished his first full marathon in 2017.

 Gregory Vickrey, Head Soccer Coach at FA

Coaches from the Fredericksburg Soccer Club, will join Coach Vickrey to lead these camps.  The FSCI philosophy focuses on developing each individual player to their full potential instead of focusing on team accolades. This paradigm promotes the development of creative, skillful, and intrinsically motivated players.

 Tyler Houston, Lacrosse

Coach Tyler Houston is the UMW Assistant Lacrosse Coach. In addition to coaching at UMW and teaching at FA, Coach Houston was a High School Head Coach for three years, a Middle School Head Coach for three years, and he is the current defensive coordinator for the Switzerland National Team. He also serves as a Board Member and Varsity Coach for the FXBG Lacrosse Club.

Matt Darling, Varsity FA Tennis Coach

Libby Baker, Field Hockey

Camp FA has partnered with Coach Libby and the certified coaches of Typhoon Elite Field Hockey. Typhoon's coaches include former Division I and Division III athletes and coaches who have coached players to multiple state titles as well as National Indoor Tournament and Festival and Shooting Star wins. 

 Coach Rick Wright, Basketball

Born 2 Win Basketball is led by Coach Rick Wright, an elite-skills trainer whose enthusiasm and passion for the game creates an environment where each player can excel. Coach Wright has trained over 200 players from the early development stage to the NBA. Born 2 Win's belief in RELATIONSHIPS and COMMUNICATION are the basis for success on the court and off.

 Rabah Sbitani, Ultimate & Disc Golf

Rabah is the driving force behind the the Fredericksburg Youth Ultimate League (FYUL). He, along with other certified coaches, will instruct this camp.