Samantha joined The Woodlands in 2020 with a background in non-profit management, programming, and community partnerships. She is passionate about creating barrier-free spaces for innovative programs and experiences. Prior to The Woodlands, she led Providence Connections, Inc. and oversaw educational programs and partnerships at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. She is currently on the Board of Directors at JAM Enterprises, Be The Kind Kid.

Denise has dedicated her career to fundraising and fund development in the not-for-profit arena. As Deputy Director of Advancement & Operations, she is responsible for developing strategies that will most effectively position the Woodlands for support from the private, corporate and government sectors.

Kristen joined The Woodlands in 2021. With nearly 20 years nonprofit experience in the fields of arts, education, and disability, she is dedicated to the practice of making programming equitable and inclusive for all.

Dale joined The Woodlands in 2024 with a background in non-profit camp facilities management.  He has a passion for creating more intentionally designed, inclusive and accessible facilities for all guests. He has worked in similar roles at YMCA Camp Y-Noah in OH, Camp Jewell YMCA in CT and South Mountain YMCA Camps in eastern PA. As the Director of Facility Experiences, he is responsible for general facility planning, maintenance, and capital projects for the campus and buildings; information technology; and food service operations.

Jenna joined The Woodlands in 2023 after completing her Master of Arts research degree in Music & Wellbeing in the United Kingdom at University of Leeds. She is entering the world of creative arts management after teaching music and theater the last seven years. Previously, she has created choral and theater youth programs for non-profit organizations in Pittsburgh and looks forward to enhancing the lives of everyone at The Woodlands.

Rachel helps to prepare materials and facilitates communications for the Board of Directors and its subcommittees. Additionally, she manages HR practices and compliance, facility rentals, and assists in resolving IT issues.

During her education at Seton Hill, Cole began at The Woodlands in the middle of 2020 as the virtual art therapy intern. After her graduation in 2021, her time at The Woodlands continued, where she fulfilled the roles of counselor, healthcare, and leadership. Her passion lies with making The Woodlands’ camp and retreat experience as fulfilling as possible for both participants and staff alike, and she could not be happier to be in the role of Recreational Program Manager

While Ann Marie started her career in the non-profit sector, she has also worked the Medical Device and Utility industries.  She is excited to return to the non-profit arena and looks forward to supporting The Woodland’s Foundation mission.

Mary worked in hospice until 2008. She took a hiatus from the workforce to raise her two daughters Savannah and Sophia. Mary has a passion for interior design and gardening, which was a great fit for joining The Woodlands’ Facility Team in 2019.

Frank returned to The Woodlands in 2014 after running his own landscaping business for 5 years. Frank cares for the grounds at The Woodlands. He is the proud father of two daughters, Allison and Kylie.

During his education at Slippery Rock University, Kenyon joined the Woodlands in January of 2024, where he completed his internship for Recreational Therapy. After graduating, Kenyon became a certified Recreational Therapist, and now serves as Programs Coordinator and Talent Recruiter here at the Woodlands.

Georgia obtained her nursing degree from Hartford Community College. Before joining The Woodlands, she worked as a nurse in a doctor’s office, an assisted living facility and in UPMC Passavant Hospital PCU. Georgia is proudly part of a military family with 3 beautiful daughters and has lived all over the world.

Leia graduated from Slippery Rock University, where she obtained her Master of Science in Adapted Physical Activity. She continued to work with the University’s Adapted Physical Activity program, helping to coordinate their “I Can Do It, You Can Do It” program – a national physical activity mentoring program for individuals with all types of disabilities.

Melissa graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Recreational Therapy. Before joining The Woodlands in 2017, she worked at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh as a recreational therapist in the inpatient hospital. Melissa also serves as a Board Member for The Team Alex Fund, a nonprofit that provides grants for children with spinal cord injuries.

Jeff joined The Woodlands in 2018 with a background in Construction. Jeff owned and operated a masonry business for more than 35 years.
Jeff loves giving back to his community and has helped serve at soup kitchens, serving Thanksgiving dinner to the needy and mowing lawns for senior citizens. He is a proud father of 4 children and has taught them to give back as well. Jeff loves all aspects of his job at The Woodlands and can’t wait each year until “CAMP” starts!

Laura Thomas joined The Woodlands in 2021 after 6 years of working in nonprofit development in the New York Metropolitan area and is experienced in event management, donor relationships, and community outreach. Her professional mission is to ensure accessible and engaging programming for individuals of all backgrounds.