Meet Our Staff: Newest Members of the 100!
Jake Aland is a computer science major at the University of Central Florida. Growing up in Panama City, FL, Jake and his family were very active and shared a love for target sports. This will be Jake’s first summer at Falling Creek as a cabin counselor and an instructor for both wood shop and riflery.
Seth Aland is the younger brother of first year staff member, Jake Aland. Seth is a student at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Seth is an RA at UNF and is very involved with his campus ministries. This will be Seth’s first year at Falling Creek as a cabin counselor and teaching fishing and riflery. Seth is a very accomplished fisherman. He has competed in both salt and fresh water fishing tournaments around the Southeast.
Keaton Anderson is a graduate of Georgia College and State University with a degree in Outdoor Education. In his spare time, Keaton volunteers at Lockerly Arboretum, is on staff at Venture Out at Georgia College and fly fishes the waters of Middle Georgia. Keaton’s fly fishing experience has taken him all over the United States, ranging from the Rockies to the Florida Keys. This will be Keaton’s first year on staff as one of our fishing instructors and cabin staff.
Originally from Woodbridge, VA, Michael Braun is a graduate from Ole Miss with a degree in English. Since graduation, Michael has been working in Washington, DC, as a marketing Associate for the Advisory Board Company. This is Michael’s first year on staff as a cabin counselor and teaching fishing before he attends graduate school.
Jeremy Brogdon is a graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in Film and Television Production. Jeremy is bringing his talents to Falling Creek this summer leading our awesome group of photographers to capture the fantastic photographs that are uploaded daily on the website. Jeremy will also be filming video from the summer to be added to the new promotional dvd and for the new Falling Creek website to be launched this fall.
Originally from Dunwoody, GA, Julianna Fritts is a freshman at Georgia College in Milledgeville, GA. Julianna will be transferring to the University of Georgia in the fall to pursue her degree in consumer foods. Julianna was a Girl Scout for eleven years and received the GS Gold Award, the highest rank through the Girl Scouts. This will be Julianna’s first year on staff as a member of our Arts & Crafts team.
Hunter Gay is from Statesville, NC, and attends Wake Forest University double majoring in history and political science. This will be Hunter’s first year on staff as a cabin counselor and teaching sailing. At Wake Forest, Hunter is a member of Phi Alpha Theta (History Honors Society) and Sigma Nu Fraternity.
Patrick Greenwood is a communications major at Virginia Tech. Originally from Vienna, VA, Patrick worked at Marshall Lacrosse Camp teaching lacrosse and ran drills for the campers. During High School, Patrick achieved his lacrosse referee certification and officiated several seasons. Currently at Virginia Tech, Patrick is a member of the VT Club Lacrosse Team. This will be Patrick’s first year at FCC teaching lacrosse, basketball and a member of our cabin staff.
Taylor Hall is a Software and Information Systems major at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. Originally from Holly Springs, NC, this will be Taylor’s first summer of staff as our Digital Asset Manager. We are excited to announce that we are introducing new technology to our program that will keep records and attendance for all of our programs in real -time. Taylor will be managing the data and technology involved to allow our programs to thrive and become more efficient.
Jared Hurt is from Burlington, NC, and attends Appalachian State University majoring in Recreation Management. At school Jared stays active with sports officiating youth league soccer games for the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department. This will be Jared’s first year at Falling Creek teaching riflery and lacrosse and he will serve as a cabin counselor.
Jarvais Jackson is an elementary education major at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. At Winthrop, Jarvais is a member of the Council of Student Leaders, a Winthrop Ambassador and VP of Communication for the Resident Student Association. Jarvais will be one of our camp photographers this summer. What started as a hobby, Jarvais has a passion to share with others what he sees through his lens.
Matthew Kornegay is from Clarksville, GA, and attends the University of North Georgia majoring in Computer Science. Matthew is no stranger to summer camp, he grew up at Lake Aurora Christian Camp in Lake Wales, Florida, and since moving to Georgia he has volunteered frequently at North Georgia Christian Camp in Clarkesville. This will be Matthew’s first summer at FCC teaching archery and as a member of our cabin staff.
Graham Laws is a pre-med student at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Graham was the captain, number one singles and doubles player all four years of high school in Lexington, and was selected for all-region. He was given an opportunity to assistant coach the girls’ middle school and high school team for two years and worked at Spring Valleys tennis club. This will be Graham’s first summer at camp as a member of our tennis and cabin staffs.
John Makekau is a student at Georgia Southern University majoring in biology. This former Eagle Scout is president of Epsilon Tau Pi, an Eagle Scout service fraternity. At school, John spends a lot of time at the GSU Southern Adventures climbing wall belaying fellow climbers and bouldering. This will be John’s first summer at FCC as a cabin counselor, climbing wall and wood shop instructor.
Gina Mallay is the newest member of our medical team during our Main Camp session. Gina is from Charlotte, NC, and is a school nurse with Carolina’s Health Care System. Gina has many interests that keeps her busy when she is not taking care of her students. She is a dance instructor for the Carolina’s Latin Dance Company, volunteer with Hands On Charlotte and a Mentor for the Brairwood Elementary Young Ladies.
Peter McCort is a student at Berry College in Rome, GA, majoring in physics. Peter grew up in China where he tutored children in English. While he was in China, Peter worked for the LDI adventure camp in Tian Jin as a ropes course and climbing wall instructor. This will be Peter’s first summer at FCC as a cabin counselor, basketball and climbing wall instructor.
Jacob McKee is from Martinez, GA, and attends the Savannah College of Art and Design majoring in Film and Television. This will be Jacob’s first summer on staff as a photographer / videographer. Jacob spent time overseas in the Mediterranean documenting his trip for his portfolio, photographed church events and filmed a football players for their college football recruitment reels. Jacob also worked for the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists for a video project and a local Augusta media company.
Stephanie Mimbs is from Loganville, GA, and attends Berry College in Rome, GA. At Berry, Stephanie is an Art Education major and runs for the Berry Cross Country and Track Team. This will be Stephanie’s first year on staff as a member of our Arts & Crafts crew.
David Morgan will be joining our medical team during our August Session. This will be David’s first summer at FCC and he lives in Columbia, SC, with his wife Karen and their son Matthew. David is a Manager for the PACU at Palmetto Health Richland and is also in the Air Force Reserves as a RN.
Travis Mowrey is from Fayetteville, GA, and attends the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega majoring in finance. This will be Travis’ first year at camp as a member of the mountain biking staff. Travis loves to ride so much, he bought a bike before he bought his first car. In September, Travis competed in the Fools Gold 50 mountain bike race in North Georgia.
Robert Naugle is from Charleston, SC, and is a school nurse for the Charleston County school district and Palmetto Behavioral Hospital. Robert has worked at the Citadel’s summer camp, Camp Blue Ridge in NE Georgia and at Ballibay Art/Theater camp in the Poconos. This will be Robert’s first summer as a member of our summer medical team.
Neil Newsome is the older brother of second year staff member Preston Newsome and is a former camper from Lawrence, KS. Neil attends college in Lawrence and works at Naismith Hall as a leasing professional and at the pro shop at the Lawrence Country Club. Neil has also coached and refereed youth soccer. This will be Neil’s first year on staff as a cabin counselor and a soccer and ultimate frisbee instructor.
Andrew O’Neill is from Dalton, GA, and attends the University of Georgia majoring in business. Andrew is a member of the whitewater Club at UGA, Wesley Foundation and college Young Life member. Growing up in Dalton, Andrew attended a summer camp for many years and was a camp counselor for Dalton Golf and Country Club kids camp teaching children to play tennis, golf, and swim. This will be Andrew’s first summer at FCC on paddling and cabin staffs.
Patrick O’Neill is the older brother of first year staff member Andrew O’Neill. Patrick is a graduate from Georgia Southern University and is pursuing his Masters Degree in Exercise Science at Georgia Southern as well. Since 2006, Patrick served as head lifeguard at the Dalton Country Club and owns his own entertainment company as lead DJ. This will be Patrick’s first year on staff teaching The HEAT, Wood Shop and as a cabin counselor.
James Page is from Swarthmore, PA, and is an Outdoor Leadership student at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. James has been very involved in the outdoors. He recently completed and internship with North Carolina Outward Bound School and is a member of the Warren Wilson College Whitewater Paddling Team. This past March, James and his teammates competed in the American Canoe Association’s Collegiate whitewater race series and are the 2013 National Champions. This will be James’ first year as a member of our cabin and paddling staff.
Alicia Rhoades is a registered school nurse from Charleston, SC. When everyone at camp is all healthy, you just might hear Alicia hitting some early morning tennis balls at the courts. This will be Alicia’s third summer as part of our medical team.
Jake Simon is from Burke, VA, and attends Hampden-Sydney College studying foreign affairs. Jake is a member of the HSC Varsity Swim Team and won the ODAC Championships. Jake is also a very talented musician and plays percussion, guitar, bass and banjo. This will be Jake’s first summer at camp teaching swimming and leading us in those camp songs we all love.
Colin Smith is a student at Southern Virginia University majoring in history. Originally from Silver Springs, MD, Colin, a Civil War enthusiast, attended Heritage Reservation Scout Camp as a camper. When he was not attending Scout Camp, Colin learned to play lacrosse and still plays today for Southern Virginia University. This will be Colin’s first year on staff teaching lacrosse and a member of our cabin staff.
Hal Smith attends the University of the South in Sewanee, TN majoring in pre-law. Originally from Lexington, VA, Hal is a member of the Sewanee varsity lacrosse team and a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. Before attending Sewanee, Hal was a lacrosse coach for 5th – 8th grade recreational lacrosse leagues and at a therapeutic riding center for children with special needs. This will be Hal’s first summer at camp teaching lacrosse, riflery, and as a cabin counselor.
Mike Stephenson is from Hoschton, GA, and attends Berry College majoring in History and Secondary education. At school, Michael is a member of the Berry Crewteam, Young Life, Model United Nations, Phi Alpha Theta (History honors society), and the Honors Student Union. This will be Michael’s first year on staff teaching sailing and cross country.
Andy Suleskey is a former camper and CIT from Nokomis, FL, and attends the University of South Florida majoring in chemical engineering. As a camper and CIT, Andy was one of our most accomplished open boaters and progressed through the FCC paddling ranks and was one of the first campers to participate in the HUCK expeditions. This will be Andy’s first year on paddling staff and cabin counselor.
Brittany Taylor is from Arnaudville, LA and is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in marketing. Brittany works at her Alma Mater as an Academic Counselor. She has coached softball for three years and pole vaulting since 2007. This will be Brittany’s first summer at Falling Creek as a member of the barn staff.
Clark Templeton is from Chattanooga, TN, and is a chemical engineering student at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, TN. At school, Clark is involved with Engineers Without Borders, TNTech Honors Program, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, intramural ultimate frisbee, soccer, and tennis. This will be Clark’s first year on staff as a cabin counselor and teaching tennis and riflery.
Harry Titus is from Sumter, SC, and is attending Coastal Carolina University majoring in elementary education. At Coastal Carolina, Harry is president of the Resident Hall Association, is a Dalton-Floyd mentor at South Conway Elementary School mentoring students, and a Teal Trailblazer (campus tour guide for Admissions Office). This will be Harry’s first year on staff as a cabin counselor, basketball and riflery instructor.
Conner Valuch attends Hanover College in Indiana majoring in biology. Conner attended Lutheran Hills Camp in Indiana and worked there as well as a member of their support staff. At school, Conner is involved with the ultimate frisbee team, American Chemical Society and the Biology Club. This will be Conner’s first summer at FCC teaching archery, ultimate frisbee and a cabin counselor.
Brooke Visoski is a student at Milsaps College in Jackson, MS, majoring in Neuroscience. Outside of the classroom, Brooke is a two sport student athlete in both track and volleyball. Very familiar with Falling Creek, Brooke is a former camper from Camp Merrie-Woode and will a member of our barn staff. Brooke has been riding for many years and has competed in several hunter / jumper horse shows.
Will Vogan is a first year student at Hampden- Sydney College majoring in history. Originally from Norfolk, VA, Will learned about FCC from former Tribal Leader Watson Mulkey. At HSC, Will is a founding brother for Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and is a singer with the Accousticals, a Capella group. This will be his first year on staff as a cabin counselor, musician and sailing instructor.
David Ward is a graduate from Georgia Tech with a degree in International Affairs. At Georgia Tech, David was an avid participant and trip leader of ORGT (GA Tech’s Outdoor Recreation Program.) David has been paddling for many years and is a Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue instructor and Wilderness First Responder. This will be David’s first year at camp as a member of our paddling and cabin staffs.
Aiden Welsh is from Ambler, PA, and attends the University of Pittsburg majoring in pre-law and communications. At school, Aiden is a member of the Heinz Chapel Choir, Pitt Men’s Glee Club, Pitt Communication Club, International Hall Host Program, and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Music has always been a big part of Aiden’s life. He is a member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir and has toured with them around the world. Besides singing, Aiden was a tennis instructor at his hometown country club. This will be Aiden’s first summer at FCC teaching tennis and archery.
Ethan Welsh is the twin brother of first year staff member Aiden Welsh. Ethan attends the University of Pittsburgh majoring in law. Like his brother, Ethan has a love for tennis and music. Ethan was a tennis instructor and his local country club and was a member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir. At school, Ethan is a member of the Pittsburgh Men’s Glee Club and Heinz Chapel Choir. This will be Ethan’s first summer at FCC as a cabin counselor and tennis instructor.
Latoya Weston is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in Recreation Management. Latoya has is currently finishing her second degree in organizational communications at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. Originally form Fletcher, NC, Latoya worked at Camp Tekoa as an after-school assistant tutoring children and coordinating day camps. This will be Latoya’s first summer at FCC assisting and coordinating our camp operations in the Program Office.
Ben Yunker is from Chapel Hill, NC, and attends the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. At school, Ben is studying psychology and hopes to work in the field of Human Resources. Ben is a former camper of Camp Timberlake and learned of FCC from Cole Heiderich and fellow classmates that are FCC alums. At school, Ben is a member of the ultimate frisbee team and a Wilderness First Responder for the Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department. This will be Ben’s first year at FCC as a cabin counselor and teaching ultimate frisbee and archery.