Health Director

Hi Saltaire, my name is Nadjel Apollon. This will be my first summer working in Saltaire, and I’m extremely excited!

Being a nurse is more than a job for me, it’s who I am inside and becoming a nurse has been a wonderful journey. As a child I always felt the need to be there for others, and protecting and caring for others is always my main goal. The first part of my career I worked with an older population, and later on in my career I have worked with children in schools with special needs. Working with children gives strength and regenerates the hearts of those who work with them, and I am so happy that my career is taking me to Saltaire this summer to work with the children in the camp.

When I am not nursing, I like to cook, garden, and watch classic movies with my two dogs Cameron and Winter. This will be an awesome summer for us all, and I look forward to meeting you and your children.

Recreation Assistant

Hi Campers and Families! My name is Vickie and I’m so excited to return as the Recreation Assistant this summer! I was born and raised in Saltaire as a “year-rounder,” and spent many summers at this very camp. When I’m not in Saltaire, I love to hike, camp, and explore the outdoors. This summer I’m still trying to learn how to fish. Wish me luck if you see me on the dock!

Camp Aquatics Director

Hi everyone, my name is Meg Schou and I am the Camp Aquatics Director. I was born and raised in West Islip, NY and have spent every summer between Kismet and Fair Harbor. Time flies and this will be my 20th summer working for The Village of Saltaire. In 2006 I started as a lifeguard, and I have been growing my water safety education and certifications since then. I love aquatics!

From the months of September – June I can be found on the mainland teaching high school Health. I received my bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and K-12 Education from Towson University (Go Tigers!) and my master’s degree in Special Education from Touro College. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family and friends, swim, run and read. We have a fun summer planned, and I can’t wait for it to start!

Bay Specialist

Hi everyone! My name is Caitlin Appel. I am so excited to be back at Saltaire. I used to work as a swim instructor for the camp a few years ago and am thrilled to be returning. I am born and raised in West Islip (still going strong). Summer is obviously my favorite season because I get to look forward to my favorite things; the water, Fire Island and swimming. I grew up never getting out of the water on my dads boat and on the dive team! I have been a lifeguard ever since I was 16 and each season I become more knowledgeable about aquatics and how each swimmer learns.

I have always loved working with kids, which is why I am a school counselor at a middle school and a SUSA soccer coach. I graduated from NYIT with my bachelors and masters while playing collegiate soccer and lacrosse. In my free time, I love to travel, hike, snowboard, and spend time with friends and family. I can’t wait to meet the campers for this summer and support them in their aquatic growth while having unforgettable memories!

Ocean Specialist

Hi everyone! I’m Sarah, and this will be my fifth summer here at Saltaire Day Camp! A bit about me is that I’m Long Island born and raised, from Massapequa. I was an ocean lifeguard for 5 years before joining the Saltaire crew. I also graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Marine Vertebrate Biology. When I’m not in Saltaire, I live and work on Santa Catalina Island in Southern California as a marine scientist and instructor for the Catalina Island Marine Institute at Fox Landing. I do everything from kelp restoration, snorkel trips, lifeguarding, animal collection, and educating the students of the west coast about the Pacific Ocean! I am so excited to get everyone in the water and learn more about our Mother Ocean!

Ocean Specialist Assistant

Hi everyone! My name is Christina Molloy and this will be my fifth summer working at Saltaire Day Camp. I graduated from Siena College with my NYS Education Certification in Social Studies (Grades 7-12), and I recently completed my Master’s in Special Education from the University of Florida. I’m from West Islip, NY and I spent many of my summers boating on the Great South Bay. Some of my favorite summer memories include boating at Atlantique and spending time in the Adirondacks. Prior to working at Saltaire Day Camp, I was a tennis instructor at a tennis camp on Long Island. I love to run and recently ran the Chicago Marathon and the NYC Marathon. When I’m not running, I love to play tennis, swim, and of course go to the beach! I’m so grateful for this opportunity to work at Saltaire Day Camp. I’m so excited to see what’s to come this summer!

Field Program Director

Hey everyone! This will be my 10th summer at Saltaire Day Camp and my 6th as Field Program Director. I started as a group leader from 2016–2019, which sparked my love for this amazing community. I’m from West Islip, NY, and have spent the past 11 years teaching high school English at a top Manhattan school. I also have an almost 1-year-old daughter, Shea, who I can’t wait to see as a future Saltaire camper!

As the Field Program Director, I’m thrilled to have your child joining us for what promises to be a summer full of adventure, learning, and growth. Our team has been hard at work planning dynamic outdoor activities, team challenges, and sport-based experiences designed to build confidence, friendships, and unforgettable memories.

I’m committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every camper can thrive.

Here’s to a fantastic Summer 2025! Let’s play ball!

Field Program Assistant

Hi everyone! My name is Erin and I’m excited for my second summer at the Saltaire Day Camp. I am also excited for my new role as Field Program assistant! I am a physical education major with a coaching minor going into my senior year at Westfield State University. In addition, I play lacrosse at Westfield. I have had great opportunities working with kids throughout my lifetime and I cannot wait to continue that this summer! I’m hoping that experience will make me the perfect fit for field program assistant. I love the summer, beach, and sports! I can’t wait to meet you all if you are new, and see you again if you are returning!

Art Program Director

Hi everyone! My name is Lauren and this is my third year as the Art Program Director. I was born and raised in Islip, NY, currently residing in Farmingdale. Over the years I have spent countless summers exploring the Fire Island seashore. Growing up, I have fond memories of summers spent at my grandparent’s house in Lonelyville, selling painted seashells and cups of lemonade to people near the ferry docks, riding bikes with friends on the boardwalk, and watching magical sunsets on the bay. Fire Island has and always will hold a special place in my heart.

A little about my experiences: I graduated with my BFA in Art Education from LIU CW Post, and MS in Visual Art Education from SUNY New Paltz. I have experience teaching art in both public and private schools on Long Island and NYC for 8+ years. In my spare time I enjoy drawing/painting, kayaking, and spending time at the beach.

I’m very happy to be part of the magic Fire Island has to offer, by bringing an amazing art program to the Saltaire Day Camp. I look forward to an inspiring summer guiding your children to cultivate creativity, self-expression, artistic exploration, and forming memories that will last a lifetime.

Nature Specialist

This is my 4th summer at the Saltaire Summer Camp and my third as the Nature Specialist. I grew up on Long Island and I currently live in Bayshore with my husband John and our daughter Laurel. I lived on Fire Island for 18 years, there is no other place like it! Kismet was our neighborhood, but Saltaire was our summer town. We spent many of our days walking the boardwalks, reading books, and playing games in the library and at the marina.

I am an avid birder, hiker, and have over 10 years experience in outdoor education, having taught a range of ages from toddler camp programs to high school assemblies.

I received my BA in Environmental Studies and Education from LIU C.W. Post and I am a NYS certified Teacher Assistant. Assisting with the environmental education program at the Woodhull school is one of my favorite parts of my job. Teaching children to love the outdoors and appreciate nature is something I never grow tired of. I’m so excited to work with such an amazing group of educators. This will be a summer to remember!

Yoga Program Director

Dear Friends: If there were ever a time for yoga, it is now. I am so looking forward to returning to the Saltaire Camp/Recreation Program to bring Yoga to your children. This will be my 8th summer. For those of you who do not know me, I have been coming to Saltaire since my son Alexander was born, 21 years ago. After completing my Yoga training (200TTC) to become a licensed yoga instructor, I soon discovered the joy and true sense of peace in teaching at our beach. Currently, I am furthering my prana vinyasa, restorative, yin and reiki studies in Los Angeles and completing my 300TTC. I look forward to showing and building a harmony with your children; sharing the beauty, focus and strength of yoga and our environment. I am grateful to be sharing what I love and strive to make your child’s yoga journey fun, fresh and challenging. Namaste 🙏🏻

Music Teacher

I am a violinist, pianist, and composer from Seattle, Washington. I now live in Providence, RI, and before that I was living and working in NYC for 13 years. I have taught students of all ages since 1993. I currently teach violin and piano at The Providence School of Music and Community Music Works; I also teach at Rhode Island College and Roger Williams University. I was the Music Director at Bucks Rock Camp-an overnight camp in Milford, Connecticut, and I taught violin at the Brooklyn Conservatory from 2012 to 2020. I also perform regularly in a variety of styles including classical, folk, pop, and jazz. I look forward to leading the children of Saltaire in musical explorations again, including singing new songs and some old favorites, playing instruments – and the all important movement to music! Each session will include some dancing to fiddle tunes and keyboard jams.

Group Leader

Hello, my name is Dillon Archer and this will be my seventh summer at Saltaire Day Camp. I was born and raised in West Islip, NY. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Adolescent Education from SUNY Oswego and received my Masters Degree in Educational Technology from LIU Post. I taught Social Studies in a Brooklyn high school for 5 years where I also served as the Lead Teacher. I currently teach high school social studies right here on Long Island. I truly love teaching and building relationships with my students. I am a huge Yankees and Jets fan and love sports. I also coach baseball and football at the middle school level in my school district. I am very much looking forward to spending another summer working by the beach in Saltaire. Can’t wait to get started and have a great summer!

Group Leader

My name is Ryan Cassidy. This is the first summer that I will be working for the Saltaire Camp, however I got to witness its magic for the past two summers as I dropped off and picked up my children who both attended the camp. I am very excited to be a part of such an awesome group of people, and can’t wait to help make camp the best part of the year for all the campers. I have been coming out to Fire Island since 1986. I am a father to twins James and Adeline who are six, soon to be seven. I live in Brightwaters, New York, but my family and I spend most weekends throughout the year at our beach house in Fair Harbor. We love the beach all year round! I have been a Special Education teacher with the Bay Shore School District for twenty-three years. I taught a self-contained class, grades three and four for seventeen years, and since then have been a third grade inclusion teacher. When I am not at camp I will be at the beach with my children, exercising, running to Point of Woods, hosting family dinners, or playing and clamming in the bay.

Group Leader

Hey everyone! My name is Ryan Denninger and this will be my 8th summer working as a group leader at Saltaire Day Camp. I graduated from SUNY Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in History and completed my graduate program at Long Island University-Post with a master’s degree in Adolescent Education: Social Studies. I am currently a high school history teacher and dean in Brooklyn and I love what I do! In my free time, I love keeping active in any way possible. I love playing sports and rooting on my favorite professional sports teams in the Yankees, Knicks, and Jets. I’m a big time foodie, especially pizza and tacos. Nothing beats spending beautiful summer days on the beach so I cannot wait for the opportunity to work with you all.

Group Leader

Hello! My name is Nick Fioravanti and this will be my third summer working for the Saltaire Day Camp. I just graduated from Long Island University with a Bachelor’s in Communications and work part-time at a local Long Island radio station. When I’m not at camp, I like to play the drums, listen to music, go to Mets games, and hang out with friends. I can’t wait to meet all the new campers and see all of the returning ones this summer!

Group Leader

My name is Zelde and I’m so excited to be returning for my fourth summer at Saltaire Day Camp. I’m from Brooklyn, New York and am currently studying at Connecticut College. I grew up attending this camp myself—though I’ll admit I was a pretty difficult camper! (I rarely joined in and absolutely refused to wear my shoes.) That experience helps me connect with even the most hesitant campers today. I’m passionate about creating a space where every child feels safe, seen, and included—whether they’re loud and lively or quiet and independent. I worked as a counselor my first two years and was on the aquatics staff last summer giving me a full scope of how the camp functions. In my free time, you can find me at the beach, with my friends, or most often still hanging out with campers. I’ve been babysitting Fire Island kiddos for around 6 years and can confidently say it’s one of my favorite things to do! My family had been coming to Fire Island since the early 70s so it’s always been home and being a part of Saltaire Day Camp lets me give back to the community that helped raise me.

Group Leader

Hello everyone! My name is Danny O’Connor, this is my 7th summer working at Saltaire Day Camp, and I was a camper before that. I’m from Philadelphia and am currently in school at the University of Pennsylvania studying Mechanical Engineering. When not at camp you might see me out on the bay sailing or hanging out with my cousins. I’m very excited to be coming back this summer and am looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces, and some fresh ones too.

Group Leader

This summer will be my third year working as a Group Leader at Saltaire Day Camp. I am looking forward to returning to camp. I was born and raised in Islip, New York. I still reside in Islip and truly love living in such a close knit community. I am currently a Preschool Teacher’s Assistant at Trinity Lutheran Preschool in Islip. I have been teaching at Trinity for the last 6 years. I truly love and enjoy working with children . They make my heart happy. I currently assist in the 3 year old class and do aftercare enrichment with 3, 4, and 5 year olds. I enjoy getting them prepared for their journey forward to Kindergarten. I also enjoy spending time with my family . Raising my daughter and two sons has been my biggest accomplishment. I always enjoyed spending time at Robert Moses on Fire Island with my children . The lighthouse is one of our favorite places to visit . I am so excited and looking forward to meeting all the new campers this summer at Saltaire.

Group Leader

Hi! My name is Ela Swicord. I was born and raised in Poland where I worked on a family farm. Growing up, I Ioved having fun outside and connecting to nature. As the oldest of seven children, I learned responsibility at a young age which helped me develop a strong work ethic. After earning a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Łódź, I taught in Poland for three years before moving to New York. It was a long journey to get to where I am now… I’ve been working as an ENL (English as a New Language) teacher for the Brentwood school district for the past nine years. I live in West Islip but spent the past eight summers in Kismet. My two kids attended Saltaire camp when they were little. In my free time I like to go to the beach, bake, and read. This will be my second summer as a Group Leader. I can’t wait to see everyone!

Assistant Group Leader

Hello! My name is Brett Arthur! This is my second summer working with the Saltaire Day Camp and I can’t wait to continue as an assistant group leader. I’m from Phoenix where I was a varsity rower for my highschool. Currently I am a rising sophomore at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, outside of class I am a coxswain on the men’s crew team. In my free time, I like to cook, bake, and do yoga. My grandparents started taking my brothers and me to Kismet when I was one year old, and I’ve spent every summer here since.

Assistant Group Leader

Hi everybody! My name is Paxton Hemingway and this will be my second summer at Saltaire Day Camp. I was born and raised on Long Island, in Bay Shore specifically, and grew up frequently coming over to Fire Island for day and weekend trips. Before working at Saltaire I was a deckhand for Fire Island Ferries’ freight boats, so Fire Island has been a consistent part of my life. I have always loved the beach, which is why I absolutely love working in Saltaire. I am currently attending the University of Vermont, where I am studying to be a high school social studies teacher. Throughout the year I am also a staff member for the National High School Model United Nations Conference where I do a lot of research, writing, and education on global politics and international relations to facilitate a global conference in New York City every March. In my free time I love to ski, read, hike, and watch soccer. I cannot wait to meet and work with all the campers this summer!

Assistant Group Leader

Hey everyone! My name is Maya and this is my first year as an Assistant Group Leader at the camp! I am currently finishing my associates degree in early childhood education and am also currently a preschool teacher. Working with kids has truly been such a highlight of my life and a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I graduated from Woodhull Elementary School in Ocean Beach, so Fire Island will always have a special place in my heart: it truly is such a beautiful island. I always say the beach is my second home! I’m beyond excited for this summer and to be a part of the team!

Assistant Group Leader

My name is Leah Ricciardone. I was born and raised on Long Island. This will be my second summer working at Saltaire Day Camp and I cannot express how excited I am to be back at camp. I am currently going into my junior year of college at SUNY Cortland studying Early Childhood Education. Becoming a teacher has always been a passion for me and changing children’s lives is extremely important to me. During my summers as a child I spent most of my days at camp or at the beach. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and sitting on the beach with a book in my hand. I cannot wait to be back in Saltaire with all of you!

Art Program Assistant

Hi! My name is Julia and this is my first year as the Art Program Assistant. I am a practicing artist and art teacher from Commack, NY. I’ve been creating, building, and imagining for as long as I can remember! I’ve always believed that creativity is more than just making art; it’s about curiosity, exploration, and play.

Over the past few years, I’ve earned my BFA in Production Design from Pace University NYC and my MA in Art Education from Brooklyn College.

Before teaching art, I worked in the art departments of film and television productions, collaborated on theatrical scenic designs, and helped bring immersive installation art to restaurants and shops across the city. While I loved working in these creative industries, I realized something was missing: a true sense of support and encouragement for artists. That realization inspired me to shift paths and step into education.

Now, my goal is to make creativity fun and accessible for everyone. I’ve worked with young artists across Long Island and I’m so excited to bring that energy and passion to camp. I believe every camper deserves a space where they feel free to express themselves and make something magical!

All-Camp Substitute

My name is Laurel Stewart, and this will be my fourth summer working at Saltaire Day Camp. I grew up on Fire Island as a year-round resident, and now reside just across the bay in Bay Shore, Long Island. I am a second year Childhood Education student at Long Island University (C.W. Post), and I am dedicated to educating children about the beautiful and complex natural environment of Fire Island. By working at the camp, I am able to share the same experiences I had and my love of nature with the next generation. I am also an artist and a small business owner, and I am grateful to be able to share the joy of creativity with others.

All-Camp Substitute

Hi everyone! My name is Tori and I grew up on Long Island, spending summers at the beaches and Fire Island. This will be my 5th summer working at Saltaire, how time flies! A little about me, I was a competitive gymnast for 10 years and 6 of those I was also a part of the Varsity Gymnastics team. I attend the University at Buffalo, and I am majoring in Architecture.

I come from a big family, the youngest of 7, and I really enjoy working with kids. Some of my best memories are from being a camp counselor at Saltaire! I also took American Sign Language from 7th- 12th grade and I am looking forward to being able to share my love for the language with the campers! I can’t wait to have a great summer and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone!