camp j staff

Emily Malin, Special Needs Services Director & Interim Camp Director
Emily has been working in the social services field for eight years. She studied education and non-profit management at
ASU. Emily has always had a passion for helping others and volunteering. She loves camping and spent many summers at
Camp Charles Pearlstein.
Aimee Gillard, Assistant Camp J Director
This is Aimee’s fourth summer at The J. She has a Master’s degree in Education from ASU. Her experience includes teaching
in early childhood programs, after-school and gymnastic programs. Aimee enjoys working out, hiking and traveling. She
enjoys spending time with her friends and family, including her husband and 2 year old son.
Oren Riback, Assistant Camp J Director
Oren has a B.A. in philosophy from The College of Wooster in Ohio and is an alumni camper with the Tucson J. He is a former
high school teacher that finds joy in assisting youth through personal development in engaging and interactive settings.
Joline Riddle, Early Childhood Education Director
Joline has been with The J since the summer of 2015. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s
degree in Early Childhood Education and a certificate in Educational Leadership. She has spent her career working with
young children in a local school district and undergraduate pre-service teachers at the University of Arizona.
Matthew Meyer, Director of Sports & Recreation
Matthew is a 6th generation Tucsonan. He received a scholarship to play basketball at Kansas Wesleyan University where he
earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health, Physical Education, & Recreation. Matthews enjoys working with people of all
ages, with a commitment to helping people develop a sense of health and wellness through physical activity.
Marian Schiltz, Early Childhood Education Director of discover CATCH and Operations
Marian has been with The J since 2011. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English, Theater Arts & Cultural Diversity. She is
certified in Early Childhood Education Basic Studies. Marian is our health and fitness specialist. She is passionate about
nutrition and exercise with children, parents, and teachers.
Brandon Rannebarger, Aquatics Director and Head Coach
A highly experienced aquatics coach, Brandon has worked with College All Americans, professional triathletes and nationally
ranked swimmers of all levels. He helped The J launch the new J-Rays Swim School in 2016.
Celia Simpson, Assistant Aquatics Director & Swim Coach
Celia grew up in Peoria, AZ and moved to Boston to attend Boston University. At BU, she swam and studied Environmental
Analysis and Policy, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. Swimming has been a part of her life for many years, swimming
competitively since the age of nine. She has taught swimming lessons and coached for four summers during high school and
college,
Other Staff:
Camp Unit Heads oversee all aspects of their respective camps. They have experience as summer camp counselors and
experience/education in working with children and in the camping industry. They supervise counselors and provide top
quality, safety-first and age appropriate programming to all of camp, including the planning, implementation, and
supervision of themed activities.
ECE Teachers and Counselors utilize their year-round Early Childhood professionals who are experts in working with these
age groups.
Camp Medical Assistant is educated and experienced in providing minor medical attention and first aid, education,
medication disbursement and other services related to the health needs of our campers and staff.
Camp J Counselors, Advocates and Specialists are supervised by their respective Camp Directors. They are carefully
selected and are caring educators, highly skilled and trained to work with our diverse camp family. Specialists include swim
instructors, lifeguards, arts & crafts, music, theater, sports, cooking, science, culture and leadership training. Shinshinim
(counselors from Israel) provide campers the spirit of Israel.