#camppals2018

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Director Blog Series: Camp PALS Baltimore

Lisa’s Bio

Hi PALS friends & families! 

My name is Lisa Lapina and I am so excited for PALS Baltimore 2018! This will be my 8th summer with PALS and my 3rd summer directing a program. Prior to directing, I participated as a Counselor and Head Counselor at Camp PALS Georgetown and Camp PALS Philadelphia. For the past two summers, I directed Camp PALS Cleveland. Ryan and I could not be more excited to open a BRAND NEW location for PALS in Maryland.  

Here’s some information about me! I was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, PA. I graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2011 and I went directly into graduate school at UPenn. I earned my Master’s degree in Reading/Writing/Literacy in 2013 and moved to Baltimore, Maryland shortly after graduation to pursue a teaching job in Anne Arundel County. This is my 5th year teaching first grade at Crofton Woods Elementary. For the past 4 years, my students have been supporting PALS by creating our dorm decorations. It’s exciting to see them engaged in the PALS community at such a young age. I can't wait for another unforgettable summer with PALS Programs and I look forward to sharing the very best of Baltimore with you!

Ryan's Bio

Hi PALS friends & families! 

My name is Ryan Neher and I am so excited for PALS Baltimore 2018! This will be my 4th summer with PALS and my 1st summer directing a program. I was born and raised in Richboro, PA. I am a senior at Bloomsburg University where I study digital forensics. Prior to directing, I participated as a Counselor, Head Counselor and CPS at Camp PALS Philadelphia, San Francisco and Maine. Last school year, I was also part of the PALS Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for PALS advocates to promote, fundraise, and recruit for PALS Programs in their schools, on their campuses, and in their communities. 

I am beyond ecstatic to be able to plan a Camp this year! Lisa and I have so many exciting things in store for our campers and counselors! I can't wait for another amazing summer with PALS and I look forward to seeing what Baltimore has in store for us!

[palsprograms]

Director Blog Series: Camp PALS Philadelphia Session 2 - The Julian & Tina Krinsky Program

Hello family, friends, and PALS supporters, 

Tori: My name is Tori Cedar and I've been honored to be a part of PALS Programs since 2015. This will be my second summer directing but the first summer being a Logistics Director for Philly 2. I couldn't be more thrilled to take on this new adventure with Evan!

I'm a senior at Syracuse University. I study Psychology and Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Language Track) with a concentration in Disability Studies. Here at Cuse, I work for a program called InclusiveU where I make sure students with disabilities have the same college experience as any other college student. I organize different events on campus and in the community. I also am the middle person in connecting InclusiveU students with organizations/clubs on campus that they chose to be a part of. I truly get to keep the PALS magic all year long. I love to run and hike and I'm a huge fan of the New York Rangers (yes having a Flyer's fan Co-Director has been a struggle).

I am currently in the grad school interview process as we speak and (HOPEFULLY) will be getting my Doctorate in School Psychology post graduation!

Evan and I could not be more excited for this summer. It's going to be the best yet!

Evan: I am Evan Herrington! I have been volunteering for PALS for six amazing summers. This will be my second time directing at Philly 2 and I am already excited for what this summer has in store!  

I am a first year Kindergarten teacher in a town a few miles from Point Pleasant, NJ where I was born and raised. A lot of my free time is spent fishing, watching the Flyers, and hanging with friends and family. I work with students who have cognitive impairment. I love working, teaching, and supporting kids and young adults year-round. My involvement in PALS as well as my career path have largely been shaped by my older brother Ryan, a Camper with PALS. He showed me how significant an impact PALS has on the Down syndrome community and I have been involved ever since. I am so excited to share another PALS summer with the Philly 2 crew!

All our PALS love, 

Tori and Evan

Camp PALS Philadelphia 2 Director Team