Meet Maria, Our new Executive Director

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.

-Henry David Thoreau

Hi! My name is Maria and I'm excited to take on the role of Executive Director of Camp HOPE.

I am.

First and foremost I should let you know that I'm the oldest daughter of Camp's founder, Becky. I like to tell people that I grew up talking about grief at the kitchen table. I'm incredibly proud to be Becky's daughter and I hope in the following years I can be half as powerful and just as fiercely loving as she is.

I'm also a sister to three quite amazing younger siblings: John, Ted, and Emma. I'm a partner to a very compassionate man, Will. And I'm a dog-mom to a 80lb goof of a rescue dog named Gryff. I tell you all of this because I am, we are, much more than our jobs. However, with that being said, to me Camp HOPE is more than just a job, it's a passion.

My Camp HOPE Journey

I never expected my journey to take me here, becoming the Executive Director of Camp HOPE. In fact, for many years any time anyone ever asked if I wanted to take over for my mom, I smiled and kindly explained that I was enjoying my time as a school social worker and had aspirations of becoming a principal. However, as I grew in my leadership abilities at school, my confidence also grew. I became part of the Board of Directors of Camp HOPE and slowly began working more closely with my mom and Vicky. I was able to co-direct a couple of camps, and that's when I truly fell in love.

As Vicky and I became closer we realized that with two of us, Camp HOPE could grow. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity to work closely with Vicky to grow camp and I'm honored to follow in my mom's footsteps.

*And yes, that is me in the old school picture at Camp with my mom, dad, John and Ted. For over 30 years, volunteers have watched me grow up at Camp. I can't wait to have many more.