Support Staff 2013Jeff is part of the fourth generation to operate Cheley Camps. He works with his fa-

ther and sister to oversee the operations of the business and continue the traditions established by Frank Cheley. He is a graduate of the University of Texas and a proud

Longhorn. Jeff and his wife Erika live in Englewood during the winter months with their three boys Jackson, Harrison and Hayden. During camp, Jeff can be found playing ping-

pong on Ski Hi porch during treats, or carrying Audio Visual equipment somewhere around camp. He enjoys cycling, golf and hanging out with his family.

Jeff Cheley: Director

Brooke is also part of the fourth generation to operate Cheley Camps. Brooke is a graduate of University of Colorado where she skied on the freestyle ski team. She is

married to Kurt Klebe they have three daughters: Ellie, Kate and Samantha. They are in the process of moving back to Denver from New Orleans. Brooke works with the family

to oversee the business, focuses on the out-of-camp programs, the quality of the experience, and relations with the camp families. She is a graduate of NOLS in

Patagonia and enjoys skiing and dancing.

Brooke Cheley Klebe: Director

Don is part of the third generation to operate Cheley Camps. Don attended Colorado College and graduated from Menlo College in California. Don can tell you anything you want to know about Cheley Camps. He has dedicated much of his life to Cheley and the

camping industry. During the summer, you can find Don driving around camp in his truck checking on activities, campers, and the facilities. He may be sweeping a porch, cutting down a tree, or fixing a vacuum. If you can’t find him, just hang out in the kitchen while

a fresh batch of cookies is baking and he will be around soon.

Don Cheley: Director Emeritus

As a former director of Cheley for 25 years, Carole continues to offer her expertise, wis-dom, and love to Cheley and organized camping. She’s involved with the American Camp Association, the Western Association of Independent Camps and the Association of In-

dependent Camps. She remains a great resource for Cheley and many camps throughout the country. At camp you’ll find her connecting with campers, staff, and alumni.

Carole Cheley: Director Emeritus

Shawn found Cheley in the summer of 2003 and has been back every summer since. He has been a wrangler, assistant director, unit director, and now joins our year round staff

as the director of operations. For the past ten years he was been a high school counselor in the Chicagoland area. He is excited about moving to Colorado and

continuing the Cheley mission. When he’s not eating, he can often be found running.

Shawn Ness: Director of Operations/Boys’ Camp

Year Round Staff

Peggy has many years of experience with Cheley. She was a camper (1965-1974), AD in Lower Chipeta in 1980, a year round employee from 1980-1981 and a camp parent. Her sons Devon and Logan were campers and Devon is a staff member. A graduate of

Indiana University, Peggy brings over 25 years of office experience and customer service skills to Cheley. Her husband, Rusty, and their dog, Phantom, can be found at camp.

Peggy Haynes: Enrollment Director

Kim Betts: HR Manager

Alyse started at Cheley in 1999 as a riflery counselor. She was later a hiking counselor and a director before joining the year round team in 2006. A graduate of the University of Iowa, she used to be a teacher in Chicago. Her daughter, Stella (1) can be found with

the other Cheley junior campers.

Alyse Kenser: Program Director/Discovery Director

Kevin has been part of the year round staff since 2001. A native of Mississippi, he enjoys the cool summers and the awe-inspiring views of Estes Park from his home on the Land O’ Peaks ranch. Kevin is a federally licensed Radio Operator and enjoys participating in radio contests making contacts all around the world. When summer rolls around you

may have a hard time finding Kevin; he will be behind the scenes trying to make things work for the campers and staff. He and his wife Brenda have one son, Reis.

Kevin Hendrix: Facility/Maintenance

Part of our team since 2005, Mike previously toured the world playing bass guitar and singing with a rock band before settling in Estes Park. When he’s not busy remodeling our cabins or keeping our turf plush and green, he can be found playing the guitar or pouring over boat building books. Don’t miss his performance at All Camp Campfire!

Mike Supinski: Facility/Maintenance

Steve Enyeart: Special Projects

Originally from Bloomington, IN, Chris moved to Estes Park about six years ago and joined the Cheley family. As a proud fan of Nascar, he enjoys watching a good race. He

and his wife Taylor, a former Cheley counselor, have a daughter, Hailey (5 months).

Chris Schrader: Trans Crew Director/Maintenance

A graduate of Kansas State University, Ruthann has been with Cheley since 1977. She enjoys reading, hiking, or watching movies. During the summer she can be found in one of the four kitchens, meeting with food vendors, or driving the food van through camp.

Amber Rahn: Office Support/Swing CrewAmber has spent 12 summers at Cheley and lives on the ranch with her husband Chris and their daughter, Trinity (3). During the winter she helps with interviewing staff and

in the summer she works in the office. She enjoys running, Zumba, reading, and horses.

Kim comes to Cheley with 25 years experience as a camper, counselor, registrar, associate director and director of administration at a co-ed residential camp on the East Coast. She grew up in Arlington, VA and is a graduation of Mississippi State University.

Kim and her husband, Kenny, have three children: Brayden, Brinley and Bristol.

Born and raised in Estes Park, Steve previously worked in residential construction, and joined the Cheley team when he retired. He can be found on camp property working on

different projects and doing maintenance work.

Chris was a BTE camper, and a wrangler before becoming the ranch manager. He has a degree in Agricultural Education from Colorado State. Chris loves anything horse

related, taking pack trips, cooking with a dutch oven and is studying how to build his own saddles. He is also an avid skier/snow boarder and loves playing with his daughter.

Chris loves Amber’s cooking and anything with chocolate and peanut butter.

Chris Rahn: Ranch Foreman

Ruthann Holle: Food Manager

Program StaffRetired from 35+ years working for the YMCA, this is my second summer as the Girls’

Camp Director. I’m originally from Northbrook, IL, but have lived in Estes Park well over half of my life so I consider the mountains to be my home. I can’t wait for you all to get

here...we are going to have a wonderful summer in the Colorado Rockies!

Gail Albers: Girls’ Camp Director

I’m back for my third summer at Cheley and Estes Park is now the place I consider home. When I’m not hiking or backpacking, I’m on a boat in Key West or road-tripping

to a new destination. My favorite things in life are coffee, the smell of old books, a Colorado hiking trail, and chocolate. Always chocolate.

Susan Taylor: Out of Camp Program Director

Most people call me Denali and I’m so excited to spend my summer at Cheley in the mountains! I’m working on a Masters in art therapy counseling. I spent three years in

Poland working with youth at after-school programs. I love the outdoors, banana boats and my cat- Aspen.

Sarah Bainbridge: Rockstock Director

I’m Smitty and I’ve been associated with Cheley for 26 years as a camper for eight, wrangler for five and the CILT Coordinator for 13 years. After 36 years with United Air-lines, my wife and I retired to Estes Park and I was able to once again work at Cheley.

Richard Smith: CILT Coordinator

Are you ready to play with clay?! I’ve got new ideas for you potters and sculptors, both experienced and new. After spending the spring teaching about Colorado wildlife and

natural history, I’m ready to use my hands, creativity, and imagination. Jason and Sarah will be returning to Cheley, leaving husband Greg to hold down the homestead and take care of our draft horses and other animals. Can’t wait to return - I love this job!

Michele Van Hare: Ceramics Specialist

I’m a retired Industrial Arts teacher from Indiana and this is my 49th summer at Cheley. I have worked with trail and outdoor skills and was director of Ski Hi. My work with youth

has been sprinkled with dedication, fun, love and subtle wisdom.

Bill Kalbac: Woods Specialist

This is my 8th summer on staff. I was on the Trans Crew but then my creative side kicked in and now I work in the wood craft shop helping campers create beautiful reminders of their summer in the mountains. Originally from Louisiana, then Texas and Mississippi, I have found my home in Estes Park. My wife, Wanda, and I have two daughters - Rebec-ca, was a camper for 9 years and then on staff for several more, while Anna is a camper

(and a CLT) for her 10th summer this year. What a way to spend the summer!

Ken Curry: Woods Specialist

I’m from Miami, Oklahoma which is close to both KS and MO. As a retired teacher and technology coordinator this gives me the opportunity to work part time in all three

states. I love to travel, sail, explore old/new places with my wife Beth, and teach. I’m a past camper/staff member at this magical place. At my past visits I have made lasting friendships, met amazing developing young adults that become heroes, legends and

great civic leaders. What will you find here at camp?

Jodee D’Avignon: IT/Riflery Specialist

I was born and raised in Maine and love to create, play outside and hula hoop! I studied art, anthropology and sociology at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire and

hope to eventually teach art. I have spend the last year in Colorado and am thrilled to be spending my second summer at Cheley!

Emily Galli: Crafts Coordinator

I’m from Gulfport, Mississippi and I teach at Stone Middle School in Wiggins, MS. I’ve been married to a wonderful man for 34 years and have five wonderful children. I enjoy pottery, quilting and reading during my spare time. Coming to camp is like a long vaca-

tion. I love Cheley, the mountains and the great staff at camp!

Angela Wilson: Hostess- 1st Term

Howdy! This will be my 8th year at Cheley and I am excited to be back after 10 years. I am from Nacogdoches, Texas. I teach at Stephen F. Austin University in the Elementary Education Department. I

enjoy traveling, reading, playing piano, and spoiling the grandchildren. I also enjoy keeping in touch with my family, especially my son and daughter who are former Cheley staff members.

Dottie Gottshall: Hostess- 2nd Term

This is my 5th summer at Cheley (I was a camper for 3 years). I’m from Kansas, but recently moved to Denver. I just finished my first year as a Learning Specialist in Castle

Pines, CO. I love teaching, fishing, the outdoors, and traveling.

Erica Bartlett: Travel Coordinator

This summer will be my first experience at camp and I’m excited! I was born and raised in Houston, TX, but live in Columbia, MO, and attend the University of Missouri. M-I-Z! I love everything outdoors, especially climbing and slacklining. I’m sure this will be one

amazing summer and I can’t wait to meet you all!

Jodie Sabino: Girls’ Store/Hotshot

ice StaffOff

Coming to you from the midwest and midlife, I am taking a break from my 28 year career as a physical therapist in Kansas City. I’m so excited to spend the summer along-

side my daughter, Mary Clara, a counselor at GTE. Although I’ve never been a formal camp employee, I’ve had my own “Camp Hutchison” with my husband and 7 kids so

needless to say, I’m very good with children. And laundry!

Judy Hutchison: Stores Manager

Go Big Red! I’m a Nebraska native, attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln as a post-baccalaureate student. I have a degree in Dietetics and am now pursuing a teach-ing certificate in Family and Consumer Sciences. I love the mountains, country music,

reading, the color blue, going on long walks, kids, camp, and Cheley.

Alyssa Brown: Childcare/Support-Betts

I’m from Ft. Lauderdale, FL and this is my 5th year on staff. I backpacked around Cen-tral America, Africa and Asia in 2012 on a humanitarian trip. I love the smell of new

tires, mac & cheese, and rain storms with lots of lightning.

Nicole Ruggiano : Childcare/Support-Klebe

I am a junior at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington (GO ZAGS!). I am a marketing major with an art minor. I’m originally from Denver and am so excited to be returning to Cheley to work as an assistant cook in the for the first time. Can’t wait to

learn the ins and outs of the Cheley kitchen!

Katie Hickey : Childcare/Support-Kenser, Rahn, Schrader

Carla Wolters: Childcare/Support- CheleyThis is my fourth summer at camp and I’m excited to be back among the pines and

peaks of the Rockies! I’m from Douglas, GA, but now call Denver my home. I can’t wait to spend my summer covered in dirt and adventure before buckling down for grad

school this fall. Get ready all you Cheley munchkins- it’s go time!

I’m a Geography major at the University of Northern Colorado and I’m looking forward to spending my first summer at Cheley. I love bikes and new experiences. It’s going to

be great to meet tons of amazing people!

Joshua Romero-Perry: Videographer

I’m coming all the way from Germany to spend my summer in the United States for the first time which is such an exciting and amazing opportunity. I just graduated from University with a degree in Media. My passions are chocolate chip cookies, Coldplay

and being creative. I hope not only to create this year’s yearbook, but also an amazing summer with all of you at Cheley!

Anne-Christin Schulze: Graphic Designer

I’m a Coloradan always and forever, no matter where I am! I graduated from Kansas City Art Institute with a BFA in sculpture and plan to get my MFA in photography and

become a photojournalist. I was accepted to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. I love taking photos, making things, and telling stories through art. This is my sec-

ond year at Cheley and I can’t wait to take photos for the website and yearbook!

Ian Warren: Photographer

I hail from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I attended a small private school to earn my degree. I love the mountains, but don’t get to enjoy them as much as I should. I love

to play music, am an avid shoe-wearer, and I fall weak at the knees for cherry pie.

Adam Devlin: Online Editor/Photographer

This is my second year on staff and my first year on Trans Crew. I’m very excited! Cheley is my home away from home and I can not wait to meet all of you!

Rob Cabello: Trans Crew- CDL

I was born and raised in Duluth, GA. I attend Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA and am studying Outdoor Education. I love the outdoors and am

looking forward to a great summer!

Joe Van Frayen: Trans Crew- CDL

Most recently from Fairbanks, Alaska, I’ve been warming up in the mountains on the western slope of Colorado.

Rebecca Echols: Trans Crew- CDL

This will be my second summer at Cheley and I can’t wait to get back to Estes Park and see everyone, especially the fine members of Trans Crew. Coming all the way from Aus-tin, TX, Colorado will be a relief from the Texas heat. Fun fact: the closest living relative

to whales is the hippopotamus.

Tyler Cline: Trans Crew

I’m a senior Advertising major at Georgia College & State University. I’m from Elmhurst, IL, but call Richmond Hill, GA home these days. I love friends, fishing, the outdoors and

good times. Han Solo always shoots first.

Justin Peacock: Trans Crew

Trevor Rowell: Trans Crew- CDLI am a 21 year old from Canton Georgia. I love the outdoors and for that reason I am

an Eagle Scout. I love rock climbing and hiking! I am also a proud cancer survivor. I love traveling and experiencing new things and places.

Trans and Maintenance Staff

I am finishing up my third year at Boise State University, and I cannot wait to be back at Cheley for my third year on staff. I was born and raised in the Gem State, Idaho. I enjoy golf, swimming, cartoons, and

absolutely love the mountains. I will be working out of Stuff Inn this summer, and willbe excited to see old friends and meet new faces.

Corbin Van Leeuwen: Stuff-Inn

Originally from Poland, I moved to Minnesota when I was 10 years old. I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, soccer and ultimate Frisbee. I’m studying Rangeland Ecology and Water-

shed Management at the University of Wyoming.

Born and raised on a rural Wisconsin farm, I have spent the last year in Milwaukee studying English and advertising at Marquette University. I love the outdoors and na-

ture, and taking the time to enjoy natural beauty. I’m pumped to work at Cheley!

Mati Fischer: Ranch Hand

Wyatt Massey: Ranch Hand

Howdy! I call Estes Park my home and have been working for Cheley for many years now. I take care of various projects around camp and love to work on cars. Here’s to

another great summer in the Rockies!

Jerry Elley: Special Projects

Nursing Staff

I may live in the Appalachians during the school year while studying nursing at the University of Virginia, but nothing gets me more excited than a summer in the Rockies!

I’m from the DC area and love country music, dogs, and exotic foods.

I’m from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, but live in Charlottesville, Virginia where I am an elementary school nurse. I love spending time outside and can’t wait to be

surrounded by the beautiful mountains all summer!

Kattie Latta: Girls’ Camp Nurse

Sally Haines: Girls’ Camp Nurse’s Aide

I’m Cissy-- relieved to be back for my third year at Cheley, away from the heat of my native Texas. I am proud and glad to be part of the awesome Cheley Nursing Team and our support of

the campers and staff at Cheley. Stop by any time to say hello!!

Cissy McCrary: Boys’ Camp Nurse

Annette Koweek: Relief Nurse- 1st Term

Although I was born in Syracuse, NY I went to high school in beautiful Boulder and have been in love with Colorado ever since. Some of my favorite things include NPR, Dancing with the Stars (don’t judge me!) and chocolate covered gummi bears. I also

enjoy travel and recently returned from trips to Zambia and Turkey with my husband. I’m just finished my Nurse Practitioner degree and can’t wait for summer!

Meredith Tuttle: Relief Nurse- 2nd Term

I’m a nurse, school counselor and middle school science teacher in southern Arizona and am excited to spend the summer with all the wonderful people at Cheley! Exploring

nature, hiking, quilting and reading are a few of my interests. I’ll be watching over the campers with great care as if they were my own!

Kim Hagler- Boys’ Nurse’s AideI’m from Linden, MI and I’m studying Elementary Education at the University of

Michigan in Flint. I love working with people, especially kids! This is my first summer at Cheley, but I’m no stranger to summer camps. I love my kitties and spending time with

my niece and nephew, chocolate ice cream, and lettuce is my favorite food!

I’m from Madison, Mississippi and am studying chemical engineering at Mississippi State University, where I just finished my freshman year. I love to play disc golf and ski

in the mountains!

Jordan Young: Food Dude

This is my 19th summer at Cheley, my home away from home. Being from South Texas, we have summer practically all year, so I come to Colorado for a “winter” season. This was my 32nd year with the schools at home and my husband and I just celebrated our

36th anniversary. Maybe one summer I can get him to come to camp with me!

Katherine Barnes: Relief Cook

This is my fifth year working at Cheley, if you can call being in the beautiful Rocky Mountains work! I live in St. Petersburg, FL and love the beach, swimming, reading and eating chocolate chip cookies, especially the ones homemade in camp kitchens! One of

the things I like best at Cheley is getting to know our international staff and campers.

Vicky Greer: Munch Inn

Looking forward to spending my 10th year at Cheley, returning to Munch Inn. I’m a mother of four wonderful children and one energetic grandson. I’m a retired public

education from Kent, CT and enjoy quilting and knitting.

Carolyn Echols: Munch Inn

Kitchen Staff

Ski Hi Kitchen StaffI was born and raised in south Texas, I got to camp as soon as I could! I’ve had an eclectic

work background ranging from newspaper photographer to tv news director, EMT, fire marshall and photolab owner. I finally settled on food service and have been with the lo-cal school district Child Nutrition Department for 17 years. I love to cook and can’t wait

to get back to Ski Hi kitchen- my home away from home!

Mike Badough: Head Cook

Amelia Cochrane: Assistant Cook

A.J. Yingling: Assistant Cook

A recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts, I’m excited to join Cheley. Born in Buffalo, NY, I’ve lived in Rochester, NY

most of my life. I like biking, hiking, baking and I work in a chocolate shop. I’m looking forward to being in the mountains this summer!

I am a sophomore studying professional Land Resource Development. I am from Colo-rado Springs, and I enjoy running, hiking, climbing and mountain biking.

Hi! I’m a Senior at Mississippi State University. Go Dawgs! I enjoy photography, hiking and camping-being outdoors pretty much. I am so excited to be spending my summer

at Cheley! It’s going to be a great summer!

Laney Wallace: Assistant Cook

I’m the Food Service Director a private school in Rochester, MN where I prepare lunches for some of the coolest kids on the planet. I love hot chocolate on snow days, warm

chocolate chip cookies with a glass of cold milk, spending time with my nieces and neph-ews, reading, long walks, and country music.

Arla Klimesh: Head Cook

Jaroslava Berezna: Assistant Cook

I have lived in Colorado for the majority of my life. I went to the Culinary Institute of America where I studied Baking and Pastry Arts. I love to travel, read, and have a good

time. Summer time can’t come fast enough. I am so EXCITED!

Shianne Rich: Assistant Cook

I’m from Charleston, SC and I go to school for dental hygiene at a local technical college. I’m excited for my first year at Cheley, and Colorado in general. I love the mountains and being at Cheley seems to be the perfect place for me. I’m excited to make friends from

all over the world and to see kids and young adults having fun at camp!

Rachel Moore: Assistant Cook

Though studying music at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, my heart will al-ways be in Colorado! I love being a cook and there’s no better place for me to do it than

at Cheley. I can’t wait to spend my second summer there!

Cassie Langjahr: Assistant Cook

Chipeta Kitchen Staff

My name is Jarka, I am from Slovakia and I am 20 years old. This is my first time in America! I enjoy all activities and study Faculty of Physical Education and Sports at

school back home. I am a player of the national Slovak women’s soccer team and I am enjoying my time in America!

I’m from Clinton, Iowa and study Human Development and Family Studies at Iowa State. This is my first summer at Cheley and I can’t wait to be apart of the swing crew! I love

pinterest, reading, concerts, cookies, and I can’t wait to love Colorado!

Jodie White: Swing Crew

I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and I just finished my sophomore year at Wingate University in North Carolina. I’m studying psychology and art. I love to bike,

run, cook, paint, eat ice cream and of course hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Emmie Andres: Swing Crew

I’m fun, exciting and nerdy. Some of my very favorite activities include baking, knitting, swimming, horseback riding, and learning new things! I am excited to be working on

Swing Crew this summer, and I can’t wait to get started!

Claire Scates: Swing Crew

Emily Arvola: Swing Crew

Swing Crew StaffBorn and raised in the flat state of Ohio, I’m ready for some gorgeous mountains! I

go to Bethany College of Missions in Minnesota where I study Intercultural Studies- a fancy way of saying I’m going to be a missionary. I love hiking and singing.

Meggie Buikema: Swing Crew

I’m from Clinton, Iowa and I got to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. I am studying to be a nurse with a minor in psychology. I can’t wait to spend my summer on the swing

crew! I love Michael Phelps, reading, peanut butter, and of course, my Hawkeyes!

I graduated from Drury University and look forward to embarking on life’s next adven-ture. This is my second year at Cheley and I love reading and writing, hula hooping,

yoga, Zumba, fresh air and sunshine. I cannot wait to be in Colorado again!

Denise Peachey: Swing Crew

I’ve lived in Ohio all of my life but have always had a longing for adventure. In the mountains is where my heart wants to be and spending the summer at Cheley is more

than I could’ve hoped for. I am a nursing major at Kent State University and am also working full-time. I love hunting, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and motorcycle riding.

Brittany Waltermire: Swing Crew

Stock Operation StaffWhen not at camp I am a middle school science teacher in Denver. In the summer, you can find me in any of the riding rings teaching campers the art of riding. My own horse, Diablo, lives on the ranch at LOP and loves Triscuits. He is watching his waistline, so now

he only eats the Reduced Fat version.

Karen Babcock: Riding Program Director

I graduated from SUNY ESF with a degree in Environmental Science. I love horses, play-ing hockey and going hiking. I am from Honeoye Falls NY. I have an identical twin sister,

Amelia, who is also working at camp this year. So excited for this summer!

Kate Cochrane: Barn Crew

Born and raised in a small town outside of Chicago, I am studying Economics at St. Lawrence University in upstate New York. I really enjoy skiing and filming it, I had an in-ternship last summer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with a production company called KGB Productions, where filmed a lot of mountain biking. I cannot wait to get back to camp!

John Ryan: Barn Crew

I’m proud to say I’m a Kansas girl born and raised! I go to Kansas State University, and have spent some time at King’s College in London to study abroad. I love to travel and experience all the world can offer and I’m so excited to be at Cheley for the first time!

Laura Woner: Barn Crew

I grew up playing with my horses with my mom and hunting and fishing with my dad in Emporia, Kansas. I’m studying wildlife biology at Emporia State University and am

excited to be back at Cheley! My favorite way to end the day is to watch a sunset over the lake from the tailgate of a truck.

Andy Blaylock: Barn Crew

Rock Chalk Jayhawk! I will be a junior at the amazing University of Kansas. I can’t wait to be back at Cheley this summer, especially for my first summer on staff. I am from La-

Grange, IL, just outside Chicago. I love to be outside!

Dulie Herr: Barn Crew

Born and raised in The Shire (NH that is), I have a degree in Exercise Science and have moved out to the wild west to see what it has to offer. So far I haven’t been disappoint-

ed! This will be my first summer in Colorado and I’m exited to spend it at Cheley!

Elizabeth Coffin: Barn Crew

I’m a senior at Purdue Calumet, close to Chicago. I love horses, the outdoors, and my family. This is my first time away from home for an extended period of time and I’m

looking forward to making lots of great memories!

Samantha Plavec: Barn Crew