Camp Directors & Staff

Ari has grown up in the camping world starting at the age of 4. Ari has been a camper, counselor, Division Head, Assistant Director and Director at various camps.  Ari has more than 15 years of professional experience managing children’s and camping programs and services within Jewish communities around the country including serving as Assistant Director for Camp Laurelwood from 2004-2005.

Ari is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Communications. In 2012 Ari was chosen to serve as a Fellow for the prestigious Jewish Experiential Leadership Institute. As an educator, mentor and leader in the Jewish community, Ari is constantly seeking creative ways to foster a dynamic learning and social environment and to promote high quality programming for children of all ages. He believes the social, recreational and educational experiences children receive at camp are invaluable.

Camp Laurelwood has significant meaning to Ari and his family. Along with having served as Assistant Director for Camp Laurelwood from 2004-2005, Ari has many family and friends who are Camp Laurelwood alumni, including his mother.  Ari loves having the ability to share his love of camp with his two children, Peyton & Jordan and his wife, Heather.

Louis brings ten years of summer camp experience to this position. Prior to Laurelwood, Louis served three years as the Director of Day Camp at the Jewish Community Center in Springfield, MA. He also served as the AssistantDirector of Camp O-la-mi and the Director of the Kids Place after school program at the Stamford JCC in Stamford CT. Louis holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Elmira College.

Louis was selected as a Merrin Teen Professional Fellow in 2012. He collaborated with members of the Jewish community to develop leadership opportunities for teens. Louis has built his career around creating fun, engaging, and diverse programs for children, which he will continue to implement in his new role at Laurelwood. He will also be responsible for training and supervising camp staff.

As someone who grew up at overnight camp, Louis understands how meaningful and life-changing a great camp experience can be! He can't wait for summer to begin at Camp Laurelwood!

Heather loves working in a fun and creative environment with amazing year round and seasonal staff. She is grateful to begin her 3rd full year with Laurelwood.  While not a summer camper growing up, Heather began working at Camp Hilbert in 2000, part of the Weinstein JCC in Richmond, VA. It was at Camp Hilbert that Heather fell in love with summer camp and also her husband Ari! She has over 15 years experience working with young children in a variety of roles - Early Childhood teacher, Early Childhood Center Director, Camp Counselor and Youth Group Advisor to name a few. She has also dabbled in restaurant management, retail sales and management and Human Resources.  "18 years later, moves to several states and 2 children to complete my family, I am thrilled to call Laurelwood home. It is an amazing family experience. I love working at the camp with my husband as well as being able to watch my children grow up at Laurelwood."

Craig started going to Camp Laurelwood 20 years ago as a camper on Boys’ Side. He has held numerous staff positions at camp; including waiter, maintenance staff, counselor, CIT director and Plex Division Head. He took several summers off to go to college at Southern Connecticut State University and to serve in the United States Army - where he learned the valuable leadership skills that he brings to camp. Currently, Craig leads the Bonim Travel Program and runs the Camp Laurelwood Retreat Center in the off-season. He also works as an Informal Educator on Birthright programs to Israel. He can’t wait to lead the 2018 trip to Costa Rica, which will signify that start of the transition from camper to adult for those who participate.

Taylor has over 10 years of experience in political campaigns with the majority of those years focused on fundraising. Originally from Charleston, SC, Taylor's career has allowed her to live all over the country in places like Colorado, Virginia and California.
Before joining Camp Laurelwood she spent the last year consulting on fundraising efforts for multiple Connecticut races from the mayoral level all the way to gubernatorial.  She moved to the New Haven area 2 years ago from Columbia, MO with her fiancé Mary Kate who is an Engineer with Unilever. They recently bought a house in Hamden where they live with their dog, Blanche and their cat, Billy Jean.
Taylor is thrilled to join the Camp Laurelwood team and is excited to help support an organization that has brought so much joy to thousands of campers throughout our 81 years.