Rick Taylor, Executive Director (he/him)
(206) 826-8926, rickt@campfireseattle.org
Rick joined Camp Fire in 2007 as our Director of Camping & Outdoor Education and has served as Executive Director for 10 years. He brings more than 30 years of experience directing camps across the country. Rick & his wife have three grown children and live at Camp Sealth with their dog, Pippin. Rick believes that Camp Fire’s commitment to inclusivity and empowering youth in small group settings is what makes it such a great organization to be a part of.
Program Team
Josie Kies, Director of Community Partnerships (she/her)
(206) 826-8945, josiek@campfireseattle.org
After growing up in the Camp Fire program, Josie joined the Camp Fire team in January 2023, returning to her roots. She oversees our community program activities and staff, including group programs, day camps, and the annual candy sale, and community outreach and engagement. She works closely with our adult volunteers and leaders, and brings a passion for events and growth to our team. Josie adds “I am so excited to work with leaders and youths in the area for new (and returning) adventures, and being a part of creating moments that not only shaped my life, but the lives of those around me.” Josie lives in the Seattle-area with her sister and a house full of pets and enjoys community fairs and festivals, DIY projects, and any book nearby she can get her hands on.
Carrie Kishline, Director of Camping (she/her)
(206) 463-3174, ext. 35, carriek@campfireseattle.org
Carrie, otherwise known as “Carebear”, has more than twenty years of experience working at Camp Sealth and attended camp as a child and counselor. She lives at camp with her husband, son, and cat “Apple”. She enjoys spending time at camp with her younger brother Peter who has special needs. Carrie “loves seeing kids grow and watching them become stronger, more compassionate, and more capable versions of themselves. Every day, I’m amazed that I get to be a part of that transformation.”
Meaghan Baumgartner, Summer Camp Director (she/her)
(206) 463-3174 ext. 44, meaghanb@campfireseattle.org
Meaghan, camp name “Burro”, has her B.S. in Recreation Management from Oregon State University and worked previously with both our Outdoor Education & Summer programs. Her other roles include wife, dog mom, average runner, road trip enthusiast, and voracious reader. Meaghan feels passionate about Camp Fire’s commitment to inclusive programs and continuously strives to “build a community where staff and campers can find belonging as their most authentic self.”
Chantel Jackson, Food Service Director (she/her)
(206) 463-3174 ext. 25, chantelj@campfireseattle.org
Chef Chantel “The Lunch Lady” Jackson is a Hilltop, Tacoma Washington Native. Her culinary journey started way back in private elementary school where on her way to recess she passed by the kitchen and saw the lunch lady preparing the meal for the day. A sprinkle of this, a touch of this it was like magic! She asked to volunteer in the kitchen and hasn’t left sense and to this day she still is great friends with her lunch lady. Chantel shares, “I stand by Camp Fire’s mission to help all youth discover their spark, and it’s my mission to FEED their flames.”
Robin Dein, Outdoor Education & Retreats Director (he/him)
(206) 463-3174 ext. 34, robind@campfireseattle.org
Originally from Madison, WI, Robin has been an environmental educator in Washington since 2015. He initially came to Washington as an outdoor environmental educator for Camp Killoqua and liked it so much that he kept finding reasons to stay. He has worked locally with Islandwood, Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, and the UW Botanic Gardens. He completed his Master of Education degree at the University of Washington in June 2018. Before coming to Washington, He worked as an outdoor environmental educator in several other locations such as Tampa Bay, Chincoteague Island, and coastal North Carolina. One of his most interesting facts is that he was a part of a maritime search and rescue team during his undergraduate career at Eckerd College in Florida. He enjoys pretty much anything you can do outside especially hiking with his 3-year-old puppy, nature photography, and kayaking.
Avari Tawater-Tiedmann, Program Director (she/her)
(she|her) (206) 461-8550 avarit@campfireseattle.org
Avari, also known as Honeybee, grew up in Atlanta, GA but has moved all over before finding a home in the Pacific Northwest. After attending Georgia State University, she held positions in a variety of roles throughout public education, higher education, camp, and outdoor education. When she is not playing at camp, she is most likely swimming, hiking, enjoying tea, or trying to befriend animals. Avari values the environment Camp Fire creates for people the be their authentic selves and still feel safe while doing it. Avari feels blessed to be a part of such a strong team dedicated to connecting all children and adults to the magic and power of the outdoors and community
Rebecca Bobko, Director of Marketing (she/her)
(206) 826-8934, rebeccab@campfireseattle.org
After growing up as a Camp Sealth camper, Rebecca has held a variety of positions for Camp Fire. She is currently serving as the Director of Community Programs working with our School Year Youth Program, Teen Leadership programs, and our various community outreach projects. Also known as “Plaid”, she enjoys DIY crafting and spending time with her wife Claire. She adds, “I find it incredibly rewarding to help our youth realize their full potential and build upon their leadership skills year after year. Camp Fire puts the interests and passions of its youth in the center and helps them grow through hands-on leadership, trial and error, relationship-building, and fun! Much of this work is done through the help of our talented volunteers who we greatly appreciate!”
Corey Gerberdolan, Seattle Day Camp Director (she/her)
(206) 384-5362, coreyg@campfireseattle.org
Corey joined the Camp Fire team in January of 2022! She’s worked in a variety of outdoor recreation settings for over 10 years and spent her first year with us as the Office Manager. Corey, A.K.A “TreeTop,” is dedicated to the easy accessibility of nature for everyone. She adds, “I’m thrilled to be a part of a community with strong business skills, as well as a clear love and focus for youth.” Corey enjoys triathlons, disc golf, and anything to do with friendship string.
Development Team
Kristen Cook, Director of Donor Relations (she/her)
(206) 826-8931, kristenc@campfireseattle.org
Kristen has been with Camp Fire since 2013. A New York State transplant, she brings more than 18 years of experience in fund development and nonprofit management. She shares a home with her husband Jason, a loving yet temperamental Tabby cat Macy and numerous plants. On most days you can find her exploring the many incredible trails around the Pacific Northwest. “I love connecting donors to the incredible work that we are doing and am especially proud of our recent equity work and bringing more diverse kids and families to our camps and programs.”
Steve Baumgartner, Manager of Individual Giving (he/him)
(253) 237-4865, steveb@campfireseattle.org
Steve rejoined Camp Fire in 2022 after 5+ years working at the YMCA as Aquatics Director and Senior Membership Director. Originally from the UK, Steve a.k.a. Crash, first worked for Camp Fire as an international staff in 2010 when he was a Horizon counselor, continuing to work in various seasonal roles until 2016. Steve lives at Camp Sealth with his wife Meaghan, his chocolate lab Oakley, and two tuxedo cats Mini and Tige. “Coming back to Camp Fire feels like returning home. I am excited to work with our donors and help make Camp Fire even more inclusive and available to all who need its amazing programs.”
Administration & Finance Team
Gloria Cross, Director of Finance (she/her)
(206) 826-8956, gloriac@campfireseattle.org
Gloria has been with Camp Fire since 2005. Born in Jalisco, Mexico and raised in California, she has made her home here in Seattle along with her husband Earl and their three children. Gloria adds, “I enjoy the variety in accounting work throughout the year and truly value and admire my co-workers. Camp Fire’s commitment to inclusivity makes me proud to be part of this organization.”
Dana Aoyama, Accounting Supervisor (she/her)
(206) 826-8938, danaa@campfireseattle.org
Dana has worked for Camp Fire in a variety of positions for many years. A WoHeLo awardee, she also attended Camp Sealth as a child and volunteered at our Day Camps. She adds, “Camp Fire is very close to my heart. I have always appreciated their commitment to inclusion and emphasis on leadership skills.”
Michael McGrath, Human Resources & Accounting Specialist (he/him)
(206) 826-8937, michaelm@campfireseattle.org
Michael has worked with the Council in some capacity since the Summer of 2012, when he started as a summer camp staff member. Serving as Member Services Manager since October 2017, Michael, A.K.A “Chip,” is dedicated to helping families get the most out of their Camp Fire experience. With a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology, Michael is passionate about cultural studies and social theory, and adds “Camp Fire’s determination to include all youth, from all cultural backgrounds, is a keystone value that makes it such a great organization to be a part of and contribute to.” Michael enjoys live music, HIIT fitness, and films.
Kim (Bizzy) Roeser, Camp Sealth Office Manager (she/her)
(206) 463.3174 ext. 21, kimr@campfireseattle.org
Kim joins the Camp Fire team with a background in social work (group home management) and small business management and ownership. She continues to cultivate strong ties to her Vashon Island community and an excitement for the camp community as a whole. She pulls from her customer service background to provide a touch point for families to connect with and is available at camp year-round! Kim AKA “Bizzy” is a diehard Packers Fan, a bonus parent to a very cool teen and proudly a member of the LGBTQIA+ family. Her and her partner spend their time baking, gardening, crafting and playing softball. “I am profoundly appreciative of the opportunity to work for a company that has a forefront emphasis on creating a space for everyone. Camp Fire creates the ability to just be you and it is celebrated, I absolutely love that”.
Maintenance & Facilities Team
Chad Lawson, Facilities Manager (he/him)
(206) 463-3174, ext. 24, chadl@campfireseattle.org
Chad has more than 20 years of experience, with more than 10 working at Camp Sealth. Also known as “Pipeline”, he enjoys playing golf and watching sports in his spare time. He resides at camp with his wife Carrie, son T. Frazier and pets. His favorite part of working for Camp Fire is problem-solving and creating new opportunities for experiential education.
Casey Westphal, Maintenance (he/him)
caseyw@campfireseattle.org
Casey joined Camp Fire in February 2022. His long and varied background in Facilities Management and Construction, along with his creative thinking, has provided him with the tools to tackle any task. A native of KS, reared in GA, a graduate of Appalachian State University and a long time resident of Vashon Island, his interests are many and eclectic; from music, literature and art to science, history, geology and athletics. He is pleased to be a part of the Camp Fire community.