Chief Executive Officer

Amber has been involved with Camp Tannadoonah since 1985 as a camper, counselor, waterfront director, board member, and now full time staff member. She was the Camp Tannadoonah Director from 2006-2017, and has served as Chief Executive Officer for Camp Fire since 2011.

Amber earned her doctorate in Developmental Psychology from the University of Notre Dame. Her research focus was on middle childhood and early adolescence. Amber has worked on several different research programs, looking at parenting during the transition to adolescence, testing a new treatment for elementary and middle school students with ADHD, and an intervention program for first-time offenders in the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, she has been an adjunct assistant professor in the psychology departments at the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, and Bethel College. She has taught Introductory Psychology, School Age Growth and Development, Developmental Psychology, Adolescent Development, Research Methods, and Statistics.

Amber and her husband, Chas are parents to four young campers – Avery (12), Elyse (10), Kieran (5), and Harrison (3). They live on Birch Lake, about a mile from camp, with their family.

Camp Tannadoonah Director

Gabby was named the new Camp Director for Camp Tannadoonah at our 100th Anniversary Event in September 2021. Previously she served as  the School Year Programs Director. She has been involved with Camp Tannadoonah since 2010 as a camper, counselor, and assistant camp director. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to work for the place that helped her become the person she is today.

Gabby graduated from Purdue University in December of 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Prior to working for Camp Fire, she worked at a child care center which nurtured her love for children. In her free time, Gabby enjoys spending time with her family which includes two golden retrievers, Harley and Stella.

School Year Programs Director

Carmen joined the Camp Fire staff as the School Year Programs Director in October 2021. Carmen was a member of our 2020 and 2021 summer camp staff, and is excited to join the Camp Fire team full time. She oversees the After School programs at both Good Shepherd Montessori School and Sam Adams Elementary School. Prior to coming to Camp Fire, she worked in an early childhood development program in Kalamazoo.

Camp Tannadoonah Ranger

Brenda joined the Camp Fire staff as the Camp Tannadoonah Ranger in November of 2021. Brenda graduated from The Ohio State University, and is originally from Grove City, OH. She and her husband are current residents of Edwardsburg, MI, where they raised their three children. Brenda loves to be outdoors. She oversees the Camp property, maintaining buildings, making repairs, and making sure everything is running smoothly at camp!