Meet Our Team - Learn more about the people who make camp happen!
Kate Seeger - Director
Kate Seeger grew up at Killooleet as a camper and a counselor while her parents, John and Ellie Seeger, were the directors. She became a co-director in the early 1990s. Kate was a certified teacher in Massachusetts and taught fifth grade and metalworking for 4th- 8th graders at Shady Hill School for 20 years. As director, Kate primarily works with staff but she still enjoys working with campers at recalls, during occasional silver jewelry periods, and helping with cabin bedtimes.
Favorite Camp Meal - Hot cereal and blueberry muffins.
Favorite Activities - Jewelry / Sings
Why I keep coming back - It is exciting to see the community come together each summer. Campers and staff find they are welcomed and encouraged to join new groups and activities and as the summer progresses they move away from their tentativeness around new things and step into confidence where they find their voices and let their creative expression flourish.
Dean Spencer - Director
Dean Spencer JD, M. Ed. first arrived at Killooleet as a counselor in 1982. A former environmental lawyer and (mostly) retired middle school educator, Dean joined Kate as co-director in the late 1990s. He continues to teach periods in sports, shop, and other activities, and is particularly fond of helping cabin teams with problem solving, cabin clean up, rest hour, and bedtime routines.
Favorite Camp Meal - Hiker's lunch
Favorite Activities - Recalls and Choice periods, when campers truly have control of their time.
Why I keep coming back - Camp is full of amazing people of all ages. I don't know anything more magical than helping children (and staff) discover they can become the most wonderful version of themselves when they are in community with others. Plus, it's Vermont ... and there is live music.
Manny Flaherty - Assistant Director
Manny found the Killooleet community as a youngest camper in 1988. He first joined the staff as a Kitchen Aid in 1997 and went on to be a counselor in 2000. Manny has taught Art, Sports, Woodworking and Music, and is currently the Staff Coordinator, overseeing our outdoor trips program and working directly with staff in training and throughout the summer to set them up for success.
Outside of Camp Manny works as a woodworker making a range of custom homewares from furniture to tableware. He also started working part-time with a local luthier in Rochester, VT repairing stringed instruments.
Favorite Camp Meal - Spag! (spaghetti with meat sauce)
Favorite Activity - Music. During a scheduled period with a cabin, practicing on the main house terrace during recall, or performing at the weekly Sing.
Why I Keep Coming Back - I've done a lot of learning and growing at Killooleet as a camper and into adulthood. I learned the value of a supportive and inclusive community, the ability to be a strong individual with consideration of the larger group, and was given the opportunity to try new things and do so without the fear of failing. All of this has led to self confidence, strong bonds and lifelong friends, and the development of skills that I use in my personal and professional life daily. To be able to provide similar experiences for campers and staff is extremely rewarding. Also, camp is so fun! It's a privilege and joy to be able to come back.
Brian Becker - Program Coordinator
Brian was a camper at Killooleet in the aughts and has worked for Camp since 2015. He has worked in the Killooleet kitchen, as a cabin counselor, and has taught music and archery. In the offseason, Brian is a piano technician and musical electrical engineer. Brian has been the Program Coordinator since 2023, overseeing events and scheduling throughout the course of the summer.
Favorite Camp Meal - Chili
Favorite Activity - Ceramics
Why I Keep Coming Back - Camp has shaped me irrevocably. Throughout my time as a camper and staff member, I have garnered strong social and emotional values which inform all my interpersonal relationships to this day. I want to play my part in helping camp continue to instill its magic for years to come.
Paul Eagle - Wellness Coordinator
Paul has been a Killooleet staff member since 2007. During that time he has taught many activities, worked on the schedule, worked on trips, directed the musical, and worked in the office and the infirmary. Paul is currently the wellness coordinator.
Outside of Camp Paul volunteers for Kids Help Phone and The Red Cross. Paul is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and is a Camp Mental Health Instructor.
Favorite Camp Meal - Thanksgiving Dinner
Favorite Activity - Sitting on the terrace and watching camp go by.
Why I Keep Coming Back - I have seen the youth mental health crisis unfold during my years at camp. I want to be able to be a resource for young people, and to de-stigmatize talking about and prioritizing mental health.
Sam Kaufman - Head Counselor
Sam is thrilled to be reprising the role of “Head Counselor” in this year’s production of Camp Killooleet. Sam first appeared at camp at the age of 12, and has been in love with it ever since. His past credits include Video Counselor (Camp Killooleet), Kitchen Boy (Camp Killooleet), Camper (Camp Killooleet), and Nathan Detroit (Guys & Dolls). Off stage, he works as a barista in Brooklyn, NY. He is non equity and currently seeking representation.
Favorite Camp Meal - Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Favorite Activity - Video!
Why I Keep Coming Back - Going to Camp Killooleet when I was 12 was the best decision of my life. It allowed me to learn, grow, explore, and come out of my shell. It instilled in me a love of nature, folk music and community that has shaped who I am today. It’s my favorite place on earth, and I am supremely lucky that I get to help other people have the same experience that I had.
Kathy Laframboise RN - Head Nurse
Kathy found Camp Killooleet in 2020 while eating a maple Creamie in Middlebury. For real! Having grown up 30+ miles to the west of Camp Killooleet, she never knew that camp existed. She has worked as an RN for nearly 50 years, primarily in pediatrics, office nursing and hospice. Having previous summer camp experience made it an easy fit to join the Killooleet staff. She takes the opportunity to meet the staff, reviewing their health histories prior to the start of camp. She assists in preparing staff for arriving campers by answering camper specific questions,working with the kitchen staff focusing on dietary allergies and restrictions. More recently, she has oriented and overseen Staff Nurses for day to day activities at Camp Killooleet.
Favorite Camp Meal: Hot cereal with maple syrup and fresh fruit
Favorite Activity:Spending time on the swing, watching campers interact
Why I keep coming back: A summer camp experience helps mold us into who we are today. When you see campers begin figuring things out with guidance of older campers, being proud of their successes, and helping others gain confidence. Independence, creativity, expanding core values in a beautiful outdoor setting is some of what is experienced at Camp Killooleet . As Vermont Artist Jon Gailmor sings”There’s a jewel in the heart of New England “…. Could it be Camp Killooleet?
Anna Monaco - Head Chef
Anna first came to camp in the early ‘90s as a young Cabin 4-er. Every morning, she would go to Kitchen crew where she learned how to make lasagna, how to peel potatoes, and how to hold a knife properly. She even came back to work as an Assistant Cook as well. It must have stuck because after college, Anna attended culinary school and has worked in and around food for over 20 years. She is so excited to bring the passion first sparked for her in the Camp Killooleet Kitchen to the next generation of campers and staff!
Favorite Camp Meal: Butterscotch Brownies
Favorite Activity: Jewelry/Art (well technically kitchen crew)
Why I Keep Coming Back: Killooleet and more importantly the Camp Kitchen really impacted my life. It shaped the way I handle myself personally and professionally and taught me how to be myself. I know this place can be that magic for others and I love the idea that I get to be a part of that!
Are you interested in working at Camp Killooleet? Learn more on our Staff Page.
Debra Wolkenfeld PHD - Camp Psychologist
Debra Wolkenfeld is a Clinical Psychologist located on the shoreline of Connecticut. She attended Camp Killooleet as a camper from 1994-1998 and worked as a laundry girl in 2001. Camp has played a vital role in her life throughout her prime developmental years. She had her first boyfriend at camp, met her best friend at camp and through this best friend years later met her now husband. Currently, Debra is the staff Psychologist for the campers and staff at Camp Killooleet.
Favorite Camp Meal: Spag & Congo Bars
Favorite Activity: Horse Riding
Why I keep coming back: I love the feeling of community at Killooleet and the way it supports and inspires individual growth, both in the campers and the staff!