Our Team

Camp Kandalore Staff

At Kandalore, we’re family. Many of our skilled and dedicated staff members are former campers who love sharing the experience with new generations. All of them are outdoor enthusiasts, with training and certification in their activities, and a minimum Bronze Cross in swimming and Standard First Aid/CPR certification.

DIRECTOR

Jackie Pye

Jackie has spent most of her summers at camp, most likely to be found in a canoe, building campfires, or telling stories while tumping wannigans. Her years at camp have sparked her passion for connecting with people and nature. Jackie now enjoys watching campers grow up to realize their unique strengths. Her biggest takeaway is the strength of feeling acceptance, belonging and connection that a camp community provides. Jackie believes that this makes a camp culture positive and is transformative for young people. Throughout her career, Jackie has enjoyed various leadership roles and has been fortunate to work in extraordinary schools, camps and communities throughout Canada and internationally. Currently Jackie lives in Creemore, Ontario with her partner Steve, and has two daughters who are exploring the world.

jackie@kandalore.com

Assistant Director - Camp Life & Marketing

Jaime Anderson

Jaime has spent 19 summers with Kandalore and has experience in various leadership roles in both overnight and day camps. From a young age, Jaime has loved working in environments that fostered skill development and growth, such as coaching, teaching, and mentorship programs. Jaime studied environmental engineering because for her love of problem solving, working in teams, and affinity for nature, all of which she attributes to her impactful camp experience. Jaime’s goal is to connect with campers, families and staff and provide an inclusive and engaging camp experience that promotes confidence, community and skill-building in the outdoors.

jaime@kandalore.com

Assistant Director - Outdoor Education

Dan Elia

Dan joined the Kandalore family through the Outdoor Education Centre in 2014. Dan started his career in the camp industry in various roles at Easter Seals Camp Woodeden and Zajac Ranch for Children. After completing his Master’s program in Environment and Sustainability from Western University, Dan pursued a full-time career working with teens at Enviros Base Camp – Wilderness Treatment. Most recently, Dan was teaching high school in the TLDSB region. Dan guides whitewater canoe trips for Kandalore throughout the summer and is passionate about getting youth outdoors and connected to the land as he believes that this is the foundation of environmental stewardship.

dan@kandalore.com

Assistant Director - Programs and Leadership Training

Dale Tanglao

Dale’s first summer at Kandalore was 2008, and it’s been her favourite place in the world ever since. She’s been a camper, Explorer, LIT and as a staff member a Counsellor, Program Manager, Communications Director and LIT Director. Her years at Kandalore allow her to fully understand the camp experience and connect with the community. She believes in the transformative power of camps and the outdoors to help kids build a strong sense of self, resilience and grit. Dale’s degree in philosophy guides her work, as she is always considering the values we learn as young people and how they shape us. She is driven by the desire to pass on what she’s learned, one camper at a time.

dale@kandalore.com

Assistant Director - Operations

Andrew Casey

Casey has spent most of his summers at an overnight camp. He has held various counselling and program positions at Camp Winston for many years, and most recently was the Camp Director at Zajac Ranch for Children in British Columbia. Having graduated from Outdoor Adventure Education at Fleming College, Andrew is passionate about making the camping industry accessible for all. He believes in the transformational impact of summer camp and the value of skills developed when kids are outside of urban settings. Nicknamed the “king of the littles” at his previous camps, you can be sure to find Casey in the Gaga Ball pit with the PJ Campers!

casey@kandalore.com

Outdoor Education Centre Director

Ash Krueger

With over twelve seasons in the Kandalore OEC and three summers under his belt, Ash has provided instruction and guidance to a huge number of campers and staff. Through his passion for youth development, Ash has many years of experience teaching young people the value of learning and playing in the outdoors. After earning his degree in Sports Development, Ash instructed at camps in Colorado and British Colombia before joining the Kandalore community. Now he works to coordinate with Ontario schools to deliver a premier and tailored program to groups attending Kandalore’s Outdoor Education Centre in the Spring, Fall and Winter seasons. In the summer, Ash has contributed to camp as Program Director and Assistant Director of Program Operations.

oec@kandalore.com

Outdoor Education Centre Program Director

Riley Tait

Raised here in the Haliburton Highlands, Riley brings over seven years of outdoor education experience to the role. With a background in expedition leadership, therapeutic programming, and camp coordination, he’s passionate about building experiences that foster growth, resilience, and community. Riley has led wilderness trips, supervised outdoor education teams, and facilitated programs for youth, schools, and corporate groups across Canada. He combines a strong foundation in trauma-informed care with a lifelong love for the outdoors. Whether he’s designing curriculum or paddling through Algonquin, Riley leads with empathy, energy, and a sense of adventure.

oecpd@kandalore.com

Site Manager

Andrew Graham

You will be hard-pressed to find someone who has explored Canada more than Andrew. After gaining extensive knowledge of all lakes and rivers in Haliburton County where he grew up, he continued on to Fleming College where he became a Fish and Wildlife Technician then a Forestry Technician. He spent years exploring the James and Hudson Bay lowlands. Traveling the Coppermine River, Horton River, Bluenose Lake, and Tree River watersheds in the NWT and Nunavut as well as on to the headwaters of Stewart River watershed and numerous other Yukon Rivers and Lakes. He also won’t forget his adventures in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

He now finds himself living on his farm in Minden, and is Haliburton County’s largest food producer. Growing enormous volumes of Organic Nutrient Dense food. During most daylight hours you will find Andrew and his team somewhere around camp maintaining things to the best standards in the industry which keeps the “Kandalore Engine” running flawlessly.

andrew@kandalore.com

Prep Junior Section Head

Lexi Basile

Lexi is in her third year of undergraduate studies in kinesiology at Laurier University! When she is not studying, she enjoys reading, dancing, or spending time outdoors! This summer will be her second year at Kandalore, though it will be her eighth year attending summer camp in total. Her favourite part about Kandalore is its supportive community and meaningful environment that provides each individual with the opportunity to learn, grow and create memories.

Prep Junior Section Head

Maggie Cashmore

With 10 years of experience at Kandalore, Maggie loves how camp brings together incredible people and offers an immersive outdoor experience filled with fun and unforgettable moments. Passionate about giving back, Maggie is excited to create memorable experiences for campers this summer, helping them build friendships and feel the same camp magic that inspired her as a camper. When not at camp, Maggie studies Media and Communications at Western University.

Inter Section Head

Jenna Dalrymple

Jenna is currently studying psychology at McGill University. This summer marks her fourth year at camp, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to return! Jenna’s favorite part of camp is the unique joy of being surrounded by happiness, fresh air, and close friends. She deeply values the special relationships formed at camp and is eagerly looking forward to creating even more memories this summer. Jenna is especially excited to plan evening programs—particularly “Don’t Forget the Lyrics”—and can’t wait to meet everyone!

Inter Section Head

Leo Cahill

Leo, originally from Ireland, will be the Inter South Section Head this summer. At 23 years old, he splits his time during the year between studying pharmacology at UCD and working as a barista. This will be Leo’s fourth summer at Kandalore, and he is thrilled to return to Kabakwa to reunite with familiar faces and meet new ones. After learning so much from his previous section heads, Leo is excited to step into this leadership role and create an incredible experience for everyone. He’s ready to make this summer the best one yet!

Senior Section Head

Lily Shields

Lily is currently studying psychology and parks and recreation management at Western Carolina University. With four years of camp experience, she cherishes how camp brings people together through challenges, laughter, and adventures that spark stories for years to come. As the Senior North Section Head, Lily is passionate about building a tight-knit community, supporting both campers and counselors, and crafting a summer full of unforgettable moments.

Senior Section Head

Luca Giannone

Luca will be the Senior South Section Head for summer 2025. During the year, he studies Film Production in Toronto, and in his free time, he enjoys cooking and designing his own clothes. Luca’s journey at Kandalore began 12 years ago as a PJ South camper, and ever since, canoeing has been his favorite part of camp—whether learning as a camper or teaching as a counselor. As a section head, Luca is eager to give the 2025 Senior South campers the same incredible experience that made camp so special for him.

LIT Director

Taylor Healing

Taylor is studying commercial aviation and physics at Western University. In her free time she spends as much time as she can outdoors and with my friends. This summer will be her twelfth summer at camp and 4th year on staff. Her two favourite parts about camp are canoe trip and the people who she calls family! Taylor is really looking forward to forming strong relationships with all the leaders this summer!

LIT Director

Sam Buchan

Sam is an environmental science graduate with a passion for sports and the great outdoors! This will be his third year back at Kandalore. What Sam loves most about Kandalore is the people, both campers, leaders and staff. He is most excited to have a whole 2 months to work with the LITs and watch the next generation gain confidence and become ready to take the next summer on as counsellors.

Pathfinder Director

Scotty Lawrence

Scotty, originally from Australia, is passionate about Outdoor Education and has also gained valuable experience working in a daycare since last summer. Now in his second year at camp, Scotty loves the connections he makes and the chance to spend his Canadian summer surrounded by incredible people. As a Furtrader, he takes pride in embracing camp traditions and is especially excited to meet the pathfinders. Over the course of four weeks with each group, Scotty is eager to play a meaningful role in fostering young leaders and guiding them on their journey.

Explorer 2 Director

Andee Fletcher

Andee is thrilled to return as the X2 Director after leading the program in 2024 on the Chistamiskau/Broadback River. A camper at Kandalore since 2007 and a former X2 participant herself, Andee’s passion for trip and outdoor learning has continually drawn her back to camp and the river. This summer, she will guide her fourth Explorer group. Over the past year, Andee has worked with Kandalore’s OEC in both the fall and winter seasons. When not on trip or at camp, she enjoys traveling, singing, puzzling, and playing board games.

Trip Director

Monica Foley

Monica is going into her 5th year on staff, and 15th year at Kandalore. Monica has lead and participated in many trips including the Duchef and Moisie river. Monica is a graduate with an Adventure Guide Diploma from Thomson River University. When Monica is not on trip she also enjoys backcountry skiing and hiking. This summer, Monica will be leading the Trip Department as one of our Trip Directors.

Trip Director

Andrew Porter

Andrew started at Kandalore as a camper 13 years ago. His first canoe trip was a 4 day trip down the Madawaska. Most recently he paddled down the Moisie river with Kandalore last summer. These days he is studying Heritage Carpentry and Joinery at Algonquin College Perth. Andrew is looking forward to working with our wonderful Kandalore team this summer.

Communications Director

Anjali Layman

Anjali, a political science major at Northeastern University, is originally from New York City. She is thrilled to return to Camp Kandalore this summer after having spent four unforgettable years at camp before the pandemic. Anjali cherishes the camp’s incredible community and the opportunity to immerse herself in nature. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and budget traveling. This season, Anjali is excited to serve as the liaison between parents and campers, keeping families connected and sharing glimpses into the magical moments their children experience daily. She’s also looking forward to the Regatta!

Head Nurse

Bry Smith

Bry is excited to return for her fourth year as a camp nurse. Her favorite aspects of camp include working in the great outdoors and connecting with incredible people from all around the world. She also loves camp traditions, like singing “Knife, Fork, Spoon” before meals and gathering around the campfire. This summer, Bry is particularly looking forward to the regatta (go Fur Traders!) and the heartwarming moment of waving to campers as their buses pass the Inn, marking the start and end of their adventures. When she’s not at camp, Bry is in Wales, completing her Bachelor of Nursing degree.

Special Program Director

Lola Ustaran

This will be Lola’s 9th year at camp, and sixth year on staff. Lola has always loved working with children and has been a scout counsellor for the past 5 years. She is a graduate with a double degree in primary and early childhood education. Lola has always loved nature, the outdoors, and believes camp magic is one of the most important and indispensable things to make every child´s summer special.