meet the team

Hi! I’m Akudo, and I’m so excited to teach Math and Science this summer at Fieldston Future Leaders Camp! As a nursing student and passionate STEM educator, I love helping young minds explore the world around them through curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.

I’ve worked as a group leader in after-school programs and volunteered as a tutor during COVID, so I know how important it is to make learning fun and meaningful. Whether we’re tackling math challenges or diving into science experiments, my goal is to inspire campers to think like innovators and problem-solvers. I can’t wait to meet everyone and make this a summer full of discovery and confidence!

Hi! My name is Dan Medrano, and I’m super excited to be part of the instructor team for the STEAM Future Leaders Camp this summer. I just finished my 6th year of teaching science and my first year teaching 7th-grade science at Fieldston Middle School. As a biology teacher, my goal is to create a sense of intrinsic curiosity about the natural world we walk through every day and equip my students with the tools and skills to make inferences and feel confident in investigating them. I look forward to meeting you all this summer! 

Hello! I am Johnelle (rhymes with jelly), and I am a recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering! I will be teaching the Physics course this summer, which may be an intimidating subject, but helping students realize that physics is all around them is how I am going to show them how exciting it is! 

As an engineer, I believe that our hands understand new concepts faster than our minds. Through interactive experiments and projects, we will be exploring how and why things work. How do boats float? Why does an apple fall faster than a feather? When I was younger, I used to ask my parents, “But why?” a million times, and I believe that curiosity is what led me down the path of appreciating physics and applying it through engineering. 

I have taught and mentored students throughout undergrad about robotics and overall STEM, so I am very excited to plant seeds of encouragement in younger students to introduce physics to them for perhaps the first time!

Hi! I’m José, and I’m really excited to be teaching Art this summer at Fieldston Future Leaders. As an artist and educator, I love creating hands-on, process-based projects that spark curiosity, creative problem-solving, and collaboration. I’ve led workshops in museums, classrooms, and community spaces with participants of all ages, exploring everything from painting and sculpture to filmmaking and photography. I was born in Mexico and studied art in the U.S., so I’ve seen how making art brings people together across languages, experiences, and ways of knowing. That’s exactly what we’ll aim to do this summer: we’ll dive into a variety of artistic tools and techniques—from cameras and paintbrushes to clay and kites—all while encouraging teamwork, openness, and discovery along the way.

Hi, I’m Millie, and I will be your arts and crafts instructor this summer. Throughout the school year, I work at Fieldston Lower as a substitute as well as an art instructor in the after-school program. I’ve been instructing Mindful Art here at Future Leaders for 3 years now, and I’m so excited for this summer! 

Mindful Art is a creative space for our kids while learning about their feelings and how to get along with others. Through activities like painting, drawing, and building, children will explore emotions, build confidence, practice kindness, and teamwork. My goal is to create a safe space for our students to express themselves, make friends, and have FUN. I look forward to meeting and creating with you all this summer.

Hi! I’m Naomi, and I’ll be this year’s Robotics Instructor. I’m a rising senior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where I’m pursuing a dual major in Product Design and Business. While robotics isn’t my official major, it’s been a long time passion. I was captain of my high school robotics team, and I’ve been teaching robotics at summer camps for the past five years. I’m so excited to meet the campers and share my love for hands-on learning and innovation with them!

Hi! My name is Paulina Woods, and I’m so excited to be teaching architecture this summer! I’m going into my third year studying architecture at Barnard College of Columbia University. I feel passionately that exploring and imagining one’s built environment requires no age or educational restrictions. For the past two summers, I worked as the camp photographer, where I was amazed by campers’ imaginations and creativity, yielding innovative designs. 

By taking inspiration from nature or our favorite movies. We will design and build everything from treehouses and rocket ships, to making life-sized bubbles out of geodesic domes or floating houses using tensegrity. We will use iterative processes to discover how materials and designs can be transformed and repurposed. How can you turn a birdhouse into a sailboat? Or a robot into a bridge? I can’t wait to meet everyone and see some familiar faces!

Hi! I’m Tamar, and I’m a Physics Instructor. I’m a rising sophomore at Georgetown University, where I’m double-majoring in Physics and Math. Since I started studying physics in high school, it’s been my passion and inspiration. Over the past six years, I’ve worked at summer camps, youth groups, and tutoring programs, and I can’t wait to share the joy and beauty of physics!

I am a New York City-based artist deeply rooted in the vibrant streets of Inwood and Washington Heights. Growing up I always felt inspired by my neighborhood, the colors, the people, y hasta la comida. All of these different aspects of my culture and the environment around me come together in my art.

Recently, I received a master's degree in Art Education at the School of Visual Arts, I am fueled by a passion for nurturing creativity and self-expression in adult and young minds alike.

My artistic journey is a reflection of my diverse experiences and deep connection to my community. Whether it's through vibrant paintings and intricate drawings, I strive to capture the spirit and energy of the world around me.

Hi, my name is Coach Colin, and I’ll be one of the coaches this summer. I’ll be coaching flag football and some basketball, too. I am a teacher and a Strength & Conditioning coach at Horace Mann. I’ve taught and coached children ages 3-18 and love the process of progression. Seeing an athlete learn a new skill or get faster, stronger, more agile, and continue to get better is one of my favorite parts of my job. Helping and pushing students/athletes to get to the next level is what I’m all about! I can’t wait to teach new skills, play games and have a ton of fun this summer!   

Hi, my name is Coach Jeffrey (or Coach Jeff), and I’m excited to be the soccer coach this year at camp. I’m a Physical Education teacher at Ethical Culture Fieldston School, where I’ve had the pleasure of teaching and coaching for several years. I’ve been coaching middle school soccer and basketball for the past six years and truly enjoy working with young athletes. As a big soccer fan myself, I’m passionate about helping kids develop their skills, build confidence, and, most importantly, have fun learning the game. I’m looking forward to a great summer camp together.

Hi, my name is Jennah. I am thrilled to be the basketball coach this summer. I’m a fifth-year student at Alvernia University, majoring in Psychology and Addictions and Mental Health Treatment. I’m also a member of the Women’s Basketball team, where I led the team in points and rebounds and was honored as MVP in my senior season. I’ve worked as a counselor and coach for the Grow Our Game program, and I’m excited to join Future Leaders and share my love for the game!

Hello! My name is Emily Santos and this will be my first summer at Fieldston Summer Camp, and I’m excited to bring my energy, creativity, and love for working with kids to the team! While I'm new to Fieldston, I bring two years of hands-on experience working with kids in both educational and recreational settings.I can’t wait to bring my energy and enthusiasm to camp this summer!

Hi!

I have been a passionate counselor at Fieldston Future Leaders for 3 summers, bringing energy and creativity to every activity. With a background in education and a love for sports, especially competitive yet fun games for all. When working with children I help them foster teamwork and develop confidence. It brings me immense joy to see kids from diverse backgrounds form lasting friendships through unforgettable moments. I'm excited for another summer of growth and fun! 

Hello Everyone! 

My name is Justin Myers. This will be my third year at Future Leaders Summer Camp, and I’m truly excited to continue being part of this amazing community! Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible campers and being able to watch them grow , learn and have fun. I’m also looking forward to bringing lots of creativity, positivity, and energy to another amazing summer. 

Hi!

I am Leticia, a Head Counselor, and I've been working at summer camps for 4 years. This is my first year at Fieldston Future Leaders camp and I’m so excited to work with everyone! 

Hi! 

My name is Omari Bernard, this is my 3rd summer working here at the Future Leaders camp. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and having a great summer at camp.  

Hi! 

I’m Sabrina and this will be my 4th summer at Fieldston Future Leaders camp. I’m so excited to be returning to this great community. We’re going to have an amazing summer! 

Hi, my name is Sidi Diop, and I’ve had the joy of working as a Head Counselor at Fieldston Summer Camp for the past two summers. In this role, I help lead and support our team of counselors, ensure the safety and well-being of our campers, and keep things running smoothly throughout the day—from activities and schedules to communication with staff and families. This experience has strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, and it’s deepened my passion for creating a fun, safe, and meaningful camp experience for every child.