Meet Our Staff
We are so excited to be able to offer a program that has given so much to so many, a program that allows children to be themselves and grow emotionally and spiritually. We like to say that we have "perfected" the delicate balance of guidance versus experience. We want to allow campers to experience unique situations. These situations include, but are not limited to, true wilderness backpacking, horseback riding, or canoeing with gentle and pointed guidance. It is our hope that these positive learning experiences will carry over throughout the year.
Our ability to work so seamlessly with campers comes from real-world experiences. As administrators, Chris, Jenny, and Angie bring with them a unique set of qualifications. Each has true hands-on experience in education, summer camp direction, planning, and staffing which results in a very well-organized, fun, safe, and rewarding experience for all involved. As a Camp, we strive to hire the best and brightest staff. We seek caring, knowledgeable, and compassionate individuals. Take a moment to meet our 2023 Camp Tesahe staff!
Our ability to work so seamlessly with campers comes from real-world experiences. As administrators, Chris, Jenny, and Angie bring with them a unique set of qualifications. Each has true hands-on experience in education, summer camp direction, planning, and staffing which results in a very well-organized, fun, safe, and rewarding experience for all involved. As a Camp, we strive to hire the best and brightest staff. We seek caring, knowledgeable, and compassionate individuals. Take a moment to meet our 2023 Camp Tesahe staff!
Chris Mishoe (Director)
Chris has been part of the program since he was a teenager -- beginning way back in 1984 as a camper. Since then, he has been a part of almost every season.
"There really are no words to explain what this program has given me. If you read the mission statement on the front, I was the kid they were talking to. Looking for self-worth, confidence, and affirmation, this program did just that. It made me who I am. I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to try to instill in others the values that built me as a person. I am very excited to reach a new generation of campers, and very thankful that the young people that came before continue to trust us, not only me but the rest of our awesome staff, with their most precious gifts. I'm looking forward to the next chapter of this camp life."
Chris has been part of the program since he was a teenager -- beginning way back in 1984 as a camper. Since then, he has been a part of almost every season.
"There really are no words to explain what this program has given me. If you read the mission statement on the front, I was the kid they were talking to. Looking for self-worth, confidence, and affirmation, this program did just that. It made me who I am. I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to try to instill in others the values that built me as a person. I am very excited to reach a new generation of campers, and very thankful that the young people that came before continue to trust us, not only me but the rest of our awesome staff, with their most precious gifts. I'm looking forward to the next chapter of this camp life."
Jenny Mishoe (Director)
Jenny has 29 years of summer camp experience with 15+ years in summer camp administration. She has a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies (Elementary) and an MS in Educational Leadership from Radford University. She serves as a founding faculty member and lead teacher at St. John Neumann Academy in Blacksburg, VA where she teaches Second Grade. Jenny is an integral part of our programming, as she is the mastermind behind our group and activity scheduling.
"When I think of Camp, one word comes to mind...family. Camp has been my home away from home for more than twenty-five years. It is where I met my husband and where we raised our two girls each summer. Camp has introduced me to some of my closest friends. It is this idea of family that keeps me coming back to West Virginia every summer. I enjoy sharing with others that sense of family. There is no better place to be a family than in a safe, nurturing, Christ-centered environment surrounded by God's natural beauty."
Jenny has 29 years of summer camp experience with 15+ years in summer camp administration. She has a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies (Elementary) and an MS in Educational Leadership from Radford University. She serves as a founding faculty member and lead teacher at St. John Neumann Academy in Blacksburg, VA where she teaches Second Grade. Jenny is an integral part of our programming, as she is the mastermind behind our group and activity scheduling.
"When I think of Camp, one word comes to mind...family. Camp has been my home away from home for more than twenty-five years. It is where I met my husband and where we raised our two girls each summer. Camp has introduced me to some of my closest friends. It is this idea of family that keeps me coming back to West Virginia every summer. I enjoy sharing with others that sense of family. There is no better place to be a family than in a safe, nurturing, Christ-centered environment surrounded by God's natural beauty."
Angie Ross (Director)
Angie has 20+ years summer camp staff experience with 15+ of those as an administrator. She taught grades 4th-8th in various subjects for 16 years. Now she spends her time running her family's two retail stores in Vermont, being a Dog Mom, and generally enjoying life.
"Camp has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a camper, I met friends, enjoyed the activities, grew closer to God, and dreamed of becoming a counselor. I was able to move up the ranks and move beyond that dream when I was chosen for the position of Director. I have had the privilege of watching children grow into adults, meeting my husband and many of my best friends at camp. My own respect and love for nature has grown so much that my colleagues now call me their "green friend", and I owe this to my time at camp. I hope to pass this love of the outdoors on to campers for generations to come. It's not where you are, it's who you're with."
Angie has 20+ years summer camp staff experience with 15+ of those as an administrator. She taught grades 4th-8th in various subjects for 16 years. Now she spends her time running her family's two retail stores in Vermont, being a Dog Mom, and generally enjoying life.
"Camp has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a camper, I met friends, enjoyed the activities, grew closer to God, and dreamed of becoming a counselor. I was able to move up the ranks and move beyond that dream when I was chosen for the position of Director. I have had the privilege of watching children grow into adults, meeting my husband and many of my best friends at camp. My own respect and love for nature has grown so much that my colleagues now call me their "green friend", and I owe this to my time at camp. I hope to pass this love of the outdoors on to campers for generations to come. It's not where you are, it's who you're with."
Ian Allender
After 10+ years as a camper, 3 years on staff, and a decade of friendships to follow, Ian considers camp and all the lovely people that make it happen to be his family. Camp has always held a special place in the hearts of those that get to experience it, and the relationships built at Camp have lasted Ian a lifetime....so much so that his best friend from Camp will be his Best Man this September! Ian now teaches 6th grade social studies and coaches lacrosse professionally.
"Camp set the course for wanting to teach and continue working with young people, something that I can't wait to do back on the property where it all started! Excited to get to work at Camp Tesahe 2023!!"
After 10+ years as a camper, 3 years on staff, and a decade of friendships to follow, Ian considers camp and all the lovely people that make it happen to be his family. Camp has always held a special place in the hearts of those that get to experience it, and the relationships built at Camp have lasted Ian a lifetime....so much so that his best friend from Camp will be his Best Man this September! Ian now teaches 6th grade social studies and coaches lacrosse professionally.
"Camp set the course for wanting to teach and continue working with young people, something that I can't wait to do back on the property where it all started! Excited to get to work at Camp Tesahe 2023!!"
Chris Davis
Chris took a hiatus from camp to attend college and graduated with a BS in History. Currently, he is a museum curator and World War II historian. He is looking forward to making this return to camp memorable.
"At 10 years old, I went to CT for the first time and was hooked! I love the outdoors and the camaraderie that grows around this camp. One of my favorite camp moments was when I rode a horse on the trails."
Chris took a hiatus from camp to attend college and graduated with a BS in History. Currently, he is a museum curator and World War II historian. He is looking forward to making this return to camp memorable.
"At 10 years old, I went to CT for the first time and was hooked! I love the outdoors and the camaraderie that grows around this camp. One of my favorite camp moments was when I rode a horse on the trails."
Jeff Edwards
Jeff has contributed his time to various camps for 20 years including MDA summer camp, 4-H summer camp, and Camp Tesahe. Additionally, he is a member of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, serving as a Hike Leader and Trail Maintainer for a 4-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. Jeff's hobbies include hiking, fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and backpacking. He has a passion for working with children and motivating them to give their best effort. Jeff prioritizes providing campers with a safe and engaging environment that enables them to have fun while broadening their horizons.
Jeff has contributed his time to various camps for 20 years including MDA summer camp, 4-H summer camp, and Camp Tesahe. Additionally, he is a member of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, serving as a Hike Leader and Trail Maintainer for a 4-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. Jeff's hobbies include hiking, fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and backpacking. He has a passion for working with children and motivating them to give their best effort. Jeff prioritizes providing campers with a safe and engaging environment that enables them to have fun while broadening their horizons.
Karie Edwards
Karie has been with us at camp for the last few years. She's always been a camp kid and enjoys traveling the world with her family! You'll probably catch her creating super awesome stuff in the Arts & Crafts room this summer!
Karie has been with us at camp for the last few years. She's always been a camp kid and enjoys traveling the world with her family! You'll probably catch her creating super awesome stuff in the Arts & Crafts room this summer!
Hunter Griffith
Hunter has been a part of the Camp program for many years, first as a camper and then as a Special K. This will be her 8th year on staff.
"Words cannot express how excited I am to be returning to camp after not having it these past few years. I can’t wait to see all of the new and returning campers, play some tennis, and sing at the top of our lungs at the finest camp I know. Alright!"
Hunter has been a part of the Camp program for many years, first as a camper and then as a Special K. This will be her 8th year on staff.
"Words cannot express how excited I am to be returning to camp after not having it these past few years. I can’t wait to see all of the new and returning campers, play some tennis, and sing at the top of our lungs at the finest camp I know. Alright!"
Sophia Hayes
Sophia loves working outside and being around people that share a passion for the environment. That is always something that she gets with this camp, along with life-long friendships. Camp is the reason why she pursued a career in Environmental Science. Currently, Sophia is working on an environmental project in North Carolina, but she can't wait to be back at her second home!
"I am so incredibly excited to finally be back at camp. It has been the best part of my summers since I was a small child, and I can't wait to see everyone's smiling faces again! My favorite part about camp is singing by the campfire. PSA: Don't mention Taylor Swift within five feet of me because I will NOT stop talking about her music (my favorite song is Haunted)."
Sophia loves working outside and being around people that share a passion for the environment. That is always something that she gets with this camp, along with life-long friendships. Camp is the reason why she pursued a career in Environmental Science. Currently, Sophia is working on an environmental project in North Carolina, but she can't wait to be back at her second home!
"I am so incredibly excited to finally be back at camp. It has been the best part of my summers since I was a small child, and I can't wait to see everyone's smiling faces again! My favorite part about camp is singing by the campfire. PSA: Don't mention Taylor Swift within five feet of me because I will NOT stop talking about her music (my favorite song is Haunted)."
Lincoln Heilmann
Lincoln will be a senior at Ravenswood High School in Ravenswood, West Virginia. He is the senior class president for the 2023-2024 school year and plays the #3 seed on the Ravenswood tennis team. He is involved in lots of other activities. It was Camp Tesahe that inspired him to play high school tennis.
“I went to this camp for 1 year before Covid ruined it all. It was one of the greatest experiences in life. It taught me lots of things. This will be my first year being a counselor, and I hope to help all the campers have a great time at camp this year.”
Lincoln will be a senior at Ravenswood High School in Ravenswood, West Virginia. He is the senior class president for the 2023-2024 school year and plays the #3 seed on the Ravenswood tennis team. He is involved in lots of other activities. It was Camp Tesahe that inspired him to play high school tennis.
“I went to this camp for 1 year before Covid ruined it all. It was one of the greatest experiences in life. It taught me lots of things. This will be my first year being a counselor, and I hope to help all the campers have a great time at camp this year.”
Patrick Herlihy
Patrick has been a part of the camp program for fifteen years...8 years as a camper, 2 years as a Special K, and 5 years as a counselor. Patrick has always loved coming to camp and making lifelong friends. He currently teaches Middle School English and coaches High School Girls Basketball at Charleston Catholic High School.
"My favorite part of camp is field day and camping with new friends."
Patrick has been a part of the camp program for fifteen years...8 years as a camper, 2 years as a Special K, and 5 years as a counselor. Patrick has always loved coming to camp and making lifelong friends. He currently teaches Middle School English and coaches High School Girls Basketball at Charleston Catholic High School.
"My favorite part of camp is field day and camping with new friends."
Sophia Mishoe
Sophia will be a first-year student at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond where she will study dance and elementary education. She has been coming to camp for 19 years (first as a two-month old baby!) and this will be her first year on staff. Sophia enjoys tennis, arts and crafts, and the campfires.
"When I think of camp, it's not just the place I think of but the people also. They are my second family, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them. This program and this family has raised me and helped me find myself. Through camp I have discovered my love for nature and the mountains, how to step out of my comfort zone, and that friendships formed at summer camp are bonds that are uneasily broken. I have been looking forward to the day when we would make it back to the finest place I know and to say I'm excited would be an understatement!"
Sophia will be a first-year student at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond where she will study dance and elementary education. She has been coming to camp for 19 years (first as a two-month old baby!) and this will be her first year on staff. Sophia enjoys tennis, arts and crafts, and the campfires.
"When I think of camp, it's not just the place I think of but the people also. They are my second family, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them. This program and this family has raised me and helped me find myself. Through camp I have discovered my love for nature and the mountains, how to step out of my comfort zone, and that friendships formed at summer camp are bonds that are uneasily broken. I have been looking forward to the day when we would make it back to the finest place I know and to say I'm excited would be an understatement!"
Mike Morin
Mike is currently entering his 5th year as an upper school teacher at St. John Neumann Academy in Blacksburg, VA. He loves being outside, and hiking has been a part of his life since he was a young child. In fact, he has hiked/backpacked most of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire! Sports and an active lifestyle are also a big part of his life, and he has a passion for teaching (and playing) all sorts of team-oriented games outside with campers.
"This is my first year as a staff member, and I look forward to providing campers with a fun and exciting experience because I am definitely a child at heart!"
Mike is currently entering his 5th year as an upper school teacher at St. John Neumann Academy in Blacksburg, VA. He loves being outside, and hiking has been a part of his life since he was a young child. In fact, he has hiked/backpacked most of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire! Sports and an active lifestyle are also a big part of his life, and he has a passion for teaching (and playing) all sorts of team-oriented games outside with campers.
"This is my first year as a staff member, and I look forward to providing campers with a fun and exciting experience because I am definitely a child at heart!"
Keelin Morris
Keelin will be a senior at Oakland Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA. She enjoys spending time with her dogs (Sirius and Millie) and hanging out with friends. Keelin has been a camper for six years and this will be her first year on staff. She is looking forward to helping make the summer camp experience as great for incoming campers as it was for her.
“Camp has been such a large and important part of my summers since I was a little kid. I am so looking forward to being back around the environment and people that helped me grow as an individual."
Keelin will be a senior at Oakland Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA. She enjoys spending time with her dogs (Sirius and Millie) and hanging out with friends. Keelin has been a camper for six years and this will be her first year on staff. She is looking forward to helping make the summer camp experience as great for incoming campers as it was for her.
“Camp has been such a large and important part of my summers since I was a little kid. I am so looking forward to being back around the environment and people that helped me grow as an individual."
Kelci Parker
Kelci is a registered nurse in the cardiac stepdown unit of St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington, WV. She has been a part of the Camp family for 15 years--1o years as a camper, 1 year as a Special K, and 4 years as a counselor!
"Camp is my second home and family, and it’s my favorite part of summer. My favorite camp activity is water polo at general swim. I love to make campers laugh!"
Kelci is a registered nurse in the cardiac stepdown unit of St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington, WV. She has been a part of the Camp family for 15 years--1o years as a camper, 1 year as a Special K, and 4 years as a counselor!
"Camp is my second home and family, and it’s my favorite part of summer. My favorite camp activity is water polo at general swim. I love to make campers laugh!"
Kennedy Quillen
Kennedy is a Ph.D. student studying coral reef restoration at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, but nothing could get in the way of her returning to West Virginia for Camp Tesahe! Kennedy has been coming to camp for 13 years, and this is her 4th year of staff.
“Camp has been a special part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have made so many great friends and memories, most of which have gone hand in hand! The people here are some of the best on Earth — they have become my second family! That is a feeling I hope I can pass along to our future campers for years to come. I am so excited to be back at Camp Tesahe after a few summers away — I’ve been craving a good hike and a cheese sandwich!”
Kennedy is a Ph.D. student studying coral reef restoration at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, but nothing could get in the way of her returning to West Virginia for Camp Tesahe! Kennedy has been coming to camp for 13 years, and this is her 4th year of staff.
“Camp has been a special part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have made so many great friends and memories, most of which have gone hand in hand! The people here are some of the best on Earth — they have become my second family! That is a feeling I hope I can pass along to our future campers for years to come. I am so excited to be back at Camp Tesahe after a few summers away — I’ve been craving a good hike and a cheese sandwich!”
Russ Reiger
Russ is our go to guy for almost everything. A former EMT, Russ has served as medical staff in a summer camp setting for more than ten years. Russ is a huge part of our backpacking program, helping prepare our trail group's necessities and food. Russ is also one of our in-house photographers, documenting all of the activities and great times had by everyone at camp.
Russ is our go to guy for almost everything. A former EMT, Russ has served as medical staff in a summer camp setting for more than ten years. Russ is a huge part of our backpacking program, helping prepare our trail group's necessities and food. Russ is also one of our in-house photographers, documenting all of the activities and great times had by everyone at camp.
Taylor Shropshire
Taylor will be a first-year student at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia where she will study Health Sciences with a minor in Pre-Med in hopes of becoming a pediatrician or pediatric surgeon! This is Taylor’s first year on staff, but she has been coming to camp for about 8 years now! She loves spending time outside (especially by the water) and with friends!
“I am so excited to be back at Camp this year as a counselor! Camp has been one of my favorite weeks out of the summer for so many years because I get to do it with family and amazing friends that have turned into family! I can’t wait to meet all of the campers this year and help them have an amazing week!”
Taylor will be a first-year student at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia where she will study Health Sciences with a minor in Pre-Med in hopes of becoming a pediatrician or pediatric surgeon! This is Taylor’s first year on staff, but she has been coming to camp for about 8 years now! She loves spending time outside (especially by the water) and with friends!
“I am so excited to be back at Camp this year as a counselor! Camp has been one of my favorite weeks out of the summer for so many years because I get to do it with family and amazing friends that have turned into family! I can’t wait to meet all of the campers this year and help them have an amazing week!”
Kate Snider
Kate is a registered nurse living and working Charleston, South Carolina. Her favorite thing to do is spend her days off at the beach and listen to Taylor Swift! Kate has been attending camp for a total of 11 years and this is her 3rd year on staff.
"I can’t believe it is finally almost time for the best week of the year! Camp is such a special place to me and a lot of my best childhood memories took place there. My favorite thing about camp is spending time outdoors and seeing the joy on campers’ faces when they try new things for the first time!"
Kate is a registered nurse living and working Charleston, South Carolina. Her favorite thing to do is spend her days off at the beach and listen to Taylor Swift! Kate has been attending camp for a total of 11 years and this is her 3rd year on staff.
"I can’t believe it is finally almost time for the best week of the year! Camp is such a special place to me and a lot of my best childhood memories took place there. My favorite thing about camp is spending time outdoors and seeing the joy on campers’ faces when they try new things for the first time!"
Sarah Snider
Sarah is a clinical pharmacist currently working in Cleveland, OH. Although her career has taken her elsewhere, West Virginia will always be her home! This will be Sarah's fifth year on staff and twelfth year at camp. She's excited to see everyone at the pool and on the lake this summer!
"Camp has been the best week of the year since I was 10 years old. Many of my closest friends—from adolescence through adulthood—are camp friends! It sparked my love for the outdoors and provided me with a support network that I use year round. It truly is the finest camp I know!"
Sarah is a clinical pharmacist currently working in Cleveland, OH. Although her career has taken her elsewhere, West Virginia will always be her home! This will be Sarah's fifth year on staff and twelfth year at camp. She's excited to see everyone at the pool and on the lake this summer!
"Camp has been the best week of the year since I was 10 years old. Many of my closest friends—from adolescence through adulthood—are camp friends! It sparked my love for the outdoors and provided me with a support network that I use year round. It truly is the finest camp I know!"
Anna Zoller
Anna has been coming to camp for 25 years, has been on staff for 4 years, and is excited for her 5th year on staff! She has missed her camp family and is excited to meet new faces! She hopes to give the campers the same camp experience that she got to grow up with!
“Camp really is the best week out of my summer and the finest place I know! I’ve been looking forward to this week for months, and I’m so excited to see it all come together!"
Anna has been coming to camp for 25 years, has been on staff for 4 years, and is excited for her 5th year on staff! She has missed her camp family and is excited to meet new faces! She hopes to give the campers the same camp experience that she got to grow up with!
“Camp really is the best week out of my summer and the finest place I know! I’ve been looking forward to this week for months, and I’m so excited to see it all come together!"