Year-Round Staff
Shellie Santay grew up at Camp Pocono Ridge becoming a third generation camp director. She maintains a working knowledge in all areas of the camp program having worked in both the kitchen and laundry, as well as trained as a C.I.T, CA & Counselor. She spent three years working as a Senior Counselor teaching a variety of specialty activities; arts & crafts, mini-bikes, and water-skiing. In 1985, she earned the position of Head Counselor working alongside her parents and their partners in the day-to-day management of the camp.
After attending
Shellie enjoys being thought of a camper's second Mom. Her goal is to provide each child with a mentally, physically, emotionally and socially secure environment where they may reach their greatest potential and feel loved within our camp family, an atmosphere she enjoys creating. She says that staff training and teaching campers to become valued leaders and members within the camp community, are still her favorite activities in camp, but there is very little about camping that she dislikes.
In 2005, Shellie purchased the Camp Pocono Ridge business from her parents opening a new location in the summer of 2007. She looks forward to returning to camp each summer along with her daughter, Samantha. Together they enjoy sharing a love for Camp Pocono Ridge, its history and traditions, and she hopes for everyone the opportunity to enjoy their own life's work as she has at Camp Pocono Ridge.
Jeffrey Reichman - Pocono Ridge, Associate Director
Jeffrey Reichman lovingly referred to by camp friends as “Fuzz,” first arrived at Camp Pocono Ridge in 1992 at the age of 8. He spent 8 summers as a camper and upon completion of Camp Pocono Ridge’s Leadership Training Course; began working as a camp counselor in 2000.
Jeff spent 4 years working as a Senior Counselor with a variety of age groups. During this time he taught a wide range of activities, including soccer and outdoor education, before becoming a Group Leader & C.O.R.E. Counselor in 2004 and 2005.
Jeff graduated from The George Washington University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He worked the "Hill," and enjoyed the political atmosphere, but knew his heart and head still lay in camping and with Camp Pocono Ridge.
In 2006, Jeff became the Associate Director for Camp Pocono Ridge and looks forward to creating the same fun, safe and comforting atmosphere he enjoyed for fourteen summers. Having experienced life in numerous roles at Camp Pocono Ridge, Jeff combines his love for the camp’s tradition of excellence in camping with an enormous amount of experience and energy.
Brooks Stapleton - Head Counselor
Brooks is a five year veteran at Camp Pocono Ridge. He is considered an integral part of the daily landscape at CPR. His versatility has been seen in a wide variety of camp programs; as a soccer coach, theater arts instructor, waterfront/lifeguard, and as the evening activity MC. His constant level of enthusiasm earned him a position on our headstaff in 2004 as a Group Leader & C.O.R.E. staff member. Since then, he has continued to perform each year upon his return.
Brooks sets an outstanding example for both, campers and counselors to follow. He captures their respect with unforgettable care and style. His dynamic ability to motivate all around him allows for an unpredictable start, and definitive smile, to each camper’s day.
He has earned the position of Head Counselor with his dedication and commitment to the Camp Pocono Ridge program. Brooks joined the staff year-round in April 2007.
Suzie Santay Allan - Program Director
Suzie grew up at Camp Pocono Ridge, as a member of the Santay family her drive, dedication and commitment to our camp runs deep.
During her youth Suzie served in many capacities. She was a popular girls counselor, head of the waterski program, and worked for years as a group leader and supervisor before being promoted to Program Director. Her ideas and computer programming skills are the foundations for our current activity program which provides flexibility, multiple choice and daily rotation for our campers. It allows for individual daily programming, is revolutionary in its use and the only one of its kind.
In the off season, Suzie is the owner and director of Busy Bee Academy, an early childhood education center. For 17 years she has dedicated her life to the development of children both in camp and at her preschool.
Suzie has been happily married for 14 years and has three children, all of whom continued to share their summers with us at Camp Pocono Ridge.
