Meet Our Team

Chris Getoor - Executive Director

Chris has had the great privilege of leading Strong Wings for the past 17 years. A graduate of St. Joseph’s College, he studied history, English, and secondary education. Prior to his tenure at Strong Wings he held a number of positions in education. Chris taught Spanish and ecology at the Nantucket New School and was also the home school teacher for the children of John and Elizabeth Edwards during the 2008 presidential campaign.

An accomplished surfer, bowhunter outdoorsman, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, adventure enthusiast and avid gardener, he has a true passion for sharing his love for nature, challenge, and adventure with people of all ages. He and his wife Lori have a home on the property and his sons Fin and Max are diehard campers. Fostering the growth of this amazing organization is his life’s work and he could not be more grateful for the opportunity to lead such an amazing staff this year.

Claire Winship - Director of Programs

Claire started her Strong Wings journey as a bike camper in 1996. After graduating from Warren Wilson College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies, she returned home to Nantucket and to Strong Wings in 2011 to work as a group leader. Claire accepted the Director of Program position in 2012. Often the first point of contact for new families and campers, we are grateful for the warmth and joy she brings to every conversation. A talented administrator, and a gifted, caring educator; Claire is an invaluable member of our team and family. She is also a proud Strong Wings mom; her son Tripp will be enjoying his second season of van camp this summer.

Andrew Trott-Kielawa - Director of Operations / Aquatics Director

Andrew "TK" began his journey with Strong Wings as a camper and group leader before joining full-time in 2017. While now primarily supporting the camp through his work in the business office, he continues overseeing aquatics programming to ensure a safe and positive experience for all campers. He holds certifications in Lifeguarding, First Aid, AED, and Water Safety Instruction, coaches the Nantucket High School swim team, and runs a community learn-to-swim program. An avid surfer, shell fisherman, and outdoor enthusiast, TK takes pride in the important work Strong Wings does connecting children with Nantucket’s natural environment.

TK is a certified human resources professional (SHRM-CP) and is currently completing his MBA with a focus in finance at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. TK is looking forward to another amazing camp season with Strong Wings.

Scott Tanch - Logistics Director & Facilities Support Manager

Scott has a B.S. and Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Vermont. Scott is a former camper and group leader. This is his 12th year on staff, fourth as a key member of the administrative team, and first as a year-round staff member of the Strong Wings and New School community.

In addition to handling all things logistics, Scott enjoys working with campers in the garden and greenhouse and is the primary care person for our ever-growing flock of chickens and turkeys.

Miranda Celine (Mo) - Youth Leadership Director

Mo is beyond excited to return for a fifth summer with Strong Wings. Beyond working with the staff to develop leadership skills and group management strategies, Mo coordinates and is the point person for our epic rides like “east to west” and “60 mile challenge.” Mo spent the last year teaching English and science in Vietnam and is bringing home the craziest lil puppy, Kitsune! While they’re definitely sad to leave Vietnam, they’re so pumped for another incredible summer! In their free time, Mo loves to bike, swim, hike, play cards, spend time with animals, and relax at the beach.

Dee Degen - Early Camp Coordinator

Dee is so excited to be returning for a fifth year at Strong Wings! Dee has been a teacher and educator for the last seven years and most recently taught preschool and first grade in Hoi An, Vietnam. Not only is Dee a talented teacher, they are a gifted leader and a constant source of inspiration and positive energy for the van camp staff. In their free time you can find Dee at the beach with their dog, Kitsune.

Leslie Brannigan - Director of Leadership / Assistant Aquatics Director

During the school year, Leslie teaches history and ethics at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA. She and her kids (11,14, and 17) countdown the days to Strong Wings summers, where a dynamic staff works hard to bring out the best in each camper.

She and her husband have observed in their own children, just a week at Strong Wings can be more empowering and impactful than their entire school year. Leslie brings a passion for leadership development and a wealth of experience. We are all grateful for her many contributions to our summer programs.

Sage Geddes - Early Camp Coordinator

Sage was born and raised on Nantucket and worked as a Strong Wings group leader from 2018 to 2020. She holds a B.A. in Education (K-8) with a concentration in Special Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During the school year, Sage works as a nanny for a New School family and as a substitute teacher at the New School. She is excited to return this summer as an Early Camp Coordinator. Outside of work, she loves traveling to Southeast Asia, spending time with her dog, Pickle (Utah’s brother!), riding her bike, and baking sourdough.

Kyler Cubbage - Staff Leadership Coordinator

Kyler is from West Hartford, CT and studied English Literature at St. Lawrence University in Upstate NY. Kyler first started working for Strong Wings in the summer of 2017 as a group leader, and he loves the Strong Wings mission and community. He has spent the past four years in the Marine Corps. We are grateful for his service, excited for all the knowledge and experience he brings and so happy to have him back!
Kyler’s hobbies include waking up too early to surf with friends, training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and trail running. He is looking forward to another epic summer on the island!

Alex Zisa - Group Leader

Alex is from New York, but has lived in Boston, Spain and France. She graduated from Suffolk University in May with a degree in Biology, and hopes to work in holistic dermatology. Summer 2025 will be her fourth year at Strong Wings and she’s so excited to see new and returning faces! Alex loves all things nature, reading books, snowboarding, speaking Spanish, dancing, and teaching yoga.

Luke Gumpert Esq. - Group Leader

Luke was born and raised in Naples, FL. He attended Florida State University for undergrad and law school. He has been a Strong Wings group leader for eleven summers and carries a wealth of institutional knowledge and genuine passion for the Strong Wings mission. Luke enjoys surfing, spending time with family and friends, and investing in the lives of young people. Luke can be found in the water or on the bike path at 5:15 am with Chris every morning. They haven’t missed a “dawn patrol” in seven years!

Liam Cuddy - Group Leader

Liam is from the north shore of Boston and studied education/special education at UMass Lowell. He works as a sixth grade math/science teacher here on the island. He is a former Strong Wings camper and CIT, and this will be his twelfth year on the staff. Liam is passionate about health and fitness, a wide range of sports, biking of course, and is a lover of fine food. He loves spending time with his family and friends and lives for his time at Strong Wings.

Lilla Sharman - Group Leader

Lilla was born and raised on Nantucket. She is entering her final year at Salve Regina University with a major in social work. She was a camper for many years before becoming a CIT, and eventually a group leader. Lilla is one of the captains of Salve's club swim team. She enjoys anything to do with swimming or being in the water. She also loves the beach, walking/hiking, and spending time with her friends!

Michael Gundersdorf - Group Leader

Michael is from Mesa, AZ. He is a 2024 Graduate of Saint Xavier University in Chicago, IL where he played football and studied exercise science. This will be Michael’s second year as a group leader for Strong Wings and he can’t wait for all the adventures that this summer will bring. He loves outdoor activities such as snowboarding, hiking, camping, fishing, and playing golf. He looks forward to seeing all your smiling faces this summer!

Mamta Katarina - Group Leader

Mamta is from New Hampshire and will be going into her sophomore year at UNH, studying bioengineering. She was a former camper, and this will be her fourth year as a group leader. Mamta is the younger sister of Dr. Rani Dey, one of Strong Wings’ most beloved group leaders. Mamta enjoys writing, drawing, swimming, tennis, and helping others. She is positive, creative, motivated, has loads of energy, and is excited about the summer and the beach.

Jack Dewalt - Group Leader

Jack is from Richmond, VA. He attended Penn State University and graduated with a degree in criminology. He was commissioned as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army Reserves in May. In his spare time he loves reading, watching baseball, and mountain biking. This is Jack's third year working at Strong Wings and he is excited to return to Nantucket for another great summer and to make lots of new memories.

Payton Koch - Group Leader

Payton is a rising junior at Chapman University in Orange, CA. She is studying psychology with a minor in education. She was a camper at Strong Wings for eight years and has worked as a CIT for two. This will be her fourth year as a group leader. Payton enjoys running, lifting, spending time outside and at the beach! She has spent every summer on Nantucket for the past 17 years, and Strong Wings has been an incredible experience that brings her back every year!

Merrick Brannigan - Group Leader

Merrick is a former island resident who is entering his senior year at Tabor Academy. He is a former camper and CIT at Strong Wings, and he is so excited to return for his third summer as a group leader. Merrick is also a passionate singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and he loves to host singalongs with campers. Discovering new places on Nantucket is always a highlight of his summer.

Sophie Sessions - Group Leader

Sophie is from North Granby, CT. She graduated from Plymouth State University in May, 2024 with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and Youth Development. She has spent some time on the island and looks forward to her second year as a Strong Wings group leader this summer. Sophie enjoys reading, the beach, and spending time with her friends and family.

Luke Clarke - Group Leader

Luke is a rising sophomore at Northeastern University, where he is studying International Business. His favorite activities are fishing, skiing, hanging out with friends, and traveling. Having lived on Nantucket all his life, Luke has been a part of Strong Wings ever since he can remember. This year will be his third year as a group leader.

Marisa Britt - Group Leader

Marisa is from Springfield, MA and is a senior in college at STCC studying Nursing. This will be her fourth year as a group leader at Strong Wings, and she is very excited to be back and meet new campers! In her free time she enjoys weightlifting, reading, art, cooking new recipes, and spending time outdoors and with family and friends.

Alex Pruchnic - Group Leader

Alex hails from Mesa, AZ. The 2025 summer will be his fourth year as a group leader, and he’s coming into it with a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Arizona. He loves working with kids of all ages and is looking forward to another great summer with Strong Wings. On his days off he loves to play cards, watch movies and stay active.

Lyla Koch - Group Leader

Lyla Koch is a graduate of New Canaan High School and a rising freshman at Texas Christian University. She is studying fashion merchandising. She was a camper at Strong Wings for six years and is looking forward to becoming a group leader. Lyla enjoys dancing, lifting, hanging out with friends, going to the beach, yoga, and spending time in the sun! She has gone to Nantucket every summer since she was little and it is her favorite place. She is excited to begin this new adventure as a counselor at Strong Wings.

Samuel Zweck - Group Leader

Samuel is from Port Jefferson, NY and is entering his freshman year of college at UMass Amherst where he will be studying neuroscience and is on the pre-med track. He has been coming to Strong Wings since he was six years old as a camper, and is a former CIT. During his free time Sam can be found playing volleyball, basketball, working out, or spending time with friends. This will be his second year as a group leader and he can't wait to come back for another summer.

Emerson Milne - Group Leader

Emerson was born and raised on Nantucket. She is a rising senior at The University of Vermont studying exercise science and is on the pre-physical therapy track. This is Emerson’s second season with Strong Wings, and she can’t wait for another awesome summer! In her free time, Emerson enjoys baking, hiking, skiing, and playing soccer.

Harrison Cribbins - Group Leader

Harrison is from Toronto, Canada, and is a student at Northeastern University studying business and psychology. He was a Strong Wings camper for eight years and a CIT for two. This will be his thirteenth year at Strong Wings and his third as a group leader. He enjoys surfing, biking, swimming, and fishing in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Harrison is looking forward to spending another summer with the camp.

Barrett Bachner - Group Leader

Barrett is from Weston, CT. He will be attending the University of British Columbia in the fall. Barrett spent many years as a camper at Strong Wings, and this will be his first year working as a group leader. He enjoys hiking, running, swimming and everything outdoors. Barrett Is excited to be back at Strong Wings this summer.

Julia Bazinet - Group Leader

Julia is originally from Bronxville, NY, and graduated from Bronxville High School. She is currently a rising junior at Southern Methodist University (SMU), majoring in marketing and minoring in psychology.
Strong Wings has been a significant part of Julia's life. Julia is excited to join the Strong Wings team as a new group leader and is eager to help create life-changing experiences for the next generation of campers. Outside of camp, Julia enjoys staying active by going to Pure Barre, running, and walking her dog, Boomer. Julia is looking forward to a summer of fun, growth, and lasting memories with everyone at Strong Wings!

Chris Johnston - Group Leader

Chris is from Madison, VA and is a rising junior at James Madison University, majoring in finance. Chris has grown up visiting Nantucket each summer and has made countless memories on the island. He enjoys biking, fishing, and anything on the water. This will be Chris’s second summer as a group leader at Strong Wings and he can't wait to be back for another summer.

Avery Hubbard - Group Leader

Avery is from Houston, TX and is a rising sophomore at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. Avery loves the outdoors including running, hiking, biking, and anything by the ocean! She has only been to Nantucket once before, but loved absolutely everything about it. She adores working with kids, but this is her first time working at Strong Wings and she is so excited for this incredible opportunity!

Jack Cooney - Group Leader

Jack is 22 years old, and is from Philadelphia, PA. He has spent every summer on Nantucket. He will be a senior at the University of Miami this upcoming fall and is majoring in marine biology. Jack was a Strong Wings camper for nine years, spent a year as a CIT, and this will be his fourth year as a group leader. He enjoys scuba diving, mountain biking, travel, and skiing.

Viola Swartout - Group Leader

Viola is from Lake Forest, IL, and is a student at Wake Forest University where she studies finance. This will be her second summer at Strong Wings, and she is so excited to be back! Viola loves spending time with friends and family, being on the water, watching F1, traveling, and is always ready for the next adventure! She can’t wait for another fun summer!

Dan Salon - Group Leader

Dan was born and raised in Hingham, MA and has spent his summers vacationing on Nantucket. He is a rising senior at the University of Colorado Boulder and is studying history. This is Dan's third
summer at Strong Wings. Dan spends his free time climbing and skiing, but when he's away from the mountains you can find him on the beach and spending time with his dog Bella.

Dylan Miller - Group Leader

Dylan was born and raised on Nantucket Island and has been a part of Strong Wings since he was six years old. This is Dylan’s fourth year working as a group leader. He’s currently studying tourism management at Plymouth State University and is a senior. Dylan enjoys skiing, biking, basketball and fishing.

Libby Stockton - Group Leader

Libby is a rising senior at Providence College, majoring in English. She was born and raised in Summit, NJ, and has spent every summer vacationing on Nantucket. This will be her third summer with the Strong Wings family, and she couldn’t be happier! She plays club field hockey at Providence, has worked as a mother's helper in her hometown, gives private field hockey lessons, and loves working with kids. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family and going on long walks or runs around her neighborhood.

Davis Bachner - Group Leader

Davis is from Weston, CT. He is excited to return for his second year as a group leader after being a camper for 11 years. Davis is an incoming freshman at Case Western Reserve University where he will study electrical engineering. In his free time Davis enjoys ceramics, disc golf, and volunteers at his local fire department as an EMT. He loves being a part of the Strong Wings community and looks forward to this summer!

Ryann Mountain - Group Leader

Ryann is from Beverly, MA and grew up spending her summers with her family on Nantucket. She spent most of those summers as a camper at Strong Wings! Ryann is a rising senior at the University of Vermont, studying secondary education and history. This is Ryann’s first summer working for Strong Wings and she couldn’t be more excited! During her free time she enjoys traveling, skiing, cooking, and teaching!

Teddy Hubbell - Group Leader

Teddy is very excited to return to Strong Wings for his second summer as a group leader. This will be his eighth year at Strong Wings after his years as a Warrior, Champion, and Counselor in Training.
While Teddy is from Riverside, CT, he has spent many summers on Nantucket and is eagerly awaiting another summer on the island. He is a rising sophomore at the University of Vermont and loves skiing, cars, and pretty much anything outdoors, especially hiking and biking.

Ally Weedon - Group Leader

Ally Weedon is from Whitinsville, MA, and she's a rising sophomore studying nursing at Ole Miss. She’s been coming to Nantucket her whole life and is excited to be back for her second summer working at Strong Wings. She has also spent two summers as a Nantucket Beach Lifeguard. Ally loves working out, playing volleyball and tennis, and walking her dogs. She’s passionate about working with kids and can’t wait to meet all the campers this summer!

Rowan Drant - Group Leader

Rowan is a rising freshman after just graduating from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. He was a CIT for two summers and this will be his third summer as group leader. He has spent time on Nantucket for his whole life. Rowan was a captain on his school’s football and tennis teams and is a baseball and tennis coach on the weekends. He loves being a part of the Strong Wings community and looks forward to his third year on the staff!

Carissa Zirolli - Group Leader

Carissa is from Connecticut and is a senior at Suffolk University in Boston. She will be graduating this May with an international relations degree and a minor in accounting. This is her first year at Strong Wings and she is super excited! She began working with children at 16 in her hometown and most recently worked at a child development center. She has grown to love working with kids and learns a lot from them! Her hobbies include drawing and painting, bike rides, and reading.

Adrian Lund - Group Leader

Adrian is from Weston, MA and has grown up spending his summers on Nantucket with his family. He is a rising senior at Moses Brown School in Providence, RI. Adrian was a camper at Strong Wings since he was five and recently spent the last two summers as a CIT. He enjoys anything sports related and when he is not on the baseball field he loves to ski, surf, draw and play drums. Adrian is looking forward to spending another summer with Strong Wings this year.

Tristan Lund - Group Leader

Tristan is from Weston, MA and has been coming to Nantucket since he was three. He is a rising senior at Moses Brown School in Providence, RI. Tristan has been a part of the Strong Wings community for as long as he can remember, whether that was being a camper in van camp, bike camp, or recently as a CIT. Tristan plays baseball and in his free time he loves to play guitar, ski, surf, and fish. Tristan is excited to continue his Strong Wings journey as a group leader this summer.

Ava Capparelli - Group Leader

Ava is from New Hampshire and is a rising sophomore at Southern New Hampshire University. She is majoring in early childhood education with a minor in psychology. She enjoys educating young children, babysitting and being outdoors! Her favorite outdoor activities are kayaking, hiking, and swimming. This will be her first year as a counselor at Strong Wings! She has been visiting Nantucket
for four summers and can’t wait to explore the island more. She is excited to meet everyone and have a great summer!

Hank Shertenlieb - Group Leader

Hank is from Boston, MA and currently goes to BC High in Dorchester. Hank is a former camper and CIT, and summer 2025 will be his first year as a group leader. He loves to lift weights, run, ski and spend time with his dog. In the winter he works as a ski instructor and last summer he also shucked oysters at the Sandbar.

Tabitha Myers - Group Leader

Tabitha (Tabby) is from the beautiful state of Vermont where she grew up alongside Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains learning to love and respect nature. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 2022 with a degree in neuroscience and Spanish. She loves to travel and be active with her friends and family at home or abroad! This will be Tabby’s first year as a group leader and she is eager to bring her enthusiasm for outdoor activities and to foster a safe and fun environment at Strong Wings.

Liam McAvoy - Group Leader

Liam is from Media, PA, and now lives in Colorado, where he studied philosophy at CU Boulder. This is Liam's first summer on Nantucket, and he couldn't be more excited to get to know the Strong Wings community. Liam enjoys skiing, climbing, and competing against his friends in games of all shapes and sizes.

Janie Paulmann - Group Leader

Janie is from Fairfield, CT and is a rising junior at TCU where she studies graphic design. She has spent time on Nantucket growing up, and is so excited for her first summer with Strong Wings! In her free time, Janie enjoys running, playing soccer, being with friends and family, and going to the beach! She has spent time working with children coaching soccer and as a nanny, and she can’t wait for this summer!

Will Hall - Group Leader

Will is from Boston, MA, and is a rising senior at The Loomis Chaffee School. Will has been a CIT and camper for many years and is very excited for his first year as a group leader! Will enjoys reading, writing, playing tennis, and spending time under the sun. Will has summered on Nantucket since he was ten and has completely fallen in love with the island and its nature!

Ella Fesko - Group Leader

Ella was born on Nantucket but raised in Syracuse, NY. She is a rising junior at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in finance. This will be her first summer with Strong Wings, and she couldn't be more excited to join the team! Ella has experience as both a camp counselor and a nanny, and she has a strong passion for working with kids. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, and going to concerts.

Cole Corper - Group Leader

Cole has spent every summer on Nantucket since he was born, working in island restaurants such as 167 Raw and Pizzeria Gemelle. His first experience with Strong Wings was as a bike-camper, and he can’t wait to return for his first summer as a group leader. Hailing from New York City, Cole will be attending Wesleyan University to study music and experimental sound art. He hopes to take a gap year to go to cooking school and work in music studios in NYC.

Cole has spent much of high school working with kids to develop live performance skills through open mic programs that he has helped facilitate. A committed musician, Cole’s favorite thing to do is play music on the bench across from the Juice Bar downtown with fellow group leader Merrick Brannigan.

Caroline Davis - Group Leader

Caroline is a film production major at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA! She is from Austin, TX and though this will be her first year as a group leader at Strong Wings, she’s been going to camp for her whole life and loves being a counselor. She LOVES the beach, going on runs, being outside, hanging out with friends, fruit and acai bowls, and cooking!! Caroline is super excited to meet new friends and campers and to have an awesome summer!!

Annabel Slocum - Group Leader

Annabel is from Houston, TX. She will be attending University of Texas at Austin to study civic leadership. This year is her first year at Strong Wings. Annabel loves collecting shells, reading in the sun, playing mahjong and playing lacrosse. She can't wait to meet everyone and spend the summer with campers and friends.