2025 Summer Staff
2024 Summer Staff
2023 Summer Staff
2022 Summer Staff
2021 Summer Staff
2019 Summer Staff
Meet Our Leadership Team
OPEN POSITION -Executive Director
peter.russell@holidayhomecamp.org – Peter Russell, Interim Executive Director
Cierrae Caver-Chouhan – Camp Director / Associate Executive LGFAA
- Hometown: Chicago, IL | Downers Grove, IL
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Cierrae,Camp Director
Degree or experience: Bachelors in Recreation Parks and Tourism Administration | Emphasis – Youth Development | Minor – Nonprofit Management. Master’s in Applied Anthropology – Youth and Community Development
- Favorite past experience working with young people: I find it difficult to answer this question because working with youth brings countless sunshine moments! However, to name a few, it’s amazing to witness a camper conquer a fear in just a 6-day Camp Session, see the growth of a camper over the years and become an ELITE teen, or witness the bonds created amongst all the campers and staff at the end of each session. These moments warm my heart, knowing that I had an impact on these young people and helped them to have an experience that they will remember for a lifetime.
- What you like about working for LGFAA: Where do I begin, and most importantly, what’s not to like? Have you met our summer staff, full-time team and most importantly OUR CAMPERS? Being on the LGFAA team is not only fun but also rewarding work, and our mission is something I am proud to say I’m a part of. Also, I love working for a camp community that values diversity, inclusivity, and growth (educational, mental and personal). LGFAA’s work culture provides opportunities for everyone to feel empowered to share their unique perspectives and ideas. When you love what you do, it doesn’t even feel like work – and I can definitely say that’s true for me at Holiday Home Camp!
- Future Plans:
- Random fact: While I played Rugby during all four years of my Undergrad. During my time completing my master’s degree in London, I had the opportunity to play in a competitive Women’s Basketball League that hosted players from various countries. It was an amazing experience to build connections and friendships with women from all corners of the world who were ambitious and driven. It was loads of fun!
Britlyn Greenlee – HHC Assistant Camp Director / Community Outreach
- Hometown: Rockford, Illinois
- Degree or experience: Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with a minor in U.S. Latino/a Studies
- Favorite past experience working with young people: Many of my favorite memories of working with kids revolve around getting them connected with the outdoors. Growing up, I got to see very little of the night sky, and what I knew about the stars was limited. Any time I get to talk to kids about the stars or tell them constellation stories is near and dear to my heart. Kids are endlessly curious, and discussing the night sky opens up so many avenues of thought. Their moments of wonder are awe-inspiring and always remind me of how cool our world is.
- What you like about working for LGFAA: The community. While I have only been here for a little while, I can already tell how kind everyone is involved with Holiday Home Camp. The mission here is incredibly important, and knowing how much care and consideration everyone puts into making camp magical has already made Holiday Home Camp feel like Home.
- Future Plans: I am excited to learn a new role here at HHC and continue providing memorable experiences for all involved with LGFAA. In the near future, I would also like to begin working on my Master’s degree in Camp Administration and Leadership.
- Random facts: Growing up, I was a diver and on the synchronized swimming team in Highschool. Part of the reason I gravitated towards these sports was my ability to plug my nose with my lips. It makes going upside down in the water a breeze!
Mark Feldman – O.W.L.S. Director – Associate Director LGFAA
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Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Illinois - Degree or experience: I have a Bachelors in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management from George Williams College of Aurora University. I have had 7 years in the industry. I am also a certified Challenge Course Manager as well as a Red Cross Life Guard.
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Favorite past experience working with young people: I absolutely LOVE seeing people do something for their first time. Whether it is learning to throw a ball, getting to ride a boat, catch a fish, or fly down the zipline. The look on their face and the feeling of joy that they have is infectious and facilitates the same reaction in myself.
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What you like about working for LGFAA: Creating connections with people from all walks of life is incredible. Interacting with staff, participants, donors, volunteers, and community members keep things exciting and fun. When I go home at the end of the day and ask myself “Did you have fun today?” 99 out of 100 days the answer is “YES.”
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Future Plans: I am hard at work improving my leadership and management skills so I can set my self up to become a well rounded executive director in the future.
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Random fact: I am a rabid fisherman! In the past I spent 4 years working at Bass Pro Shops as the de facto Master-Guru of Marine Electronics. If you need anything fishing or boating related I am the man to go to!
Gary “Big Dog” Cwidak -Keeper of the Flame & Guest Appearance Facilitator
- Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
- Degree or experience:
Undergraduate Degree Indiana University – BA in Psychology
Graduate Degree: University of Wisconsin Whitewater – MS in Counselor Education - Favorite past experience working with young people:
Working with ten 8th grade boys who had every difficult label the school could put on them. We co-created an amazing, heartfelt experience that left the school counselor and me in tears of joy by the end. - What you like about working for OWLS:
Professional staff, high quality programming, and diverse clientele. - Future Plans (post-OWLS):
What? Big Dog leave OWLS? Shame on you! ½ way there semi-retired - Random fact:
The nickname “Big Dog” not only reflects my nature, but after a day of bicycling, I really smell like a big dog.
2025 Facilitators
2019 Facilitators
2018 Facilitators
OWLS Staff ACCT Certifications
Mark Feldman Level II Challenge Course Manager (CCM)
Big Dog Level II; Challenge Course Manager (CCM)
