Meet Our Team - Learn more about the people who make camp happen!
Kate Seeger - Director
Kate Seeger grew up at Killooleet as a camper and a counselor while her parents, John and Ellie Seeger, were the directors. She became a co-director in the early 1990s. Kate was a certified teacher in Massachusetts and taught fifth grade and metalworking for 4th- 8th graders at Shady Hill School for 20 years. As director, Kate primarily works with staff but she still enjoys working with campers at recalls, during occasional silver jewelry periods, and helping with cabin bedtimes.
Favorite Camp Meal - Hot cereal and blueberry muffins.
Favorite Activities - Jewelry / Sings
Why I keep coming back - It is exciting to see the community come together each summer. Campers and staff find they are welcomed and encouraged to join new groups and activities and as the summer progresses they move away from their tentativeness around new things and step into confidence where they find their voices and let their creative expression flourish.
Dean Spencer - Director
Dean Spencer JD, M. Ed. first arrived at Killooleet as a counselor in 1982. A former environmental lawyer and (mostly) retired middle school educator, Dean joined Kate as co-director in the late 1990s. He continues to teach periods in sports, shop, and other activities, and is particularly fond of helping cabin teams with problem solving, cabin clean up, rest hour, and bedtime routines.
Favorite Camp Meal - Hiker's lunch
Favorite Activities - Recalls and Choice periods, when campers truly have control of their time.
Why I keep coming back - Camp is full of amazing people of all ages. I don't know anything more magical than helping children (and staff) discover they can become the most wonderful version of themselves when they are in community with others. Plus, it's Vermont ... and there is live music.
Hileia Seeger - Assistant Director
Hileia Seeger LICSW, MBA Hileia grew up at camp, has been a camper, Dunham Denizen, and was a riding Counselor for many years. In 2022, Hileia moved to Vermont with her family and started working at camp again, joining the team as Assistant Director in 2023. Hileia previously held an administrative position at a non-profit in the DC area and now works as a School-Based Clinician at a local school during the winter.
Favorite Camp Meal – Taco Tuesday
Favorite Activity – Riding
Why I Keep Coming Back – I know that camp affected me both personally and professionally and I owe much of my success to lessons I learned as a camper and counselor. I want my children to experience camp, which is magical to kids and stays with you in ways you don’t realize until you are older.
Manny Flaherty - Staff Coordinator
Manny found the Killooleet community as a youngest camper in 1988. He first joined the staff as a Kitchen Aid in 1997 and went on to be a counselor in 2000. Manny has taught Art, Sports, Woodworking and Music, and is currently the Staff Coordinator, overseeing our outdoor trips program and working directly with staff in training and throughout the summer to set them up for success.
Outside of Camp Manny works as a woodworker making a range of custom homewares from furniture to tableware. He also started working part-time with a local luthier in Rochester, VT repairing stringed instruments.
Favorite Camp Meal - Spag! (spaghetti with meat sauce)
Favorite Activity - Music. During a scheduled period with a cabin, practicing on the main house terrace during recall, or performing at the weekly Sing.
Why I Keep Coming Back - I've done a lot of learning and growing at Killooleet as a camper and into adulthood. I learned the value of a supportive and inclusive community, the ability to be a strong individual with consideration of the larger group, and was given the opportunity to try new things and do so without the fear of failing. All of this has led to self confidence, strong bonds and lifelong friends, and the development of skills that I use in my personal and professional life daily. To be able to provide similar experiences for campers and staff is extremely rewarding. Also, camp is so fun! It's a privilege and joy to be able to come back.
Brian Becker - Program Coordinator
Brian was a camper at Killooleet in the aughts and has worked for Camp since 2015. He has worked in the Killooleet kitchen, as a cabin counselor, and has taught music and archery. In the offseason, Brian is a piano technician and musical electrical engineer. Brian has been the Program Coordinator since 2023, overseeing events and scheduling throughout the course of the summer.
Favorite Camp Meal - Chili
Favorite Activity - Ceramics
Why I Keep Coming Back - Camp has shaped me irrevocably. Throughout my time as a camper and staff member, I have garnered strong social and emotional values which inform all my interpersonal relationships to this day. I want to play my part in helping camp continue to instill its magic for years to come.
Paul Eagle - Wellness Coordinator
Paul has been a Killooleet staff member since 2007. During that time he has taught many activities, worked on the schedule, worked on trips, directed the musical, and worked in the office and the infirmary. Paul is currently the wellness coordinator.
Outside of Camp Paul volunteers for Kids Help Phone and The Red Cross. Paul is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and is a Camp Mental Health Instructor.
Favorite Camp Meal - Thanksgiving Dinner
Favorite Activity - Sitting on the terrace and watching camp go by.
Why I Keep Coming Back - I have seen the youth mental health crisis unfold during my years at camp. I want to be able to be a resource for young people, and to de-stigmatize talking about and prioritizing mental health.
Sam Kaufman - Head Counselor
Sam is thrilled to be reprising the role of “Head Counselor” in this year’s production of Camp Killooleet. Sam first appeared at camp at the age of 12, and has been in love with it ever since. His past credits include Video Counselor (Camp Killooleet), Kitchen Boy (Camp Killooleet), Camper (Camp Killooleet), and Nathan Detroit (Guys & Dolls). Off stage, he works as a barista in Brooklyn, NY. He is non equity and currently seeking representation.
Favorite Camp Meal - Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Favorite Activity - Video!
Why I Keep Coming Back - Going to Camp Killooleet when I was 12 was the best decision of my life. It allowed me to learn, grow, explore, and come out of my shell. It instilled in me a love of nature, folk music and community that has shaped who I am today. It’s my favorite place on earth, and I am supremely lucky that I get to help other people have the same experience that I had.
Are you interested in working at Camp Killooleet? Learn more on our Staff Page.