Meet Our Camp Staff
Eagle’s Nest counselors are passionate about bringing joy to our campers and filling their summer with meaningful fun! Our counselors are creative, skilled, thoughtful and caring. They enjoy the outdoors and have a love for working with children and youth. Most importantly, they are attentive to the physical and emotional needs of children and to keeping them healthy and well.
Eagle’s Nest takes pride in the quality of our camp staff. Eagle’s Nest has one staff member to every four campers, and all staff members must be at least 18 years old and have a year of college or equivalent experience. We maintain a careful selection process to hiring highly skilled and educated counselors and teachers. We carefully choose counselors who are creative, mature, engaging and fun-loving.
Click on a staff member’s photo or name to learn more about each person.
Elizabeth Waite-Kucera (Noni) is the Executive Director of Eagle’s Nest Foundation and serves on The Outdoor Academy Advisory Board. She graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., with a B.A. degree in anthropology. Previously, Noni was Camp Director at Eagle’s Nest Camp from 1993-2003 and Business Manager from 1989-1999 for Eagle’s Nest Foundation. She has also been the Swimming Director, and Paddling Director. Additionally, Noni developed Eagle’s Nest whitewater canoeing and Hante Bicycling programs.
Noni’s grandfather, Alex Waite, head of psychology at Rollins College, founded Eagle’s Nest Camp in 1945. Helen and Mo Waite, Noni’s parents, served as directors for the Eagle’s Nest Carolinas’ Camp for Diabetic Children. Her mother served as director of Eagle’s Nest Camp and executive director of Eagle’s Nest Foundation for many years. Noni spent her childhood years growing up at camp and is honored to carry on the mission of Eagle’s Nest as Executive Director of the foundation.
Cara, a North Carolina transplant from Ohio, now calls Brevard and the Blue Ridge Mountains “home.” After hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014 she took the role of Paddling Director for ENC before moving to the development office full-time.
Not only is Cara a skilled paddling instructor, she’s a talented experiential educator and an avid outdoorswoman. She holds a BS in Recreation from Ohio University and has worked in the field of outdoor education since 2003 as a wilderness instructor, outdoor program manager, camp counselor and challenge course facilitator. Cara spends her free time paddling, climbing, and hiking, tending to her impressive garden, and adventuring with her family.
Paige graduated with a B.A. degree in English from Salem College in Winston-Salem. While studying education in college, she applied to work at Eagle’s Nest Camp because she loved her own camp experiences as a child and thought that working at a camp would give her invaluable teaching experience. Her first summer at camp, Paige helped direct the musical and taught soccer. Throughout college, she continued to spend her summers at Eagle’s Nest teaching everything from ceramics to swimming to Explorer’s Club and leading Hante Appalachian Trail treks and bike treks. After graduating, she started working full time with Eagle’s Nest and has now worked here for more than 15 years. During that time, she served as the Hante Director, Head Counselor, Junior Counselor Coordinator and Associate Director. Her husband, Andy, whom she met at Eagle’s Nest, is also an educator.
After being born and raised in the concrete flatlands of suburban Chicago, Ed was ready for some place different. It began with attending the University of the South, where he studied ecology and fell in love with camping and trail running amongst pristine old-growth deciduous forests. After graduating in 2016, he passed on that love of nature by teaching biology and environmental science at a boarding school in western Maryland. But as his summer trips to Bolivia, Patagonia, Tanzania, Japan, and Alaska compelled him to lead backpacking and canoeing trips at residential camps in Maine, he realized his passion for the outdoors came from experiencing it for oneself. Thus, he moved west to earn a Master degree in outdoor adventure and expedition leadership from Southern Oregon University, where he gained a foundational understanding of experiential education through research, planning, leading, and teaching in the field. In 2022, he found his way back to southern Appalachia, joining the Eagle’s Nest community as the Hante Adventures and Outdoor Program Manager. He is excited to facilitate new experiences for participants so that they can learn and grow from the challenges they encounter.
Molly Herrmann joined the Eagle’s Nest staff in May of 2014 as the Camp and Hante Registrar and Winston-Salem Office Manager. Previous to joining the Eagle’s Nest, Molly was a PhD candidate at the University of Buffalo in the History Department studying slavery in Charleston, SC. Molly brings to the Eagle’s Nest her passion for experiential education and a love of outdoor activities. In her spare time, Molly can be found hiking, camping, or playing with her two dogs.
Lia graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in Computer Science. She has been a part of the Eagle’s Nest community since 2010, beginning as a camper. Since then, Lia has served as a Junior Counselor, an intern in the garden and kitchen, and a camp counselor for several years. Lia has also been a member of the Peer Leadership Team, functioning as the Assistant Program Manager and the Outdoor Logistics Coordinator. Working at Eagle’s Nest has given Lia a passion for helping children connect to the natural world and discover their own passions. Lia is excited to join the full-time Camp staff and create magic for children of all ages.
Raised in the small metropolis of Salisbury, North Carolina, Ben has always had a fascination with the outdoors. Everything from quaint weekend hiking trips to rambunctious mischief at summer camp excited him. So, when Ben figured out that he could pursue the outdoors as a career, he jumped at the opportunity. Ben graduated from Appalachian State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation. In 2019 he began his journey at Eagle’s Nest Camp, immediately falling in love with the place. Since then he has returned summer after summer acting as a camp counselor, lifeguard, outdoor logistics manager, and trip leader of various Hantes and Added Adventures. Now he is unbelievably ecstatic to be joining the full time team as the Camp Program Manager. Outside of Eagle’s Nest, Ben has worked with different organizations in which he has facilitated social-emotional learning experiences for children. Overall, Ben is passionate about showing everyone the wonders that the wilderness has to offer and is ready to bring his love, care, and humor into the Eagle’s Nest community.
Isa is a Camp, Outdoor Academy, and Hante alum from Asheville, NC. She has previously worked in the camp kitchen and will now be heading up our kitchen full time as our Whole Foods Program Manager. As someone who grew up attending Eagle’s Nest programming and living in the Blue Ridge Mountains, she was super excited to be able to join the full time team. She has worked in kitchens previously and is excited to work with Eagle’s Nest and bring whole foods and local vendors into our menus. Outside of Eagle’s Nest you can find Isa hanging out with her cat, hiking, playing with computers, and eating lots of good food!
Alex is originally from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand and immigrated to the United States at a young age. He had been a photographer in western North Carolina for about five years before joining Eagle’s Nest Foundation in 2022. Alex is fluent in Thai, plays the piano, and spends lots of time with his friends. He spends his free time playing board games with his wife, learning new recipes, and lazing around his dog and cat. Alex works closely with The Outdoor Academy, Eagle’s Nest Camp, and Hante Adventures; photographing the authentic experiences of the day to day life of these programs.
Summer 2024 Staff
Meet the wonderful people who will be working at camp this summer!
David is coming to camp for his first summer! He is from Winston-Salem, NC, and will be working in the Health Hut. He is excited to be able to go to summer camp again. “I loved going to all sorts of camps growing up.” In his free time, David enjoys trail running and hanging out with his daughters.
Catalina is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Bogata, Colombia, and heard about camp from her friend Angie Romero Parra. “I am excited to experience new connections with new people, new friends and try a different language that I really enjoy. But I am also excited to take on new challenges while connecting with my inner child while working with children. I am very excited to be in constant contact with nature!” Catalina will be teaching arts classes such as dance and theatre. In her free time, Catalina enjoys dancing, listening to music, going for walks, and playing board games with friends.
Alicia is coming to camp for her first summer, all the way from Germany. She is excited to spend a great summer with the staff and kids. “I want to experience fun times that we will never forget.” She will be teaching classes at the lake and A-Field. In her free time, Alicia enjoys paddle boarding and being outside in nature.
Nerea is coming to camp for her first summer. She is from Spain and is excited to spend time with the kids, have fun outdoors, and learn about different cultures. She will be leading athletics and arts classes. In her free time, Nerea enjoys listening to music, spending time with animals, hanging out with friends, and singing and dancing.
Dominic is coming to camp for his first summer all the way from Zimbabwe! He is excited to work with so many new faces. “‘I’m also excited to work at the camp because I get to work with kids and have fun in the sun. Looking forward to a great summer filled with lots of fun!” He will be leading all kinds of activities, from horseback riding to soccer. In his free time, Dominic enjoys hiking, reading, and playing soccer and basketball.
Julie is coming to camp for her first summer from Wisconsin. She will be working in the Health Hut, making sure all our campers and staff have a fun, safe, and healthy summer. “I am excited to be sharing my love and excitement for the outdoors with children and colleagues from all parts of the US. I am also excited to be a part of the Eagle’s Nest community in a gorgeous part of our country!” In her free time, Julie enjoys hiking, biking, and reading.
Duvan is coming to camp for his first some all the way from Colombia! He is excited to learn about new cultures and see new places. “Being part of a summer camp was something that I always wanted to do since I was a kid.” He is interested in leading guitar and drawing classes. In his free time, Duvan enjoys practicing the guitar and going to the gym.
Lucia is coming to camp for her first summer all the way from Spain! She is excited to learn lots of things at camp and meet new people. She’ll be leading a bunch of activities on the A-Field. In her free time, Lucia likes to hang out with friends, listen to music, and practice different sports.
Maisey is coming to camp for her first summer from Beverly, UK. “I am so excited to spend my summer at Eagles Nest! I absolutely love spending my time outside and with nature which makes me so excited for summer! I cannot wait to try new activities, new foods and make lifelong friends throughout the summer!” Maisey will be teaching athletics, backpacking, and classes down at the lake. In her free time, Maisey loves to exercise and take her dog on long walks. “I really love socialising with my friends and family especially when we take trips to beaches or new restaurants. Travelling is my passion and is something I absolutely adore to do in my spare time whether its a small trip around England or a city break to a new country!”
Lewis is coming to camp for his first summer from Newmarket, UK. He is excited to teach horseback riding to campers and tell some amazing stories. In his free time, Lewis enjoys going to the gym, relaxing, and being with friends and family.
Atticus is coming to camp for his first summer from London, UK. He is excited to meet lots of new people, teach activities, immerse himself in the beauty of Pisgah Forest, and experience the USA for the first time. He will be teaching many classes on the A-Field, from soccer to relay races. In his free time, Atticus enjoys cycling up hills on his bike, climbing, going to the gym, and watching any type of sport on TV.
Liv is coming to camp for her ninth summer! She will be returning to the kitchen for her second year. One of Liv’s favorite camp memories is making her first bull’s-eye in archery!
Ximena is coming to camp for her first summer, all the way from Mexico. She is excited to meet new people and visit new places. Ximena will be joining our incredible kitchen staff, helping to provide delicious and nutritious meals. In her free time, Ximena enjoys being with friends, reading, and doing something active.
Allison is coming to camp for the first time! She is from Spartanburg, SC, and is currently an 8th-grade English teacher. She is most excited to share her love for the outdoors with all the campers. Allison will teach a wide range of classes, from campcraft to kickball. You can find Allison hiking, camping, and gardening in her free time. “I also enjoy running, working out, playing sports such as pickleball, photography, reading books, fishing, and spending as much time in the mountains as I can.”
Ella is coming to camp for her first summer, all the way from Helsinki, Finland. She is excited to meet new people, work as a team, be with kids, and, most importantly, have fun! Ella will be teaching lots of dance and theater classes at camp. In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, and hanging out with friends. “I’m also very passionate about musical theater and I enjoy watching musicals.”
Amy is coming to camp for her first summer! She is originally from Michigan and has been in Raleigh, NC for about 14 years. Amy will be working in the Health Hut, helping to keep our community safe and healthy. She is excited to watch the campers make great memories and to enjoy some fun time in the mountains. In her free time, Amy enjoys hiking and swimming.
Clara is coming to camp for her first summer! She is from Charleston, SC, and attends Converse College. She will be teaching music and art classes at camp. Clara is most excited to teach and meet new people! In her free time, Clara enjoys playing the guitar and flute, singing, and crocheting.
Bakhile is coming from Cape Town, South Africa for his third summer on staff! Bakhile is super pumped to be returning to North Carolina’s beautiful and scenic mountains. He is also excited to meet the campers from different walks of life, make friendships, and create lasting memories. Bakhile is looking forward to flag raising, lunch time singing, kindred games, campfire, and eating s’mores. This summer he is interested in leading any activity on the A-Field, as well as cooking in the kitchen, and putting on costumes in Wayah. During his free time Bakhile likes to read, hike, run, and play tennis. A favorite memory of Bakhile’s from last summer was visiting the Grove with his Kindred and being surrounded by the freshness of the forest. He is excited to return to the Grove once again!
Tee is returning for his fifth summer at the Nest! He is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa and is excited to welcome campers back and to be teaching some of his favorite classes again. Tee is most looking forward to seeing the whole campus running around during kindred games. A few of Tee’s favorite classes that he’s looking forward to leading are basketball, soccer, tennis, and archery. In his free time Tee likes working out, hanging with friends and family, as well as generally being outdoors. Tee’s favorite memories from camp are seeing his campers return and them being surprised and happy that he came back to camp as well.
Tessa will be a first-year cabin counselor this summer! They have been a long-time camper and are excited for a summer of laughter, learning, working, and playing in the mountains. “I can’t wait to contribute to this inclusive and creative community and to reconnect to the joy it brought me as a kid!” Tessa will be teaching lots of creative classes, such as ceramics and set design. In their free time, Tessa loves running, making art, playing games with friends, and being outside as much as possible.
Jamison is returning to camp for their second summer! Jamison will be a cabin counselor and teach classes that explore the wonderful nature around camp and fun dance classes. Their favorite memory of camp is stargazing with their cabin. “Our cabin went down to the A field after dark to catch fireflies and stargaze! Everyone was being silly and giggly and we really bonded!”
Angie is coming to camp for the first time! She is from San Antonio, Texas, and goes to Rhodes College. Angie is excited to meet new people and hang out outdoors. “I also love hiking, swimming, rock climbing, and camping, and I’m so happy to be doing these activities all summer!” She will be teaching outdoors and athletic classes. In her free time, Angie enjoys hiking, going to concerts, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods.
Miisa is returning for her third summer! Miisa will be a cabin counselor and teach various classes, such as swimming at the lake and batik. One of her favorite memories of camp is cabin campouts. “I love sitting down by the fire with everyone and sharing stories. And in the morning waking up super early to go to the Sliding Rock for a ice cold swim!” She also loves being at the lake doing all kinds of activities.
Zoe is returning to Eagle’s Nest for her 12th summer! She was a camper for ten years and a counselor in 2019. This summer, Zoe will be working in the kitchen, cooking up delicious meals. One of her favorite things about camp is creating friendships that last a lifetime. “I have friends that I met at camp when I was just 10 that are still some of my greatest friendships to this day!”
Mariel is coming to camp for her first summer! She is originally from Mar Del Plata, Argentina, and lives in Florida. Mariel is excited to get to know everyone! “I’m excited to plan out the fun activities that we’ll be sharing with the kids and really to give them an unforgettable experience. I’m excited to make a positive impact and hopefully leave the place just a bit better than I found it.” She is excited to lead various activities, from horseback riding to cooking. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors fishing, hiking, kayaking, and swimming. She also enjoys cooking and making music.
Kayleigh is returning to camp for her second year! Kayleigh will be a cabin counselor and will be teaching some arts and athletics classes. One of her favorite memories from last was during the last night of Session Two. “We all had lit candles and exited the dining hall as a storm happened, and we were hit with pouring rain. We all laughed as we gathered into our goodnight circle, everyone was trying to keep their candles lit. It was like we were showering haha!”
Angie is returning to camp for her second year! Angie will be a cabin counselor and teach all kinds of classes, from swimming at the lake to helping with the musical during Session Two. One of her favorite memories from camp is her table family. “They were funny, silly and we had a lot of unforgettable moments, we taught each other Spanish and English words”. She also enjoyed creating, rehearsing, and showing the musical.