Meet Our Team
Mid Island Day Camp
75 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights
Camp Director
Gayle holds a master’s in education with a specialization in counseling from Hofstra University. She has been a part of the Jewish Camping world and the Mid Island Day Camp family since she was a camper and has 14 years of Assistant and Associate Camp Director experience. Her Mid Island home is where she came into her own as a CIT, Counselor, Assistant Director, and now as our Director. Each summer she aims to give children and staff the type of safe and fun summer experience that was so meaningful to her in her own life. Making the roots run even deeper, Gayle shares her summers at camp with her Husband who is part of the seasonal leadership team, and her two sons who are already as in love with camp as she is.
Sam Goldberg
Assistant Camp Director
Sam has dedicated his career to creating fun, supportive, and memorable camp experiences. A lifelong camper, he went on to earn a degree in Recreation and Camp Management from Clemson University and quickly stepped into leadership roles, including Assistant Director at Blue Ridge Camp. With years of experience at KenMont and KenWood, as well as in education and youth programming, Sam brings enthusiasm, organization, and a deep love of camp to MIDC.
Stephanie Abrams
Program Director
Stephanie Abrams brings a wealth of camp experience to MIDC and is thrilled to return to the place where her camp journey began—as a camper and later as a counselor. Stephanie holds a Master of Public Administration and a BS in Marketing. Stephanie has spent most of her career in the JCC world. Starting as Development Director and then Camp Director at the Barry & Florence Friedberg JCC. Stephanie was also instrumental in the launch of Island Quest Day Camp and Camp Ga’avah. Jewish day camp has always been part of Stephanie’s identity and is looking forward to continuing with MIDC.
Jesse Schwabinger
Camp Operations Director
Jesse serves as Camp Operations Director, bringing experience in food service and construction to oversee facilities, meals, and daily logistics. As a local dad with two sons who have attended camp for six years, Jesse is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for every camper.
Dana Young
Camp and Operations Coordinator
Dana has a Bachelor of Science in communications. She grew up loving camp and has experience in all stages of camp life. As our Camp & Operations Coordinator, Dana maintains communication between our staff and our families. Her organizational skills are put to great use during camp season and helping with operations at the JCC all year. Her kids have been part of Mid Island Day Camp since 2021 and the Early Childhood Center before that.
Jean Steele
Transportation Coordinator
Jean is the Transportation Coordinator for the Mid Island Y JCC. She is responsible for arranging the busing needs across all departments, including routes for the Early Childhood Center and Mid Island Day Camp. Jean has many years of experience in the transportation industry and joined our team in 2022 to bring her expertise to us!
Camp Adler For Special Needs
75 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights
Director, Adler Center For Special Needs
Sharon obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work and has more than 15 years of experience working with young children through adults with special needs. Her extensive experience includes day camps, social skills building programs as well as program development and curriculum.
Jen Kohan
Camp Adler Associate Director
Jen Kohan is a Speech Language Pathologist for the New York City Department of Education for over ten years. Prior to the NYCDOE, Jen was a Teacher’s Assistant and Speech Therapist in the POB school district’s extended summer program. Jen spent her childhood attending daycare and camp at the Suffolk YJCC and was a camp counselor and supervisor in the Butler Center for Special Needs. In her free time Jen enjoys watching her two daughters learn, explore and grow! Jen is excited to begin her journey at the MIYJCC. She brings her love of children, passion for summer camp, and experience with children with special needs to this exciting new position.
Camp At The MIYJCC Building
45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview
Camp Director
Debbie is the Early Childhood Camp Director. She holds a Master’s degree in Literacy B-6th grade and has over 10 years of experience working with early learners. Debbie has been teaching at the JCC for the last 8 years, spending most of her time in Pre-K. Debbie’s two children also attend Mid Island Day Camp and love camp almost as much as she does!
Jean Goldstein
Supervisor of Early Childhood and Youth Programs
Rebecca Katz
Family Engagement/Enrollment Coordinator
Rebecca has an MA in Elementary Education and holds her N-6th NYS certification. She also has over 25 years of experience working with children from birth through high school. Rebecca was a long-standing teacher in our Early Childhood Center, served as an inclusion supervisor for Camp Adler and EC Preschool Camp Supervisor. Rebecca now works in the Early Childhood & Youth Office as our Family Engagement/Enrollment Coordinator.
Vanessa Newman
Office Coordinator
Vanessa is new to the Early Childhood Center. She has an older daughter and 2 sons who are here in our program and loves being able to work here as well. Vanessa has a BS in Linguistics and Language Acquisitions. She has worked at Northshore Day Camp for 5 years with 3-year-olds, and drove a mini-bus. Vanessa also worked in the Hyperbaric Unit at Winthrop Hospital. Vanessa is very excited to expand her career in Education.