LJCC Camp Meet Our Staff

Camp Director Betty Habshey, began her camping career as a CIT at a YMCA camp when she was 12 years old. She rode her bike to work each day and loved being a part of the camp staff. Each summer thereafter, she worked at camps as a counselor and lifeguard until she got her BS in Recreation Management from the University of Georgia. She is proud to be a former staff member of Henry S. Jacobs Camp. Betty completed her Masters at North Texas State University in Recreation Management. Her adult career began at the Dallas JCC. From there she worked in public recreation as a community center supervisor for the Cities of Garland, Texas and Largo, Florida. In 1996 she moved to Birmingham and became the camp director here at the J.  Betty’s belief is that camps contribute uniquely to the growth and development of children and she knows that she is lucky to be a part of that process.

Assistant Camp Director Abby Durham, graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors of General Studies in Religious Studies and a minor in Jewish Studies. She began her camp career at the Memphis JCC working as a CIT all the way to a senior counselor. Last summer she was the TAG specialist (Jewish specialist) at the same camp. She has also spent many summers at Henry S. Jacobs Camp as a staff member and camper.  For the past few months she has been working in the Early Childhood Center as a Toddler and Preschool Assistant Teacher. She enjoys working with children because she believes they are our future. She is very fortunate to be able to help them grow and prosper as well as educate them in the best possible way. In the future she aspires to continue her education by earning a master’s in Jewish Education as well as become ordained as a Rabbi.

Rebecca Harrison, CIT Trainer: graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Criminology and then received an MS in Sports Administration from Marshall University. She has 6 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience, as well as teaching college level clinics for FSU, Marshall University, Samford and USA Olympic Softball. Her elementary age teaching experience consisted of being the NEMJDS PE teacher in 1998 and a Project Adventure counselor for the Mountain Brook Schools for 5 years. Here at the LJCC, Rebecca coached basketball and soccer youth teams from 1998 - 2011.  She  was the assistant camp director from 1999 - 2011. Rebecca was frequently found behind the scenes of fun and pranks.   Rebecca began teaching swim lessons in 2008, and contiues in this capacity full time here at the J. 

 
Samantha Dubrinsky, Jewish Experience Coordinator: works at The Birmingham Jewish Federation as a Staff Associate and is also currently the Jewish Life Experience Coordinator at the LJCC. Samantha grew up in Mountain Brook, AL, graduated from Mountain Brook High School and attended Tulane University and Birmingham-Southern College. Samantha has been working in Birmingham’s Jewish community for almost three years now. Samantha currently serves as a BBG advisor. Raised in an interfaith home, Samantha will focus on emphasizing values for all religions that will encourage goodwill towards all, cooperation, and appreciation. Her lesson plans will encourage your child to put thought and action into what makes us good people and, more importantly, why we should be good people.

Bee Lewis, Camp Aquatics Coordinator, became the Day Camp Swim Director at the LJCC in 1990.  She  is a graduate of Samford University with a BS in Marketing. While in High School and at Samford she was on the Willough Wets, an international competitive Synchronized Swim Team.  . She has her certification in Life Guard Training, Life Guard Trainer Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, CPR for the Professional Rescuer Instructor, First Aid Instructor.  For three years she was the Pool manager at Mountain Brook Club. Her duties included pool maintenance, lifeguard manager, swim lesson coordinator, coordinator for the Swim and Dive Teams.    During the school year Bee teaches at Steeple Arts Academy of Dance.  There she teaches Pre-Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Ballet.  She is involved with her church and several community organizations.   The thing Bee enjoys most about her work here at the J is teaching children and adults to swim. She believes that swimming is a "life skill" and that everyone should at least be "water safe". Along with her swimming program, she teaches pool safety at age appropriate levels

Adriana Northcutt, Art Instructor:  Adriana is not new to the JCC.  She was a senior counselor when she was in college working on her degree to be an art teacher.  Adriana is now an art teacher at Trace Crossing Elementary in Hoover.  She is so excited to be coming back!  Adriana has already begun planning the summer and it is sure to be great fun!

Rick Hedrick, FOAC Instructor is a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with over 30 years expereince.working with adolescents and adults.  He graduated from Lynchburg College and attended Therapeutic Management School in Wheeling West Virginia.  Rick began his career as a recreation therapist.  In 1996 Mr. Hedrick developed the Fair Oaks Adventure Curriculum at Cherokee Bend Elementary School in Mountain Brook. The program is extremely popular and has grown to include grades k - 6.   His reputation is so good that he served as a nationally certified trainer for Project Adventure based in Covington, Georgia.  Mr. Hedrick has also developed a ROPES aftercare program for Cullman Juvenile Court and served as the Direcctor of Adjunctive Therapy at Mountain View Hospital in Gadsden, Alabama where he developed the Alternative Challenges Wilderness Program designed to enhance problem-solving, communication, conflict resolution and decision-making skills.

Karen Zur, Israeli Shlicha, is 22 years old, from Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel. During high school, she majored in communications and biology and was an honors student.   She has lots of experience with children. While in high school she worked at an afterschool facility and at a summer camp.  During Karen's military service she was responsible for the welfare of the unit's soldiers, from privates to colonels   Her duties included superviing a department of 4,  helping with soldiers families in need of financial aid and working with "Lonely Soldiers" from other countries.  m As an Israeli Shlicha, Karen can't wait to get here to share her love for Israel with the children and the staff. 
 

Senior Counselors

Abby Cook, 19
HS: John Carroll Catholic HS; tutoring, Leadership Award from Young Womens Empowerment Conference; 1st Place Chemistry Section, Birmingham City Science Fair 2007, College Ambassador for JCCHS
Colege: Auburn University, Nutrition Science Major, currently a freshman
Past employment/volunteer with children: CIT at the JCC; tutoring with children
LJCC background: member, fitness participant, CIT, 2nd year as Jr. Counselor
Hobbies: Hiking, running, tutoring, bracelet making, biking, singing, dancing, cooking
Looking forward to this summer: To help make the children’s lives happier, and to be a part of each of their lives.  I am a very happy, relaxed person. At the same time, I am also a loving, but respectful person. I look forward to wonderful events in my pathway, and work hard to triumph every abyss I stumble in to. I hope to make a difference in every person's life that steps into my own.  I follow hope and faith to get through each day.

Caroline Goldstein, 22

HS: The Montgomery Academy, member of the Dance Team and Tennis Team and was chosen to be an Abassador for the school

College: UAB - major in early childhood education, currently a junior

Past employment/volunteer with children: Temple sunday school tacher, Temple office assistant, 2010 Camp Eagle counselor, nanny, J camp counselor

LJCC background: Camp counselor 2012

Hobbies: exercise, painting, being outside, socializing

I love children and have changed my major to become a teacher.   Of all the jobs I have had, those revolving around children were always my favorite.   I look forward to returning to the J for another fantastic summer!  I am a fun, loving, caring 22 year old that likes to have fun. As a future professional teacher, it is important for me to be mature around kids and adults considering I am a role model to them. I like to teach kids basic needs and goals for the future and bra motivator. It is important for kids to have fun but be safe wherever they are. Rules are important; therefore sticking to them will keep everyone happy and hopefully out of trouble!

Simon Oliver, 20
HS: Alabama School of Fine Arts, theatre majorNational Honors society, Randy C Marsh award for excellence in theatre
College: Goucher College, major in music, minor in history, currently a sophomore
Past employment/volunteer with children: LJCC Counselor
LJCC background: J member entire life, attended ECLC, Day camps, and after school activities as a child
Hobbies: music, theatre, reading
I am fun, love music, and love to play.  I am patient and willing to work for as long as it takes in order to help a child grow.  I love reading and think that it is one of the greatest things for a child to do.

Howie Hauenstein, 19

HS: Hoover HS: band, Robotics Team, Engineering Academy, Science Olympian

College: Auburn University freshman, Mechanical Engineer major
Hobbies: mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, photography, music, welding, scubadiving
Looking forward to having a fun job!  If I described myself, it would be "eclectic".   I take everything that I like and integrate it into my life.  This makes for a dynamic and ever -evolving lifestyle.

Sam Reiss, 19
HS: Mountain Brook High School, Track and Cross Country, Eagle Scout in March 2010 , AP Art Student, founder and treasurer of Venture Crew (coed Scout Troop) 

College: Auburn Universyity, currently a freshman
Past employment/volunteer with children: CIT at JCC, Senior Patrol Leader of Boy Scout Troop, Soccer Ref for younger children.
LJCC background: Member-since age 6, CIT 3 summers, JCC camper, 2nd year as Jr. Counselor
Hobbies:Reading, Graphic Design,
Looking forward to this summer: I want to have a positive influence on the children as well as my peers. I am fun-loving and have a passion for art. Specifically digital media like making websites and editing videos. I enjoy making people laugh, hanging out with my friends, and camping. I take my responsibilities seriously.  

 
Anna Wheeler, 19
HS: Mountain Brook High School, 12^th grade, varsity lacrosse, band, Concert band section leader, Junior Varsity Captain (lacrosse), National Honor Society, Nat'l Merit Finalist,
College: AuburnUniversity Spanish Major
Past employment/volunteer with children: CIT for three years, counselor 2 year, lifeguard 3 years
LJCC background: J member my whole life, Camp, swim team, lifeguarding, CIT, 3rd year as Jr. Counselor
Hobbies:  reading, swimming, playing piano

Looking forward to this summer: having the responsibility of taking care of my own group of kids not just helping out as a CIT with different groups.  I am energetic, optimistic, and creative.

Brittney Wilk,
College: DePaul University, Master of Education in Teaching Learning, Elementary, Spain Park HS, track and field team
Past employment: NEMJDS teacher, Student Teacher at Brookwood Forsest, DePaul University mentor/ tutor, America Reads Literacy Program, nanny, Track coach for Mountain Brook
Hobbies; running, reading, exercise
I am so happy to spend the summer working with children in a non-educational setting.  It will give me another perspective on children.   I will also be available after camp hours to tutor children at the J. 

Assistant Counselors

Ada Griffin, 16
HS: John Carroll, track, basketball  team, and spanish club; Honors student, certified in First aid and CPR
Past employment with children: LJCC CIT and Exceptional Foundation volunteer
LJCC background: member since birth, attended ECLC and camps throughout childhood
Hobbies: piano, running, kayaking
I think of myself as a fun, out-going, sweet and loving.  I enjoy making new friends and working with kids.   I also love swimming and am very athletic.  I am looking forward to having fun with all the campers and making sure everyone has an awesome summer!

Mason Falligant, 16
Center Point High School, Cross Country Track, theatre, nat'l Honor Society; Number 1 in class, superintendent Scholar, Student of the Month, Varsity Letter in Track, State Trumbauer Finalist
Pat Employment:  Glenwood Autism Behaviorial Health Center peer counselor
LJCC background: member, camper for 7 years, CIT for 3 years
Hobbies: running, biking, swimming, rock climbing, playing w/ my dogs.
I am very active and love any opportunity to learn something new.  I was an LJCC camper and CIT and enjoyed every summer.   I want to give the campers that same wonderful camp experience.  I am looking forward to meeting new campers, and having an excellent summer adventure!

Daniel Spieler, 16
HS: Homewood High School, soccer team,
Past employment/volunteer with children: LJCC CIt 3 years and babysitting jobs
LJCC background: member since birth, attended ECLC, participated in camps, school out days, tennis, soccer and basketball leagues 
Hobbies: playing all sports, travelling around the world
I am looking forward to sharing the excitment of field trips and color wars with the campers.

Anna Byrd, 16
HS: John Carroll Catholic School, Varsity boys Basketball manager, Marian Society member, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta
Past employemnt/volunteer with children: JCC Youth Lounge staff, Camp LJCC CIT - 3 years, watch special needs children in church day care
LJCC background: member since early childhood, attended ECLC, participated in camps, school out days, basketball and soccer leagues
Hobbies: running, basketball, soccer, hiking, swimming
I can't wait to meet all the new campers and plan a fantastic summer for them!

Stephanie Cosby, 16
HS: John Carrol Catholic High School
Past Employment: Y child care, 4th grade teacher assistant at Temple Emanu-El
Hobbies: Zumba
I love meeting new people and having fun. I am passionate about kids, loyal, hard-working, confident and talkative.