Sandra "Garbo" David, PhD, Interim Executive Director
More than thirty years ago, I drank the bug juice, ate s’mores, and started singing at meal time; I haven’t stopped. The entry point to camp and serving children started as a summer job. It became my passion and life’s work. Interestingly, as I traversed the roles and responsibilities through summer camps from trip counselor, to head of trips, to assistant head counselor, my corresponding educational path took me from teacher, to principal, to Director of Teaching and Learning.
As an initial Board member and volunteer, it is no surprise, that as I slowly decrease my time from public education, my time with Circle Camps increases. I am a compassionate, dedicated, highly motivated servant leader, who loves to take people into the woods, sharing trails, finding surprises, and eating mac and cheese.
Outside of camp, I am a certified life and educational coach. I spend time on large and small adventures. My husband and I live in southern Wisconsin on an organic farm complete with chickens, ducks, horses, bees, and dogs.
More than thirty years ago, I drank the bug juice, ate s’mores, and started singing at meal time; I haven’t stopped. The entry point to camp and serving children started as a summer job. It became my passion and life’s work. Interestingly, as I traversed the roles and responsibilities through summer camps from trip counselor, to head of trips, to assistant head counselor, my corresponding educational path took me from teacher, to principal, to Director of Teaching and Learning.
As an initial Board member and volunteer, it is no surprise, that as I slowly decrease my time from public education, my time with Circle Camps increases. I am a compassionate, dedicated, highly motivated servant leader, who loves to take people into the woods, sharing trails, finding surprises, and eating mac and cheese.
Outside of camp, I am a certified life and educational coach. I spend time on large and small adventures. My husband and I live in southern Wisconsin on an organic farm complete with chickens, ducks, horses, bees, and dogs.
Board of Directors
Judy Train, Chair
For seven summers in a row, I attended camps that were five weeks long. I learned to ride horses, to sail, to paddle a canoe, and to shoot a 22 rifle. (The latter activity led me to be on my school's varsity riflery team, which is useful to break out as an unexpected fun fact.) I remember summers filled with camp drama, with friendships, and with a lifelong connection to nature.
When Peter (former Circle board chair) approached our family to ask about being involved in Circle Camps, it seemed a logical extension of my work with Kate's Club, an organization in Atlanta that provides support to children who have lost a parent or a sibling. Having lost my brother when I was 17, I know how destabilizing it can be to experience profound grief at that age. I know how much a camp setting with others who had had similar experiences would have helped me.
I currently work for Cox Communications in Human Resources overseeing our learning and training organization; previous roles have been in Product, Sales Operations, and Marketing. Outside of work, I'm likely to be found on a paddle-board on the Chattahoochee, or enjoying time with my husband and three children.
For seven summers in a row, I attended camps that were five weeks long. I learned to ride horses, to sail, to paddle a canoe, and to shoot a 22 rifle. (The latter activity led me to be on my school's varsity riflery team, which is useful to break out as an unexpected fun fact.) I remember summers filled with camp drama, with friendships, and with a lifelong connection to nature.
When Peter (former Circle board chair) approached our family to ask about being involved in Circle Camps, it seemed a logical extension of my work with Kate's Club, an organization in Atlanta that provides support to children who have lost a parent or a sibling. Having lost my brother when I was 17, I know how destabilizing it can be to experience profound grief at that age. I know how much a camp setting with others who had had similar experiences would have helped me.
I currently work for Cox Communications in Human Resources overseeing our learning and training organization; previous roles have been in Product, Sales Operations, and Marketing. Outside of work, I'm likely to be found on a paddle-board on the Chattahoochee, or enjoying time with my husband and three children.
Cynthia Abrams
Four summers ago, Sandi Welch sent me an email asking me to be the dance instructor for Circle of EKC. The email turned out to be one of the best gifts I have ever received. Dance at Circle Camps is a chance to let go, to express emotions of life through music and movement. It naturally fits into the Circle program designed to build confidence, self-awareness, self-expression, fun, and team building.
The gift that I received from a simply worded email invitation to enter into the enriching and rewarding magical experience of Circle Camps is very difficult to describe. Being a part of the Circle Camps experience has exposed me to an understanding of the power of strength and healing through this program. It has given me an awareness of and respect for the benefits that a week at camp instills in these young girls and young women. It teaches them to forge ahead and fly.
I began my involvement with Circle Camps by writing checks to contribute to what I determined to be an excellent organization that fulfills an important need. By volunteering, my connection has grown, and so has my commitment.
I am very proud and honored to be a part of Circle Camps and to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Four summers ago, Sandi Welch sent me an email asking me to be the dance instructor for Circle of EKC. The email turned out to be one of the best gifts I have ever received. Dance at Circle Camps is a chance to let go, to express emotions of life through music and movement. It naturally fits into the Circle program designed to build confidence, self-awareness, self-expression, fun, and team building.
The gift that I received from a simply worded email invitation to enter into the enriching and rewarding magical experience of Circle Camps is very difficult to describe. Being a part of the Circle Camps experience has exposed me to an understanding of the power of strength and healing through this program. It has given me an awareness of and respect for the benefits that a week at camp instills in these young girls and young women. It teaches them to forge ahead and fly.
I began my involvement with Circle Camps by writing checks to contribute to what I determined to be an excellent organization that fulfills an important need. By volunteering, my connection has grown, and so has my commitment.
I am very proud and honored to be a part of Circle Camps and to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Jim Kieffer
I never went to summer camp when I was a child. In fact, I never even heard of summer camp nor did I know anyone who went to summer camp. I suppose it was just a fluke and that my friends and I were happy as clams wasting away our summer hours doing what teens do.
My limited knowledge of camps changed once I had children. My daughters have attended a variety of camps over the years and each time they enjoyed their adventures into different realms with different friends. I sit here today a strong proponent of the benefit of spending time at camp. I am doubly happy that a camping opportunity like Circle Camps exists. I lost my father when I was a teenager and know well the hurt and confusion that such a loss creates. I love that there are organizations out there that serve this very fragile population during a very fragile time in their lives.
Peter Emmons introduced me to Circle Camps via a random conversation. I don’t think he knew at the time that I had been a longtime supporter of Kate’s Club, an Atlanta-based organization that locally serves children who have lost a parent. I am glad he made me aware of Circle Camps, and I have been an enthusiastic supporter ever since. I am honored to have been asked to serve on the Board of Directors and look forward to helping Circle Camps thrive and expand.
When working, I spend my hours picking stocks and managing investment funds for Artisan Partners Asset Management. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends taking advantage of life’s bounty. The more travel, the better.
I never went to summer camp when I was a child. In fact, I never even heard of summer camp nor did I know anyone who went to summer camp. I suppose it was just a fluke and that my friends and I were happy as clams wasting away our summer hours doing what teens do.
My limited knowledge of camps changed once I had children. My daughters have attended a variety of camps over the years and each time they enjoyed their adventures into different realms with different friends. I sit here today a strong proponent of the benefit of spending time at camp. I am doubly happy that a camping opportunity like Circle Camps exists. I lost my father when I was a teenager and know well the hurt and confusion that such a loss creates. I love that there are organizations out there that serve this very fragile population during a very fragile time in their lives.
Peter Emmons introduced me to Circle Camps via a random conversation. I don’t think he knew at the time that I had been a longtime supporter of Kate’s Club, an Atlanta-based organization that locally serves children who have lost a parent. I am glad he made me aware of Circle Camps, and I have been an enthusiastic supporter ever since. I am honored to have been asked to serve on the Board of Directors and look forward to helping Circle Camps thrive and expand.
When working, I spend my hours picking stocks and managing investment funds for Artisan Partners Asset Management. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends taking advantage of life’s bounty. The more travel, the better.
Debra Sydnor
One of my fondest childhood memories is when I accompanied my mom and older sister on a Girl Scouts camping trip. This also served as my only camping experience growing up. In fact, it was not until my own children began sharing their friends’ summer plans that I fully understood and appreciated the variety and regularity of summer camp experiences for kids.
Despite my lack of summer camp involvement, the mission of Circle Camps resonates strongly with me. Having lost my father to cancer as a young adult, I know the importance of having tools and skills to cope and live with such profound loss. Also, the connectedness and supportive “village” provided by the Circle Camps experience is essential in addressing the isolation that often accompanies grief and loss.
Professionally, I serve as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, a global law firm of approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Prior to my current role, I practiced law for nearly two decades focusing on complex litigation and products liability.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family, reading books and going on long walks.
I was humbled and honored when Peter Emmons invited me to serve on the Board of Directors. I am excited about the evolution and future of Circle Camps and look forward to serving.
One of my fondest childhood memories is when I accompanied my mom and older sister on a Girl Scouts camping trip. This also served as my only camping experience growing up. In fact, it was not until my own children began sharing their friends’ summer plans that I fully understood and appreciated the variety and regularity of summer camp experiences for kids.
Despite my lack of summer camp involvement, the mission of Circle Camps resonates strongly with me. Having lost my father to cancer as a young adult, I know the importance of having tools and skills to cope and live with such profound loss. Also, the connectedness and supportive “village” provided by the Circle Camps experience is essential in addressing the isolation that often accompanies grief and loss.
Professionally, I serve as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, a global law firm of approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Prior to my current role, I practiced law for nearly two decades focusing on complex litigation and products liability.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family, reading books and going on long walks.
I was humbled and honored when Peter Emmons invited me to serve on the Board of Directors. I am excited about the evolution and future of Circle Camps and look forward to serving.
Stephen Abrams
As a child, I could not wait for summer to begin, because I knew I would be back at Timber Ridge summer camp in beautiful High View, WV. Some of my best friends and greatest memories came from camp, teaching me an appreciation for the outdoors and relationships that will last a lifetime. After hearing about how much fun my mother had as the dance instructor at Circle Camps, my nostalgia got the best of me, and I could not wait to be a part of it. I immediately asked how to get involved, and my mother introduced me to Peter Emmons. When I received the email from Peter welcoming me to the board of Circle Camps, I was overjoyed for such an exciting opportunity.
In my professional world, I am a partner at Doctors Disability Specialists, helping to educate dentists, physicians, and business owners on the complexities of disability insurance, life insurance, and exit planning. I received my MBA from Babson College outside of Boston, MA, and currently reside in Denver, CO.
On the weekends you can find me in the mountains; snowboarding, hiking with my dog Cashew, biking,
camping, or competing at a softball tournament. I am elated to be a part of such a wonderful
organization and cannot wait to share new experiences with some awesome campers!
As a child, I could not wait for summer to begin, because I knew I would be back at Timber Ridge summer camp in beautiful High View, WV. Some of my best friends and greatest memories came from camp, teaching me an appreciation for the outdoors and relationships that will last a lifetime. After hearing about how much fun my mother had as the dance instructor at Circle Camps, my nostalgia got the best of me, and I could not wait to be a part of it. I immediately asked how to get involved, and my mother introduced me to Peter Emmons. When I received the email from Peter welcoming me to the board of Circle Camps, I was overjoyed for such an exciting opportunity.
In my professional world, I am a partner at Doctors Disability Specialists, helping to educate dentists, physicians, and business owners on the complexities of disability insurance, life insurance, and exit planning. I received my MBA from Babson College outside of Boston, MA, and currently reside in Denver, CO.
On the weekends you can find me in the mountains; snowboarding, hiking with my dog Cashew, biking,
camping, or competing at a softball tournament. I am elated to be a part of such a wonderful
organization and cannot wait to share new experiences with some awesome campers!
Kaitlyn Farmer
I am a Boston-based nonprofit leader, arts educator, and college access counselor with 10+ years of experience! My connection to Circle Camps began in the founding summers of Circle at Tapawingo, as a camper grieving the loss of my father. I received a BA from Emmanuel College in 2015 where I majored in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services and a minor in Psychology. In 2022, I earned her Certificate in Social Impact Management and Leadership from the Institute of Nonprofit Practice through Tufts University.
I have professional experience teaching in schools and non-profit spaces, and currently serve as the Senior Manager of Project Launch at Raw Art Works. Project Launch empowers youth to meet their full potential — offering weekly workshops, individualized support, and a robust volunteer mentorship program for RAW’s senior class. In my former role as Community Engagement Manager, I founded “Artists in Action”, a civic-engagement teen leadership program focused on creating social change and positively impacting the local community through the arts.
Much of my professional journey has been a “full circle” experience, giving back to the organizations that impacted my youth. Traveling to new places, finding creative outlets for artistic expression, and spending quality time with my beloved dog, Maple, are personal passions of mine.
I am a Boston-based nonprofit leader, arts educator, and college access counselor with 10+ years of experience! My connection to Circle Camps began in the founding summers of Circle at Tapawingo, as a camper grieving the loss of my father. I received a BA from Emmanuel College in 2015 where I majored in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services and a minor in Psychology. In 2022, I earned her Certificate in Social Impact Management and Leadership from the Institute of Nonprofit Practice through Tufts University.
I have professional experience teaching in schools and non-profit spaces, and currently serve as the Senior Manager of Project Launch at Raw Art Works. Project Launch empowers youth to meet their full potential — offering weekly workshops, individualized support, and a robust volunteer mentorship program for RAW’s senior class. In my former role as Community Engagement Manager, I founded “Artists in Action”, a civic-engagement teen leadership program focused on creating social change and positively impacting the local community through the arts.
Much of my professional journey has been a “full circle” experience, giving back to the organizations that impacted my youth. Traveling to new places, finding creative outlets for artistic expression, and spending quality time with my beloved dog, Maple, are personal passions of mine.
Hannah French
I can still remember my first summer at Circle. I was only nine and I had never been to sleepaway camp before, but my nervousness didn’t last. At camp, I was able to open up about the death of my father and feel like a normal kid. After a magical week, my sister and I returned home singing camp songs at the top of our lungs. We couldn’t wait to go back. Camp friends became year-round pen pals, and Circle at Tapawingo became our end-of-summer ritual. Naturally, I was thrilled to return to Circle Camps as a counselor in 2013, and have returned every summer since. As a counselor, I have assisted with many aspects of camp. Among other things, I’ve chaperoned buses, taught arts and crafts projects, led nature walks, and compiled songbooks for campers to enjoy. More importantly, I have had the incredible privilege of watching Circle campers find community and fall in love with Circle Camps year after year.
Meanwhile, my summers at Circle helped to shape my career. While completing my Bachelor’s degree in environmental science at UMass Amherst, I worked on campus as an arts-and-crafts instructor and off campus as an environmental educator and nature camp counselor. These roles helped to cement my love of all things camp as well as my passion for teaching, and I went on to earn my M.Ed. in elementary education from Antioch University of New England. I now teach third and fourth grade in Western Massachusetts. When I’m not teaching I enjoy playing the fiddle and banjo, creating artwork in my home studio, getting outdoors, and enjoying time with friends and family. I am proud to continue my work with Circle Camps, and honored to serve on the Board of Directors.
I can still remember my first summer at Circle. I was only nine and I had never been to sleepaway camp before, but my nervousness didn’t last. At camp, I was able to open up about the death of my father and feel like a normal kid. After a magical week, my sister and I returned home singing camp songs at the top of our lungs. We couldn’t wait to go back. Camp friends became year-round pen pals, and Circle at Tapawingo became our end-of-summer ritual. Naturally, I was thrilled to return to Circle Camps as a counselor in 2013, and have returned every summer since. As a counselor, I have assisted with many aspects of camp. Among other things, I’ve chaperoned buses, taught arts and crafts projects, led nature walks, and compiled songbooks for campers to enjoy. More importantly, I have had the incredible privilege of watching Circle campers find community and fall in love with Circle Camps year after year.
Meanwhile, my summers at Circle helped to shape my career. While completing my Bachelor’s degree in environmental science at UMass Amherst, I worked on campus as an arts-and-crafts instructor and off campus as an environmental educator and nature camp counselor. These roles helped to cement my love of all things camp as well as my passion for teaching, and I went on to earn my M.Ed. in elementary education from Antioch University of New England. I now teach third and fourth grade in Western Massachusetts. When I’m not teaching I enjoy playing the fiddle and banjo, creating artwork in my home studio, getting outdoors, and enjoying time with friends and family. I am proud to continue my work with Circle Camps, and honored to serve on the Board of Directors.
Evan Pursley
I had been hearing about Circle Camps for eight summers, but never quite saw how I, then a 20-something year-old guy, would fit in a camp of 100+ screaming girls. As a Mother’s Day gift, my mom, the Head Nurse at the time, requested that I join her for one summer as a land sports counselor. I didn't know what to expect. I figured I would volunteer for just one week of just one summer and that would be the end.
I’ve never been so happy to be so wrong.
That summer was a transformative experience that I’ll never forget. It was exhausting. It was emotional. More than anything, it was rewarding. That week I gained 100+ new little sisters and I couldn’t imagine another summer without them. I didn’t know it at the time, but Circle would become an even bigger part of my life. A few weeks after returning from camp, my uncle died suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving my two younger cousins in a world of hurt. But thanks to Circle, I knew the perfect place where they could grieve, grow and learn to adjust to their “new normal.”
Since then I have served as a board member and Circle at EKC's Camp Director for three summers. I’m truly grateful that my decision to volunteer for just one week over a decade ago and that I can continue to contribute to Circle's mission as a returning board member.
I had been hearing about Circle Camps for eight summers, but never quite saw how I, then a 20-something year-old guy, would fit in a camp of 100+ screaming girls. As a Mother’s Day gift, my mom, the Head Nurse at the time, requested that I join her for one summer as a land sports counselor. I didn't know what to expect. I figured I would volunteer for just one week of just one summer and that would be the end.
I’ve never been so happy to be so wrong.
That summer was a transformative experience that I’ll never forget. It was exhausting. It was emotional. More than anything, it was rewarding. That week I gained 100+ new little sisters and I couldn’t imagine another summer without them. I didn’t know it at the time, but Circle would become an even bigger part of my life. A few weeks after returning from camp, my uncle died suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving my two younger cousins in a world of hurt. But thanks to Circle, I knew the perfect place where they could grieve, grow and learn to adjust to their “new normal.”
Since then I have served as a board member and Circle at EKC's Camp Director for three summers. I’m truly grateful that my decision to volunteer for just one week over a decade ago and that I can continue to contribute to Circle's mission as a returning board member.