OUR SPARK TEAM

MEET OUR DIRECTORS

JOE SMITH

Executive Director

Joe has held just about every position in camp, working his way up from counselor and group leader to director.

JOE SMITH
Executive Director

As a former Adaptive Physical Education teacher with the NYC Board of Education and Director of Field Services for Special Olympics, Joe gained the ability to condense activities to their basic skills and fundamentals. Watching campers progress through them has always been an aspect of camp and teaching he has enjoyed.

Joe gained a unique perspective on camping after attending Camp Sussex for underprivileged children and then being asked to become a member of their Board of Directors, to being the camp director for Camp Marcella, a summer program for children and adults with special needs. His professional experience also includes being the training and athletic director at Camp Romaca, a private all-girls camp in the Berkshires.

This led to the director of camping, Family and Youth Services at the Riverdale YM-YWHA where he was responsible for five-day camps and three after-school programs. From there, he returned to overnight camping at Camp Louemma and then Camp MasterChef.

“I have always felt one of the camp’s main focuses should be to develop more “Camp People” who by definition, look forward to giving back. My joy and expertise lie in my abilities to motivate colleagues and support and recognize their efforts in order to create a camp community where, with our campers, we identify working collaboratively and we can rely on each other to exceed expectations.”

When not at camp, Joe enjoys time with his wife Pam and their daughter Iliza. Occasionally, he may also be found on the golf course.

JANICE BROWN

Assistant Director

Janice brings decades of experience as both an educator and camping professional at several of New Jersey’s premier day camps.

JANICE BROWN
Assistant Director

After studying fine arts, Janice began her camp career as an art instructor. Through this experience, Janice found a love for teaching and returned to graduate school where she received her certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Janice spent several years as a Pre-K teacher and Preschool Director while spending summers at camp as Program Director and Assistant Director. She believes that camp is a unique and magical place for children where they can create lifelong memories and friendships. Working with children and creating opportunities for them to find success is her passion. In her spare time, she enjoys making art, doing crossword puzzles, and winning at yard games.

DANI MIRA

Program Director

DANI MIRA
Program Director

With over a decade of experience in teaching art and a passion for nurturing creativity, Dani has been inspiring students of all ages since 2011. Joining the camp world in 2015, Dani has held a variety of roles, including creative arts specialist, wood-shop specialist, CIT counselor, and teen trip coordinator giving her a well-rounded perspective on camp programming and a deep understanding of working with youth.

In addition to her camp and teaching experience, Dani has also held coaching positions in various sports throughout her life, further enriching their leadership abilities and commitment to teamwork. Outside of work, Dani enjoys spending time at the beach, bike riding and staying active playing softball and volleyball.

Returning to Spark Day Camp for her 4th summer in her new role as Program Director, Dani is excited to bring their extensive experience and passion for creativity and mentorship to the role, ensuring a fun, engaging, and enriching experience for all campers and staff.

JENNIFER MOTEIRO

Office Manager

JENNIFER MOTEIRO
Office Manager

Jennifer spent several summers as a camper and later joined the staff as a counselor. Over several more summers, Jennifer worked as a tennis specialist, assistant program director, and camp videographer, before graduating college.

After leaving television production, Jennifer returned to working with children as an office manager for a preschool, before returning to her camp roots and joining SPARK. She believes camp creates lifelong memories and enjoys seeing children light up when they succeed.

Jennifer also serves on her local Board of Education, to help the students in her district reach their highest potential. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her husband, Nelson, and son, Nathan (who is a happy SPARK camper!).

SEAN BIENKOWSKI

Office Administrator

SEAN BIENKOWSKI
Office Administrator

Sean has worked for summer camps since 2013. His roles in previous summer camps have been aquatics, specialist, health director, and office administrator. Some of Sean’s favorite things about working at a camp are being a positive role model for the children and helping them create memories! Sean believes camp is a place where children have the opportunity to develop social skills, learn independence, build confidence, and create long lasting memories!

Sean has a degrees in history education from Rutgers University, school counseling from Seton Hall University, and professional counseling from Seton Hall University. During the school year, Sean is a school counselor! Sean is looking forward to his third year with the SPARK community.

PETER TAWADROUS, RN

Health Director

PETER TAWADROUS
Health Director

Peter has worked with children for over 20 years, and has been a school nurse for the past 5 years. Peter's superpower formula is composed of band aids, laughter and high fives, but don't tell anyone. His laugh is infectious, like a warm hug for your ears! This is Peter's 2nd year as a camp nurse for Spark Day Camp, and he aims to continue treating, educating and supporting all of Spark's campers.

JEN SCHNOOR

Pre-K & K Division Head

JEN SCHNOOR
Pre-K & K Division Head

Jen has been a pre-school and kindergarten teacher for over thirty years and loves the look of pride in the faces of children when they accomplish a task or goal. Jen has taken her sense of joy from the classroom and entered the camp world knowing her goal isn’t to only teach, but to inspire. When Jen isn’t teaching, she loves being with her family, going to her girls’ sporting events, and spending time outdoors. Jenn cannot wait to return as a Division Head for the fifth year here at SPARK!

JOHN BEGEN

1st & 2nd Grade Boys Division Head

JOHN BEGEN
1st and 2nd Grade Boys Division Head

John Begen is a dedicated educator, coach, and teammate. He sees camp as an amazing opportunity for children to build social skills and confidence, all while making lifelong memories and friends. In camp off-season, John teaches middle school whilst coaching middle school & high school sports. John's education in psychology and his sports background lend itself well to team building, conflict resolution, and personal development. John is entering his 5th year in camp senior leadership, and he is excited to return for his 2nd year at SPARK!

EMILY MORRIS

1st & 2nd Grade Girls Division Head

Emily Morris
1st & 2nd Grade Girls Division Head

This will be Emily's first summer here at SPARK! An upper school English teacher at Oak Hill Academy with seven years of experience, Emily is passionate about fostering a love for literature and learning in her students. Beyond the classroom, Emily finds joy in mentoring young adults, guiding them toward potential careers in education. Watching students grow, develop their voices, and discover their passions is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

Outside of teaching, Emily loves spending time with her husband and two children, embracing summer adventures, and cherishing lifelong friendships. Creativity plays a big role in her life as she enjoys reading, painting, baking, and building intricate Lego sets.

STEPHANIE MARSHALL

3rd & 4th Grade Boys Division Head

STEPHANIE MARSHALL
3rd & 4th Grade Boys Division Head

Stephanie is excited to be joining SPARK for her third summer as a Division Head! During the year, she is a Special Education Teacher with students on the Autism Spectrum, (ages 18-21). When Stephanie was younger, she attended camps each summer and then gained experience as a counselor throughout high school and college years. It was the time working at a sleepaway camp, Camp Shane, as a basketball specialist, where she solidified the passion for being camp staff. Stephanie’s favorite part of camp is watching the sense of community which forms over time such as a first-time camper makes a new friend, or the outburst of applause in support of an achievement like conquering fear of the Rockwall or learning to swim in the deep end of the pool. Stephanie is looking forward to welcoming all our campers with the goal of keeping them safe, offering support, and making their SPARK experience unforgettable!

ASHLEY ARBITAL

3rd & 4th Grade Girls Division Head

ASHLEY ARBITAL
3rd & 4th Grade Girls Division Head

Ashley attended Rec Center and YMCA summer camps from the ages of 4-11. She loves camp because she learned many skills while having the time of her life! As a teen, Ashley was a camp counselor at a Preschool. Ashley loves camp because, “Every day feels like a new and exciting adventure.” When not at camp, Ashley is a 4th grade teacher. With a background and strong knowledge in Education and Early Childhood Development, she can understand and meet the needs of the children within her care. Ashley’s goal for this summer is to make connections and build relationships with the campers and staff at SPARK. She is excited to be joining the team!

MARYROSE RONCESVALLES

5th & 6th Grade Division Head

MARYROSE Roncevalles
5th & 6th Grade Division Head

Maryrose Roncesvalles is an AP Seminar and Middle School Life Skills teacher. Summer 2025 will be her fourth summer with SPARK and her second as a Division Head. Her favorite thing about camp is Creative Arts. One of her goals for this summer is to learn how to swim!

MEGAN CONNOLLY

Teen Travel Division Head

MEGAN CONNOLLY
Teen Travel Division Head

LARRY OLINSKY

Head of Security

LARRY OLINSKY
Head of Security

This will be Larry's 4th summer as Head of Security at SPARK. Growing up, he attended sleepaway camp in New Jersey. Larry spent over 25 years as a member of the NYPD as a Detective Sergeant. Upon retiring, he worked as a school security guard for 6 years. In his free time, Larry enjoys working out, playing basketball, and speed-shopping at Costco.