Meet Your Camp Counselors!

BOB BARDWELL- Executive Director of MASCA

Growing up my mom was a school teacher so there was no need for me to go to summer camp for child care reasons but I did go to a day camp literally a mile from my house for one or two weeks one year, probably when I was 10.  While it was fun, I cannot say it was my favorite experience.

I am really looking forward to the MASCA School Counselor Summer Camp (SC2) because it combines the opportunity for summer professional development along with fun, networking with new colleagues and rejuvenation at a beautiful campus on the Atlantic Ocean.

Thank you for being part of this awesome PD event.  I hope you have a great experience and you will want to come back next year.

AMANDA UGRINOW- SC2  Chairperson

Amanda Ugrinow is a Nationally Board Certified School Counselor, and is currently a school counselor at Westborough High School in Westborough MA. Amanda earned her School counselor master's degree at New York University, and her undergraduate degree in English and Secondary Education from Lesley University. Amanda grew up attending Girl Scout overnight Summer camps, and loves arts and crafts. In her free time, she is often playing with her two cats (Oswald and Moe), sewing, or cooking. Amanda can't wait to help others fill up their toolboxes and build upon their school counseling skills!

MINDY CRIPPS- Batman Group

Welcome to MASCA's SC2!  My name is Mindy Cripps, and I'm excited to meet each of you.  In my day job, I serve as the Director of School Counseling for Billerica Public Schools, and while I never attended summer camp as a child, I worked at a summer camp in my late teens and early twenties.  Outside of summer camp, I enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking, being in nature, meditation & yoga, and cooking delicious food.  I live in Andover, MA with my two teenage children (one graduated this year!) and my partner, Angela.  

It's exciting to bring summer camp traditions together with fun and learning to build a community of counselors who will leave camp rejuvenated, with lifted spirits and happy hearts!

ANDREA ENCARNACAO MARTIN - Iron Man

Hello amazing colleagues! Last year's School Counselor Summer Camp at Lasell was so much fun that I had to return! It was a joy to learn from everyone there, get to know counselors from across the state, and have some competitive fun throwing axes and go-carting. Growing up, I attended overnight basketball camps with my teammates at Wakefield Memorial High School. Over 25 years later, we are still friends after winning the State Championship together back in 1997. 

I live in East Boston with my husband and two daughters. Education is important and at the foundation of our family as my mother, great aunt, sister, and husband have all made their marks in the classroom and beyond. I love seeing my daughters both grow into the independent, strong, caring, brave, and intelligent young people that they are. As a family we love to spend time in Martha's Vineyard and play cards. 

The summer is a beautiful time in New England and what better way to grow in the summer than to come together with other like-minded colleagues to connect and become better counselors for the beautiful young people we serve. 

CYNTHIA ESIELIONIS  - Wonder Woman

My favorite part of camping or being at summer camp is the water.  As a young camper, I loved swimming and boating; later I was a waterfront counselor teaching those same skills. A river, lake or ocean makes the experience better!

SHANELLE FERNANDEZ - Black Panther

Hello everyone, my name is Shanelle. I am a mother and I have the two most amazing boys, Immanuel 8, and Isaiah 6. I went to school and got my bachelor’s in criminal justice at Worcester State University. After working in corporate for 6 years and participating in a school to career mentoring program, I realized that I really wanted to work with students. After working in education for 5 years and truly feeling like counseling was my calling, I decided to pursue my Masters in School Counseling at Merrimack College. 

Fun fact: I was in the cribbage club in elementary school. 

DIANA FULLERTON - Captain Marvel

I’m a School Adjustment Counselor at East Veterans Elementary School in Gloucester.  This is my 14th year working with younger children.  Their enthusiasm and joy about the simplest things makes me love my job.  A part of my job that feeds my creative side is being able to design social-emotional games and activities to play with my students.

I live in Salem with my 12 year old, my husband, and a house full of animals, including a dog, 2 cats, a bird, and a bearded dragon.  My son’s latest passions are soccer and fishing.  I like yoga, walking, and creating art from vintage refurbished items.

DEBORAH HEMPEL -Spiderman Group

I had some amazing and memorable experiences at an overnight summer camp when I was in middle school. This included meeting one of my best friends who became a life-long friend. I had the pleasure of attending the first annual MASCA school counselor summer camp last July, and I was hooked! I am excited to be involved with this year's summer camp. I live on Cape Cod with my husband and have been working as a school counselor at Sturgis Charter Public School for 11 years. We have 3 (mostly grown) children who keep leaving and returning home again. When I manage to find a little spare time, I am a crafter (knitting, sewing, and anything else that piques my interest), a beekeeper, and a pickleball player.

KATIE KOCHAN -Catwoman Group

I am excited to be a part of MASCA SC2 as a faculty member after attending both summer camps in previous years. I have been a high school counselor at Bristol County Agricultural High School for the past five years. I received my Master's in School Counseling from Salem State University and Certificate of Advanced Studies in School Adjustment Counseling from Assumption University. I hold both school counselor and school adjustment counselor licenses, and I am passionate about supporting the whole child and ensuring balanced development. I recently moved to Salem, MA, and will be beginning at Winchester High School as a school counselor in September. I enjoy reading, the beach, and exploring new places on the North Shore.   

TAMA LANG - Incredibles Group

I am an Elementary School Counselor for Chicopee Public Schools, and have worked as a Counselor for 22 years. The counseling program at Litwin School is comprehensive, where interventions and support are offered through MTSS. The best part of being a School Counselor is that every day is different, and I look forward to the challenges and celebrations each day brings! I am a trained Breathe for Change yoga instructor and wellness facilitator, and I offer yoga and wellness strategies to students, families, and educators/colleagues. Fun fact – I was born in NYC, but grew up in Tokyo, Japan and am fluent in Japanese.