Alan is excited to be back for his 16th year as the Director of the Kids N Us Program. Throughout the school year, Alan is a Wellness teacher at Robert Adams Middle School in Holliston, MA. Alan is passionate about teaching kids how to live healthy, active lives while helping them foster relationships with their friends and counselors. Alan is a proud husband and father of two. When he isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his family, going for hikes, camping, and playing basketball. Alan looks forward to another great year as the Kids N Us Program continues to grow!

Hi!  My name is Jenn St. John and I am the Assistant Directors at the Kids 'N' Us Summer Rec Program.  This year will be my 9th year with the program and 7th as an Assistant Director.   I love working with kids and have done so for many years.

I graduated from Bridgewater State University, majoring in Elementary Education and Spanish.  I recently have returned back to BSU to get my Master's in Elementary Education with a Concentration in STEM. 

I am currently a 6th grade Science teacher at Douglas Middle School and the Freshman Volleyball Coach for Medway High School. I am very excited for another fun-filled season with the Kids 'N' Us program and can't wait to see new and old faces! 

Hi! My name is Sam Chrabaszcz and this is my fifth year working here at Kids 'N' Us and my third year as Rec Manager. I recently graduated from Stonehill College and received my degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. I just completed my second year teaching! This was my first year teaching 5th grade in Sutton and I can’t wait for next year. I love coming to the Kids N Us program and working with your kids every summer. I can't wait to see what this summer brings!

Hi! My name is Ellie Poitras and this will be my 5th year working at the Kids ‘N’ Us Program. I have been a counselor the past 4 years, and am so excited to step into the role of Recreation Manager this summer. I am a rising junior at Boston College, where I am double majoring in Applied Psychology and Human Development, and Elementary Education. I absolutely love working with children, and am so excited to make more fun memories with our campers this summer! 

My name is Dan Byer and I am the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Mendon.  This is my 22nd year at the Town Beach.  I have worked for the Town in varying capacities since starting in the Snack Shack in 2004 and working my way up through various summer positions at the Beach and the Parks Department.  I have served as the Director of Parks & Rec part-time since 2013 and full-time since 2017.   I also served 4 terms as one of Mendon's 3 elected Parks Commissioners (2014-2025).   In addition to my role with Parks, I am the chair of the Historical Commission, Vice Chair of the Local Historic District Commission, Clerk for the Water Commission, and Facilities Coordinator for the Town.   I am also involved in the community as a member of the Mendham Brothers of the Brush, and Mendon Historical Society.

I am a graduate of the Mendon Upton Regional School District and lifelong Mendon resident.  I studied Music Education at the University of Rhode Island and UMass Lowell before giving that up for a brief stint as a line cook, and ultimately ending up in the real life Parks & Rec.  In my spare time I am a freelance percussionist, performing with numerous ensembles, pit bands, and parades all over New England.   I am currently the percussion section leader with the Metropolitan Wind Symphony as well as a member of their Board of Directors.  

I attended the Kids 'N' Us Summer Recreation Program as a child in the early years.  I'm thrilled to now have the opportunity to continue the legacy of this great program for the residents of Mendon.  We are also privileged to be able to offer seasonal employment opportunities to local teens, many of them working their first jobs.   Our goal through this program is to provide a fun summer experience for local children to get outdoors and make new friends while also providing a safe place for them to enjoy the summer.   

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with any questions, concerns, or feedback.

dbyer@mendonma.gov    774-481-1321 (call or text)