Event Sessions

Jen Smith

Jen joined Camp Fire First Texas, Camp El Tesoro, in March 2019 as the outdoor education coordinator and day camp director. In her role, Jen coordinates with school administration and parents to ensure every child has a great experience at Camp El Tesoro, whether through an outdoor education field trip or a summer nature day camp experience.  Jen is a facilitator for Project Wild, a Level 1 Archery Instructor with USA Archery, and a volunteer with the Rio Brazos Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program.

Emily Golinsky

Emily’s sessions get called many things, and her favorites are: “tremendously helpful,” “definitely not the same-old-same-old,” “fun and informative” and “not to be missed – a reason to come to the conference!” As Founder of Bright Moose LLC (www.brightmoosetraining.com), Emily provides training, consultation, and professional development for camps, schools and youth organizations, guided by the motto "Help Others Shine Bright!" She has held multiple roles in camp leadership, including most recently 15 years as Executive Director at Camp Starfish (NH). She is Vice President for NHCamps and is an accreditation visitor, committee member, New Camp Director Workshop faculty member, and Newer Director Resource Group facilitator for ACA, New England. Emily has her BS in Health Psychology and MS in Camp Administration & Leadership. In her spare time, she is also an education advocate for youth with special needs, an Adult MHFA instructor, and an avid collector of terribly awesome puns. You’ll find her in Camping Magazine, ParentingNH, ACA’s Project Real Job Blog, and on the Day Camp Pod, as well as at conferences and events around the US. For more information or to contact Emily, email emily@brightmoosetraining.com. 

Leekeshia Williams

LeeKeshia Williams is a national leader in youth protection in higher education, as evidenced by creating and implementing the Youth Protection Program (YPP) at the University of Texas at Austin, leading the University the first college campus accredited by the American Camp Association. Keshia oversees the YPP, which includes program development, constructing policies and procedures, establishing safeguards, regulations and compliance.

Starr Sanders 

Starr Sanders, a retired police officer, is the Protection of Minors Coordinator at UNC-Chapel Hill. There, she oversees the safety of over 140,000 minors on campus per year. She has previous experience working to promote school safety and training for school personnel, parents and communities. Starr holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from University of Louisiana-Lafayette and a Master of Public Administration degree from Florida International University. 

Denis Cranford

Denis is currently the volunteer Camp Director for Camp El Tesoro de la Vida, (a weeklong grief camp for youth who have lost a parent/guardian/sibling due to death).  Additionally, Denis is working on developing a youth camp, Camp Haven, for LGBTQ youth that will start in Spring 2024. Denis is a retired National Sales Manager from JPMorgan Chase.

Debbie Schmidt

Debbie is the Volunteer Coordinator for Camp El Tesoro de la Vida (a weeklong grief camp for youth who have lost a parent/guardian or sibling due to death), and Treasurer for Camp Haven (camp for LGBTQ youth starting in 2024).  Debbie is a retired National Training Communications Manager for JPMorgan Chase.  

Amy Lerman

Amy Lerman is a certified Speech Language Pathologist, obtaining her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas Austin and Masters degree from George Washington University in DC. Amy grew up attending a residential camp in the Ozarks and has a passion for the camp experience. Amy has primarily worked in pediatric school based settings providing group therapy. In her role of outreach, she presents at conferences, conventions, and schools. Amy's passion is to help early learners grow and connect.