Our Team
Elise Bates Russell
Executive Director
Elise enjoys all aspects of God’s ministry in the outdoors, but her passions include leadership development, nature exploration, wilderness trips and sustainable architectural design. This has grown out of a lifetime (almost!) of living and working at Presbyterian camps in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Michigan and Minnesota. One of her favorite quotes shared by a camper is: “I just like to hike in the woods to be near God.” Elise couldn’t agree more, affirming the power of outdoor ministry as a vital part of Christian education and faith formation for all ages.
She is a proud alumna of The College of Wooster and has a Masters in Architecture from the University of Michigan. She is part of the consultant team for Run River Enterprises and recently served as president of the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA), an organization serving camps and conference centers across the United States and Canada. Along with her husband and 3 daughters, Elise likes to travel, be outside, read, visit museums and historical sites, create and try new things. Ask Elise how you can remember Johnsonburg in your will or volunteer at Jburg soon!
Glendon Carper
Associate Director of Operations
Glendon joined the team in late 2022 and is new to Johnsonburg but very familiar with Christian camping having served at camps in three different states. Most of his experience is with programming, specifically the activity and adventure areas, but he is also very familiar with all the areas of a camp facility. He is excited to bring his experience to Johnsonburg and to be part of the team who creates a place where all are welcomed.
He grew up in central Pennsylvania and received a degree in Business Administration from Messiah University. Growing up, he attended Camp Hebron where his love for camp ministry started. He also met his wife Katie there several years later. They shared an office (it’s an interesting story) and both worked as program staff. They also spent time in Michigan doing outdoor education, lived briefly in Florida, then lived in the Poconos for six years. Most recently he served at Sandy Cove Ministries in Maryland overseeing all-things activity related.
Glendon enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, from jumping on the trampoline, to walks / hikes, and laughing together. He also likes running, mountain biking, and playing a variety of sports. He is known for eating an apple a day and having his precisely formulated iced coffee each morning.
Kim Italiano
Registrar
Steve Grish
Facilities Manager
Steve ran his own home improvement business for 20 years before using his skillset at camp & retreat centers. When he’s not at work, Steve loves to spend time with his kids doing anything and everything that’s outdoors. He also loves to cook and volunteers as a games instructor for his church’s youth group.
Steve was drawn to Johnbsonburg because it enables him to combine his spiritual and work life all in one place!
Vania Stevenson
Marketing Assistant
Vania fell in love with Johnsonburg years ago when she brought her youth group for a retreat. Her son has since become a JBurg Camper and working here has scored her MAJOR 'cool mom' brownie points. Her favorite part of camp is the community that JBurg represents- one where ALL walks of life belong.
Vania also serves as the Youth Director at a local church and is deeply passionate about young people. In her spare time she loves to knit, cook, and hang out with her family and adorable pets.
Linda Thorstenson
Office Manager/Assistant to the Executive Director
Caroline Grish
Dining Services Manager
Caroline takes great joy in preparing food that gets children excited and she adores the camp environment. She considers her role at Johnsonburg a blessing as it allows her to merge her Christian faith and culinary experience in this beautiful camp setting.
Caroline is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, fishing, and appreciating the beauty of God's creation. She also serves as a leader for the Awana group for children aged three and four at her church.
Tattyanna Morales-Vega
Guest Services Coordinator
Tattyanna is excited about her role as Guest Services Coordinator. She considers this position her dream job! Since she was a kid being asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up”, her response was always camp. She got to grow up going to camps through St. Joe’s and StreetLight Mission. She started to work for Johnsonburg during the 2020 GAP Year Program and since then has worked a multitude of positions around the site including; Camp Counselor, Program Support, Executive Assistant, and now as the Guest Services Coordinator. Tattyanna is a proud alumni of Drew University Class of 2024. She looks forward to serving you during your group’s time at Johnsonburg!
Margaret
Housekeeper
Bio coming soon!
Board
Johnsonburg’s Board is a governance board made up of representatives from the four regional presbyteries within New Jersey and the Presbytery of Philadelphia, as well as eleven at-large members. The Board functions with five committees who oversee various aspects of the program, organization and facility. The committees work directly with the staff and have a healthy relationship of communication and collaboration. In addition, the president of the Board has the capacity to appoint special task forces. The Board makes governance decisions, such as the master plan and a capital campaign, while the executive director and other staff make management and program decisions.
Johnsonburg Camp & Retreat Center
Board of Trustees
Rev. Joseph Chu
Pastor, Fellowship Church of New Milford
Anne Gordon
Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Cranbury
Pete Miller
Retired, Regional School Superintendent
Rev. Dr. Keion Jackson
PC(USA), Presbyterian Mission Agency, Assoc. for Black/African American Intercultural Congregational Support
James Duncan
IPG Health
Sarah Kapitko
Family Law Attorney
Michael McCurry
U.S. House of Representatives
Joseph Young
Board President, Family Promise, Sussex County Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Sparta Treasurer
Marilyn Kitchell
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
President
Rev. Anne Russ
Doubting Believer
Rev. Wes Allen
Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown
Eastern University, St. Davids, PA
Arlene McCann
Comcast NBC Universal