There is a team of dedicated staff who work throughout the year to promote and support the Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) and all camp visitors. Our year-round team has worked to support families and youth in recreation for many years. Our team loves the outdoors and are experienced parents and child care workers.
Elisha Weiss
Program Supervisor
Elisha has been part of the KOC for nearly a decade, and her passion for outdoor education is as vibrant as ever. What began as a childhood dream, sparked by a Grade 6 trip to an outdoor centre, has grown into a lifelong mission to connect people with nature and create meaningful, healing experiences.
With a background working in Ontario Parks and Forest Recreation, Elisha’s early work focused on environmental education. But it was her discovery of the KOC in the early 2000s that opened a new path, one that combined her love of the outdoors with therapeutic recreation. “It was a new window for me,” she says. “The groups we work with are so diverse and appreciative, it’s incredibly rewarding, and it’s nice to see that they enjoy it as much as I do!”
Now in her role as Program Supervisor, Elisha is focused on revitalizing programming, mentoring staff, and ensuring that every visitor, whether a child, parent, or staff member, feels the magic of the natural world. She’s passionate about creating new activities each year, keeping the experience fresh and engaging for returning groups and staff alike.
One of her most cherished memories is working with the Girls Circle program, a group of young women navigating life’s challenges. “The connections we made were powerful,” she says. “I still remember many of them.”
For Elisha, the mission is simple: help people disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with themselves, each other, and the outdoors. “If the staff are happy, the clients are happy,” she says.
With her deep roots at the KOC, creative spirit, and unwavering belief in the power of nature, Elisha continues to shape the centre into a place of transformation, connection, and joy.
Britney Pagliuca
Program Supervisor
As of 2025 it’s been over four years at the KOC, and she’s progressed from program facilitator to supervisor, contributing year-round to planning, registration, and staff hiring. Britney values KOC’s small, collaborative team, where new ideas are welcomed and quickly implemented, creating an ever changing and always supportive environment.
Looking back at her time at the KOC, she has fond memories of the joy of helping families experience camp, as well as a particular group, where kids lovingly gave her the nickname “Gidget.” Britney explains “for this group we all had camp names, which some people thought was silly, but I loved it so much. They knew my real name, but they all just called me Gidget all week sticking to the camp names and that felt so special.” These moments reflect her commitment to inclusion, connection, and creating lasting memories. She cherishes witnessing transformations and seeing former participants lead new programs.
Speaking of commitment and inclusion, Britney aims to ensure as many families as possible can attend, often personally reaching out to offer open spots, she finds joy in delivering the good news to families. Her empathetic approach helps reframe difficult interactions, recognizing that families’ struggles often stem from broader life circumstances.
A significant development in the program this year was the addition of Sonia to their team training. Sonia is a Clinical Supervisor from Kinark’s Autism Services. Her involvement has brought a deeper clinical perspective, enhancing the quality and intentionality of the programs. This collaboration has strengthened the team’s ability to support families meaningfully at the KOC.
Britney’s experience at the KOC has enriched her teaching skills, and with a background in outdoor education and a history degree, her next steps may be just that—teaching! Though she anticipates one day transitioning into teaching, she hopes to stay connected to the KOC, possibly through school partnerships or community events. For Britney, the KOC is more than a job—it’s a place of magic, comfort, and genuine connection!
Mike Anderson
Maintenance Coordinator
I started at the KOC as an outdoor educator and coordinator and worked in this facet for five years. I moved to another facility, and over another five years, I gained a diverse skill set to aid me in my current role. With a happy heart I returned in 2018. I love the people who choose to gather in this wonderful place. Kinark calls to people who are mature, thoughtful, and giving by nature. This creates an inclusive and cooperative environment.
This site holds different meanings to every person who comes here. For me, it was my first outdoor education experience while I was a student in the Forest Recreation Technician program in 1999. Working with the maintenance team, we have revitalized many of the cabins for clients and staff alike. We have improved the trail systems and have shifted the forward planning of the facility. As maintenance coordinator, I try to keep the hard-working staff motivated and the daily operations moving forward, while planning to optimize the facilities and environment for the future.
Outside of work, I love to travel, hike, camp and ski with my wife and dog. I also enjoy woodworking and cheering for les Habitants!
Emmi Timmermans
Program Coordinator
Emmi returns to the KOC in 2025 for her second year, this time as a Program Coordinator, a role that perfectly blends her personal story, academic background, and deep passion for inclusive recreation. With a degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Emmi is committed to creating spaces where every child and family feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
Her inspiration comes from home: Emmi’s younger sister has developmental disabilities, and growing up, Emmi knows the life-changing impact inclusive programming can have. These experiences shaped her mission early on. “I’ve seen firsthand how much (programs) can impact someone’s life, I’ve always wanted to do that for others and make that kind of difference for someone else,” she says.
Last year, she helped a camper in a wheelchair onto the high ropes, allowing them to soar through the air, a moment she describes as pure magic. It’s those moments that drive her: the smiles, the breakthroughs, the sense of belonging.
Emmi is focused on growing her leadership skills, supporting family camps, and expanding outreach to new community groups. She’s passionate about the therapeutic value of outdoor education, and she sees every interaction, whether it’s a ropes course or a shared laugh, as a chance to support someone’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Therapeutic recreation is more than just fun – it’s a powerful tool for healing and growth. With her lived experience, professional training, and genuine heart, she’s helping shape a camp culture that’s not only inclusive, but truly transformative for all.
Beth Williams
Program Coordinator
In 2025, Beth is back for her second year at the KOC, traveling all the way from North Wales, UK. Beth brings a unique bubbly energy to the team and has embraced the cultural differences she’s encountered in Canada—especially the humor and hospitality.
After a successful first season, she’s returned with even more passion and purpose. Last year was her first experience in outdoor education, and while she had worked with children with Autism before, the unique setting at the KOC offered new challenges and learning opportunities.
One of Beth’s most memorable moments was watching a camper overcome their fear of heights, a reminder of the impact this work can have! She’s especially excited about the Live-In Treatment (LIT) program again this year, having seen firsthand how transformative it can be for campers.
Over the summer of 2024, Beth grew into her role, taking on more responsibility, developing new programming, and building relationships with campers and staff. Her dedication and growth led to her new position as Program Coordinator. “Hopefully I can support the team and run programs they want, making sure that families enjoy their time here.”, says Beth, she wants to ensure that every child finds something meaningful at the KOC, making sure we’re identifying opportunities for every camper to feel included and tailoring experiences accordingly.
Looking ahead, Beth’s goal is to continue growing while fostering a space where campers, facilitators, and families feel heard, supported, and inspired. Afterall, camp is about connection, transformation, and memories that last. That’s why she’s back and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else this summer!
Fahima Jivraj
Program Facilitator
As of 2025 Fahima (Fam) is in her third year at the KOC, and for her, camp isn’t just a job, it’s her happy place. With a background in Sociology from the University of Guelph and a love for working with youth, Fam brings warmth, insight, and a strong sense of purpose to her role. Her studies have helped her understand how individual experiences are shaped by broader social forces, insight that deepens her empathy and strengthens her ability to connect with campers and colleagues alike.
Born in Canada but raised in Pakistan, Fam returned in 2017 and has since embraced the opportunity to connect across cultures. Her lived experiences add a valuable layer of diversity to the team, and she’s found joy in sharing stories, perspectives, and laughter with both staff and campers. “People always have questions,” she says, “and it’s fun to talk about how our lives differ, and how they’re the same.”
Fam is passionate about creating a welcoming, inclusive environment. She’s especially excited to reconnect with community groups, whose energy and spirit upon returning to the KOC is always admirable. She also looks forward to meeting new team members and continuing to grow her leadership skills, drawing inspiration from mentors around her at the KOC.
Some of her favourite memories are the quiet ones, hanging out with the team after hours, laughing, sharing stories, and just enjoying the peacefulness of the environment. It’s these moments that remind her of the joy and freedom the KOC brings.
Looking ahead, Fam hopes to step into a coordinator role to better understand the behind-the-scenes work that makes everything possible. Wherever her path leads, one thing is clear: she’s committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people, one meaningful connection at a time.
Sophie Cass
Program Facilitator
Sophie is a returning Program Facilitator for 2025 whose passion for the outdoors and working with youth shines through in everything she does. Originally from the bustling city of Liverpool, England, Sophie finds the peacefulness of camp life in Canada a refreshing contrast to her urban roots. This is her second year at camp, and she’s back because, as she puts it, “it doesn’t feel like work.” Even on the busiest days, the joy of being outside and connecting with campers makes every moment worthwhile.
One of Sophie’s goals this year is to build her confidence on the water, especially with paddleboarding. Despite her nerves, she’s eager to grow and embrace new challenges. Her favorite memory from last year? A wildly fun game called Escape the Zoo, where she dressed up as a farm animal and was chased by campers in a hilarious, high-energy roleplay.
Sophie brings a contagious energy to the team, especially when it comes to encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones. Whether she’s co-hosting the talent show or leading a campfire, she’s always ready to be a little silly to help others feel brave and included.
Her passion for working with children and youth extends beyond camp. Back home, she provides one-on-one swim lessons for children with cerebral palsy, helping them experience freedom and joy in the water. That same spirit of inclusion and care drives her work at the KOC, where she sees it as a place of relief and belonging for kids who may struggle elsewhere.
Currently studying Business Management with HR, Sophie hopes to return to Canada after finishing university to continue exploring and making a difference.
Eilidh Boyce
Program Facilitator
Eilidh is a first-time team member at the KOC for 2025, bringing with her a mix of international camp experiences, enthusiasm, and a deep-rooted passion for working with children. Joining us from a small town near Glasgow, Scotland, Eilidh discovered the KOC through Camp Canada. Drawn to Kinark’s mission and immediately flagged as a standout candidate, she embraced the opportunity in Canada—arriving with no expectations, no prior connections, and a genuine openness to the unknown.
Having graduated last year with a degree in Marine Biology and a lifelong commitment to youth work—starting as a volunteer coach at the age of just 13— Eilidh thrives in dynamic, unpredictable environments. Her easygoing nature and quick adaptability make her a natural fit for camp life, especially when plans change or kids need a new activity on the fly. She’s the kind of person who can turn a rainy day or a sudden shift in schedule into a moment of joy and connection.
Eilidh grew up in a family that fostered children, many of whom were neurodivergent, so she understands the importance of creating inclusive spaces where every child feels valued. She’s especially inspired by the KOC offering Autism Programs, recognizing the profound impact of giving these children the same enriching experiences others often take for granted.
Eilidh’s journey is one of curiosity, compassion, and a desire to make a difference, whether through a career someday or through the meaningful moments she’s creating right now. For her, this isn’t just a summer job; it’s a chance to grow, give back, and be part of something truly special.
George Babor
Janitor, Maintenance Team
Joining us from the Czech Republic, George brings a unique blend of honesty, humor, and heart to the maintenance team. This is his first year at the KOC and he discovered the opportunity through Camp Canada. Drawn to the peaceful, close-knit environment and the chance to contribute meaningfully, he chose this camp without hesitation—and hasn’t looked back.
Though new to the team, George has quickly become an integral part of it. With a small team in maintenance, he appreciates the hands-on nature and diversity of the work as well as the freedom to jump in wherever help is needed. He’s already thinking long-term, hoping to return next year and continue building on the projects he’s started, both literally and figuratively.
After arriving in Toronto, he felt an immediate sense of belonging. “I feel I’m home,” he says. He’s motivated to work hard, not just for himself, but for a future filled with purpose and connection.
George’s unique perspective brought to the team is direct, honest, and always ready to lend a hand. He’s proud of his ability to support others, whether it’s fixing a cabin or simply being someone his teammates can rely on. His many tattoos tell the stories of his life: a tribute to his late dog, a shared design with his brother, and symbols of friendship, love, and resilience. Each one is a reminder of where he’s been and where he hopes to go.
Even though English is a second language, he communicates with warmth and clarity. His positivity is infectious, and his commitment to being part of something bigger is evident in everything he does.
Outdoor Coordinators and Facilitators
The KOC prides itself on the depth and talent of our staff. Our reputation, program diversity, and philosophy have enabled us to attract a group of highly-skilled and caring front-line outdoor educators and behind-the-scenes program support staff. The KOC is dedicated to creating an inspiring and positive experience for families and campers by providing consistent support and thorough training throughout the season.
Kitchen and Maintenance Team
The kitchen team prepares dishes for the whole family. Catering to unique diets and picky eaters is their specialty!
The maintenance team (Shane Sisson and Mike Anderson) keep our buildings, cabins, and landscaping in tiptop shape for families and staff.
Join our Team!
The KOC facilitates a range of outdoor education, therapeutic recreation and experiential adventure programs designed to meet the specific needs of its diverse client population.
Visiting groups include: children’s mental health centres, community living agencies, elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and various other organizations serving youth, and adults and individuals with complex needs. The KOC also offers a range of programming for children with autism, including Family Camps throughout the spring and summer months.
If you share our passion for helping children, youth and families, we invite you to view our available positions.
