Jennifer DeSpagna, owner and director, works twelve months a year at TLW. In the summer, Jennifer keeps parents informed and works directly with campers. During the winter months, she maintains contact with parents, campers and staff and plays a major role in all staff hiring. Jennifer brings to West an energy that is contagious, and is respected by campers and staff for her abilities and obvious love for camp. Her first year at TLW was in 1987, and she hasn’t missed a summer since!

Jennifer previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Camp Association and was the Chair for the Hospitality Committee for the Tri-State Camp Conference, the largest volunteer driven conference in the country. She is currently a member of the Public Guidance Committee for the American Camp Association.

Justin Mayer, owner and director, has been a part of the Timber Lake Family of Camps since he was eight years old. Justin grew up at Timber Lake Camp, and ultimately became TLC’s Assistant Program Director.  Upon graduating from Indiana University, Justin worked as an accountant for three years before realizing his true passion was camp. In 2003, he joined our sister camp, Tyler Hill, as the full-time Associate Director. Justin brings with him a tremendous background in program planning, staff development and dealing with campers.  He adds a sense of fun to everything he does at camp and is committed to providing West campers with the best possible summer experience.

Justin serves as a Board Member and Treasurer of S.C.O.P.E. (Summer Camp Opportunities Program), and is also an active committee member of the American Camp Association's E.P.I.C. (Emerging Professionals in Camping) program.

Cassie has spent 15 of the last 16 summers at Timber Lake West (and one at Tyler Hill), where she has been a camper, junior counselor, general counselor, group leader and a division leader. During the winter months, Cassie is a school psychologist in Rockland County, NY. She will spend her camp days working with prospective and current families, as well as with campers. Cassie will ensure that campers’ and parents’ needs and expectations are being met from start to finish. Additionally, Cassie will continue to develop creative and unique activities that our campers will enjoy throughout the entire summer!

Nancy Hollander, our Associate Director, works year-round for Timber Lake West and is our Girls’ Head Counselor overseeing the entire Girls’ Campus, during the summer. Nancy joined our TLW family in 2001. She was a 13-year camper at Timber Lake Camp, our 8-week camp in Shandaken, NY and met her husband there. After a stint away from camping, she returned to day camp as Maplewood School and Summer Program’s Assistant Director. Nancy spent five years with Maplewood and in 2001 when her twins were ready for sleep-away camp Nancy joined the Timber Lake West team. Nancy’s forte is dealing with people, especially parents of new campers. Her exuberance and enthusiastic personality adds a lot of life to our campus. You can always count on Nancy when you need a hug.