Meet The Team

Home Meet The Team

Who We Are

Dwight Summer Day Camp embraces the same philosophy as Dwight School, which customizes the experience for each student based on individual interests and passions. We call this igniting the “spark of genius” in every child. Through a wide range of age-appropriate programs ― including our specialty “spark” camps ― children can explore, discover what they enjoy doing, and pursue that passion while also making friends and having fun.

Our Team

An outstanding staff is critical to maintaining the highest standards at Dwight’s Summer Day Camp. Our staff has years of experience and expertise in the industry, and has crafted programs for your children that reflect the Dwight philosophy. The result is a camp that provides a fun and safe environment where each camper can nurture his or her passion, make friends, and grow.

Agata Medic

Director of All Summer Programs at Dwight School

Agata Medic has been part of Dwight Summer Camp since its very first summer in 2013. Over the years, she has watched campers grow in confidence, build new skills, and make lasting friendships. Her goal is to make camp feel like a true home away from home, where every child feels happy, supported, and inspired. Originally from Bosnia, Agata moved to New York City as a child and loves sharing her enthusiasm for all that the Big Apple has to offer.

Favorite Thing About Dwight Camps: Watching campers form genuine friendships through all the fun and shared experiences—singing, laughing, playing, and learning together every day, from our 94th Street campus to our youngest groups at Riverside.

Unusual Talent: Operations are my jam—I thrive on keeping things running smoothly and efficiently.

Passions/Hobbies: Taking an annual trip to the Dominican Republic, soaking up every moment with family and friends, and blasting Beyoncé on repeat—every second of every day.

Adam Higgins

Director of Summer Camp, Fifth Grade Teacher & Boy's Varsity Rugby Coach

Adam, brings a wealth of experience in both education and summer camp programming to this position. A member of our faculty, he is currently one of our grade five teachers, as well as a Varsity Coach of Dwight’s Varsity Rugby team. Originally from the UK, Adam earned his degree from the University of Southampton, his Post-graduate certificate in Education from the University of Winchester, and an MA in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Nottingham. Additionally, he has completed several certifications in personal training and coaching and developed a summer camp youth leadership program curriculum.

Favorite Thing about Dwight Summer Camp: Our people! Every summer, our camp comes alive thanks to an incredible team of passionate individuals. From Dwight staff and teachers from across the five boroughs, to students studying education and returning counselors who started as 16-year-old CITs, our staff are the heart and soul of camp. Their energy, dedication, and love for what they do create a welcoming community that campers can’t wait to return to—year after year!

Unusual Talent: A variety of push-ups—including the jaw-dropping Superman and Typewriter push-ups. And if that’s not impressive enough, his thumbs are double-jointed!

Passions/ Hobbies: Traveling the world, attending a yearly Formula 1 race, weightlifting and hybrid exercise, coaching rugby, and savoring the perfect cup of coffee.

Ajla Kolenovic

Healthcare Provider Dwight Summer Camp

This is Ajla’s first year at Dwight Summer Camp. She comes to Dwight with a strong academic foundation in both Sociology and Psychology, which inform her understanding of human behavior, social dynamics, and learning development. Ajla also is a Healthcare Provider at Dwight School. Her experience as a healthcare provider and her educational background supports her holistic approach to working with students, emphasizing empathy, communication, and the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Ajla ensures that healthcare is provided continuously and that student assessments are conducted daily to support the well-being and safety of all students. She is excited to bring her knowledge, enthusiasm, and fresh perspective to the Dwight summer camp community.

Favorite Thing about Dwight Summer Camp: Ajla is looking forward to seeing the camp in action and experiencing firsthand how the program brings students together through engaging activities and teamwork. She is excited to participate in the camp and to observe how it supports students’ growth, confidence, and sense of community.

Unusual Talent: Ajla enjoys an active and balanced lifestyle. In her free time, she loves hiking, biking, reading, traveling, and spending time at the beach. She has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and values opportunities to explore new places and stay connected with nature.

Passions/ Hobbies: Ajla enjoys an active and balanced lifestyle. In her free time, she loves hiking, biking, reading, traveling, and spending time at the beach. She has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and values opportunities to explore new places and stay connected with nature.

Danielle Rivers

Dwight Summer Camp Manager

Danielle is a proud native New Yorker, and this marks her 4th year being part of the team at Dwight Summer Camp. Before joining Dwight, she spent 15 rewarding years as a preschool teacher. She can’t wait for another fantastic summer filled with creativity, adventure and fun.

Favorite Thing about Dwight Summer Camp:
The campers and Ice Cream Sundaes on Mondays

Unusual Talent:
Wiggling her ears and crying baby impression.

Passions/Hobbies:
When at home you can usually find Danielle indulging in her love for crafting, diving into a fun DIY project, dancing, or spending quality time with her family.

Vanessa Celis-Mata

Bright Horizons Program Liaison | Dwight Summer Camp Manager

Vanessa joined Dwight School as an After-School and Summer Camp Manager after a decade as a classroom teacher; she has now been on the team for three years. An enthusiastic and passionate educator, Vanessa is thrilled to join Dwight Summer Day Camp for her third summer.

Favorite Thing about Dwight Summer Camp:
The staff and campers!

Unusual Talent:
Vanessa is very good at organizing and can making everything and anything fit even if it looks impossible.

Passions/ Hobbies:
Vanessa enjoys participating in a variety of hobbies and activities. She takes ice skating and tennis lessons, and loves to tend to her plants. Vanessa also spends a lot of time reading, baking, and crafting. She hopes to take a woodworking course in the near future!

Our Specialist Counselors

Art & Design Specialists
Our Art & Design specialists lead creative lessons where campers explore hands-on projects tied to each week’s theme. From crafting paper-plate masks and jungle-inspired creations during Jiving in the Jungle, to designing galaxies out of glitter for We’re Blasting Off!!, or building life-sized cardboard pirate ships in Pirate Fever, these counselors help campers express themselves, build confidence, and celebrate their creativity in a fun, themed environment.

Science & Technology Specialists
Our Science & Technology specialists guide campers through exciting STEM lessons that connect to the weekly themes. Campers investigate bubbling potions and mysterious experiments in Magic for Muggles, engineer gadgets and obstacle challenges in Jiving in the Jungle, and explore space physics in We’re Blasting Off!!. These counselors foster curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork while making science and technology hands-on and thrilling.

Physical Education & Sport Specialists
Our Physical Education & Sport specialists lead energetic, skill-building lessons that tie into the camp’s adventures. Campers sprint through jungle obstacle courses in Jiving in the Jungle, compete in alien-invasion games for We’re Blasting Off!!, battle in water balloon cannonball fights during Pirate Fever, and practice throwing and aiming in superhero challenges during Superheroes and Villains Assemble!. These counselors keep campers active, engaged, and having a blast while learning teamwork and sportsmanship.