Camp Leadership

In everything we do, we believe in inspiring and empowering young people to be confident, collaborative, and courageous.

Year-Round Staff

Danielle

  • Danielle joined Eagle Island as Executive Director in 2022. As an outdoor enthusiast, Adirondacker, and seasoned nonprofit leader she was drawn to the role immediately. As a child Danielle attended overnight sport camps. Danielle comes to Eagle Island from the New York Ski Educational Foundation, which provides educational programs to youth in snowsports, where she led marketing and development for the organization. Prior roles included leading the Ishpeming Negaunee Chamber of Commerce and the Western Marquette Health Foundation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

    You may see Danielle at camper check-in or running around the property to ensure it’s in tip top shape for campers. When Danielle is not on the island, she is running, biking, or skiing in the Adirondacks with her young children, Valla and Walter, and husband, Shane.

    dlacavalla@eagleisland.org.

    (call or text) 518-323-9424

Executive Director

Hanna Sue

  • Hanna Sue has been with Eagle Island for three seasons now. She grew up in Bermuda and spends summers with family on Upper Saranac Lake. Hanna Sue started as a Counselor in 2021 and stayed on as the Assistant Property Manager until the Island shut down for the winter. In 2022, she returned as the Program Director adding to her experiences of working with youth in a school and now, camp setting. During the shoulder season this year, she worked part-time as our Engagement Coordinator and Content Creator. This spring, she graduated with a degree in International Education Studies which focuses on culturally sustaining teaching practices and methods. 

    When Hanna Sue is not studying, she loves being unplugged and outdoors in nature and shares her passion with campers. You can probably find her at the waterfront or enjoying the sunset from quiet spots around the island.

    hpercy@eagleisland.org

Assistant Camp and Marketing Director

  • Katrina joined Eagle Island as Camp Director and Assistant Executive Director in 2018. Katrina went to overnight camp at the age of 10 and never left. She was a camper, Unit Counselor, Unit Leader, Program Director, Waterfront Director, Assistant Camp Director, and Camp Director! She brings a wealth of experience in outdoor education, youth development, and camp leadership to Eagle Island. Most immediately, Katrina directed an overnight camp in the Hudson Valley of New York.

    The best part of camp for Katrina is getting to spend time with the campers and watching them try new things. When not in the office, you can probably find her at the waterfront swimming in the lake!

    kdearden@eagleisland.org

    (call or text) 518-323-9422

Camp Director & Assistant Executive Director

Katrina

Kevin

  • Kevin joined Eagle Island as Property Manager in 2022 after having a view of the island for over 14 years! He is a Gilpin Bay neighbor on Upper Saranac Lake. Kevin is never more than a quick call (or boat ride) from the island.

    Before Kevin joined Eagle Island he worked in various management roles in the food industry in the Adirondacks and the Albany area. He received his B.S. in Food Marketing and Distribution, from Rochester Institute of Technology and is always a helping hand in the kitchen when needed. During his short time at EIC, Kevin has already improved our maintenance systems and day-to-day operations. Most campers will see him water testing, delivering luggage, and working with contractors, alumni volunteers, visitors, and staff to make sure the property is safe and fun for everyone.

    kstaufenberg@eagleisland.org

Property Director

LeeAnn

  • LeeAnn first stepped foot on Eagle Island in 1969 and spent the next 5 summers swimming, canoeing and mountain climbing. She has been working as a registered nurse for more than 40 years.

    LeeAnn's education began at Washington Hospital Center School of Nursing and most recently includes William Paterson University where the course work for School Nurse Certification was completed. She has worked in many different areas including pediatrics and maternal-child health. During the school year, she is a nurse in a large public high school in Bergen County, New Jersey. She is licensed in NJ and NY.

    LeeAnn started as Health Director in 2021.

    lamillar@eagleisland.org

Health Director

2024 Summer Staff

Eagle Island values creating our own empowering community

At Eagle Island, we believe leadership is developed starting with our campers choosing their next activity, helping to keep our facilities clean, and supporting their friends throughout the day. We hope to inspire the next generation of empathetic leaders through community connection and team building.

At Eagle Island, we acknowledge that not everyone learns the same way. With this in mind, we strive to utilize a variety of teaching methods during staff training and for them to then use when explaining activities to campers. By celebrating mistakes, we showcase to campers that the most important thing is to try and learn along the way.

In supporting our staff members, they in turn are better equipped to support campers. When campers feel heard and supported, they are empowered to build the confidence needed to make new friends, try something new, and in turn support other young people both in and out of camp.