Joe Michiels became a board member in the Fall of 2017, is currently the Chief Volunteer Officer and has been assisting with the finalization and progression of the Facility Master Plan, as well as being on the Executive Committee, Governance, Strategic Planning, Finance, Financial Development and the Annual Campaign Committees.

“I joined the board to help promote YMCA of the Pines, and facilitate the design, permitting and implementation of the master plan for future improvements – in an effort to enhance current, future and returning camper and visitor experiences,” Joe said.

Joe is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer and Senior Project Manager with BL Companies in New Jersey. A 2003 graduate of Rowan University, Joe has worked throughout South Jersey and the North East on various construction projects, while promoting sustainability through design. In 2009, Joe started working as the Camp Civil Engineer and has been performing design, inspection and permitting for any construction projects that have occurred since. He has also been performing regular inspections, maintenance recommendations and upgrades to both the Stockwell and Andy Daley Dams.

“I have a love of nature, hiking and camping and I try to use that care and knowledge when planning future projects that will enhance the grounds of YMCA of the Pines, and make it so that future campers can enjoy the grounds and learn about sustainability.” he added.

Joe said he was particularly inspired to become involved on the board, because of the benefits provided to the surrounding community through the use of the YMCA of the Pines property and outreach programs. “As a board member, I’ve learned about the many benefits that YMCA of the Pines provides to the public – things that I had been unaware of,” he said. “Learning about the impact of these programs really opened my eyes as to how critical YMCA of the Pines is to the local community. Furthermore, working on the upgrades that are currently planned makes me excited to see how camp is going to be enhanced for future generations.”

As a child growing up in Medford, Joe said he was fortunate to get to attend camp. Later, he volunteered regularly during high school and college. “The times I spent at Camp helped me grow my love of the outdoors that I have today,” he said. “I was brought back to the property while working as the Camp Engineer on a consulting basis in 2009, performing dam inspections and repair recommendations, building upgrades and improvements to the overall property. My wife has also worked with School’s Out and as a nurse at Stockwell and Matolly, my son Connor is currently a camper. I am thankful that I was given an opportunity to come back to Camp as the engineer, and further my connection here as a Board Member and be able to give back to a place that is so important to me.”

Merle Brown of Shamong NJ joined the board in 2018 and is currently the Vice Chief Volunteer Officer. She serves on the Executive, Governance, Strategic Planning and Financial Development committees.

As part of her job, she regularly works with non-profits, which is how she learned about the good work at YMCA of the Pines. “My professional life requires me to work with many non-profits across Burlington and Camden counties,” Merle explained. “As I got to know the camp and the staff, I recognized the impact that camp has through its programs on children, teens and families. Many of the other non-profits I work with are touched by this camp through outreach to the community and scholarship programs that allow children to experience camping and the outdoors. I also grew up in the area and camps Ockanickon, Matollionequay, and Lake Stockwell are a mainstay in the community. It’s an honor to be a part of the organization.”

Merle is Director of Corporate Giving and Financial Literacy for Beneficial Bank and the Beneficial Foundation. “I have the opportunity to interact and volunteer with non-profits and I believe this provides me with a unique insight and perspective into our community’s changing needs and how other non-profits are responding. I have worked with senior high youth and guided them on mission trips and watched as they step outside their comfort zones and witnessed the growth that always occurs. The Y Camp provides that same experience.”

She believes every camper will experience something that pushes them beyond their fear or their perceived limitations. “Going to camp here provides them a safe and supportive community where they can step out and not be afraid of failing,” she said. “I also know that the year-round programming for children, teens and families is having an enormous impact in our communities.”

Merle is particularly impressed with the dedicated staff of innovative leaders who routinely demonstrate their willingness to change and adapt to the changing needs of the communities we serve. “My fellow board members bring an incredible amount of experience and leadership to the table as well.  And to a person, staff and board members, each one is singly focused on the children, teens and families we serve.”

When asked if she has a favorite camp story, Merle responded: “Well, truth be told, I was not fortunate enough to be able to attend camp as a child here or anywhere for that matter. However, in full disclosure, I did trespass here regularly as a young person and can attest to the camp’s many wonderful attributes!”

Robyn Rusinski is the Board Treasurer and sits on the Board’s Executive and Finance Committee’s at YMCA of the Pines.

“I joined the board because I want to use my accounting expertise to help YMCA of the Pines accomplish its mission and goals. I’m a CPA, licensed in New Jersey. I also perform audits, reviews and compilations of many non-profit entities in the area.” said Robyn.

Robyn feels that the most impactful part of camp’s mission is helping people become the best version of themselves. “I believe camp creates an environment where children can feel comfortable to be themselves without judgment and can build confidence to help grow into the best people they can be.”

“It’s exciting to be here,” she added. “The future of camp looks bright due to the passionate and dedicated staff led by Mark Dibble and the committed board members. In addition, I’m very excited about the capital expansion plan that will make the campers’ experience even better.”

Kristi Howell joined the YMCA of the Pines Board of Trustees in 2016. She is the Board Secretary and sits on the Executive, Financial Development and Special Events Committee’s. When Kristi Howell joined the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce (BCRCC) as its president and CEO in December 2002, she became only the second executive in its 27-year history. Since then, the Chamber has grown and evolved through her focus on membership, programming, annual budgeting, and staffing. Committees now available to BCRCC members as a result of Ms. Howell’s vision include: Women in Business, the Military Relations Council, the Young Professionals Network, Employment Practices, the Hospitality & Tourism Council, and the Healthcare Issues Council.

An active member of the Burlington County community, Kristi serves on numerous other boards and committees:

• American Cancer Society
• BCIT Foundation Board
• Burlington County Sheriff’s Gang-Prevention Task Force
• Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) District Advisory Council
• River Route Advisory Committee (appointed by Burlington County Board of Freeholders)
• South Jersey Tourism Corporation
• Soul Connect Advisory Board

Kristi is a founding member of Chambers of Commerce United for Business Growth, a statewide coalition of regional and local chambers. She co-chairs the Joint Base Open House Foundation, which raises funds for its Annual Open House & Air Expo at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL). Another commitment in Kristi’s JB MDL portfolio is the Honorary Commander’s Program.

Kristi Howell is a longtime resident of Burlington County (over 30 years). She holds a Bachelor of Arts (in Government and Politics) from Widener University. Prior to joining the BCRCC, Kristi worked with NJ Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Acting Governor/NJ Senate President Donald DiFrancesco at the State House in Trenton.

Chantal Capodicasa joined the YMCA of the Pines Board of Trustee’s in 2020. She currently serves as a Board Member for the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Medford Business Association, and a member Impact South Jersey. She has previously served as a Board Member for the Mid Jersey Chamber of Commerce (now part of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce) and the United Way of Greater Mercer County. She has held various roles in different capacities for fundraising as well as chairs of fundraising events.

As a child growing up in CT, she attended a YMCA camp after school program and has wonderful memories of the friendships and the fun had while participating. Now, as a mother of two young boys, they have had fun attending YMCA of the Pines School’s Out program and Lake Stockwell day camp. “I love the beauty of the Pines and the YMCA of the Pines’ commitment to the community and to helping children thrive.”

As a financial professional in the banking industry with sales, lending, budgeting, and cash management experience, as well being a mother of young children and active in the community, Chantal can share views and insights that she hopes will contribute to the growth and sustainability of YMCA of the Pines.

“I think the most impactful part of camp’s mission is the mission to foster a caring and inclusive environment, where children can be themselves and grow and thrive in a safe, happy place building self-esteem and confidence.” she said.  “During these unusual times, we are primed for positive change. Children are learning to face adversity and manage through difficult times. What we learn from these times will help us in the future, and the recent unfortunate events have inspired and ignited a passion for us to be better and do better.”

Kelley Drummond joined the YMCA of the Pines Board of Trustee’s in 2020 and sits on the Financial Development and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Committee’s.

“The purpose of the YMCA is to provide “services that help everyone thrive.” The YMCA principles of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, courage and inclusion are the very things that will help our entire community thrive—and the camp gives everyone a chance to get outside, experience nature, make friends, build their confidence and have fun in a safe environment.”

Kelley has worked as a business leader for 25 years, both globally and in roles all across the United States.  With 4 children of her own, she spends her volunteer time focused on organizations that help children.  With a commitment to serve as many children as possible, Kelley knows that her time will be well spent volunteering with the YMCA of the Pines.

“The most impactful part of camp’s mission is helping people become the best version of themselves.  One of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou is:  ‘Do the best you can until you know better.  Then when you know better, do better.’ I think the YMCA gives people an experience that allows them to know better, which leads to them becoming the best version of themselves they can be.”

“The future of the camp looks bright because the entire board of trustees, camp staff, camp alumni and even current campers all care so deeply about the camp and the camp experience.  Everyone wants to make sure that it will be here for a very long time and continue to evolve in order to provide the best experience for the greatest number of kids.” she said. “I was lucky enough to hear some kids talk about their camp experiences.  They had attended camp on scholarship and their faces glowed when they shared their experiences at camp.  My goal is to make sure that the YMCA of the Pines can continue to serve the community and create as much access as possible for as many kids as possible.  For a very long time.”

Robert T. Egan joined the YMCA of the Pines Board of Trustee’s in 2016 and sits on the Governance and Special Events Committee.

“I truly respect and admire the organization’s mission, and want to be of help as best as I can,” he said.

Bob brings a wealth of experience to the board; he’s an attorney who has for years worked with various non-profits and community service organizations in the Medford area.

“I’m particularly proud that YMCA of the Pines provides outdoor opportunities to disadvantaged children. The future of the organization looks bright  because of the solid, dedicated management team.” Bob added.

Katelyn is an attorney in the Philadelphia office of McCarter & English. She is primarily engaged in product liability matters with a focus on issues surrounding Data Management and Electronic Discovery. She possesses in-depth knowledge of the issues that clients face regarding electronic discovery in large scale litigations including management of review and production of technically complex structured data sets.

For the past several years, Katelyn has been a Board Member at Philadelphia VIP which provides pro bono legal services for low-income Philadelphians facing civil legal problems that threaten their basic human needs.

Katelyn’s children have attended Lake Stockwell since they moved to Medford four years ago and they absolutely love it. Her oldest son, Liam will be attending Camp Ockanickon for the first time this year! Katelyn expressed interest in joining the board to become more involved in the community and also to help raise funds so that ALL children could enjoy camp as much as her kids do!

Jonathan joined the Board of Trustee’s in 2021 when Gloucester County YMCA (where he served on the board) merged with YMCA of the Pines. He serves on the Financial Development, Special Events and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Committee.

Jonathan is the founder at Create Moore Media. “We are visual storytellers who believe creativity has the power to transform human behavior. It’s not about advertising or brand propositions or selling products. It’s about people and purpose.” Jonathan said. “It’s an approach to marketing that serves true human needs, not the other way around. Creativity is the thoughtful representation of ideas to individuals. We discover your why and give it purpose.”

Charlie joined the Board of Trustee’s in 2021 when Gloucester County YMCA (where he served on the board) merged with YMCA of the Pines. He serves on the Finance Committee and Special Events Committee.

Charlie is the CEO of CLM Advisors LLC, located in Sewell NJ. CLM Advisors LLC is a business profitability consulting firm. “As an advisor, I help business owners think with the end in mind, challenging them to determine the future outcome of their business.” said Charlie. “I act as a Fiscal Management GPS, guiding them along the way to their end goals while making decisions based on the accounting data. If you are a business owner whose accounting is causing more hindrance than help, making decisions blindly, or wearing too many hats, call me, I can help!”

Erik Rebstock joined the YMCA of the Pines Board of Trustees in 2023 and sits on the Strategic Planning and Finance Committees. Erik is the Lead Pastor at HOPE Community Church overseeing vision, mission, staff, and overall direction of a great congregation in Moorestown NJ. He is also a Councilman for the Township of Medford.  

As a professional, Erik carries a passion for seeing people of all ages develop, sharpen, and progress in life. He also has a love for organizational strategy with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master of Ministry with a concentration in leadership development.  

Erik strongly supports the investment in the children at camp. “It’s cliché, but the children really are our future, and YMCA of the Pines is an amazing place with outstanding programs and camps where we can invest and help kids build a foundation of confidence, character, and strong relationships.”  

When asked why he believes in the bright future of camp, he replied: “The YMCA of the Pines may have more big smiles per capita than anywhere else on earth, and where there are big smiles, there is joy for what you are doing, love for the people around you, and passion for why it is so important.”  

Erik and his family have been members of the Y for many years. His children learned to swim at camp and have spent many summers canoeing, fly-fishing, and mountain biking on the camp grounds. “It’s a privilege to be part of such a great organization where I can use my energy and passion to impact the community so everyone can move forward.”  

Erik recalls many fond memories with his family on camp. “Every year on the last day of summer, my wife and I would sit on Cherokee Beach with our friends and watch all of our kids swim together until the sun set. The lifeguards would count down the seconds until they had to get out of the water and summer never really ended until our time at Cherokee Beach did. We love to compare the photos of all the different years!”