Meet Our Staff
Mike Davidson
Director
As the Director of YPDC of Suffolk, Mike has been involved with camping for more than 30 years. Mike is retired from the NYC Board of Education, where he had a long career as a teacher/ administrator. As the Camp Director, Mike is very much involved in the day to day operations of the camp. During the off season, he devotes a great deal of time to planning and programming a dynamic calendar of events for the upcoming camp season.
Mike resides in Saint James, and spends as much time as possible with his five grandchildren, two of whom work at--yup, you guessed it-YPDC of Suffolk!
Stan Keslonsky
Assistant to the Director
Stan has been with YPDC for more than 15 years. Stan is responsible for staff development and programming. Also known as "the big guy with the bullhorn", Stan is retired from the NYC Board of Education. Presently, he is an Adjunct Physical Education teacher and coach at Suffolk Community College.
Stan has three children and and nine beautiful grandchildren, who are the "apple of his eye"! In the off season, Stan and Mike meet regularly to plan for the upcoming camp season.
Ellen Rubenstein
Aquatics Director
Ellen, a certified Water Safety Instructor, is in charge of the swimming program at YPDC of Suffolk. Ellen supervises the Red Cross Instructional Swim Program, and with her lifeguards, coordinates both instructional and recreational swim. Ellen has been with YPDC for more than 20 years!
Ellen, mom of two and grandmother of two, is very involved with the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. Ellen is a teacher at a Technology School in Suffolk County.
Craig Washington
Athletics and Activities Director
Craig has been with YPDC since 2000, and brings a wealth of experience to this position. Craig is a Physical Education/Health Teacher and Varsity Soccer Coach in the Bablyon School District. He received his Masters Degree from Hofstra University, where he was also a two time Captain of the University's Division I soccer team. Craig assists Stan in the day to day operations of the camp program, and coordinates special events through out the camp season, including our Olympic Week.
Craig and his wife, Nancy (also a teacher), reside in Suffolk County with their three children who are also part of the YPDC family.
Theresa Dowling
Executive Assistant
Theresa has been with YPDC since 2002. As a counselor, Theresa was a two time Counselor of the Year award winner. Theresa assists both Mike and Stan, but her primary task is to maintain the camp office, handle correspondence (phone calls, notices, newsletters) between YPDC and our camp families.
In addition, Theresa is responsible for all official documents and papers, and serves as our liason with the New York State Health Department and the American Camping Association. Theresa is certified in Responding to Emergencies, and is currently teaching elementary school in Suffolk County.
Karen Surgeary
Head Counselor
Karen has been affiliated with YPDC for more than 20 years. As the Head Counselor, she works directly with Stan and Craig, ensuring that all runs safely and smoothly. Karen serves as the main liason with the staff, dealing with staff training, as well as with any issues that come up during the course of the day.
Karen has a Masters Degree in History, teaches on Long Island, and lives in Suffolk County.