Daria (she/her) has 23+ years of experience with youth of all ages both in the classroom and as an administrator. She started her Outdoor Education career with Trackers Earth in Bay Area Ca., in the summer of 2017 as a lead instructor, then coordinator, then Director of the Microschool Program. Daria also served as the Regional Director for a year-and-a-half. Daria loves foraging, hiking, animal tracking, birds and bird language, and sustainable wild harvesting. She is passionate about being a guide for children as they learn about the world. She believes that children have a connection to nature and her role is simply to be a guide for that connection. Daria also believes that children are extremely capable. She asks questions rather than tells to encourage children to stay engaged and access the knowledge they already possess!

Nash aka Beatle (he/him) is a graduate of Wells College, where he received dual degrees in Gender Studies and Environmental Science, in order to help him cultivate a world where queer youth can experience the world of nature in an affirming way. When he isn’t studying to become an EMT or trying to visit every National State Park in the US, you could find him in the pages of a good book, and is always taking book recommendations! Nash will serve as Director of Waterfront at camp this summer and is also eager to share a workshop on queer mapping!

Jordan (she/her) is an artist whose creative practice centers around ceramics, storytelling, and visual metaphor as a means of exploring identity, self-compassion, and collective care. Her work often delves into themes of transformation, queerness, and personal narrative. Jordan has been an art educator for over 15 years and currently teaches in Syracuse, NY. Outside the classroom and studio, she enjoys long walks with her dog, going on adventures with her partner, and tending to her houseplants. She’s passionate about building affirming, creative spaces where people can show up fully as themselves.

Julio (He/They) is an English Language Arts teacher in Syracuse, NY. He has volunteered with several nonprofit organizations, including Relay For Life, Miami AIDS Walk, and TransLifeline. He is a proud alumnus of Delta Lambda Phi International Social Fraternity, a progressive Greek-letter organization for queer/questioning men and nonbinary individuals, and a lifetime member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. When not teaching, reading, or writing, Julio enjoys watching scary movies, playing video games, and learning new skills. This is Julio’s second summer with Camp Beyond, and they can’t wait to return to some tranquil woods for a break from the hustle of city life.

Jenny (she/her) is lesbian who has worked with youth of all ages in the public schools for over 15 years as a speech-language pathologist.  She grew up in Massachusetts and now resides in Central New York with her partner, Brenna and their three children. Jenny has been working with youth at summer camps for almost 10 years. She has worked as a day camp counselor, overnight camp counselor, and inclusion counselor at several different camps, reaching a variety of populations. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, travel, find new music, and watch science fiction.  Jenny is excited to return for another summer of Camp Beyond! Her favorite parts of camp are hiking, gathering around the campfire, and making friendship bracelets with campers at the art house. 

Emily (she/her) is a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher in Albany, NY. She has been teaching for 6 years to middle and high school students. She is a lifetime Girl Scout and has worked at many different camps as a boating coordinator, lifeguard, and CIT coordinator since 2016. In her free time she likes reading, embroidery, baking, and hiking. Emily is excited to return to Camp Beyond as a lifeguard this summer.

Javannah (she/her) is a community health nurse with more than two decades of experience as a healthcare professional. She is also a columnist for Blaque/Out Magazine, which allows her to share her knowledge, compassion, experience, and encouragement to those in the LGBTQIA+ and allied communities.

Davis is the founder and president of the nonprofit organization W.A.V.E Women INC. and is the CEO/owner of Linjé Enterprises LLC. She is a member of the Community Initiative for the local United Way, a member of the University of Rochester Community Advisory Board, a participant in Metro Justice of NY. She is also an ordained minister.

In 2023, Javannah was featured on Rochester Business Journal’s “Power List for LGBTQ+ Business Leaders.” She received the Honorary Fatima Woods Award in both 2018 and 2021 by Next Generation Men of Transition, Roc Black Pride, and BlaqueOut Magazine for her contributions to the community. Javannah was also honored with the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition’s 2024 Monica Roberts Advocacy Award, a national recognition of the work she does as a Black transgender advocate.