Camp Leadership
Juliana Kaitibi
Director of Camp, Youth, and Family Services
Juliana has strong roots at the MJCC dating back to 1994 when she began her preschool journey. She has held positions at camp since she was 13 as a CIT, Counselor, Unit Head, and Program Coordinator. She loves watching how much the children grow over a 9-week period in swimming, self-confidence, and leadership. The day that camp ends each summer, she will begin planning for next summer to make it better than the year before.
Favorite Camp Activity: Free Swim and Sports
Favorite Camp Song: Lima Bean and Hotdog Man
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Sharon Kaplan
ECC Assistant Director and Camp Director
Sharon has deep roots at MJCC Day camp dating back to being a camper, CIT, Jr and Sr counselor, Unit Head, Assistant Director and now Camp Program Director. Not only do her camp roots run strong for Day Camp but Sleep-away camp as well. Her favorite part of camp is watching the children always smiling, laughing and having a great time. She loves getting to watch the children learn how to swim and see how proud of themselves they become with their new confidence. Sharon looks forward to the next summer the second camp ends.
Camp Activity: Petting Zoo
Camp song: Little Green Frog
Ice Cream: Vanilla with Reese Peanut Butter Cups
Lindsey Chase
Assistant Director of the MJCC & Director of ECC
Lindsey’s excitement for MJCC Day Camp began when she was a camp counselor as an 8th grader and every summer after, until her junior year of college. Ms. Sharon Kaplan was actually one of her campers (there is a picture to prove it)! Being the ECC Camp Director was a part of her special job responsibilities when she was the ECC Assistant Director, and now she gets to oversee both ECC Camp and MJCC Day Camp. Lindsey loves swimming in the MJCC Water Park and seeing the smiles on all of the campers’ faces all through the summer.
Camp Activity: Swimming (even instructional swim)
Camp song: Boom Chicka Boom
Ice Cream: Gold Medal Ribbon
Phoebe Litwak
Assistant Director of Youth, Camp and Family Services
Tal Nezry
Assistant Camp Director
Tal is the Community Shlicha and is excited to step into the role of Assistant Camp Director this summer. She looks forward to supporting campers and staff, strengthening the connection to Israel, and helping create a fun, welcoming camp environment. Her favorite part of camp is seeing campers build confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of community as the summer goes on.
Favorite Camp Activity: Scouts
Favorite Camp Song: Golden boy
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Strawberry
Jasmine Paige
ECC Office Manager
Jasmine planted new roots at the MJCC in January 2025 when she stepped into her role as the Early Childhood Center Office Manager—and she hit the ground running! With a strong background in leadership from both the military and private sectors, Jasmine knows how to keep things organized, moving, and running smoothly. A lifelong camp fan, Jasmine spent her teen years attending overnight camps in Spring City, Tennessee, and Kosciusko, Mississippi. That’s where she discovered her love for horseback riding, camp cooking, and—her favorite—arts and crafts! These days, Jasmine brings that same camp spirit to work every day, making sure teachers and staff have everything they need so they can focus on what matters most: the kiddos!
Favorite Camp Activity: Arts and Crafts
Favorite Camp Song: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Butter Pecan
Laura Kurcfeld
Mah Ani and CIT Director
Laura grew up in New York and spent 25 years in Baltimore, MD, where she ran Camp Koolanu for two years. After moving to Memphis and joining the MJCC in the summer of 2025, she had some involvement with the CIT and Mah Ani programs and is excited to be directing those programs this summer, helping teens develop their leadership abilities and building self-confidence. Laura loves boating, traveling, arts & crafts and making sure everyone around her is happy.
Favorite Camp Activity: Friday afternoon Shabbat Party
Favorite Camp Song: Bumble Bee
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cherry Garcia