Children's Oncology Camping Association International

With two decades of rich experience in youth development programming, Kendra brings a wealth of expertise in program management and content development. Her expertise extends to the complexities of overseeing residential programs for youth, encompassing supervision best practices, mental health and wellness supports, risk management, innovative program and activity development, food services (including managing special dietary needs), and housekeeping. Throughout her career, Kendra has been dedicated to working with youth and adults with disabilities and illnesses. With a master’s degree in special education, her culminating thesis focused on youth resiliency. Kendra is proud to call Camp SAY her camp home, serving as the full-time Camp Director. Camp SAY, a program of SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young, is a sleep-away summer camp for young people who stutter. Camp SAY is rooted in the arts, giving kids who stutter the opportunity to develop confidence and independence, improve communication skills, and form lifelong friendships. This role marries several of Kendra's passions. Before transitioning to camp, Kendra worked as an educator specializing In deaf education and speech. Kendra is a dedicated volunteer in the camp space, assuming national leadership roles and speaker engagements in the areas of staff and volunteer recruitment and retention. As an innovator, she unites leaders from across the country, fostering collaborative environments to share best practices and ground-breaking approaches in the field of special populations camping.