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Meet Our Staff

Savita Sharma, Director of Family Support Services

Savita holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and has been working with children and adults with special needs for more than 20 years. She has held a variety of leadership and supervisory roles for programs serving individuals with special needs, with a focus on management of programs, facilities, administration, staff, and finances. From 1999 to 2008, she served as director of AHRC New York City’s Camp Anne. In her role at Camp Anne, Savita oversaw all aspects of camp management and organization for the residential camp serving children and adults with special needs. Under her leadership the camp increased its capacity for the children’s sessions by 50 percent over a five-year period, implemented adaptive riding, swimming and boating programs, and embarked on a $1.2 million strategic plan to build new cabins.

A former resident of England, Savita gained much of her experience through her involvement with Camp America, an organization which helps U.S.-based camps find international staffers to work as counselors. In addition, while working as a podiatrist in England, she assisted the American Institute of Foreign Studies by serving as a representative for camps for individuals serving special needs.

Please contact Savita if you have questions regarding the overall operations of camp or if you feel you need to escalate any matter.  She can be reached at ssharma@citizens-inc.org or 516-293-2026 ext 1450.

 

Tevin Gilfillian, Assistant Director

Tevin Gilfillian isn’t new to Camp Loyaltown; he’s been a participant of the Exchange Visitor J1 Summer Camp Counselor Program from 2017 through 2019. Tevin has since joined Citizens Options Unlimited as the Assistant Director of Camp Loyaltown.

His passion for camp comes from his belief that camp it is a place where people mature into better versions of themselves; creating quality respite for families as well as quality friendships and a bond that lasts a lifetime.

“Summer camp teaches people important life lessons like persistence and integrity. I believe that camp provides a place for people to try something new, and whether they succeed or need to try again, they’ll be encouraged and supported by everyone in our loving, accepting, and safe community. I just love seeing the look on campers’ faces when they can achieve something new, exclaiming “I did it!” while surrounded by their cabin cheering them on.”

For any questions regarding respite or summer camp enrollment Tevin can be reached tgilfillian@citizens-inc.org or 516-293-2016 ext 5165.

 

Yesika Richards, Program Coordinator of Training and Development

Yesika is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, located in Kingston, Jamaica where she received a Bachelor’s in Primary Education to become a certified teacher.  After graduation, Yesika continued to embark on a more challenging platform, one that would further lend itself to hone and develop additional skills, and knowledge about individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.  She has been a participant of the Exchange Visitor J1 Summer Camp Counselor Program since 2016 in which she served in the capacity of a Cabin Counselor, then 2017 to 2019 as a Unit Administrator. In 2022, Yesika joined Citizens Options Unlimited as a full-time member which she serves in the role of a Program Coordinator of Staffing and Training.

Yesika is passionate about the needs and well-being of others, and has the willingness to go above and beyond for serving individuals with special needs.  In addition, she’s positive and acts on what is best for the camp program.  In her spare time, she enjoys happy moments with friends and always seeking new ways of ensuring everyone she meets is left inspired and motivated.

For any questions regarding training and orientation processes, or specific insight related to your family member to ensure a better camp experience, she can be reached at yrichards@citizens-inc.org or 518-263-4242 ext 117.

 

Gary Truesdell, Maintenance Supervisor

Gary has been with Camp Loyaltown for 7 years as our Maintenance Supervisor and works hard to keep the grounds safe and in good repair.  At home, he is a hard working farmer and the proud father of three amazing boys who are very important to him.

Please contact Savita or Tevin if you have concerns regarding the grounds or facilities.