Year-Round Office Staff

  • Jim Mendell - Founder, Co-Director: Fully to blame for at least half of the 189,000 photos put into the computer in 2007, Jim usually is attached to a camera. Jim is interested in everybody and everything and would love to hear all of your ideas.
  • Peg Kamens - Founder, Co-Director: Peg is one of the original founders of Common Ground, and is now co-director. Her interests in nature, gardening and architecture dovetail well with her responsibilities as site development coordinator. This past year, Peg developed an interest in recycled doors and windows, and would be most happy to discuss these with you (even if you are running in the opposite direction). In general, she functions as part trouble-shooter, part trouble-maker, and can be found squirreled away in her office at camp. She is also the mother of the three Mendell children.
  • Elin Melchior - Operations Coordinator: Elin Melchior started working at CGC in 2005.  She is very proud of starting Camp Kaleidoscope and the Chinese Culture Weekend before her job was changed to Operations Coordinator – where she now focuses on finances and databases. Elin has lived in France, Germany, England, Niger, and Japan and loves to talk about travel, books, and knitting. She is very happy to be back in Bristol, VT, where she grew up, living with her mom and her two kids, Takumi & Cassie, who can be found at most camps stalking the teen-agers and finessing their way into your laps.
  • Carole Blane - Program Director: Carole Blane has been coming to Camp for 9 years. She is the mother of 3 daughters, the wife of Steve and owner of 1 dog, a turtle and a hamster. In her former life she produced TV commercials and an independent film. She loves to work with people and organize things; hence the job as Program Coordinator. When she’s not doing CGC work she homeschools Eve, cares for Megan and Rebecca, volunteers for La Leche League and Attachment Parenting International. She is also a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She loves college basketball, reading, and hiking and Camp Common Ground.
  • Kiesha Desautels Richardson - Rental Coordinator (below on the left): Kiesha joined the CGC staff in May 2010 and works closely with Carole and Jim assisting with programs and coordinating rentals. In summer 2011, Kiesha herself rented the CGC site and got married to her husband Dave! Kiesha, Dave, and their son Donovan live in Hinesburg, VT. When she's not working hard, Kiesha enjoys hiking with her dog, snuggling with her kittens, and chasing her chickens.
  • Connor Timmons - Program Coordinator (to the left): Connor came to the CGC staff in June 2011 from Montreal where he was born and raised. Ever since Connor learned that there could be a career in motivating kids to play kick the can, pirates, and peanut butter ocean, he has been involved residential and day camps. Connor has worked with underprivileged youth in Chile, was the programs coordinator at Camp Nashoba in Maine, and the Teen Program Coordinator at the YMCA in Montreal, among other pursuits. Connor will be assisting Carole on CGC programs as well as working to develop new programs and opportunities for our beautiful site. Connor lives in Starksboro with his partner Neily, who is also on the CGC staff.
  • Neily Jennings - Communications Coordinator (to the right): Neily spent four years organizing eduation and training events for cooperatives before joining the staff at CGC in July 2011.  She is involved with communications, human resources, governance, and kitchen and office management.  When she’s not in the office or the kitchen, Neily can be found swimming in the pond, playing scrabble, or hanging out with her dog and her partner Connor, who is also on the CGC staff. She also manages the website--feel free to use the contact us form to offer suggestions!
  • Wendy Shepard - Caretaker (to the left): Wendy lives nearby in Starksboro and is a true asset to the CGC team. She is responsible for site maintenance and keeps everything shiny for weddings, retreats, and programs. She enjoys working in the kitchen from time to time as well. In her spare time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family, especially her adorable granddaughter!