Our leaders are seasoned veterans of the summer camp industry, and are passionate about making sure our children are prepared to meet the challenges of a changing world. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a group that’s more committed to the social and emotional wellness of the next generations–or more capable of using the summer camp experience to deliver it.
Meet the Team
Jaime Pickles
Director
Jaime Pickles brings a unique blend of professional expertise and passion for youth development to her role as Director. With a background as a Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in social and emotional wellness, Jaime has developed a holistic approach to child development, creating a camp environment that fosters communication, empathy, and resilience. This foundation ensures that every camper feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. With over three decades of leadership experience in youth programming and summer camp, Jaime has transformed Everwood Day Camp into a vibrant, inclusive community where children build essential life skills, form lasting friendships, and create lifelong memories. Jaime’s expertise in social and emotional wellness is woven into every aspect of the camp experience, from the parent experience to staff training to program design, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment for all. Jaime is known for her warm, approachable nature and unwavering commitment to child and staff growth. When not leading Everwood’s adventures, Jaime enjoys her #momlife of twins, and spending time outside. Jaime’s unique blend of therapeutic expertise and leadership experience makes her an inspiring leader and a beloved figure in the Everwood Day Camp community. Contact Jaime: [email protected]
Dane Pickles
Director
Growing up in Leeds, England, Dane was often the one who gathered his friends together to play games. This knack for organizing activities–and the fun and friendships that came out of them–is why Dane chose to pursue a Phys. Ed. Degree at university. To further his education, Dane decided to come across the pond and be a camp counselor during his first summer break from school. As a counselor, he was able to direct his love for sports towards delivering social, emotional, physical and cognitive benefits to campers. Add to that the lifelong friendships Dane made during his summers at camp (as well as meeting the love of his life, Jaime) and he knew he wanted to create his life around summer camp. When our Camp Mom and Dad not at Camp, they are playing their favorite role of all: parents twins (and campers), Ryan and Sophie! Contact Dane: [email protected]
Nikki Savaria
Office Manager
Nikki became a part of the Everwood team back in the summer of 2016, starting as an office assistant. Over time, she has transitioned and grown within the organization, ultimately assuming the position of Office Manager. Nikki resides in North Smithfield, RI, alongside her husband and two sons, Dominic and Cole. Nikki finds immense joy in her role at camp, particularly in witnessing campers' growth year after year and forming connections with the AWESOME camp families. Above all, she cherishes seeing her own sons embark on new adventures alongside their camp friends. When Nikki isn't at camp, you can find her indulging in her love for reading or dedicating her time to serving on the board with North Smithfield Little League. She also takes immense pleasure in cheering on her sons, Dominic and Cole, as they participate in football, soccer, and baseball.
Ian Smith
Assistant Director-Operations
Ian began his journey with Everwood Day Camp in the summer of 2013 as a Counselor in the Junior Division and has been a passionate part of the team ever since. Over the years he steadily advanced through leadership roles—from Counselor to Group Leader to Assistant Division Leader—before joining Everwood’s year-round team as Program Director after the summer of 2015. In his current role as Assistant Director of Operations, Ian plays a key role in fostering collaboration between teams, and championing Everwood’s core values in everything the organization does. Ian partners closely with directors, ensures safety and consistency in camp operations and bring a commitment to community growth and belonging to life each day. Ian sees his extensive camp experience—from working directly with campers to designing thoughtful schedules and supportive staff structures—as fundamental to his leadership approach. One of his favorite parts of camp life is the high ropes course, where he gets to witness campers build courage and confidence—an experience that reflects his belief in growth through challenge.
Taylor "HaZe" Gagnon
Taylor “HaZe” Gagnon (he/they) is the Assistant Director of Staff at Everwood Day Camp. A 2025 fellow in the Camp Career Accelerator Program, Taylor gained hands-on experience in management, recruitment, and operations at camps across the country. In just three years, they transitioned from Specialist to Division Leader to Assistant Director. With a background in Special Education and Applied Behavioral Analysis, he centers autonomy, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of programming and staff training. Known for over-the-top programming moments, from shaving his head to eating scorpions to donning an eight-foot-tall bird costume, Taylor brings bold energy and unforgettable impact to everything they do. When not at camp, you can find him creating art, binging reality TV, and playing board games with friends. They truly believe that summer camp has the potential to save the world!
Shira Tice
As a part of Everwood's leadership team, Shira is excited to be at the heart of crafting the summer magic that makes each day unforgettable. Shira’s Everwood journey began down at the pools where her passion for aquatics, education, and community first took root at camp. Over time, her love for camp developed into a steady interest in planning programs that help campers grow and try new things. A local at heart, Shira grew up just down the street from Everwood, spending her summers on Lake Massapoag and wandering the familiar wooded trails that now form the backdrop of what she proudly calls the best camp ever. She now lives in Rhode Island with her husband and their cat, always ready to swap a camp memory or share a laugh about the silliest moment from her summer days. In her role, Shira is energized by the buzz of activity — from waterfront adventures to creative electives — and is passionate about mentoring staff, nurturing their growth, and helping shape programs that build confidence, spark curiosity, and most of all, bring joy to everyone at Everwood.
Collin Martin
Collin joined the Everwood team as an Assistant Director of Program starting in 2026. Collin began working with children in 2015 as an outdoor education instructor and, throughout the years, worked as an Education Director for Nature Preserve and as a Program Director for multiple overnight camps. In his time, he has had the super fun responsibility (in his mind) of using spreadsheets to create camp schedules, programs, and anything else that can be organized using an excel spreadsheet. When out of the office, Collin loves joining in on nature and science programs, telling stories, and participating in skits. In his personal life, he enjoys spending time with his Fiancee, pets, and playing old video games.
Peter Hilpl
In 1990 Peter graduated college with a major in Park and Recreation management and a minor in Agriculture education. He actually did his student teaching in the Urban Forestry program right here in Walpole. He was introduced to challenge courses because of his skills working at height in trees. What enticed him most about the world of challenge courses was its focus on experiential learning. It was rewarding to help people learn things about themselves, and the experience would make him a better educator. In 1996 Peter built a Challenge Course for one of Everwood's founders at his residence camp in New Hampshire. In 1998 I was hired to run his Challenge Course in the summer and to be the property manager for the camp in the off season. When Everwood was born Peter was part of the team that was tasked with revitalizing the property, tapping into his skills in both agriculature, and in parks and recreation. Peter now enjoys his role as the facility manager for two other sister camps of Everwood Day Camp, and spending time with his wife and cats.
Corey Perryman
Corey brings over a decade of carpentry experience and a deep commitment to craftsmanship to his role as the Property Manager at Everwood Day Camp. As a father to two boys, Owen and Aiden, who attend Everwood, Corey is personally invested in ensuring the camp's facilities provide a safe and enriching environment for all campers. Corey's dedication and attention to detail contribute significantly to the camp's mission of fostering unforgettable experiences and cherished memories for every child. When Corey isn't at camp, you'll find him watching the Patriots, building Legos with his sons or firing up the smoker to make some delicious (award winning) ribs.
