Leadership Team
Johnny Wideman
Executive Director
Johnny Wideman is honoured to serve as Willowgrove's Executive Director. Having grown up as a neighbour to Willowgrove, he has explored every haymow, corn maze, creek bend and spruce trail on the beautiful 100-acre property. Having worked in nearly every Willowgrove program, Johnny has hands-on experience in diverse tasks from shearing sheep to writing peace education curriculum. Prior to returning to the farm, Johnny was the founder and Artistic Director of Theatre of the Beat, a social justice, touring theatre company. He is a published author, and playwright, and lives in Stouffville, ON in the Das Farm Haus Community.
Our Full Time Staff
Maeyken Jones
Recreation Director
Maeyken comes to Willowgrove with a long history of working at Fraser Lake Camp. Her roles there included lifeguard and several years as assistant director. More recently she has worked for "Campbrain" the data base company we use for our online camp registration and payments.
Melissa Parkhurst
Fraser Lake Camp Director
Melissa grew up on Fraser Lake and spent her childhood dreaming of the day that she could work at camp. She eventually served for 6 summers as both a counsellor and Assistant Director. Melissa has always aspired to be the FLC Director and is grateful to have the opportunity to fulfill this dream. She is passionate about camp and is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for campers and staff alike.
Marie Mehak
Education Director
Marie has been a teacher in the Willowgrove Outdoor Education for over 10 years and in the past year took on the role of coordinator. In addition to her passion for working with school classes in the out of doors, Marie is also a supply child and youth worker for the York Region board of education.
Brian Drudge
Co-Facility Director
Since taking over as Facility Director in 2003, Brian has overseen the construction and refurbishment of many of the key buildings on both Willowgrove properties. Brian grew up (and continues to live) on a farm adjoining the Willowgrove property and worked that farm for many years in addition to building custom wood furniture.
Julie Reesor
Finance Director
Julie has worked with Willowgrove for 25 years, and works in the Willowgrove office three days a week as Bookkeeper.
Laura Yakutchik
Outdoor Ed Coordinator
Laura has been with the Willowgrove team for 13 years in a variety of roles. From greeting weekend guest at special events, teaching visiting school groups in the forest, fields and pond or caring for the farm animals every day. Helping people to appreciate, explore and have fun in the great outdoors is
what makes her smile.
Sarah Kokkinen
Willowgrove Camp Manager
Ever since Sarah was a child, she wanted to be a teacher. While pursuing a Bachelor of Education, she worked for various resorts in Muskoka during the summer, serving as a Kids Club and Recreation Staff Member. These experiences allowed her to uncover an interest in developing exciting outdoor programs for children.
Sarah worked at Willowgrove Day Camp as the Intermediate, Sophomore and Senior Division Coordinator for 2 summers. Upon completing university, she continued her journey at Willowgrove, transitioning to Nature School where she was an assistant and then head teacher. In all of these roles she was dedicated to creating a love for learning and being outdoors.
Emily Phillips
Education Supervisor
Emily is a big dreamer, avid world traveler, and nature enthusiast. She is currently on the exciting journey of obtaining her Child and Nature Alliance Forest School Practitioner Certification. Combining her passion for the outdoors with her love for education, she’s dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between children and nature.
Angela Mehak
Recreation Administrative Supervisor
Born and raised in Stouffville, Angela spent her childhood enjoying country life with her parents and 6 siblings. Years later (and now with children of her own) Willowgrove has become an important part of Angela’s family life. With her love for camping, photography, and the great outdoors, Angela is excited to join the Fraser Lake Team as General Manager.
Tracey Rees
Office Manager
As Office Manager, Tracey appreciates being able to familiarize herself with Willowgrove's property, programs, and people. She enjoys nature walks with her husband and son - always with a camera in hand. The sound of a creek running, birds chirping, and wind rustling the leaves in the trees are music to her ears.
Beth Smith
Willowgrove Social Media and Content Supervisor
Beth started out as a staff member at Willowgrove Day Camp. As she pursued her education in design and photography, she found her passion for storytelling and digital engagement. Now, Beth combines her love for the outdoors with her knack for social media. She loves sharing the magic of camp life through captivating content and engaging with our community online.
Shirley Gilham
Outdoor Education Assistant
Shirley first joined the Willowgrove team as a part-time Outdoor Education instructor in 1988. Since then Shirley has become a vital part of the Willowgrove staff team, giving leadership to the Outdoor Education program and wherever else she is needed.
John Harder
Property Assistant
John is a retired teacher, former Glenbrook Day Camp Director, a grandpa, and a generally good guy.
Wayne Parkhurst
Fraser Lake Camp Facility Manager
Wayne (or as he is known around camp: "Old Man Fraser" or "Poppa Wayne") has lived on or near Fraser Lake all of his life. His past work experiences have included retail, tourism, lumber, manufacturing, plumbing, and heating - all of which have come in handy over the past 23 years while working at Fraser Lake Camp.