Meet the Camp Directors
The staff at Camp Shalom is the best around! There's no question that there is a direct correlation between the quality of our staff and the quality of the experience for the campers. Each staff member is highly screened by the Camp Director and must pass a background check prior to being hired. All staff members go through a week long intensive staff orientation, weekly staff meetings and staff evaluations throughout the summer. All senior counselors, unit heads, and specialists are professionals who have the experience and maturity to make camp fun while keeping Camp Shalom both emotionally and physically safe.
Amy Gordon
Assistant Camp Director
Boynton Beach
Amy Gordon graduated with a Degree in Education from the University of Central Florida. With over 10 years of experience teaching elementary school, she has created unique and fun activities with all of her students. Since becoming a mother, Amy has utilized that experience by creating activity based toddler playgroups and an informational blog/ mommy forum called Wonder Mommy where parents can exchange ideas about toddler activities and share information about infant growth and development. Amy has enjoyed inspiring children’s imaginations and creativity while teaching Mommy and Me at the JCC. She has a passion for investing her time in the community to benefit the children and enhance environment as they grow. Amy lives in Boynton Beach with her husband and two childen.
Karen Zacka
Yeladim Camp Coordinator
Boynton Beach
Karen Zacka brings many years of camp experience in her 2nd year as the Camp Shalom Yeladim Coordinator. Her enthusiasm is contagious! Karen works hard to make each child feel comfortable, welcome and important. She started as an assistant summer camp teacher and has been an early childhood professional for over 30 years. Karen holds a Master's Degree in Therapeutic Education, and is double certified in pre-school - 6 grade and special education K-12. Karen has created and implemented several programs throughout local schools in the areas of: music and movement, art, and gymnastics. Karen has held the position of assistant director in several preschools and was the Director of Jump Start Summer Camp in Winter Haven, Florida prior to joining our full time staff.
Penny Burke, Esq
Early Childhood Director of Operations
Boynton Beach
Penny has always loved camp. She grew up in New York and attended day camp, sleepaway & travel camp. As a young adult she worked in all three camps as well. Her two boys attended preschool, afterschool and summer camp at the David Posnack JCC.
For the past seven years she has been an adjunct professor in the areas of business ethics and legal studies. She has held leadership positions in both her professional and personal life. Penny lives in Jupiter, Florida with her husband, boys and two poodles. She is excited to be joining Camp Shalom and looks forward to meeting everyone!
Wendy Stahl
Camp Shalom Director
Boynton Beach
Wendy Stahl joins our Camp Shalom team with over 20 years of Jewish communal experience. Wendy has spent over a decade in the JCC field in Sarasota, FL, Orange County, California & Memphis Tennessee. For the last 7 years, she has held the position of the Director of the Jewish Teen Initiative at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Wendy and her husband Geoff have spent the last 7 years making a home in Boynton Beach with their 3 daughters - Madison, Mackenzie & Sydney. In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family and friends and staying involved in our Jewish community.