Corey Mandell, Owner/Director
“Growing up at Timberlane, I had the chance to be exactly who I was – a creator and a performer. I was encouraged in those things and celebrated for them. I would not be the person I am today without Timberlane.”
THE TIMBERLANE DIRECTORS
Corey has spent 42 summers at Timberlane, starting as a camper in 1980. In 2006, Corey became owner and director, committed to reinventing the Timberlane experience. His vision was clear -- maintain the traditions and values of the camp experience that shaped him, while setting new precedents in programming, staffing and camper care. He is incredibly proud of the camp that Timberlane has become – a place where kids can have the best and learn from the best, while having the support and encouragement that allows them to figure out who they want to be and how they want to shine. Corey looks forward to continuing to work with the amazing leadership team to constantly raise the bar on Timberlane’s standards of camper care, staffing, programming and facilities.
Corey was educated at York University in Toronto. He attended Sheridan College Television and Film Program and is the CEO and Founder Mandell Entertainment Group.
Ida has literally grown up at Timberlane, spending almost every summer here. Her mom, Judy, was one of the original Timberlaner's, starting in 1958 when Barry founded the camp. Having grown up at camp herself, Ida understands firsthand what it means to be part of the camp community and to be shaped by the camp experience – making lifelong friends, being away from home, trying new things, and finding yourself, your voice and your confidence. Ida understands how great her responsibility is to parents and their campers, and works tirelessly every day to make sure that Timberlane is a place where kids can be their best, feel their best and love themselves.
Ida holds a B.A. in Sociology from York University and a B.Ed. from Trent University. During her teaching career, she specialized in Special Education for more than a decade at a small private school.
Ida Gold, Director
“My job at camp is truly special to me. I feel proud and empowered every summer witnessing campers and staff grow and evolve in such a positive way. For me, camp is family. Camp is pride. Camp is home. I love what I do.”
Harley has spent 28 summers at Timberlane and has been a full-time member of the leadership team since 2010. The infectious energy and enthusiasm of the campers are what draw him back every year and fuel his passion for elevating the Camp experience. Harley takes pride in the dedication and hard work that Timberlane’s staff put into raising the bar every summer.
Harley spends nearly five months of the year at Camp, managing Timberlane’s programming and off-season events. For him, there’s truly no place he’d rather be. Wherever he goes and whatever he does, Timberlane is always at the heart of it. Harley feels privileged to lead a team devoted to continuous growth, accountability, and building a strong, supportive community.
Harley graduated from the University of Miami with a Masters of Education in Sport Administration. He also holds a B.A with Honours in Sport Management from Brock University.
Harley Hayman, Director
“The connection I have with the campers and staff, year after year, is irreplaceable. Being part of and leading such an inclusive, dynamic, family environment is incredibly meaningful to me.”
Camping is in Brit’s DNA. He has been at Timberlane from the start, watching his parents realize their vision of creating a unique summer experience for kids. Educated as a lawyer, Brit knew that his heart and real purpose was in camping. He is a vital member of the leadership team, overseeing the business and administration aspects of Timberlane’s operations. Brit is excited to continue to develop Timberlane’s state-of-the-art camping facilities while maintaining the core values and traditions that his parents established when they founded the camp 62 years ago.
Brit was educated at College du Leman Switzerland, York University and received an L.L.B. from the University of Windsor.
Brit Lowes, Director
“I am so grateful to my parents for starting a summer camp that has been an integral part of my life. I share my parents’ passion for camping and am so thrilled to carry on the Timberlane traditions that they started 67 years ago.”
Barry has a BPHE from the University of Toronto and a M.A. from New York University.
“Timberlane was born from my parents’ two main passions – children and camping. They were true pioneers in Canada’s camping industry, and their founding values persist today and continue to shape the Timberlane experience.”
Brit Lowes
In 1958, Barry and Philomena Lowes had a vision to start a summer camp whose spirit was defined by community, family and celebrating and encouraging individuality. Their goal was to create a place where kids could learn, grow and define the values that they would take as adults into society.
While Phil and Barry are no longer with us and greatly missed, Barry embodied the essence of Timberlane and was loved and revered by campers and staff alike. He took great pride in seeing the generations of Timberlaner's – current campers and their parents and grandparents who also grew up camp – embrace the values that he and Phil rooted Timberlane in at the start 63 years ago.
Barry Lowes, Co-Founder
1927 – 2020
“Timberlane was born from my parents’ two main passions – children and camping. They were true pioneers in Canada’s camping industry, and their founding values persist today and continue to shape the Timberlane experience.”
Brit Lowes
Philomena "Phil" Lowes will always remain dear in our hearts.
Philomena Lowes, Co-Founder
1921-2015
Philomena “Phil” Lowes will always remain dear in our hearts.
Medical Team:
Dr Kenny Melvin
Chief Medical Advisor
Ken Melvin’s first summer at Timberlane was in 1961, first as a Voyager camper, then C DE B, CIT, and he then spent a number of summers on Sail staff. He returned as Camp Doctor in 1993 with his wife Susan, and daughters Amanda, Lindsay and Rochelle, all of whom became Timberlane campers and staff. In his working life he practices adult Cardiology at University Health Network in Toronto. He loves camp and still remains actively involved in the medical program at Timberlane.
Cindy Polan
Head Nurse
Cindy Polan is in her 23rd Summer as the Head Nurse at Camp Timberlane. When Cindy isn’t taking care of the Timberlane campers, she is at home taking care of her four boys; her husband and three sons that all attended Timberlane. Her husband, Shy, is an avid visitor, so we consider him a part of the Timberlane family. Cindy loves Timberlane and looking out for the safety and well-being of campers as if they are her own. She loves the people and the atmosphere at Timberlane and watching the kids grow up summer after summer.
Dr. Deena Savlov
Camp Doctor
Dr. Deena Savlov has been at camp for 9 years and has completed her paediatric residency at SickKids Hospital in Toronto after which she worked as a General Paediatrician at North York General Hospital for 2 years and at SickKids Hospital for 5 years. She now works as a General Paediatrician at Kindercare Pediatrics in Toronto.
Deena also has clinical expertise in the care of children with medical complexity. During her years at SickKids Hospital, she provided longitudinal care to children with complex medical needs as well as otherwise healthy children.
Dr. Darren Merker
Camp Doctor
Dr. Darren Merker has been a doctor at Timberlane for 16 years. Dr. Merker has over 20 years at camp as a camper, tennis staff, counsellor, and camp doctor.
He met his wife Shayna at Timberlane and his 2 children, Ryan and Halle, have been coming with him to camp since they were born.
Dr. Merker is a busy family physician, with special interests in cosmetic and geriatric medicine. He circles his week at Timberlane on the calendar at the end of every summer, looking forward to his next stay at is home away from home.
Dr. Trevor Glazman
Camp Doctor
Trevor has proudly been a doctor at Timberlane for over 20 years. Both his kids, Ethan and Martine, learned to walk by cruising along the benches in Timberlane’s dining hall. In the city, Trevor is a busy family doctor and part-time surgical assistant at Sunnybrook in the orthopaedic/trauma OR’s. Trevor and Lara met at camp in the late 1980s at the ski docks, prior to attending the University of Western Ontario together in the early 1990s.
Dr. Justine Cohen-Silver
Camp Doctor
Dr. Justine Cohen-Silver: is a paediatrician with a focus in inner city health. She completed medical school and Paediatric residency at the University of Toronto following a Master’s degree in Biostatistics at the University of Toronto. She then completed a post graduate fellowship in Academic paediatrics with a focus in urban health at St.Michael’s Hospital simultaneously a Master’s in Public Health with a focus in Health promotion. She practices as a consultant in general paediatrician and researcher at St. Joseph’s hospital and St. Michael’a Hospital as well as casual staff at the Hospital for Sick Children Emergency room. She is really really excited to bring my experience in paediatrics to Camp Timberlane especially as two of my children are attending camp with a 5 year old keen to join their ranks one day. She hope to provide thorough and empathetic care to the Timberlane family. It’s going to be an amazing summer!!
Dr. Jaclyn Klein
Camp Doctor
Dr. Jaclyn Klein is new to our Camp team and excited to come back for a third summer! Both Jaclyn and her husband were campers at Timberlane and her husband Daniel spent 7 years on staff. They feel privileged to bring their children to camp each summer! Dr. Klein completed her medical degree at University of British Columbia and her family medicine residency at Western University. Since 2017, she has been practicing as a community based family physician.
Dr. Jesse Wolfstadt
Camp Doctor
Jesse is a staff orthopaedic surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital and an assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Orthopaedics at the University of Toronto. Prior to medical school, Jesse spent his summers as a camper, followed by 5 years on swim staff at a sleepover camp in Muskoka. Jesse, his wife Erin, two boys Miles and Axel, and daughter Stevie are excited to spend a fun and safe week at Timberlane.
Jessica Furman
Camp Social Worker
Jessica Furman is a clinical social worker with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from McMaster University and Ryerson University. Jessica has been practicing social work for 19 years and has worked as a clinical therapist in diverse settings including children’s mental health setting, social service community settings, school settings and is now exclusively working in private practice. Jessica is a Camp Timberlane alumni and her favourite camp activities were canoe tripping and sailing!
Jessica has lived and worked all over the world including Sweden, Israel, Ireland and Finland. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and three beautiful children.
Senior Staff:
Jeremy Freeman
Head of Waterfront
Jeremy Freeman is returning to Camp for his 12th summer. He has managed our Sail program for 6 years and is a regular star in our staff musicals. Over the last few summers, Jeremy has taken on a larger role overseeing our waterfront, and Jeremy will be returning as our Head of Waterfront for a 5th year. Originally from Yorkshire in the UK, Jeremy is now living and working in Canada, while counting down the days until Summer!
Jay Orton
Senior Administrator
Jay Orton has been at camp for many summers and is an integral part of our Administrative Team. After 3 decades at TD Bank, Jay as fully immersed himself in the Timberlane life. From his administrative expertise to his theatrical prowess, Jay has become a true Timberlane fixture.
Laura Hochman
Senior Administrator & Head of Swim
Laura Hochman has been at overnight camp for many summers, and has spend the last 16 years with Timberlane. Laura is returning as a Senior Administrator and Head of our Swim Program. Laura also helps oversee our creative arts programming. When Laura is not at Camp, she is a teacher with the TDSB and is an Aquatic Manager at Shendy’s Swim School.
Amanda Casselman
Timberlane/Ivy & Weekender Trip Coordinator
Amanda was a camper, staff and Unit Head at Timberlane for many years and considers Timberlane her home away from home. Amanda is returning this year as our Timberlane/Ivy & Weekender Trip Coordinator. During the year, she is an elementary teacher in the TDSB. Since her summers at Timberlane, Amanda has been a Program Director on several Westcoast Connection programs all over the United States. Amanda cannot wait to get back to Camp and share special moments with all the new campers and Ivy campers experiencing Timberlane for the first time.
Jim Wruth
Head of Maintenance
Jim Wruth has worked at Timberlane for 16 summers on our maintenance team & has been one of our Maintenance Managers for over 10 years. A carpenter by trade, Jim is responsible for many of the state-of-the-art projects that have taken place at Timberlane over the last decade. These projects include, but are not limited to; The Timberlane Treehouse, the new Nurse’s Cabin, Phil & Barry’s Ice Cream Shoppe and our recently rebuilt Rec Hall. Jim is joined at Camp by his son Ben. The Wruth’s are looking forward to another great summer at Timberlane.
Stephen Polevoy
Photography & Special Resources
Stephen Polevoy joined Camp Timberlane 10 summers ago after decades of success as a Director at Camp Northland. Not only an invaluable resource for us with his years of camping experience and running special programmes he is also our Camp Photographer. Taking thousands of photos over the summer and ensuring parents keep in touch with their campers on a daily basis.
Dylan Huber
Programming & Camp DJ
Dylan Huber has been at Camp for 21 summers; 8 as a camper and 13 on staff. A former Counsellor and Tennis Staff, Dylan has been a Programmer & DJ at Timberlane for 8 summers. Dylan wears many hats at Camp, but he is most known for his stage name DJ Order 66. Always available to lend a helping hand, Dylan has become an integral part of the Timberlane family. Dylan has a BMOS Degree from Western University and specializes in consumer behaviour.
O'Neil Morris
Head of Riviera Beach & Waterfront Support
O’Neil Morris has been at camp for 10 summers. O’Neil is returning as our Head of Riviera Beach, as well as assisting with all things on the water. Muckers, Jenga, Swing ball, and Shuffle Board competitions with the campers are a highlight of his summer. A camper and staff favourite are his authentic Jerk chicken BBQ’s. O’Neil is looking forward to another Canadian summer spent at “Reggae Riv”, his home away from Jamaica.
Levv Shatil
Programming & Administration
Levv cannot wait to be back in his various roles for his 16th summer at Timberlane! Currently studying in the Integrated Science program at Western University, Levv is working on an Honours Specialization in physics. Throughout the school year, he also works as a Youth Resource Facilitator as part of the Youth CoRE peer support program at Children’s Hospital LHSC. Levv works closely with the Directors and has become a fixture in Main Cabin and the Tuck Shop. Always involved in programming and special events, Levv hopes to help create many more unforgettable Camp memories this summer!
Shawn ‘Coach Single’ Singleton
Head of Sports
Coach Single has been working with athletes for over 30 years. He will be returning to Timberlane for a fifth summer. His ‘super fun & respect your parents’ protocol is well received at Timberlane and GRIT Athletics. Coach is looking forward to sailing on the lake this summer and the 2025 Camp Timberlane Cup in Baseball, Basketball & Beach Volleyball!
Adam Pasternak
Special Resources & Administration
Adam is an educator with a strong passion for Camp and the outdoors. He has a BPS in Education and a degree in Philosophy from Western University. Adam is currently teaching middle school Physical Education, Literacy, Music, and Social Studies at Associated Hebrew Schools. According to Adam, there is no better place in the summer than Timberlane’s Lake of Two Islands. Adam affirms that the 15 years he has spent at Camp has helped shape the person he is today and inspired him to become a teacher.
Shael Rosen
Videographer
Shael has been at Timberlane for six summers as the Camp Videographer. With 15 years of professional experience, he expertly captures the essence of camp life, keeping parents informed and campers entertained throughout the summer – especially during Sunday Night Live!
Unit Heads:
Alex Green
CIT Co/Unit Head
This year will mark Alex’s 12th summer at Timberlane after joining as an international staff on Theatre in 2011. After leading Timberlane’s Theatre Program for 5 summers, Alex has spent her last 6 years as a Unit Head – for Voyageur Girls, Weekenders and most recently, CdeB girls. A dual citizen of Canada and Australia, Alex loves welcoming new staff and campers to the Timberlane family and can’t imagine spending her summers anywhere else. Having spent the last 7 years living in London, England, Alex has recently returned to her hometown of Sydney, where she works in the producing team at the Sydney Opera House.
Kieran Brindley
Unit Head
Kieran is returning to Camp for his fourth summer at Timberlane. This summer, he’s looking forward to returning as a Unit Head. In his home country of Scotland, Kieran completed a Mechanical Technician Apprenticeship and intends to pursue a career in the Renewable Energy Industry. From the town of Stonehaven, he is counting down the days until he’s back in his second home in Haliburton, Canada.
Mia Varrasso
Unit Head
Mia is from Victoria, Australia and first joined Timberlane in 2022. She had an amazing time meeting new people as a counsellor for G6 and the One Family girls. Away from Timberlane, Mia plays soccer for the Women’s Victorian Premier League. Her goal is to play for The Matildas, but until then, she works at a drive-in movie theatre. She is looking forward to returning to Camp as a Voy Girls Unit Head and ensuring the campers have a fun-filled summer!
Kate Griffiths
Voy Girls - Unit Head
Kate lives in sunny Devon in the South West of England and is delighted to be travelling back to Timberlane for her 3rd summer. Over the past few months Kate has been travelling around South East Asia with her friend (and Head of A&C) Hope. Kate will be returning this year as Voyager Girl Unit Head after two summers working as part of the amazing A&C staff. Kate is excited to return to Camp to see old friends, meet new ones and be part of a team to ensure all of the campers have their best Timberlane summer yet!
Ryan Taub
Unit Head
After completing his third year at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ryan is eagerly gearing up for his tenth summer at Timberlane and first as a Voyager Boys Unit Head! Ryan strives to create unforgettable experiences for everyone, filled with laughter and friendship. His goal is to ensure that every camper leaves with memories they’ll treasure forever, carrying the spirit of Camp with them wherever they go. Ryan can’t wait to meet all the campers this summer!
Cooper Mindel
Unit Head
Cooper is heading back to Timberlane for his 12th summer! He is currently studying political science at Queen’s University, but he can’t stop thinking about Camp. For Cooper, Timberlane is about the fun times, good friends and campers that pull him back every year. He had a blast as a camper himself, and wants to make sure the campers of 2025 have even more fun. Cooper is counting down the days to another great summer at Timberlane!
Jordan Greenberg
CIT & Intercamp Coordinator
This summer will mark Jordan’s 7th season at Timberlane and his 5th summer on staff. Jordan was studying Recreation and Leisure the past 3 years at Fanshawe College, and is looking forward to Event Planning and Marketing this upcoming September. Timberlane has become Jordan’s second home from the start. He loves getting involved in all aspects of Camp. Jordan returns every summer because of how much he has learnt, the memories he has made and the people he has met during his time at Timberlane. Jordan loved every minute of his CIT Summer and wants to give each CIT the experience that he had – and more!
Heads of Specialty:
Ryan Stern
Co-Head of Ski/Wake
Ryan is extremely excited to return to camp for his 11th summer, and second as Head of Ski/Wake! He fell in love with the ski docks on his first day as a camper, and has continued to work on his passion ever since. Ryan has grown up on the water developing not only his water sport abilities, but also, boat driving and water safety skills. He is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to lead such a prestigious program, and pass on his passion to the campers. Ryan can’t wait to see everyone on the docks!
Olivia Sammons
Co-Head of Ski/Wake
Olivia is returning for her 2nd summer on the Ski/Wake team, all the way from the Central Coast of Australia. From learning to ski from the age of 2, Olivia has years of experience in both skiing and boat driving, with the water truly feeling like her second home. Back in Australia, Olivia is in the final stages of completing her degree to become a high school history teacher. She’s passionate about working with kids, and especially loves helping build their confidence and seeing their faces light up when they master something new. Always up for an adventure and a new challenge, Olivia can’t wait to see all the campers on the water giving it a go!
Eamon Seiffert
Co-Head of Ski/Wake
Hailing from the Central Coast of Australia, Eamon is thrilled to be heading back to Timberlane for his second summer on Ski/Wake! Growing up on boats and snowboarding in the winters, including a recent season in Revelstoke, Eamon brings a deep love for water sports and an adventurous spirit to the team. Whether he’s behind the boat, behind the wheel or out on the water, he’s always pushing his limits and helping others do the same. With a strong knack for teaching and a hands-on approach, Eamon can’t wait to get back on the lake and help campers build confidence and skills – all while having an unforgettable time.
Grace Cumberlidge
Co-Head of Paddles
Grace is from North Wales and returning to Timberlane for her second summer. She is a second year psychology student at the University of Leeds. Grace is an aerialist and runs the fundraising for her society in university. She has also spent the past year working for Camp Canada to help recruit more dynamic individuals to join overnight programs like Timberlane. Grace is looking forward to returning to Camp, bringing new ideas to the Paddles program and getting involved in the staff play.
Odette Cotnareanu
Co-Head of Tripping
Odette is returning for her 13th summer at Camp and her third year on Trip Staff. After a few summers of focusing on academics, she is very grateful to be able to return to Timberlane. Odette fell in love with Trip as a camper and feels that there is nothing better than being in the beautiful Ontario backcountry with campers, staff and friends. She can’t wait to create amazing experiences for the campers this summer! Odette is graduating from the Life Sciences program at Queen’s University with an Honours Bachelor of Science this summer, and is pursuing a career in healthcare.
Hannah Knopping
Co-Head of Tripping
This is Hannah’s 10th summer at Timberlane and her third year on Trip Staff. She is currently entering her third year studying Environmental Science at the University of Washington in Seattle. She has always loved the outdoors as she grew up in northern California going on lots of hikes and snowboarding trips to Lake Tahoe. During the Covid pandemic, Hannah was unable to return to Camp due to the border closure and instead embarked on a wilderness expedition to the Alaskan backcountry for a month. This experience taught her many lessons and skills about living in the outdoors and she knew she had to return to Timberlane to share her newfound knowledge with the Trip program.
Hope Morris
Head of A&C
This summer marks Hope’s third at Timberlane, and she couldn’t be more excited to return! Coming from Kent in England, she’s thrilled to lead the Arts & Crafts team again. After spending the past four months travelling through Asia with her friend Kate Griffiths, Hope is looking forward to returning to camp, being back in the place she loves, surrounded by old friends and new. She’s ready to make this her favourite summer yet.
Matthew Naughton
Head of Swim
Matthew is so excited to return to Camp Timberlane for his 2nd summer, this time as Head of Swim. Back home in Ireland, he’s spent the past four years working at a swimming pool, taking on a manager role, gaining valuable experience leading teams and keeping the pool running smoothly. Away from the pool, he’s currently studying Mechanical Engineering in college back in Dublin. Matthew is looking forward to helping campers feel confident in the water and making Swim a fun, welcoming place for everyone. He can’t wait to dive into another unforgettable summer!
Jacob Schwarze
Head of Ropes
Returning for his 3rd year as Head of Ropes, and his 5th year at Timberlane, Jacob will be juggling, unicycling, telling jokes and throwing frisbees! Jacob gives his all into every High Ropes session, B1 campfires, treehouse trips, and on the docks as Head of Fish! He sure does have his eyes on the skies and feet in the water here at Timberlane! Jacob will be studying teaching at Bishop’s University in Quebec this fall and will be using his experiences from Camp and school to become a stronger teacher and counsellor for years to come.
Arturo Beitman
Head of Tennis
Arturo is incredibly excited to return to Camp Timberlane’s Tennis program for his second year on staff, having previously attended Timberlane as a camper. He’s been playing tennis since he was a kid, and his passion for the sport has taken him all the way to the United States, where Arturo now competes at the collegiate level while studying a degree in Sports Management. What draws Arturo back to camp each summer are the meaningful friendships that he has formed and the endless memories this magical place provides.
Miguel Carrasco
Head of Skatepark
Originally from Spain, Miguel discovered his passion for skateboarding at 15 and has been hooked ever since, always chasing new tricks and pushing himself to improve. Now in his 3rd year studying Computer Science, he’s thrilled to return to Camp Timberlane for his 2nd summer as Head of the Skatepark. When he’s not skating or coding, Miguel loves playing guitar and spends much of his time rehearsing for upcoming performances. He’s looking forward to another incredible summer, sharing his passions, making memories, and growing alongside everyone at camp!
Our Staff: Passionate, Energetic and Accountable
At Timberlane, we believe that our campers deserve the finest, and to deliver that, we ensure they learn from the best. Our hiring, training, and mentoring process adheres to this principle. We seek individuals brimming with enthusiasm – those who have a genuine passion for working with children, exhibit dynamism, radiate energy, and lead both in action and by setting an example.
Our staff is a mosaic of backgrounds. Many of our counselors are Timberlane alumni; this camp is their heart and soul. They resonate with its traditions and grasp every nuance of the camp experience, having lived it themselves just as our campers do now. Additionally, our vibrant contingent of international staff infuses the camp with a unique maturity and skill set, paired with boundless energy and professional determination.
However, irrespective of their origin – be it Toronto, Australia, England, Israel, or elsewhere globally – every staff member is united by a singular ethos: accountability. We demand of our staff the same standards you hope for your child. From counselors to specialists to unit heads, every team member is held responsible, ensuring an environment that is positive, nurturing, safe, and filled with joy.
In line with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) established in 2005, Camp Timberlane has taken all necessary steps to comply. We stand firm in our commitment to accessibility, ensuring any applicant requiring accommodations is fully catered to.