Our Directors

Stuart JonesStuart Jones is the Executive Director of Outpost Summer Camps and oversees office and camp operations each season. He has been involved with summer camps his entire life as a camper, counselor and director, co-founding Outpost in 2001, excited about our 11th summer in 2012. He is a frequent speaker and staff trainer at both local and national American Camp Association (ACA) conferences, leading sessions on camp management and child development. He also works closely with local preschools and elementary schools, leading trainings for teachers and support staff on best practices on playground and classroom behavior management.

In addition to his year round camp responsibilities, during the offseason Stuart works as a consultant for Poway Unified School District's Extended School Services (ESS) and Even Start Family Literacy programs, and consults for the San Diego County Office of Education. He previously worked as a Senior Research Specialist with Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, and as External Evaluator for First 5 San Diego, a state initiative focusing on school readiness for 0-5 year olds. Stuart is a graduate of UC San Diego and has his Master's degree in Developmental Psychology from California State University at Los Angeles. He and his wife Kelly live in Poway with four children aged 10, 9, 6, and 7 months - the oldest three of whom are long-time happy Outpost campers! Please read Stuart's welcome letter for new camp families.

Candy BelisarioCandy Belisario is the Summer Camps Co-Director and Director of our Winter/Spring seasonal camps. Candy has been with Outpost from the very beginning in 2002, was a Senior Counselor for Outpost for three summers, and returns in 2012 for her fifth year as camp director. Candy's many Outpost responsibilities include coordinating our staffing as well as our transportation program, as she works year-round in our office. She also serves on the staff of Outpost's FRIENDS Social Skills Program and is among our strongest staff in serving children with ADHD or other special needs.

Elizabeth MartinetElizabeth Martinet is the Summer Camps Co-Director, returning for her sixth summer at Outpost in 2012. Elizabeth has a degree in History from the University of California San Diego, is a certified lifeguard and rock climbing instructor, and is highly experienced in facilitating outdoor adventure programs for middle school children. She holds her California teaching credential in secondary education from California State University Long Beach and is currently teaching and coaching basketball at Arcadia High School in Arcadia, CA.

Katie GoehringKatie Goehring is our Pre Camp Director (ages 3-5) and the summer of 2012 will be her fifth season at Outpost and third as Pre Camp Director. She has previous experience as a Senior Counselor for the 5 and 6 year-old boys and for the 3-year-olds at Pre Camp. Katie has a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies, a multiple-subject California teaching credential, and a master's degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University. She is currently teaching at Willow Grove Elementary in the Poway Unified School District.

Evan GrantEvan Grant is our Senior Outpost Assistant Director (grades 6-9), returning for his fourth summer at Outpost in 2012. Evan is a graduate of the University of Redlands with a degree in History and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Evan is a certified lifeguard and rock climbing instructor, and currently is a teacher at Westwood Elementary School in the Poway Unified School District.

Sara SmallSara Small returns to Outpost as Pre Camp Assistant Director and 2012 will be her fourth summer at camp. In 2009 she was a member of our first-ever Pre Camp staff serving as a Senior Counselor with our 5 year olds. Sara is a graduate of the University of Arizona, holds a teaching credential, and is currently working towards her master's degree at the University of Illinois in inclusion for students with severe, multiple and profound disabilities.

Kelly JonesKelly Jones is the Director of Outpost's FRIENDS Social Skills Program, a unique after-school program for children who have struggled to be successful with handling challenging social situations along with making and keeping friends. She is a graduate of the University of San Diego, and has a Master's Degree in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, where she is currently completing her Ph.D. Kelly has worked in a variety of settings with elementary-aged children and most recently served on the staff at the San Diego Vet Center as a readjustment counselor for combat veterans and their families. For the last few years she co-directed the BLAST social skills program in Pasadena, CA, a similiar program serving children who need assistance experiencing success in social settings.

Sandi HanafinSandi Hanafin is our Office Director, returning for a sixth season in 2012. She is responsible for registering families and campers, and generally making sure that the Outpost experience is a welcoming and rewarding one, right from the start. After an extensive career in Marketing and Customer Service, Sandi decided that it was time for a major career change. She graduated with a degree in History from California State University, San Marcos, and then taught History and English for 6 years at Futures/Halstrom High School.