Summer team
Maylet Hernandez
Summer Camp Director
Film Producer. Traveler. Epicure.
Pursuing a Law degree at UABJO, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico. This is her third summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a unique blend of creative and educational experience. She has spent several years working with children through Arte por la Mixteca, an art education program she directed in rural communities. Her background also includes film production, international shoot coordination, and social impact work that earned her recognition as Citizen of the Year in Oaxaca de Juárez. A radiant and imaginative educator passionate about magical realism, creative advocacy, and using chocolate as artistic fuel.
Dylan Turner, M.A., Ph.D
Earth Ed. Field Director
Avid Hiker. Preschool Teacher. Equity Advocate.
Accredited Early Childhood Educator, Ph.D. in Anthropology at City University of New York. M.A. in Sociology and Social Anthropology at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. B.A. in Anthropology and Philosophy (Joint Honors) at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. 15 Years early childcare experience. Currently, he runs his own outdoor Earth Education program, bringing a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our students. We believe Dylan's passion for education and the outdoors will inspire and engage our children in exciting and meaningful ways.
Gabriel Perez
co-Earth Ed. Field Director
Imaginative. Dedicated. Adventurous.
Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Management and Sustainable Development at Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez. This is the third summer at Terra Camps, where a strong background in creative direction and cultural programming is brought into the classroom and camp environment. With experience leading film projects and coordinating community-based initiatives, leadership is further strengthened through involvement in the Boy Scouts. Enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, and sharing knowledge in meaningful and engaging ways. A passionate storyteller, finds inspiration in collecting movie memorabilia and believes in the magic of imagination and lived experience.
Earth Discovery
Grace Heidegger
Camp Counselor
Environmental Studies Student. Crafter. Poet.
Originally from Gresham, Oregon, Grace is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies at the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State. This is her first summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a thoughtful and nurturing approach to working with children. Her experience includes serving as a counselor at Oregon Outdoor School, supporting lunch and after-school care at Stratford School, and over five years of babysitting. She lives in San Francisco with her two cats, Waffle and Frankie. A caring and curious educator, Grace is passionate about creativity, nature, and self-expression, often spending her free time crafting and writing poetry.
Kishon Lockett
Camp Counselor
Creative. Leader. Coachable.
Originally from Hercules, California, he is a fourth-year student at UC Davis studying African American Studies and currently works as a Teacher Assistant with Childcare Careers. This is his first summer with Terra Camps, where he brings a calm, patient, and structured approach to working with children, supporting learning through clear guidance, engagement, and creativity.
He has built extensive experience in childcare and youth development through multiple roles, including after-school programs with Youth First in Daly City, serving as a Childcare Aide for the City of El Cerrito, and his current work as a Teacher Assistant. These experiences have strengthened his ability to connect with children, foster positive relationships, and create supportive, engaging environments where students can grow and thrive.
Lydia Hirsch
Camp Counselor
Thoughtful. Engaging. Caring.
Originally from Berkeley, California, and raised primarily in Los Angeles, Lydia Hirsch holds a BA in History from UC Berkeley. This is her first summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a thoughtful and engaging approach to working with children. During the school year, she teaches 7th and 8th grade history at Mission Hills Middle School in Union City, California.
Her experience includes teaching at Oakland Charter High School, working as a camp counselor at Camp Capitola, and tutoring students in a variety of learning settings. A fun fact about Lydia is that she has a very sweet 2-year-old cat!
Eliza Kriney
Camp Counselor
Playful. Creative. Energetic.
Originally from San Francisco, California, Eliza is currently earning a degree in History of Art from the University of Edinburgh. This is her first summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a playful and creative approach to working with children.
Her experience includes founding and running a camp, working as a camp counselor for three years, and spending six years in childcare in a variety of settings. Outside of camp, Eliza enjoys swimming at Ocean Beach, cooking, and creating paper-mâché art.
Anna Csikai
Camp Counselor
Supportive. Enthusiastic. Compassionate.
Originally from Florida, Anna recently completed her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College. This is her first summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a supportive and positive approach to working with children.
Her experience includes working at a special education summer camp and at a play-based group counseling clinic for children. A fun fact about Anna is that she has four cats and is very excited for the summer ahead.
Darragh Jackson
Camp Counselor
Relax. Confident. Enthusiastic.
Originally from Ireland, Darragh Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Studies and is currently pursuing an honours degree in the same field at Atlantic Technological University. This is his first summer with Terra Camps, where he brings an enthusiastic and supportive approach to working with children.
Prior experience includes babysitting younger relatives on multiple occasions, helping develop patience, responsibility, and strong communication skills in childcare settings. A fun fact about Darragh is that he has visited the United States multiple times throughout his life, especially while growing up.
Mei Yee Tse
Camp Counselor
Creative. Nurturing. Adaptable.
Mei Yee Tse, originally from Hong Kong but grew up in San Francisco, CA, USA, holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Rhode Island School of Design. This is her first summer with Terra Camps. Prior education work experience includes spending time working at a child
daycare center for children aged 3 months through 5 years old, as a substitute paraeducator working with special needs children in the San Francisco Unified School District and private tutoring to elementary school children.
Spanish Immersion
Patricia Cárdenas
Spanish Preschool Teacher
& Camp Counselor
Educator. Music Lover. Puppeteer.
BA in Early Childhood Education at Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University in Peru, followed by over 17 years of classroom experience—10 years in Peru and 7 years in the United States, “It’s amazing how quickly children absorb a new language. Teaching through play is at the heart of what I do. What feels like a game to the children is actually a meaningful learning experience, rich in communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Their curiosity and kindness inspire me every day.”
Yanet Vargas
Camp Counselor
Nurturing. Engaging. Dedicated.
Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, she is currently studying English at City College and brings over 10 years of experience working with first and second grade students in elementary school settings. This is her first summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a warm, patient, and playful presence to the classroom. She is passionate about creating learning experiences that are both educational and fun, supporting children through curiosity, creativity, and positive connection. A dedicated educator who believes that learning happens best through joy, engagement, and meaningful interaction.
Maria Ximena Castro
Camp Counselor
Energetic. Empathetic. Team-Oriented.
Originally from Mexico City, she is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and is spending her first summer with Terra Camps as an Assistant Counselor. She brings experience working with children through sports and group activities, using her background in soccer to foster teamwork, confidence, and resilience. With a passion for creating positive and inclusive spaces, she applies her psychology studies to support campers’ emotional needs and group dynamics. She looks forward to building meaningful connections and helping create a fun, supportive environment for all.
Leeby Karolaay Flores
Spanish Preschool Teacher & Camp Counselor
Loves hiking and nature. Loves to cook.
Preschool teacher with a deep love for working with children. I’m a proud mother of a 25-year-old son, and I share my home with three little dogs—Toby, Rambo, and Laika.
I was born in Panama and have been living in the United States since 2005. I’ve been teaching for 15 years. I find so much joy in being a teacher—interacting with children and supporting their development fills my heart.
Beyond the classroom, I love to walk outdoors, exercise in nature, go to the beach, dance, cook, and read.
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Carlos Joel Pasarán Pérez
Camp Counselor
Curious. Outgoing. Attentive.
Originally from Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico, he holds a degree in Communication and Digital Media from Universidad La Salle Oaxaca. This is his first summer with Terra Camps, bringing several years of teaching and professional experience across academic and workplace settings. His background includes photography, drone operations, editing, script and document writing, and support in audiovisual production. He is passionate about communication in all forms—visual, written, and audio—and enjoys working across media to bring ideas to life. A strong writer at heart, he also enjoys photography, video, radio, and social media. He values connection with people of all ages and backgrounds, believing it fosters tolerance, respect, and curiosity about the world. His personal motto is: “To grow as a person, you must know the world.”
Daniela De La Torre Garcia
Camp Counselor
Curious. Caring. Supportive.
Originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, she is a former middle school teacher and a native Spanish speaker. This is her first summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a warm, inclusive, and engaging approach to working with children. Her background in education has helped her create supportive learning environments where children feel confident to explore and grow. A passionate educator, she enjoys spending time outdoors, training for marathons, reading, and playing board games, and looks forward to a summer filled with curiosity, teamwork, and adventure.
Mandarin Mania
Patricia Etchekan, M.A.
Mandarin Preschool Teacher
& Camp Counselor
Natural athlete. Quadrilingual.
M.A. in Chinese Language & Literature at Inner Mongolia University, China. B.S. in Preschool Education at Inner Mongolia Normal University and B.S in software engineering from Groupe Pigier, Côte d’Ivoire. 6 years of preschool teaching experience. Fluent in Mandarin, French, and English. Proficient in Spanish.
Dana Wang, M.A.
Mandarin Preschool Teacher & Camp Counselor
Adventurous. Nurturing. Mother.
MA in Child psychology at Chinese Academy of Science and BA in Education and English Education at Qinghai Minzu University, China. Born and raised in Shandong, China, and has over 10 years experience working as an preschool and elementary teacher in Beijing and Shanghai. She is currently getting another master’s degree in education at Moreland University. She enjoys hiking and can make delicious dumplings from scratch!
Xuan Luo, MD
Mandarin Teacher &
Camp Counselor
Healer. Organizer. Mother.
Originally from Quanzhou in Fujian Province, China, she holds a Medical degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Changsha Medical University and brings over a decade of experience as an acupuncturist and pediatrician. This is her third summer with Terra Camps. She has previously served as a Mandarin assistant teacher at Terra San Francisco and worked in Terra Marin’s 2023 summer camp. After having her daughter five years ago, she developed a deep passion for early childhood education. She believes in thoughtfully designed learning environments that nurture each child’s ability to comprehend, plan, and grow, and finds joy in seeing how quickly children thrive with the right support.
Samantha Foley
Mandarin Camp Counselor
Caring. Dedicated. Community-Oriented.
San Francisco native, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI). She brings four years of teaching experience, working closely with children in educational settings. Fluent in both English and Mandarin, she supports language learning while fostering a warm and engaging environment. Passionate about helping others, she is committed to creating a positive and supportive experience for every camper.
Bangting Ma
Mandarin Camp Counselor
Curious. Creative. Adaptable.
Originally from Shandong Province, China, he holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University. This is his first summer with Terra Camps, where he brings a thoughtful and globally minded approach to working with children. His experience includes supporting young learners in school settings in both China and New York, with a strong passion for bilingual and multilingual education. A curious and creative educator, he has long been inspired by both the arts and the natural world, once dreaming of becoming either an artist or a zoologist as a child.
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Mia Sassi
Mandarin Camp Counselor
Fun-loving. Curious. Responsible.
BS in Science from Chapman University, originally from Richmond, CA, USA. This is her first summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a strong blend of analytical thinking and educational experience. She has worked as a wealth management intern, developing communication and problem-solving skills, and as a student teaching assistant in private school settings, supporting student learning and engagement. With a minor in Chinese, she brings cultural awareness and language experience. A fun fact is that she studied abroad in Taiwan.
Junling Lai
Mandarin Camp Counselor
Loves nature. Patient. Responsible.
She is originally from Guangzhou, China. She holds a college diploma from China
and has studied Music Pedagogy at the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Hungary. She is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education at City College of San Francisco. This is her first summer with Terra Camps. With more than nine years of teaching experience, she has worked as a piano teacher, Cantonese teacher, and Mandarin teacher. She is passionate about early childhood education and hopes to support children through genuine companionship, allowing them to explore freely and grow happily in engaging and enriching environments.
Celeste Alisse
Mandarin Camp Counselor
Exciting. Energetic. Kind.
Originally from San Francisco, she holds a High School Diploma from Ruth Asawa School of the Arts and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Davis. This is her first summer with Terra Camps, where she brings a creative and engaging approach to working with children. Her experience includes private childcare, supporting youth through the YPT Theatre Program in San Francisco, and participating in Riekes Earth Education programs. A thoughtful and enthusiastic educator, she enjoys fostering creativity, confidence, and meaningful connections with young learners.
Transportation Team
Michael Pastor
Bus Driver - Marin
Served in the Navy. Has a grown daughter.
San Francisco native. Punctual, 17 years as a bus driver. Previously, served as a building and property manager.
Melvin Watson
Bus Driver - San Francisco
Loves bikes. Father of four grown children.
Born in Galveston, TX. Previously owned and operated a bike shop, spent 22 years as a building manager in the Presidio, and worked a few years at another K8 school in SF.
Michael Figueiredo
Camp Counselor
Nature-loving. Creative. Adventurous.
Originally from West Marin, California, he is a father of three and brings a lifelong passion for the arts and outdoor education. This is his first summer with Terra Camps, where he creates inclusive, creative, and engaging spaces for children to learn and grow. Growing up hiking the hills of the San Geronimo Valley inspired his deep appreciation for nature, which he enjoys sharing with campers through exploration and discovery. A creative and community-minded educator, he enjoys practicing yoga and studying Afro-Cuban folkloric drumming and dance, and looks forward to a summer of curiosity, teamwork, and adventure.
Administration Team
Bridget Perater
School Administrator
Resilient. Nurturing. Compassionate.
Originally from Manlingay, Mabinay in Negros Oriental, Philippines, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Negros Oriental State University and 18 education units from La Consolacion College. A proud mother of three. Bringing a heart for service and a love for learning, she has been teaching English online to Japanese students since 2019 and has also served as a substitute high school teacher in her local community. Her background in education, scheduling, and customer care has shaped her into a thoughtful and reliable team member. This summer, she’s excited to support Terra Camps in creating meaningful and joyful experiences for children and families. Outside of work, she finds peace in gardening and caring for her small sugarcane farm.
Jaz Perico
Camp Coordinator
Active. Adventurous. Grounded.
BS in Business Administration, major in Marketing Management. Brings five years of experience as a Marketing Coordinator, specializing in administrative coordination and customer support, with strong organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm in fast-paced environments.
Has participated in outreach programs focused on children’s engagement and educational support, and has experience tutoring children from 1st to 4th grade in foundational academic skills. As a devoted aunt, is actively involved in supporting children’s learning and development, further strengthening a patient, caring, and child-centered approach.