Meet the Camp Staff

Gold Team	Alexander Segala
	Alexander Segala is currently attending a bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Alex graduated from McCann Tech in 2009 after completing a study in both Machine Technology and Pre-Engineering. He spends his time working on his truck, camping, and just traveling in general. Alex first attended ROPES camp in 2003 following sixth grade. He returned as a mentor in 2004, and continued being a mentor until 2007. In 2008, Alex returned as one of the first four mentors turned facilitators. In all Alex has participated in approximately 11 camps. Alex has many fond memories of ROPES from over the years and is glad he can give back to program he has taken so much from.

Maroon Team	Jason Wood
	I am a ten year member of the North Adams Police Dept. I currently work 3:30pm – 11:30pm in the West End of the city. I am also a K9 Officer with my partner Diva. Diva is a 5 year old yellow lab. Diva is a certified Advanced Narcotics dog. Diva and I also participate in many community demonstrations including the ROPES Weeks. I have been involved with the ROPES program since 2003, or 12 camps. Everything is always a learning experience. The ROPES camp is no exception. Aside from the relationships, bonds and mutual respect earned with returning and first time campers, there is much more. As a person I have learned how to communicate, understand and sympathize with another generation. I enjoy seeing new and veteran campers accomplish their own personal “firsts”. I see a lot of children deprived of life opportunities and am glad to have a influence on the one’s I am able to.

Red Team	Jim Holmes
	Jim Holmes is a teacher for the North Adams School System at Sullivan Elementary School. Prior teaching a Sullivan School, Jim taught science and physical education at Conte Middle School. Jim has three daughters Jessica 29 (who also is a facilitator at the camp), Stephany 24, Allyson 24. This is Jim’s fifth year at the camp. Jim graduate from North Adams State College in 1996 with Education degree and earned his Masters in education from Cambridge College 2001 and C.A.G.S. UMass Boston 2004. Jim enjoys running and his greatest accomplishment running in the 2009 Boston Marathon, cycling, going to rock concerts. Jim collects ties (over 200) and hockey pucks. He enjoys his free time with people he’s care about. His favorite foods include lobster, burgers, beef stroganoff, and veal marsala. His favorite local restaurants include The Hub, Michaels, Jimmy’s, and The Dakota. His favorite TV shows are Seinfeld (All time favorite) N.C.I.S, House, Criminal Minds. His favorite music groups are Jethro Tull, ACDC and Aerosmith Favorite colors are Green and purple. His favorite number is 9 and his favorite sports team is the Boston Red Sox. Jim love of running is shown in his favorite sports, Track and Field and Cross Country which he has also coached. Jim’s favorite sports figure is Steve Prefontaine.

Green Team	Jim Rathburn
	Jim Rathbun is from the Lanesboro Police Department where he began his career in 1995. In 1998, Jim became a member of the Berkshire County Special Response Team. Jim received his DARE officer training in 2000 and has been instructing students at the Lanesboro Elementary School since. In 2004, Jim got a new partner, his K-9 Nitro. Since then Jim and Nitro have been patrolling together and have assisted other Berkshire County Police Departments in locating suspects and finding drugs. Jim and Nitro have over 100 drugs finds in motor vehicles. In his spare time Jim enjoys scuba diving, mountain biking, moto-x, competition firearms shooting and restoring old cars, like his pride and joy a 1974 Corvette Stingray.

Green Team	Joseph Charon
	Joseph Charon started his law enforcement career working for the San Diego County Sherriff’s Department in 1991. He has been in security and law enforcement for 19 years and has worked for the Adams Police Department and the North Adams Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer. He currently serves as the Chief of Campus Police for the MCLA Department of Public Safety and he has served as a part-time Police Officer with the Cheshire Police Department since 2000. Joe received his School Resource Officer Training in 2001 and DARE certification in 2002. He received his Adventure-based Counselor Training in 2002 and has been a part of the Northern Berkshire ROPES Camp since that time. Prior to becoming a police officer Joe joined the United States Marine Corps in 1987and attained the rank of Corporal, serving until 1995. While serving in the Marine Corps he completed a tour of duty in Iraq during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and is a Combat Veteran. His favorite part of ROPES Camps is the great sense of humor shared between all the students, mentors, and fellow facilitators.

Program Coordinator	John LeClair
	John LeClair is from the North Adams Police Department and serves as the camps Program Coordinator. John has been a police officer for 12 years in North Adams and currently assigned as a narcotics investigator to the Berkshire County Drug Task Force. In 2000, John became a DARE Officer for the City of North Adams, that year he attended his first DARE Camp. In 2001 John became the program coordinator, which a year later became the ROPES camp. Prior to becoming a North Adams Police Officer, John was Special Police Officer and Dispatcher for the Williamstown Police Department for five years. In 1993 John attained his EMT certification and 1996 became a Paramedic, which he still holds certification for. John enjoys coaching youth football for the North Adams Seniors team, announcing the McCann High School Football games, and teaching. John’s favorite times of the camp is watching the campers challenge themselves and achieve their goals. It is also on Friday after the graduation when the camp demonstrates each element for the families. This is when parents are amazed that their children completed the elements and they share the stories about the camp.

Gold Team	Nick Dabrowski
	I have been a police officer in the town of Adams for approximately 3 years. I am currently the school resource officer for the town and I also aids in running the Adams Police Athletic League. This will be my second R.O.P.E.S camp. Last year I was with the Blue team and this year I will be with the Gold team. My favorite part of my R.O.P.E.S camp experience is watching all the kids in my group rooting on their teammates as they attempt to conquer their fears.

Red Team	Fran Maruco
	Fran is a North Adams Police Officer currently assigned to Drury High School as the School Resource Officer. Fran was one of the founding members of the ROPES Program. Fran is a team leader for the red team.

Blue Team	Dave Sacco
	Dave is a Lieutenant from the North Adams Police Department. Dave was one of the founding members of the ROPES Program. Dave is a team leader for the blue team.

Maroon Team	Jessica Holmes
	I have been a facilitator since 2006, and have learned a lot through the ROPES motto, Respecting Other People Encouraging Self- Esteem. By working in the North Adams School District since 2003, this experience allows me to work with children in a different environment, many of the challenges that the students face in the week of ROPES camp, can also be used for students to overcome challenges in the classroom. After my first year at camp, the kids really taught me how to over come challenges and being able to do anything you put your mind to. In 2009, I ran my first half- marathon and continue to train for two more in 2010. My Next challenge is to run the Boston Marathon in 2011. As I continue to challenge myself, I try to remember the children as they cheer each other and encourage each other to Climb.

Purple Team	Mike Williams
	Mike is the Chief of Police for the Town of Clarksburg. Mike has been with the ROPES Camp since 2003 is a Purple Team leader.

Green Team	Bob LeClair
	Bob is a social studies teacher at Greylock Elementary School in North Adams. Bob has been with the ROPES Camp since 2002 and is a Green Team leader. Bob is also the head coach for the McCann Football team.

Purple Team	Mike Canales
	Mike is the Town Administrator for the Town of Clarksburg. Mike has been with the ROPES Camp since 2009 and is a Purple Team leader. Mike also coaches Little League.

Silver Team	Stephanie Pare
	Stephanie is a teacher at Gabrielle Abbot Memorial School in Florida. Stephanie has been with the ROPES Camp since 2006 and is a Silver Team leader.

Maroon Team	Gene Gavazzi
	Gene retired from the Adams Police Department after 25 years of service. While a Police Officer Gene was the School Resourse Officer for teh Town of Adams. Gene began attending ROPES camps in 2005. Following his retirement gene became the Dean of Students for BaRT school in Adams.

Silver Team	Lindsey St. Pierre
	Lindsey is a teacher at Gabrielle Abbot Memorial School in Florida. Lindsey has been with the ROPES Camp since 2006 and is a Silver Team leader.

Orange Team	Laurie Tuper
	Laurie is a dispatcher for North Adams Public Safety. Laurie has been an EMT for more than 25 years and is completing her training for her Paramedic certification. Laurie is also a volunteer firefighter with the Florida Volunteer Fire Department. Laurie has been with the ROPES camp since 2002 and is a team leader for the Orange Team.

Orange Team	Steve Deane
	Steve is a Police Officer from the North Adams Police Department. Steve has been with the ROPES camp since 2002. Steve is a team leader for the Orange team.

Orange Team	Mike Gleason
	Mike is a Paramedic at North Adams Regional Hospital, Adams and North Adams Ambulance Services. Mike has been an EMT/Paramedic for more than 25 years and a volunteer firefighter with the Florida Volunteer Fire Department. Mike is a an Orange Team leader.

Silver Team	Mark Bailey
	Mark is a Police Officer from the North Adams Police Department. Mark has been with the ROPES camp since 2008 and has previously been a red team leader. Mark will now be a team leader for the newly created Silver Team.

Purple Team	Erik Thomas
	Erik is a Police Officer from the North Adams Police Department. Erik has been with the ROPES camp since 2006 and is a purple team leader. Erik is also a DARE officer.

Medical Staff/EMT	Dave Burdick
	Dave is a dispatcher for North Adams Public Safety. Dave has been an EMT for more than 25 years and a volunteer firefighter with the Florida Volunteer Fire Department. Dave has volunteered his time as an EMT since 1996.

Medical Staff/EMT-RN	Pat Sprague
	Patty is a Registered Nurse at North Adams Regional Hospital and is also a part time dispatcher for North Adams Public Safety. Patty has been an EMT for more than 25 years and a volunteer firefighter with the Florida Volunteer Fire Department. Patty has volunteered her time as an EMT since 1996.

Staff	Mike Cozzaglio
	Mike is the Director of the North Adams Police Departmnet. Mike has been involved with ROPES since 1996. He has attended numerous camps and enjoys working with the campers.