Hilary Strimple Chiang is a former Brown Ledge camper (2000-2005), junior counselor (2006-2007), and counselor (2009-2012, 2014). She also served on the Brown Ledge Board of Directors (2020-2024) and was Board President (2021-2023). Her mother, aunt, sister, and three cousins are also Brown Ledge alumni. Her mother, Liz Smith Strimple, also served on the Brown Ledge Board of Directors and was Board President.  Hilary brings a wealth of experience in non-profit management, fundraising, and implementing executive leadership strategies. Her impressive expertise is matched only by her knowledge and love of BLC. Hilary will join us on Malletts Bay with her husband Alex and son Rockwell.

See her job description here.

Brooks Johnson comes to us after 16 years’ experience teaching, coaching, and serving on the leadership team at Dublin School in Dublin, NH (including the roles of Dean of Students and Athletic Director). He also brings 18 summers of camp experience as a counselor, lifeguard, blacksmith teacher, and senior staff member at Camp Deerwood, a boy’s camp on Squam Lake in Holderness, NH. He has an extensive background working with children, parents, and educators in a variety of experiential learning environments, as well as supporting structural, programmatic, and personnel additions and improvements at Dublin School. Brooks, his wife Kelly, and their five children (ages 2-19) are excited to join the Brown Ledge community. Their three youngest daughters are looking forward to joining Brown Ledge as campers, this summer and in the future!

See his job description here.

Shannon Elford (she/her) joined the Brown Ledge community in 2018 as Head of Swimming and quickly became a familiar and trusted presence on the waterfront. In 2020, she stepped into a year-round role as Operations Coordinator, and later became the Operations Director in 2023, overseeing key areas including finance and human resources.

Shannon recently transitioned to Program Director in 2026. In her current role, she focuses on supporting and mentoring staff, ensuring program safety, and overseeing the equipment and resources that help every activity run smoothly—so campers can fully embrace all that Brown Ledge has to offer.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Shannon earned her BA in Art Studies from Arizona State University in 2016. She previously served as Head Coach and Program Director for an all-girls rowing team. Shannon and her wife, Sam Elford (senior staff 2015–present), now live in South Burlington, Vermont.

Mitchell Watson started with Brown Ledge in 2019, and worked his way into his current role as Facilities Coordinator. Under the tutelage of former director Bill Neilsen, Mitchell has learned the in’s and out’s of the Brown Ledge facility. This includes camp’s intricate water and sewer system, caring for over 70 buildings, and maintaining the grounds. He also is responsible for vendor relations.

When he is not chasing around his two daughters (Dottie and Mabel), Mitchell enjoys watching football, playing pickleball, and hiking when he has the time. Mitchell appreciates the sense of community that comes with working at BLC.

Maddie (she/her), maybe more than most, is a product of Brown Ledge Camp. She started the summer of 1997, at 9 months old, with her mom Sally deOliva Mandeville. She returned to camp each year with her mom through 2003, and was a camper, JC, and Riflery senior staff between the years 2006-2015.

Maddie graduated from the University of Vermont in 2018 with BAs in Economics and Political Science. For the past five years, she helped operate and manage three retail stores within one company. Her work was focused on maintaining smooth daily operations, managing a team, and creating and maintaining excellent customer relations. Maddie is excited to bring these skills the Office Coordinator position, and to uphold and expand Brown Ledge’s traditions and values.