Young Judaea
Outside our programming team of counselors, specialists, and unit heads, CYJ-Texas relies on a huge operations team. The summer simply wouldn’t be possible without our 24-hour medical staff, Camper Care team, logistics, communications, food services, and maintenance, (you guys rock!).
To learn more about the camp nerds who run camp year-round, check out our staff bios below!
Meet Our Executive Staff
Since coming on as Director in 1998, Frank has overseen significant growth at Camp Young Judaea-Texas and its Retreat Center in Wimberley, TX. He considers the Jewish camp experience a life-changing opportunity, a unique setting to learn and grow in life’s most important areas—in character, in health, and in relationship. He’s committed to providing that experience with excellence, by emphasizing a mix of community, Zionism, Judaism, and—in true Texas tradition—cattle rustling!
Prior to CYJ-TX, Frank worked for Camp Tel Yehudah, Taco Bell Corp, and Trails End Camp. While serving as Camp Director (and chief bottle-washer), Frank and his wife Simone, have grown their family with their children Elan, Jacob, and Rebecca and their dog, Coco.
Mac has been part of the CYJ family, officially, since 2022 as the CYJ Director. Before joining CYJ, Mac worked for various synagogues, camps, and youth movements until he found a home in the Young Judaea community. From 2015 to 2022 he worked as the Assistant Director for Tel Yehudah engaging with many CYJ teens as they continued their Young Judaea journey.
Mac strongly believes Jewish camp is one of the best experiences young people can have. The opportunities to try new things, develop strong friendships, and personally grow within a Jewish context is an invaluable experience.
When not at camp, you can find Mac on hiking trails, at a sports event, or catching up on Summer movies.
Danny joined the CYJ full time team in January of 2019, but has been involved with CYJ and Young Judaea since the early 1980’s. He spent many summers at CYJ and Tel Yehudah and participated in Young Judaea Year Course. After returning from Year Course he stayed involved in YJ by working at CYJ in logistics and operations and was also the Young Judaea Regional Senior Advisor.
His passion for operations at CYJ led him to pursue his degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. Over the past 30 years, Danny has worked in operations in restaurants, real estate, retail and franchising.
Danny grew up in San Antonio and currently lives in Austin with his beautiful wife Libby. Danny has two sons who were both “lifer” campers at CYJ.
“Being able to have a career at CYJ is a literal dream come true. It’s where I belong.”
Iris has been part of the CYJ family since her first summer as a camper in 2005. Since then, she has spent most of her summers at camp as a camper, counselor, unit head, and education director before joining the full-time team in 2018.
Barak has been part of the CYJ community since 2008. His summers as both a camper and staff member shaped him into the person he is today. On staff, Barak quickly saw the positive impact CYJ had on campers, and knew he wanted to work at a Jewish summer camp after college.
Barak graduated from the University of Georgia in 2022. While in college he was a Board Member for University of Georgia Hillel and was a member of the University’s Spikeball team. In his free time, Barak enjoys watching movies, running, and writing screenplays.
Barak is CYJ’s Teen Engagement Coordinator. He helps campers find the next steps in their Judaean journey and runs teen programming year-round. Barak knows first-hand the impact a great Jewish summer camp can have, so he takes lots of pride in helping CYJ continue its success. He is incredibly grateful to start off his professional Jewish camping journey at his home away from home and is looking forward to many more summers at CYJ.
Brad grew up in Austin, raising animals, fishing, and exploring the wilderness. He moved to Wimberley during his sophomore year in high school, meeting his future wife and beginning his journey at CYJ in 2000 at the age of 15. Starting in the kitchen and housekeeping until moving to maintenance in 2004 for the first major renovation of camp. Being involved in the installation of the new pool, expanding the Biet Ha’am, constructing the Shalom and Health Centers, along with the addition of cabins 9-11 during his first 10 years. Brad took over the Maintenance Director position in 2015 during the construction of the ELC and has seen the completion of the Retreat Village. Along with many other projects and memories that can be seen throughout CYJ.
In 2007 he married his high school sweetheart and purchased a house next to camp, which they currently share with their 4-year-old son and dog. They enjoy camping, hiking, games, and being together as a family.
“My time spent at CYJ is precious. There is a beauty and peace in this gem of the Texas hill country that I am privileged to be a part of.”
Wendy joined CYJ in September of 2021 as the events coordinator.
Prior to joining the CYJ team Wendy was an elementary school teacher for 16 years. While teaching, Wendy was invited to various states and conferences to work with teachers on classroom management and organization, integrating technology, and how to incorporate fun into everyday lessons and activities. In the classroom, Wendy helped her students find their passions, write grants, connect with other classes around the world, start afterschool clubs and run a school-wide dance where the proceeds helped send military kids to summer camp.
After leaving the classroom, Wendy worked in a doctor’s office as a medical assistant and weight loss coach. She then began to work with the staff to help create smoother operating systems within the office and connections with the other businesses in the building.
A Texas native, Wendy lives in Blanco with her husband, 2 boys, and 3 Labradoodles.
“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.”
Johnathen joined Camp Young Judaea in February of 2015.
Prior to graduating with honors from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, Johnathen spent over a year deployed with the US Navy and the 101st Airborne Division in support of Operation Enduring freedom.
When it comes to food, Johnathen’s passion has always revolved around celebrating simplicity while entertaining others. Throughout the course of a 20-year career, Johnathen has developed a vast knowledge of world cuisine, and a skillset to accompany and is proud to use these in part to help CYJ realize its mission.
A New England native, Johnathen now lives in Kyle, Texas, with his wife and three children.
“The secret to good food is to add more salt. Even if you think you’ve added enough, just one more pinch…”
Heather joined the CYJ Team in February of 2017. She started out as a part-time housekeeper and now works full-time year-round as Head of Housekeeping. Her children, James, Isaac, and Izzy, all work for CYJ part-time while going to school. She loves spending time with her family at their family ranch, trips to the coast, camping, and fishing. She has been married to her husband, Bobby, for 23 years.
Heather was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and has lived in and traveled through many of the states. She landed in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 17, where she lived for 20 years before moving out to the hill country in the summer of 2016.