Directors & Staff

Camp Mont Shenandoah is in Ann’s blood. Following in her grandmother’s and mother’s footsteps, she marks the third generation of ownership. She has spent 38 summers at CMS as a camper, counselor, program director, and owner and director since 1996. Ann is passionate about her work with the campers and staff and feels exceptionally fortunate to be the steward of such a magnificent and special place as CMS.

Ann is a graduate of Hollins College (1987) as well as St. Timothy’s School in Baltimore (1983). While working as the Director of Youth Ministries at Christ Church (Old Town, Alexandria, VA,) Ann became a “foster” parent to two teenage girls, living with them as they finished high school. They (along with their older brother and families) continue to be an important part of Ann’s life.

In 1996, Ann received her Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. That spring, she relocated to Bath County, Virginia to assume the directorship of CMS.

Ann has been involved in many local and regional civic organizations. She currently serves on the Cowpasture River Preservation Association Board where she had also previously served for six years, as Vice President for three of those years. Ann has worked with the Bath County Arts Association Board, American Camp Association-Virginia’s Section Board in the capacity as Conflict Resolution Chair, was the Bath County Christmas Mother and served on the board for several years afterwards. She has worked with the Bath County Chamber of Commerce and Allegheny Highlands Free Clinic boards. In May 2020, Ann coordinated and led the “Save Our Summers” coalition, a group of 35-40 overnight summer camps that came together to advocate for state support in light of being shut down for the year by the government.  At that same time, Ann started a group of regional directors, affectionately known as “TuTu” (meeting on Tuesdays at 2:00). Initially TuTu was formed to help each camp navigate the impact of the pandemic on the industry but each individual camp as well.  Because horses are her passion, she remains involved with the Virginia Trail Riders Association.

Ann enjoys many activities and hobbies, especially running, biking, traveling, and reading. She loves spending time with her friends, family, and animals and is especially fond of time spent on the back of a horse.

Jess is delighted to be back at Camp Mont Shenandoah in this new role. She brings deep institutional knowledge, appreciation for, and love of CMS. Jess was initially a camper and Junior Counselor (JC) for six summers between 1999-2006, and then was a counselor from 2007-2011. Jess attended the University of Alabama, majoring in religious studies and minoring in psychology. After her time at Mont Shenandoah and Alabama, Jess became a counselor and then co-director at Camp Maxwelton-Camp Lachlan for many summers. During the year she taught at several schools including St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock and St. Christopher’s in Richmond. After her children were born Jess spent several years at home with them. In 2020 Jess returned to school in pursuit of a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated in 2022 and began her career as a psychotherapist. Jess is currently running her own private practice in Charlottesville, Virginia.

We could not be happier to announce that Peyton Hutchins Pike will join us this summer as our Healthcare manager! Peyton grew up in Baltimore, MD and spent ten summers at Camp Mont Shenandoah both as a camper and counselor.  Her mother, Cathy Hutchins, spent many summers at CMS as well, most recently as the Program Director for six years.  Peyton’s sister and aunt also attended CMS.  Peyton went to Sewanee: The University of the South, after learning about the school from camp friends.  After college Peyton went on to receive her Master’s in Child Life, Family Collaboration, and Administration from Towson University and became a Certified Child Life Specialist.  Peyton has worked as a Child Life Specialist, helping patients cope with being in the hospital setting, for almost eleven years.  Peyton now lives in Baltimore, MD with her husband, son, daughter, and dog – she can’t wait for her daughter to be old enough to attend CMS!  A fun fact about Peyton is that she both got engaged AND married at CMS so her entire family and friends are aware what a special place it is.  Peyton is looking forward to being back involved with camp as the Healthcare Manager this summer!

We are delighted to announce that camp alumna, Katherine Hines Hawks will be returning as Riding Director this summer. Katherine lives on a small farm in Ashland, Virginia and currently runs a successful Real Estate business out of Richmond. She has a wealth of experience in the riding world and a long love of CMS. We couldn’t be happier that she’ll be with us again for the coming season.

Katherine attended camp for five summers in the mid to late 1980s. Her daughter followed in her footsteps and was at camp from 2014-2017. In 2022, her horse Benji came to camp and she worked as an alum in the Feed Bag for several days.

Katherine and her daughter Tessa have four horses at home (including one of Ann’s horses Flash) and both ride Hunter/Jumpers competitively and love everything to do with owning, caring for and riding horses.

Katherine can’t wait to return to camp, meet all of the campers, sing and eat in the Feed Bag, and swim in the river. She’s also looking forward to attending some of her favorite evening activities like Songfest, Vespers, and the Junior and Senior plays all while making the riding program the best it can be.

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jay Ford on board as our new facilities manager! Jay is a lifelong resident of Bath County and grew up coming to Camp Mont Shenandoah where his family hosted their annual family reunions. Before joining CMS, Jay owned Bath County Collision for two decades. Jay is married to his wife Chris and they share four children together. They are thrilled to have recently welcomed their first grandchild! Jay is going to be an amazing addition to our team. He is already busy getting the grounds ready for Opening Day! We can’t wait for him to experience his first Summers with us!

Céline is an unofficial CMS alumna, having worked several summers in “The Feed Bag” while she attended Bath County High School. She grew up in the area, graduated from Radford University, and returned to Bath County where she married the love of her life, Jess Pritt. They have a six-year-old son, Beau, and a three-year-old daughter, Harlow. 2024 marks her 7th summer with us at Camp. Prior to working full-time at Camp Mont Shenandoah, Céline worked in the Bath County Office of Tourism for six years and served as Tourism Manager for one year. With a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills, we are exceptionally fortunate to have her as part of our team. When you call the Camp Office, you know Céline will greet you with warmth, a sense of humor, and helpful answers — about camp and the local area!

We are thrilled to have Kaitlin Arnold as our Administrative Assistant in the office. Kaitlin is originally from Millboro, VA and is currently studying Political Science and Pre-Law at James Madison University. During her free time, she loves hanging out with friends and family, especially her dog Honey. She also serves as the youth director at her church. Welcome to the CMS Family, Kaitlin!

Julie “Roots & Shoots” is coming back to camp for her 12th season. She is teaching water aerobics at her local Richmond Ymca. She has started a “hipcamp” (BNB FOR CAMPERS) on their family farm outside of Charlottesville.

After completing residency training and board certification in Internal Medicine at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Anne completed a General Medicine Fellowship at Johns Hopkins, and she and her family have been in Baltimore ever since. Anne is on the faculty at the George Washington University School of Public Health, and her clinical practice is at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Anne attended CMS for 10 summers and was a counselor at the inaugural Roots and Shoots. Her daughter is a current CMS camper, her son is at Maxwelton, and her husband is a CMS family camp alum! Anne is excited to be joining the healthcare team this summer.