Camp Thoreau - Staff

Alessia Doss, LCSW - Camp Director

Alessia came on as Camp Thoreau’s new camp director in April 2011. In her 21 summers spent at summer camp, Alessia has worked her way up the ladder from camper to CIT, to counselor to Unit Head, to CIT Director to Staff Development Director, and finally to Camp Director. As a licensed clinical social worker with a focus on youth development, Alessia has worked with children in multiple capacities – her favorite, of course, being summer camp. She feels there is no stronger avenue for learning and growing, and therefore there should be a law that all children must go to camp. Alessia lives on a Christmas tree and honeybee farm in Billerica with her new husband, Ethan. When she isn’t enjoying camp, she enjoys hiking, skiing, reading, and visiting Acadia.

Trish Nadeau - Registrar

Trish is a dedicated member of The Thoreau Club family, working in various roles for over 10 years. Beginning this year, Trish is in charge of organizing and processing all camper registrations and mandatory health forms so that we can accommodate a safe experience for each and every camper. To reach Trish with registration questions, email or call 978-831-1227.

Laura Klein - Parent Embassador

As a parent of a Camp Thoreau camper, Laura knows first-hand how to integrate a nervous child into camp.  She says, “Becca has blossomed at Camp Thoreau from an anxious 4 year old who shied away from group activities to an outgoing, happy and active 8 year old who counts down the days until camp begins!”  If you’re considering sending your child(ren) to camp and would like a first-hand testimonial or advice, Laura is the perfect person to talk to. She is the Wellness Director for The Thoreau Club where she is able to put into action her passion to empower people to be their best selves. You may contact her via email or call 978-831-1221

All Camp Thoreau staff are CPR and First Aid certified individuals who are passionate about working with children in an outdoor educational environment. The majority of staff were campers and/or CIT's themselves, and have spent countless summers enjoying all that Camp Thoreau has to offer. Our leadership staff consists of educators, social workers, and college graduates, thus creating a strong and skilled top tier of management. All Camp Thoreau staff are carefully selected (after an extensive hiring process) for their skills, experience and background, and attend a week-long mandatory staff training before camp begins.

Denise Lawhorn - Office Manager

Denise has spent the last eight summers working in the office at Camp Thoreau while her two sons attended camp both as campers and staff. Denise runs a tight ship managing all aspects of the behind-the-scenes camp logistics including attendance, dismissal, transportation, extended day, scheduling and more. She believes strongly in the positive effects of summer camp and works hard to make sure our program is seamless.

Melissa Carroll, M.Ed - Assistant Director

This will be Melissa's 4th summer as Senior Staff at Camp Thoreau and we are thrilled to have her move from Division Director into the Assistant Director role. During the school year Melissa works as a Special Education teacher at Lexington High School. In addition to teaching, Melissa serves on several committees and as the school's book club advisor. When she's not working, Melissa is busy with her two young children who are both Camp Thoreau campers. Her personal goal for this year - conquering the zip line!

Tami Toomey, M.Ed - Assistant Director 

Tami is a true Camp Thoreau veteran - this will be her 11th summer here! She has worked as Arts & Crafts staff, Forest Ridge staff, Summit Director, and Assistant Director. Her favorite things to do at camp are watching staff bond with campers and each other and of course singing those wacky camp songs that get stuck in her head all year long. Outside of Camp, Tami is a mom and works as a Special Needs Tutor at Concord Carlisle High School. Tami loves to read and go camping in Maine.