Donate Menu

Camp Haverim Staff

Camp Haverim knows that the success of any camp rests squarely on the shoulders of its staff, counselors, and supervisors. That is why we go to great lengths to get the very best!

Katie Luchen, Camp Director

Katie Luchen is excited to be joining us this year as our new Camp Director. Katie has worked many years in Jewish education, teaching age groups from preschool through high school. She was most recently the camp director at the Tampa JCC and has also worked with the Jewish day camp located in Overland Park, Kansas. Katie spent two years doing Judaic studies in Israel before receiving her BA degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Katie is looking forward to working with a great group of people and having a great summer!

Samantha Silverman

Samantha Silverman first came to Camp Haverim as a camp counselor and immediately fell in love with the sweetest little Jewish day camp with the biggest heart and soul. One of her favorite parts about Camp Haverim is seeing l'dor v'dor in action, witnessing the campers grow up and return each year to become junior counselors, then senior counselors, and beyond. 

Samantha has worked as a Jewish educator for over a decade and is passionate about creating programming that inspires and connects Jewish people of all ages. She is deeply committed to creating a camp culture that fosters social-emotional development and enduring community connections through Jewish values, practices, and culture. She has a BA in Jewish Studies from UCLA and an MA in Jewish Studies from Yale University.

Ashley Belinfante, Assistant Camp Director

Ashley Belinfante is an alumna of UCSB and Camp Alonim where she was also a counselor and lifeguard for several years. She has also worked at Jewish preschools in Los Angeles and internationally. She is excited to learn the ways of Camp Haverim's traditions and immerse herself in its vibrant community. With her background in counseling, lifeguarding, and teaching, she is enthusiastic to contribute to Haverim's mission of fostering life-long friendships, community building, and Jewish values among its campers. 

Mike Witt

Michael Witt is a long time Jewish Federation staff member, and is thrilled to be a major part of the camp team. The position comes naturally to him as his daughter Lendel has attended camp for the past two summers and son David plans to attend as soon as he is old enough. Mike’s wife Kelsey has been capturing professional photos of camp for several sessions. He is excited and proud to work with all age groups of campers as well as have a leadership role overseeing the counselors in an effort to make Camp Haverim the most wonderful Jewish summer day camp there is. Mike is an experienced song leader and program developer with the Santa Barbara JCC and has known many of Santa Barbara's local Jewish families through his many years of building community and lasting relationships.

Senior Counselors

Our senior counselors are predominantly college students. Many of our staff are themselves former campers. They care about our campers, and it shows. All our senior staff are required to pass a criminal background check and complete training in CPR, First Aid, and AED.