Our Team
Rachel Witenstein - Founder/CEORachel and her two sons started Camp Cosmo in their backyard, as a place where kids could be free to be themselves. Whether live or online, Camp Cosmo still remains true to this original vision. Rachel earned her MFA in writing from UCLA and also studied at the CEEA in Paris, and the Charles University in Prague. Prior to Camp Cosmo, she worked in film advertising and music documentaries. She loves sparkling water, coconut popsicles, and sailing.
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Shadrach "Shak" O. - CounselorShadrach Okeobor is a child and sports psychologist. His kind heart, gentle spirit and approachable presence have made him a beloved part of Camp Cosmo. Shak played football for Boise State University and later transferred to Idaho State University, where he achieved a Masters Degree in Psychology. Shak has three lovable, adorable pitbulls and he lives by the saying “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”
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Ashley G. - CounselorAshley G. is an educator committed to passionately guiding and engaging all students. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola Marymount University in psychology and is also professional dancer who loves sharing her passion and knowledge with kids! In 2009, Ashley started teaching dance at PS1 Elementary, eventually implementing it into the curriculum for younger students during the day. She has lived and taught English as a foreign language in countries such as Costa Rica, Colombia, Spain, Italy and more! Ashley’s classes encourage students to express themselves through creativity, collaborative learning, and most importantly, fun! Outside her classroom, she enjoys nature, photography, traveling and volunteering with organizations such as Reading to Kids and Heal the Bay.
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Lucy H. - CounselorLucy is the recipient of Camp Cosmo's Outstanding Educator in Visual Art Award. She is currently earning her BFA at University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Hello friends I’m Lucy! I’m super duper excited to have camp even when we are at home! I have been working with Camp Cosmo for four years! I am also an Ocean Safety Specialist for the YMCA. Beach days at Cosmo are one of my favorites because I love the ocean and surfing. I cant wait to have fun with all of you at Cosmo Online! Ian T. - Online Gaming SpecialistIan T zooms in to Camp Cosmo from Washington D.C. In addition to working at the Smithsonian, he has worked at summer camps for the last 8 years. He is an experienced theater instructor, chess instructor, rocketry instructor, and event planner. Ian has an BA in Secondary Education and 4 years of experience in private tutoring and enrichment courses with a specialty in working with kids in need.
Michelle B. - CounselorHi I’m Michelle! One of my greatest passions in life is working with kids. I’ve been an instructor for Camp Cosmo since the summer of 2021 and I love it! I recently received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre from California State University, Fullerton. In addition, I have achieved the the CBEST( California Basic Educational Skills Test), and I am certified for substitute teaching in any California school district. I have also been Lifeguard Certified since I was 16.
In addition to working at Camp Cosmo, one of my favorite jobs was working at a Princess Party Company! My job was to attend birthday parties dressed up as a specific princess. I would act, sing, read, and play games with the children who attended. I also have experience teaching After School Programs, one of them being a Musical Theatre Workshop for children with special needs. To add, I have five nieces that I have cared for at all ages, and a sister with Down Syndrome. I’m looking forward to meeting you! |
Tessa A. - Theatre SpecialistTessa is an actress who has been on Modern Family, Shameless, The Affair, and many other shows. She was nominated for a BTVA award for playing the evil Eco-Terrorist Dr. Blight in OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes! on Cartoon Network and she teaches acting at California School of the Arts Charter to middle and high schoolers as well as at the college and professional level.
She has a cat named Growlie, and two sons who like to bake bread and play with foam swords. https://www.tessaauberjonois.com/ |
Rachel A. - Mindfulness SpecialistOriginally from Seattle, Washington, I studied at Seattle Pacific University before moving to LA and working on Modern Family, The Office and SNL.
While completing USC's MSW program, I interned at The Haven, helping homeless female veterans with PTSD, and at USC’s Center for Work and Family Life,. I became a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. Now based in Boulder, CO, I work with clients having life transitions including relationship issues, pre and postnatal difficulties, and career changes. I also specialize in treating chronic pain and worked for two years at the Pain Psychology Center in Los Angeles. I offer private workshops in Boulder, Denver, Los Angeles and New York City, with topics including Mindfulness for Chronic Pain, Healthy Relationships, Disarming Hostility, and Trusting your Intuition. http://www.rachelamondson.com/ |
Jennifer M. - Art SpecialistJennifer teaches in the Santa Monica Malibu School District. She is committed to bringing creativity and joy to the learning process. Jennifer has an MA in Counseling Psychology and years of experience in classroom teaching, counseling, private tutoring and enrichment courses. She is the mother of two children who attend school at SMASH. Her favorite things to do include telling stories, drawing and having impromptu dance parties with her kids in the living room.
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Ben O. - Dungeon Master (D&D)
Ben O has worked at summer camps across the country for the last 14 years, and in that time has worked as a theater instructor, card and board games master, archery instructor, photography guru and even bungee trampoline wrangler! Most recently he works for the City of Los Angeles Rec and Parks department as a day camp counselor. During the school year, he teaches High School Math and is the faculty advisor for his school's Dungeons and Dragons club.
Danielle V. - Counselor
Danielle is a theatre teacher, actor, and creator. She began her acting journey at Cal State Northridge where she starred in plays and received her Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies, along with a minor in Theatre. She currently works at PS1 Elementary School where she directs and writes plays for students of all ages to star in. Danielle enjoys writing playwrights and adding her own layer of modern day humor to them. When she is not creating she enjoys bike rides, exploring vintage flea markets, and diving into an old Hollywood movie (with tons of snacks included). Danielle is thrilled to be able to bring what she’s learned from her acting/creating experience to Camp Cosmo this summer!
Eli K.P. - Jr. Counselor
Eli is a musician and filmmaker who loves Star Wars way too much. He is a graduate of PS1 and will enter 11th grade at Crossroads School in the fall. He was one of the original campers at Camp Cosmo. He loves the camp’s sense of creativity, and the “sky’s the limit” attitude. He is so excited to be working at camp!
Jacob M. - Jr. CounselorJacob is a acid banjo player and amateur cook, and an unabashed Star Wars megafan. He is going into 11th grade at Brentwood school this fall, and is a PS1 graduate. He used to be a camper at Camp Cosmo IRL, and has worked as a counselor apprentice at Farm and Wilderness camp in Vermont. He is thrilled to be back at Camp Cosmo!
Shaelee D. - Counselor in Training Shaelee is an artist who spends wayyy too much time sharpening her pencils. She has loved art since she was super young and has taken many many art classes. Shaelee is a graduate of Carlthorp School, where she learned how to educate, inspire and encourage young artists through a hands-on mentorship program called Art Explorers.
She is so excited to work with you all and knows that it will be a ton of fun! Joe T. - Counselor in TrainingJoe is passionate about aviation. He is a pilot in training and a Cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. Joe is a graduate of PS1 and is now at Westmark School. His hobbies include aviation photography, practicing on his flight simulator and playing Roblox
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