Meet our DIRECTORS and Staff
David Stoch - Founder
Dave had a Master's Degree in Special Education from McGill University. His teaching experience included many years of teaching special education classes in Quebec and Ontario, including the Diagnostic Centre of the Peel District School Board. He also taught in the Special Education Department at McGill University, training special education teachers.
Dave had many years of experience as an administrator at camps for exceptional children and teens in Canada and the USA. He started Camp Kodiak in 1991.
Christy J. Smith "CJ" is the Director of Club Kodiak. She works year-round in the Kodiak office and brings a wealth of experience. CJ has a degree in Adult Development, Families and Well Being, she worked as an educational assistant for the Upper Grand District School Board, and has experience designing and implementing an adult life-skills day program for students transitioning out of high school. CJ has worked at Kodiak since 2009 and done everything from running the Kodiak Games to acting as the Assistant Waterfront Director.
Christy J. Smith "CJ"
Roman Goforth
Roman is the new Acting Director of Club Kodiak. From his experience in various programs, organizations, and positions -- including educational assistant, teacher’s assistant in a remote Indigenous community, and personal support worker -- Roman strives to empower the individuals’ he supports and works alongside. Roman is passionate on promoting inclusiveness and opportunity for all to grow and evolve. He believes that community connection and social bonds, as well as engagement with the outdoors are crucial for our physical and mental well-being.
Ilana
Marni
Shari
Dave's daughters, Ilana, Shari and Marni have been involved in the running of Camp Kodiak from its beginning in 1991.
Ilana was a teacher with the Peel District School Board. She taught in mainstream and special education settings, and was a guidance counsellors and English as a second language teacher. She also has a background in outdoor education. Ilana is now working a the full-time, year-round director of Camp Kodiak.
Marni has been a teacher with the Toronto District and Peel District School Boards since 1995. She holds a Master's Degree in Developmental Psychology and Education. She has taught kindergarten her entire teaching career, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her roles as one of the directors of Camp Kodiak.
Shari is a special education teacher with the Peel District School Board and spent time teaching at the Trillium Demonstration School. She has taught in contained classes for students with learning disabilities and in a resource room model. She holds a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on learning disabilities. She spends her summers as one of the directors of Camp Kodiak.
Staff Coordinator - Club Kodiak & Camp Kodiak
Sam joined the Kodiak office team in the fall of 2022. He spent almost 10 years working at a variety of camps in various roles. He also worked as a support worker in public schools, and as a lifeguard at many pools. Throughout the year, he is meeting new staff members and getting them ready for the excitement of working at Club Kodiak in the summer.
Sam Richards
CLUB Kodiak Staff
Would you like to learn more?
Check out our Advisor FAQ Page, or
Advisor Club Life Page
The foundation for the success of our program at Club Kodiak is the quality of our advisors. Our cottages can house anywhere from 6 to 14 guests, and we offer a 3:1 guest-to-advisor ratio.
Our staff consists of trained professionals, including teachers and child and youth care workers, and mature university students, with a high percentage of staff members returning each year.
This continuity is an important factor in running Club Kodiak. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated and caring people as part of our Kodiak family.
