MEET THE TEAM!
Elizabeth Mayer
Director of Summer Programs
Elizabeth Mayer is the Director of Summer Programs and has been with Sidwell Summer since 2007. She studied at Smith College, where she received her BA in Child Study and Education. In her current position, which she has held since 2013, Elizabeth views providing a safe, caring, and warm environment for individuals to have fun as her main priority! Elizabeth is eager to be at the forefront of the action and hopes to make every summer better than the last! When she is not working, she can be found spending time with her husband and two daughters (ages 6 & 8), being outside, and traveling! Fun fact — her family owned two Dairy Queens her entire life! What’s better than a lifetime supply of ice cream?!
Jaye Ebanks
Sports Director
Meet Jaye Ebanks – Sidwell Summer’s Sports Director. Jaye graduated from the University of Miami (FL) with a bachelor's degree in International and Africana Studies, and has been with us since 2010. Jaye is passionate about enriching the lives and experiences of young people, and hopes to continue to nurture the development of students. Additionally, Jaye enjoys helping campers focus on their skill building, exploration, and critical thinking, in hopes of enriching their mind, body, and spirit. With a heart for youth development, Jaye wants to expand students’ positive experiences and form a lasting impact by utilizing the auxiliary, summer, and enrichment programs we provide to our students and parents. Beyond education, Jaye enjoys tennis, gaming, outdoor adventures, spending time with family and friends, baking, going out to restaurants, attending concerts, going to art museums, and traveling (optimal vacation destination—Turks and Caicos!)
Jocelyn Pollard
Bethesda Campus Director
Jocelyn Pollard joined Sidwell Summer in 2019 as the Bethesda Campus Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Howard University, with a minor in Photography. Additionally, she attended Kaplan University, where she obtained her MS in Educational Psychology. Jocelyn is passionate about encouraging children to explore their passions and curiosities in low-pressure environments. She believes in providing experiences for children that grant them the freedom to find something they love or something they excel at, without those explicit expectations placed on them. Moving forward, she hopes to continue to positively impact the lives of children by being a resource for families looking to encourage their children's creative outlets but may not know where to begin. For Jocelyn, the environment she loves the most is anywhere where nature thrives! She also loves reading and roller skating.
Cate Woodward
Director of Discovery Day Camp & Summer Equity and Justice Institute Coordinator
Cate Woodward joined Sidwell Summer in 2021 as the Co-Director of Discovery Day Camp & Summer Equity and Justice Institute Coordinator. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Literary Studies from American University in Washington, DC. Cate is passionate about building creative and innovative Summer & School Year programs where students can have fun and learn more about themselves. She also loves finding creative and fun staff to join the team! With each year, she hopes to make day camp better and meet new friends at CAMP. When she isn’t at work, she loves walking, reading, spending time with friends, trivia, traveling, and Taylor Swift! Fun fact - Cate even reads, writes, and performs stand-up comedy in Washington, DC! While Cate’s dream destination is the Maldives in South Asia, she ranked the bustling offices of Sidwell Summer as a close second!
Julie Schofield
Office Admin / Vendor Coordinator
Julie Schofield joined Sidwell Summer in 2022! She works in the Summer office (she is often the kind and helpful voice you get when you call!) and is thrilled to be a part of the Sidwell Staff! Through her work here at Sidwell, she hopes to continue to expand her knowledge of both Auxiliary and Summer Camp programming and administration. Julie received her Bachelor’s degree in Community Health from The University of Maryland, and her eagerness towards a healthy life continues in her free time, as one of her favorite pastimes is learning how to cook healthy meals! One exciting life change – she is welcoming her first child any day!
Tanya Tilghman
S’More Fun + Extended Day Director
Tanya Tilghman joined Sidwell Summer in 2022 as the Assistant Director of Auxiliary Programs. She received her Associates in Business Administration, and is currently in pursuit of her Bachelor's degree. Tanya is very passionate about helping others grow and develop skills, especially those faced with adversity. She is also passionate about using every opportunity given to have a positive impact on the life of a child. In her personal life, Tanya hopes to continue to create generational wealth for her children through investment and entrepreneurship, remain a life-long learner, and be a positive contributor in every environment she’s in. Tanya enjoys weight lifting, cooking, hiking, gardening, family time, event planning, reading, and traveling! Her current favorite travel destination is Hawaii, although her dream destination is Fiji.
Karen McCann McClelland
Director of Auxiliary Programs
Karen McCann McClelland is the Director of Auxiliary Programs, with almost 25 years spent developing and cultivating programs at Sidwell Friends School. She received her undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College, followed by an MEd in Educational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from Marymount University. She also earned a Leadership Coaching Certificate from American University and a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Georgetown University. In her current position, Karen loves designing new programs, developing business ideas, as well as advancing staff through team-building and coaching. Beyond education, Karen likes to kayak, bike, bond over coffee, and spend time with her adult children. She has a passion for the outdoors and has maintained playing soccer past her years in college and plays on four soccer teams weekly. She and her daughter have attended the Women's World Cup in Canada and France and anticipates going to Australia/New Zealand in 2023!